Uncork’d Entertainment delivers the revenge-fueled zombie thriller, Johnny Gruesome, starring Anthony De La Torre and Byron Brown II. Writer/director Gregory Lamberson (Slime City) cleverly twists and turns a gritty coming-age tale from his supernatural novel.
As we previously mentioned, high school students Eric Carter (Byron Brown II) and Johnny Grissom (Anthony De La Torre) are best friends. Johnny is a heavy metal rebel nicknamed “Johnny Gruesome” by his classmates. When Johnny is murdered while on a drunken joyride, his killer persuades Eric and Johnny’s girlfriend to help him make the murder look like an accidental death. Johnny returns from the grave as a murderous, wisecracking zombie hell bent on revenge.
Here are 5 reasons you have to see Johnny Gruesome:
5) Byron Brown II!
The path to adulthood is never a clear one and Byron Brown II represents that transitional period very well. Through Eric Carter, Byron Brown II examines what it means to be your own man in our alpha society. Not only does Johnny Gruesome have zombies, it’s also a bittersweet coming-of-age tale.
4) Aprilann!
The “Crown and the Girls” singer, Aprilann, does a great job portraying Johnny’s traumatized girlfriend, Karen Slatter. Through Karen, Aprilann captures how she’s suffering mentally from witnessing her boyfriend’s death. Her rise and fall arc plays out believably throughout the narrative.
3) Gruesome!
As Johnny and Eric, Anthony De La Torre has such great on-screen chemistry with Byron Brown II. You really believe right off the bat how deeply connected their friendship is. When covered in eye-grabbing make-up effects, Anthony De La Torre is a fantastic performer who unleashes Johnny’s unbridled rage.
2) The Book!
Having bought the novel, I was very interested in finding out how the film compares to the book. I wanted to know how Gregory Lamberson adapted the characters rom his own source material. I’m amazed at how actress Madison Amey is able to do so much her character as Rhonda Young!
1) Zombie Thriller!
An engaging supernatural thriller, Johnny Gruesome really gets its name when the death count starts! This book to film adaptation is done with tremendous style and care!
Johnny Gruesome arrives on VOD October 16th, 2018 and onto DVD January 1st, 2019.
By Jorge Solis