The title may not sound like it, but Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie is a feel good film. From nothing, to realizing their dreams come true, the two young full of life envisionists do what not many have accomplished. Casting their disability aside, they make a film with the help of “Kickstarter” and a lot of cast members, make-up artists, special effects wizards and a complete crew that gave freely of their time. And for Sam Cuchmann and Mattie Zufelt the experience was a rousing success.
The film is shown in two parts. It opens with a documentary on the making of the one hour movie “Spring Break Zombie Massacre” and complete the entertainment experience with the actual movie they filmed. Unique in that respect, it’s even more of a treasure in the outpouring of so many people who came together to help make Sam and Mattie achieve their dreams.
Today, anyone can get a digital camera, or even use their cell phone to make homemade movies for their own posterity. Some films even make it to a movie theater or on YouTube or may even get a chance for it to be shown at a film festival. In this case, Sam and Mattie’s film was shown via very limited release in several theaters around the USA. The two young guys even got a chance to be on Conan O’Brian late night show with a very funny interview.
Comments at the end of the film by Sam and Mattie sum it all up about their future prospects as they “don’t want to give up”. “Won’t matter what film we’re making, just that people with a disability; we have rights to make a movie. To be with creative minds and hearing, sharing thoughts. They say that the journey’s more important than the destination. I think that’s what it is. What’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, the word, ‘Don’t stop believing.’ If you keep believing it will happen. It’s not about how fast you get there. It’s about what’s waiting for you on the other side.”… Sam Cuchmann and Mattie Zufelt.
Well, the film has a second chance for an audience that’s larger than life itself, as Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie” has been picked up by Cable VOD, Digital, including iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and many other platforms. Check it out and see for yourself what dreams can accomplish.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Sam Suchmann, Mattie Zufelt,, Peter Farrelly
Directed by: Robert Carnevale and Jesse Suchmann
Genre: Part Documentary, Part Comedy/Horror
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains mock violence, language, sexual innuendos and zombie not so disturbing images.
Running Time: 1 hr. 47 min.
Opening Date: April 6, 2021
Released in: Cable VOD, Digital, including iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
