Fido

The lesser known zombie love story
There's nothing cheesy to talk about this week. Oh no, I'll talk about an incredibly funny, rather well-done zombie flick. It's the Canadian undead ventyre called Fido. Released in 2007, this movie was directed by Andrew Currie and features big names like Billy Connolly and Carrie-Ann Moss. Despite its excellent story, direction and cast, the movie came and went without much of a buzz. Which is a shame given how this movie succeeds where all other recent ones have failed in doing justice to the zombie genre. I'm talking about you, 2008's Day of the Dead.

Folks will argue that this movie shouldn't be in the horror movie category. After all, it's mostly comedy mingled with bits of drama and feelgood moments. That's true but I do think this flick is an must-watch for any self-respecting zombie flick fan. Zombies wreaking havoc in suburbia, interesting messages about our weird little society and let's not forget, the lovable Billy Connolly as Fido, the main zombie in question. 

The backdrop itself is a pretty little surburban area and the time period is the 1960s. You know, complete with white picket fences and neglected housewives competing with one another as if vying for the unofficial 'best home in neighborhood' award. The men of each home are self-absorbed, lost in their work and hobbies, with no time for their families. As you can imagine, a number of folks have been drawing similarities between this scenario and Pleasantville. This setting is ripe for social commentary and that's where the zombies come in.Hang on ... you're Trinity

You see, the zombies have been 'employed' in the service industry. Thus, someone somewhere found out that these guys were perfect for menial jobs. When you think about it, those guys don't eat (well, aside from gooey human flesh) and they never get tired. You can see how this could build up a strange little oppressed society of the haves and havenots. The way folks are nabbing zombies is rather simple. An organization out there found the perfect way (or as close as it comes to perfect with just a few minor glitches) to control the undead – an electronic collar. This device suppressed their gnawy urges and thus made them docile. Being all slow, drooly and without direction, they pretty much followed whatever directions they were given. With a little help from the electric prod, of course.

So enter the Robinson family. The wife, Helen (Carrie-Ann Moss), convinces her husband that it's about time they got a zombie servant. And so arrives Fido (Billy Connolly). It so happens that Fido and Helen's teenage son, Timmy, become close. Not in that way, but in a Lassie and his owner kind of way. Fido deals deftly with the resident bullies (score one); he plays sports with the young lad (score two); he is sweeping mom dearest off her feet (not sure how to rate this one); and he accidentally eats one of the annoying neighborhood ladies (oh dear). As it happens, Timmy and Helen are quite fond of Fido and they try to hide his flesh eating adventures. Unfortunately, it comes to light and the beloved zombie is whisked away. Now Timmy and Helen must find a way to rescue Fido.

The movie unfolds its story artfully; it has the right mix of humor and emotional moments to keep you glued to the screen. It's not fast paced which in itself is a relief. It seems like every new flick rushes through its story and most don't take time and effort to develop a plot anymore. Fido, in this regard, pays homage to Romero style of storytelling. As for the humor, its style is thankfully not slapstick. Rather, it ranges from slightly dark humor to subtle little jokes. Like I said, this one's worth a watch; it's perfect for the zombie collection.