I haven't been this let down by a film's ending since 'Enemy' starring Jake Gyllenhaal. I mean, seriously a big frickin' spider? Really? But I digress. The Civil Dead got so much right for the first two thirds of the movie, and then fizzled out into the worst ending. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that neither lead character is given a complete story arc and we leave them almost exactly how we found them. Movies like this make me ask, "Why, what's the point?" A good film can't be a series of questions that never get answered, and it seems irresponsible to roll credits when the story has yet to end. Both male leads (Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas) are fun to watch and their chemistry is very natural. The quality of the film is impressive for a low budget Indie, and for the first feature from director Clay Tatum. I'm of the opinion that an entire story only exists for its ending, so this film disappoints at the fundamental level. A person can count on exactly two things from filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan: a stupid twist ending and a giant turkey of a movie. Those two things are mutually inclusive, bad endings cause bad movies. This movie isn't bad because its ending isn't really an ending, but it isn't good either for the same reason.
10 Reviews
good start to Slamdance FF 2022
ferguson-66 February 2022
Slamdance Film Festival 2022
Greetings again from the darkness. What a terrific film to kick off this year's Slamdance festival! Writer-director Clay Tatum and co-writer Whitmer Thomas co-star in their own story that brings the "old" meaning of ghosting back to the forefront. But fear not, this is about as scary as the clip from the classic cartoon "Casper the Friendly Ghost" that's included. Rather than spooky horror, this is about comedic situations involving a particular ghost (not named Casper).
Clay (Tatum) is a frumpy slacker who fancies himself a photographer, but lacks the drive to market himself or his work. He does, however, think a different haircut might help, even if he wields the scissors himself. His wife Whitney (Whitney Weir) chuckles at the idea, but seems extremely supportive (or forgiving) of her husband's lack of effort in life. While Whitney's away on a business trip, Clay seizes the opportunity to eat and drink the hours away, somehow accomplishing less than he would on a typical day.
Displaying an unusual spark of inspiration, Clay crafts a scam to raise his share of the rent ... proving his lack of drive might actually be his finest quality. Later, while out taking pictures, Clay runs into his old friend Whit. They may be from the same hometown, but there is something a bit off in their re-connection. Clay tries to part ways, but Whit's having none of that - he's thrilled to be seen by his old buddy.
Robert Longstreet adds a jolt of energy in a poker sequence that evolves into a slow-motion booze-filled musical interlude. It's yet another example of Clay's moral compass, but most of the movie revolves around the interaction between Clay and Whit ... and that's fertile ground for some laughs and a premise that works pretty darn well. The filmmakers start us with a prologue with a bump in the night, though we aren't really allowed to understand it until near the end of the film. It's a nice start to the festival and an impressive project from the young filmmakers.
Clay (Tatum) is a frumpy slacker who fancies himself a photographer, but lacks the drive to market himself or his work. He does, however, think a different haircut might help, even if he wields the scissors himself. His wife Whitney (Whitney Weir) chuckles at the idea, but seems extremely supportive (or forgiving) of her husband's lack of effort in life. While Whitney's away on a business trip, Clay seizes the opportunity to eat and drink the hours away, somehow accomplishing less than he would on a typical day.
Displaying an unusual spark of inspiration, Clay crafts a scam to raise his share of the rent ... proving his lack of drive might actually be his finest quality. Later, while out taking pictures, Clay runs into his old friend Whit. They may be from the same hometown, but there is something a bit off in their re-connection. Clay tries to part ways, but Whit's having none of that - he's thrilled to be seen by his old buddy.
Robert Longstreet adds a jolt of energy in a poker sequence that evolves into a slow-motion booze-filled musical interlude. It's yet another example of Clay's moral compass, but most of the movie revolves around the interaction between Clay and Whit ... and that's fertile ground for some laughs and a premise that works pretty darn well. The filmmakers start us with a prologue with a bump in the night, though we aren't really allowed to understand it until near the end of the film. It's a nice start to the festival and an impressive project from the young filmmakers.
A comfort feature and that's all about it.
SoumikBanerjee199625 July 2023
An exciting spin on undead beings, as it delineates the hardships of a deceased individual and, at the same time, the gradually unfolding events correlate to a living person and that propagates an unusual brotherhood that prospers amidst some unlikeliest circumstances.
This was nothing too profound, though the story did attempt to touch upon some deeper stuff and tried its best to turn it into something that may culminate in introspection, but it couldn't.
To me, it felt more like a comfort feature, movies you tune in with no preconceived expectations at all, you seek to take pleasure in the ride, and in that case, it would suffice, I reckon.
P. S. I wouldn't say I liked the ending, though. It was so cruel!
This was nothing too profound, though the story did attempt to touch upon some deeper stuff and tried its best to turn it into something that may culminate in introspection, but it couldn't.
To me, it felt more like a comfort feature, movies you tune in with no preconceived expectations at all, you seek to take pleasure in the ride, and in that case, it would suffice, I reckon.
P. S. I wouldn't say I liked the ending, though. It was so cruel!
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected.
TheAzureSky12 July 2023
The description does not do this movie justice. It makes it bland. The trailer is what made me watch this movie immediately. A guy down on rent meets a friend who turns out to be a ghost. That's THE hook of the movie. That's what got me interested. I actually stopped watching the trailer once the ghost part dropped because I was hooked.
And the rest of the movie explores that. How do they get along? Do they fight? Does the ghost help him? How'd he become a ghost? How does having a ghost buddy complicate your life?
The acting is great. It's funny. It's even sad. Love the camera work, too. The script feels polished. I wound up enjoying this far more than I expected.
I even like the ending (which seems to be very controversial). But I'll say the ending is a bold choice and absolutely memorable. In fact, I even understand the ending and respect the character's decisions decision, given what the movie set up earlier.
And the rest of the movie explores that. How do they get along? Do they fight? Does the ghost help him? How'd he become a ghost? How does having a ghost buddy complicate your life?
The acting is great. It's funny. It's even sad. Love the camera work, too. The script feels polished. I wound up enjoying this far more than I expected.
I even like the ending (which seems to be very controversial). But I'll say the ending is a bold choice and absolutely memorable. In fact, I even understand the ending and respect the character's decisions decision, given what the movie set up earlier.
The Civil Dead
CinemaSerf26 January 2024
When his wife goes away for a weekend, "Clay" (Clay Tatum) is quite happy just dragging the mattress in front of the television and beering out! He's a photographer by trade and wandering around the city he encounters "Whit" (Whitmer Thomas) whom he knew years earlier. Their's is an uneasy friendship, but he is polite enough and the two spend a day together that concludes in the most unlikely of revelations! It appears that "Whit" isn't quite what he seems! Of course scepticism abounds, but a conversation with his neighbour confirms the worst - nobody else can see "Whit"! What now ensues are a fun series of increasingly exasperating escapades as the former man finds his new gadfly pal persistently more and more annoying and demanding whilst he just wants to get on with his life - especially when his wife returns! Perhaps a few days in a remote mountain cabin for the two men might provide a solution? Although it's really dialogue heavy and the scenarios do repeat themselves a few times, this is still an entertaining film with plenty of quirkiness and two engaging performances from the lead characters who try to avoid the obvious "Scooby-Do" style stereotype spooks. The end of the film rather entertainingly explains the beginning, too. No, you'll never remember it afterwards, but it's quite an enjoyable tale of the geek and his beast.
AN UNEXPECTED HIT
jeromesgabilo26 September 2023
This movie was such a breath of fresh air, not just to the comedy genre but to the entire industry as well. What I liked the most about this film was that the director was generous in showing the entire experience of the characters. The production's 70's vibe and feel complemented really well with the theme. One cannot help but admire the friendship that the two characters. It seemed at the beginning that these two would be inseparable towards the end, until an unexpected twist took place. And the attitude of one of the characters served as clue to the occurrence of the said twist. It was entertaining and funny. A must-see for everyone.
Haunting
BandSAboutMovies15 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Clay (Clay Tatum, the director and co-writer of this movie) is an unemployed photographer and scam artist who decides to hang out with an old friend named Whit (Whitmer Thomas, who co-wrote the script) when his wife Whitney (Whitney Witt) is out of town. He soon learns that the acquaintance whom he lost track of is actually dead and now plans on haunting him.
Whit is excited to have a friend that can see him, yet Clay hates everyone and only barely likes his wife, who is due back at any time and he certainly can't be haunted when she gets home.
This is cringe-inducing humor meets horror, which is an intriguing mix, and Tatum and Thomas really play well off of one another. It's also quite black in its humor, reveling in the ways that human beings can treat each other horribly and their selves even worse.
Whit is excited to have a friend that can see him, yet Clay hates everyone and only barely likes his wife, who is due back at any time and he certainly can't be haunted when she gets home.
This is cringe-inducing humor meets horror, which is an intriguing mix, and Tatum and Thomas really play well off of one another. It's also quite black in its humor, reveling in the ways that human beings can treat each other horribly and their selves even worse.
Devoid of comedy...
paul_haakonsen16 July 2023
As I sat down to watch the 2023 comedy "The Civil Dead", I had never actually heard about it. I happened to stumble upon the movie by random luck, and thus, I opted to sit down and watch it.
However, writers Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas didn't exactly churn out some of the greatest material here. Sure, "The Civil Dead" was watchable, but it was a rather monotonous viewing experience. And for a movie, then the script was rather devoid of funny contents. And that made it even more of a drag to sit through, truth be told.
I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but usually a movie that stars the same people whom writers and directs the movie isn't a particularly good sign.
Sure, "The Civil Dead" was a fair attempt at making a movie, however, writers Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas just failed to entertain me with what they concocted here.
This is not a movie that I will ever return to watch a second time, nor is it a movie that I will recommend for comedy fans to rush out and get to watch.
My rating of "The Civil Dead" lands on a three out of ten stars.
However, writers Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas didn't exactly churn out some of the greatest material here. Sure, "The Civil Dead" was watchable, but it was a rather monotonous viewing experience. And for a movie, then the script was rather devoid of funny contents. And that made it even more of a drag to sit through, truth be told.
I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but usually a movie that stars the same people whom writers and directs the movie isn't a particularly good sign.
Sure, "The Civil Dead" was a fair attempt at making a movie, however, writers Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas just failed to entertain me with what they concocted here.
This is not a movie that I will ever return to watch a second time, nor is it a movie that I will recommend for comedy fans to rush out and get to watch.
My rating of "The Civil Dead" lands on a three out of ten stars.
Whit and Clay rule
jonkrus7 February 2022
I never write reviews for movies, but hot damn, these guys are just great. I've been following them since there too shortly lived animated show "Stone Quackers" and I love there podcast too. There chemistry is undeniable and I love that kinda of humor so much. Going into this movie I didn't really know what to expect but I can honestly say it surpassed whatever I thought it was gonna be. So insanely clever, funny, weirdly dark at times, and I just really loved it. Hope to see much more from them again soon!
Saw At Florida Film Fest
scottdavisbarber11 April 2022
Saw this at Florida Film Fest. If you ever get the feeling that many modern movies can be formulaic and uninspired - watch this. Your faith will be renewed.
Also the two main characters (who also wrote it) are funny as hell.
Also the two main characters (who also wrote it) are funny as hell.
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