Zorg and Andy (2009)
Review by Michael Varrati
If there is a word that best sums up the low-budget horror comedy Zorg and Andy with a nice little bow, it would be “kitschy”, which is as apt a description one could get from a single adjective when describing this film.
But, being the stalwart reviewers that we are here at Fatally-Yours, one word will not suffice, and believe me when I say that I have plenty of things to say about this little motion picture. The first of which being that though it truly is kitschy…kitschy isn’t always a bad thing.
Directed by Guy Davis, the film tells the story of scatter brained loser and perpetual college student, Andy (Scott Ganyo – A Time for the Heart, The Dark Knight), whose most recent position in a string of unfortunate campus jobs has landed him a spot working at the University’s Kungsbaden Museum cleaning artifacts. In truly a Marx Brothers-style recipe for disaster moment, a priceless and mysterious artifact (which, in a not so subtle way, may or may not have a ceramic penis sticking out of its forehead) is entrusted into Andy’s care for touch-ups on his first day, only to be stolen by an enigmatic blonde who seemingly wants the statue for more than mere aesthetic value.
When the museum’s rigidly organized coordinator, Jen (Kate Rudd – The Dread), learns of the theft, she insists that if Andy wants to keep his job, he must get the artifact back. But what seems like a simple retrieval mission quickly turns into an insane fight for their lives when Andy and Jen discover that many heinous forces are converging on campus to get their hands on the artifact as well, including a mysterious murderer with killer high-heels and a blood cult that quite possibly is also the university’s economics department.
So, what’s the mystery behind this highly sought after artifact? More importantly, what have Andy and Jen gotten themselves mixed up in?
Well, I’d tell you, but that kind of defeats the point of watching the movie, which you probably should be doing, because the facts are plain: Zorg and Andy is all heart. While it is evident that the film was shot on an infinitesimally small budget, cost never outshines the quality.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Zorg and Andy is a film reminiscent of the drive-in creature features of the 1950s: A little over the top, a little silly, and that time tested formula of idyllic Americana up against something truly arcane. Perhaps, if any fault is to be found in this noble effort, is the fact that at times it is a little too aware of its cleverness. Filmmakers ought to be wary of the fact that cult films are created, they are not made. You can push that cheese all you want, but only time will tell if your film is going to be midnight fodder for monster kids for years to come. In other words, don’t lay it on too thick, and don’t wink at the camera too much…because if the audience likes it, they’ll like it, and it’s always a gamble.
But any winking aside, Zorg and Andy is remarkably fun, and if it was on a late night double feature bill, I’d be more than happy to plop down with my popcorn to watch. The film displays a wonderful knowledge of horror movie tropes, what makes them significantly absurd, and how such expectations can be played for a good laugh. Zorg and Andy, when all is said and done, is not a horror film, but a comedy, but, it’s a comedy that knows what a lot of horror fans have held true for many years: over the top horror is funny. The approach of this movie is “take nothing too seriously” and it is certainly an effective one.
Much credit can be given to the cast for handling the material with an earnest approach that often serves such comedy well. Scott Ganyo, who played Andy, was remarkably well suited for his role. Andy comes off as a lovable loser who just can’t seem to catch a break, and though you know most of his problems are his own creation, that shrug and that grin make you empathize with him anyway. This is a protagonist that most of us know all too well…he’s just a guy trying to get by, and hey, aren’t we all?
Kate Rudd is equally well-cast as Jen, the haughty and overly-organized museum employee who takes her job a little too seriously. Rudd gives the character a good series of layers, going from rigid workaholic to someone you can root for once you see her suffer through the film’s events. It takes a good actor to portray a character at multiple levels, giving you one impression when the character is introduced and evolving into something completely different by the time the credits roll, and Rudd does this with aplomb. There’s a lot of untapped talent lurking within the annals of low budget cinema, and Hollywood would do good to start looking at some of these people, because I truly believe these are some performances that are not to be missed.
The direction is far from perfect, but for a first time filmmaker, Guy Davis has a lot to be proud of within the confines of this film. Sure it looks rough at times, and perhaps some of the shots are not what they could be, but it is apparent that Davis approached this movie in much the same way his cast did…with plenty of heart. So, any aesthetic issues, for this reviewer anyway, can be forgiven, considering the sheer spirit present in the movie’s final product.
In closing, I’m not going to say Zorg and Andy is any masterpiece of cult cinema, but it is extremely enjoyable, quick, and fun…and sometimes quick and fun is exactly what the genre doctor ordered. With more than a few laughs, a lovable cast, and a brand new reason to fear your college economics professor, Zorg and Andy gets my seal of approval…so go forth, and kitsch.
For more info, visit www.zorgandandy.com!
Watch the trailer:
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