My quick rating - 5,1/10. I have always been a fan of City of the Living Dead and this one has been compared to that flick. It is just another crazy Italian zombie flick. The premise centers around an airplane that becomes exposed to radiation, leading to its landing and the emergence of blood-drinking zombies. Unlike traditional zombies, these undead creatures are armed with knives, guns, and an insatiable hunger for human flesh. With this setup, the film promises a thrilling and action-packed ride through the Italian countryside. Regrettably, the execution of the concept lacks finesse and coherence. The plot feels disjointed and chaotic, making it difficult to become fully invested in the narrative. The pacing is inconsistent, with moments of intense action abruptly interspersed with slow and dull sequences. Consequently, it becomes challenging to maintain a sustained level of engagement throughout the film. While the zombie rampage scenes deliver on the promised violence and gore, they lack the tension and atmospheric dread often associated with the genre. The killings are mostly straightforward, relying more on shock value than on crafting genuinely suspenseful or terrifying moments. The inclusion of various weapons, ranging from knives to guns, adds some novelty to the proceedings, but ultimately, the lack of depth in characterization and storytelling limits the impact of these scenes. Visually, Nightmare City carries the distinct aesthetic commonly found in Italian horror films of the era. The practical effects, including the makeup and prosthetics used to create the zombies, are commendable considering the film's low budget. However, the cinematography and overall production values are noticeably dated, which may detract from the viewing experience you are now used to in our modern era. The flick shares similarities with other Italian zombie flicks of its time, yet fails to reach the same level of quality and memorability. The film's lack of narrative coherence, inconsistent pacing, and reliance on shock value hinder its potential. Despite a few commendable aspects such as practical effects, the overall execution falls flat. For fans of the genre, you may get some nostalgic entertainment, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Only a few streamers have this one.
