- Title: Mayhem
- IMDb: link
Zombie-adjacent, 2017’s Mayhem is a balls-to-the-wall action-horror that offers the opportunity for mass carnage over 86 minutes (while also taking a few pointed jabs at corporate culture). Steven Yeun stars as mid-level exec Derek Cho and Samara Weaving as desperate client Melanie Cross whom he rebuffs. Shortly after that interaction, Derek’s bosses throw him to the wolves to protect their own asses. However, before either can be escorted out of the building, the offices are locked down for a viral outbreak of “Red Eye.”
“Red Eye” is named for changing the color of its victims’ eyes while also lowering their inhibitions and morality allowing for a catch-all of a variety of different effects from those having sex in the middle of the office to outright murdering each other. Because of Derek’s previous work, those infected with the virus (which only lasts eight hours) aren’t legally responsible for their actions while infected.
Both spurned, infected, and ready for revenge, Derek and Melanie join forces working their way literally up the corporate ladder to an eventually face-off with the board and “The Boss” (Steven Brand), one exec, and one level, at a time (including the scene-chewing Caroline Chikezie along the way).
Mayhem delivers the kind of shoot ’em up action it promises. No more, no less. With a sub 90-minute running-time it doesn’t overstay its welcome and both Yeun and Weaving are fun to watch and root for. I don’t know that all intended themes make it through without being lost in the extended gore, but for those looking for this kind of mindless action, Mayhem delivers with a high body count and a fair amount of fun.
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Shaun of the Dead has a special place for me along side of films such as Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness which so well mix horror and comedy together (along with some genuine dramatic moments buried under all that cheese).