The background story is set in medieval times and consumes the opening title sequence at a brisk and gory pace but then rapidly transfers to the present day. Just when the viewer is getting accustomed to a placid transition set within pleasant scenery, the body count accelerates rapidly as the agent of death and destruction gets familiarised with the modern day environment. It is a period of calm before the unrelenting storm of death which follows right to the end.
The producers have assembled a remarkable cast list containing some of the stalwarts of the European horror movie scene. The length of roles vary. In some cases the viewer no sooner appreciates the presence of a familiar face than they have gone - usually as a victim thus giving a new interpretation to the term 'disposable asset'. Some do not hang about for long whilst others are strung up for a longer period. Their presence in the film is much appreciated and adds to the interest factor.
Manoush is an actress who always captures my attention with her ability to make an immediate impact on any scene that she appears in through her eye contact with the camera. In this film she has a substantial amount of time in a familiar type of role as a witch in which she entrances the viewer with a projection of a dark threatening presence involving a penetrating gaze and demented laugh. I have suspicion that there was only one name on the short list of potential actresses to play this part - Manoush. I can think of no other actress who could have performed this role so effectively.
Tanja Karius is a young German actress who has impressed me in the past with her brief appearances in films I have seen her in. I have always felt that this lady deserves a more substantial role which would provide her with the opportunity to make a greater impact. Full marks to Marc Rohnstock for giving her that chance and she certainly repays his confidence in her ability with an excellent performance in a difficult role. Tanja certainly possesses a photogenic presence which is ably captured by the cameraman on this occasion. She is filmed to fullest effect in the scenes which feature beautiful woodland and lakeside.
Amidst the galaxy of well known talent, there was one actress in particular who caught my attention whilst making a debut screen appearance. Saskia Neumueller is a name to watch out for in the future on the evidence of her performance in this film as she displays an innocent and demure personality with sensitivity.
The Special Effects crew have ample opportunity to display their skill when a vast array of weapons are deployed. There is an imaginative use of many familiar household items of equipment and tools in the scenes of carnage which also involve a colourful assortment of liquid and vapour. The SFX people seemed intent on demonstrating their proficiency in the creation of visual effects that can be utilised in scenes depicting every conceivable method of elimination and dispersal. In this case the high quality of their finished product matches the large quantity and variety of special effects utilised in the eruption of spraying, sprinkling and splattering which takes place.
In the midst of the carnage there are moments of a subtle but dark sense of humour on display such as in a scene when a skeleton's arm is used to lift a key off the wall to unlock a door.
In addition to the the special effects and cast performances, another strong positive point to the credit of the film is the admirable choice of locations used in this lively 'undead' two hour epic. These excellent locations feature castles, woodland and a lake. This combination of cast, SFX and locations when combined with a good storyline provide the foundations for a very entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience.
The producers have assembled a remarkable cast list containing some of the stalwarts of the European horror movie scene. The length of roles vary. In some cases the viewer no sooner appreciates the presence of a familiar face than they have gone - usually as a victim thus giving a new interpretation to the term 'disposable asset'. Some do not hang about for long whilst others are strung up for a longer period. Their presence in the film is much appreciated and adds to the interest factor.
Manoush is an actress who always captures my attention with her ability to make an immediate impact on any scene that she appears in through her eye contact with the camera. In this film she has a substantial amount of time in a familiar type of role as a witch in which she entrances the viewer with a projection of a dark threatening presence involving a penetrating gaze and demented laugh. I have suspicion that there was only one name on the short list of potential actresses to play this part - Manoush. I can think of no other actress who could have performed this role so effectively.
Tanja Karius is a young German actress who has impressed me in the past with her brief appearances in films I have seen her in. I have always felt that this lady deserves a more substantial role which would provide her with the opportunity to make a greater impact. Full marks to Marc Rohnstock for giving her that chance and she certainly repays his confidence in her ability with an excellent performance in a difficult role. Tanja certainly possesses a photogenic presence which is ably captured by the cameraman on this occasion. She is filmed to fullest effect in the scenes which feature beautiful woodland and lakeside.
Amidst the galaxy of well known talent, there was one actress in particular who caught my attention whilst making a debut screen appearance. Saskia Neumueller is a name to watch out for in the future on the evidence of her performance in this film as she displays an innocent and demure personality with sensitivity.
The Special Effects crew have ample opportunity to display their skill when a vast array of weapons are deployed. There is an imaginative use of many familiar household items of equipment and tools in the scenes of carnage which also involve a colourful assortment of liquid and vapour. The SFX people seemed intent on demonstrating their proficiency in the creation of visual effects that can be utilised in scenes depicting every conceivable method of elimination and dispersal. In this case the high quality of their finished product matches the large quantity and variety of special effects utilised in the eruption of spraying, sprinkling and splattering which takes place.
In the midst of the carnage there are moments of a subtle but dark sense of humour on display such as in a scene when a skeleton's arm is used to lift a key off the wall to unlock a door.
In addition to the the special effects and cast performances, another strong positive point to the credit of the film is the admirable choice of locations used in this lively 'undead' two hour epic. These excellent locations feature castles, woodland and a lake. This combination of cast, SFX and locations when combined with a good storyline provide the foundations for a very entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience.