Black Sheep is an Insightful Cinematic Piece - NOT!

Release: 2006 (2007 U.S.)
Written and Directed by: Jonathan King

Starring:
Nathan Meister as Henry Oldfield
Danielle Mason as Experience
Peter Feeney as Angus Oldfield
Tammy Davis as Tucker
Glenis Levestam as Mrs. Mac

In many ways zombie movies are the perfect avenue for comedy, intended or not. On the intended front Shaun of the Dead is mentioned frequently, and on the unintended front there are countless movies that make me roar with laughter as a pack of crazed flesh-eaters rips the innards out of a screaming scientist. Ah, the joy…

Well, I have finally watched a zombie-horror comedy that had me absolutely rolling with laughter while still prompting a booming “yell out loud” at the intense and frequent gore and bodily dismemberment scenes. That film is Black Sheep. Well, I need to qualify that this one would actually be categorized as a “not a zombie, zombie movie” because the victims do not actually die before becoming undead freaks, but who’s splitting cashmere.

 First, the story. The film opens with a scene of a family of New Zealand farmers herding an enormous flock of sheep across the picturesque countryside. The youngest son of the farming family, Henry (played by Nick Fenton as a child and Nathan Meister as an adult), seems to be particularly skilled at finding the sheep that wander away from the group and commanding the sheep dog to keep the stray still and in check. When the older brother catches the prideful look in his father’s eyes at his younger sibling’s talents he is clearly jealous, and filled with thoughts of revenge.

The hurt older brother, Angus (Eli Kent as a child, Peter Feeney as adult), sneaks back to the house and slaughters his younger brother’s pet lamb, hanging the carcass from the barn rafters and dressing in the pet’s skin. When young Henry comes looking for his beloved pet he is treated to a swinging Slink cadaver and a woolly monster screaming, reducing him to a terrified heap.

 Fifteen years later Henry returns to the farm filled with a phobic fear of sheep after moving off to the city. Older Brother Dearest has remained with the farm after his father’s death conducting genetic experiments to increase the profitability of being a shepherd…and satisfying his passion for (ahem) “Sheep husbandry”.

So, what happens when a hapless pair of tree-hugging Greenpeace types snatch a canister of toxic waste from the genetic experimentation lab and then accidentally break it? I’ll tell you what happens…a small sheep fetus (frighteningly similar to Sherri Lewis’ “Lamb Chop”) emerges from the puddle of goo and begins a process of turning the entire wooly herd into ZOMBIE SHEEP!

 Yes, that’s right…Black Sheep is about zombie mutton run amok. Not only that, but when humans are bitten by the sheep they also turn into zombies…zombie sheep that is! Or is that “Weresheep”?

I just can’t tell you any more because this one must be seen to be believed. Sure, the concept is ridiculous and outlandish, but I don’t care! The story is GREAT, the acting is strong, the production quality is top notch and the gore is fantastic! And the most incredible thing? The wheels never “fall off” of this one – Black Sheep starts strong and maintains itself right through to the bitter end.

If you have any appreciation at all for crazy zombie movies then Black Sheep is a must see. Between the flesh-eating ewes, disgusting sight-gags and the terror of seeing a carnivorous Ovine mob stampeding over a hillside, Black Sheep has something for everyone. Just don’t forget the mint jelly. Questions or comments about Black Sheep? Contact us!

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