The generic cover drawing made me wary since it screams "here are things which do not happen in our movie but we think you'll be enticed since they appear to be zombies." That sentiment was spot on.
When I see this type of cover, I know what I'm getting which is something not very good. However I was surprised at how well shot the movie was. Usually this level of movie making has camera work that lets you know they have no grasp of photography and their only basis for film making is that they own a camera.
Bounty hunter Mortimer is in search of Brother Wolf, a "savage" who raped and killed a white woman. Mortimer buys a woman named Rhiannon to use as bait to catch Brother Wolf. The idea works but not for the reason Mortimer intended. With his captive, Mortimer sets Rhiannon free and heads back towards town to claim the reward.
Meanwhile a couple of prospectors find a glowing meteor in the hills and transport it back to town in a long padded sequence included to show how far they traveled and how heavy the object is. As the town folk gather round to stare at this odd find, the prospector takes a pick to it and releases green gas which turns everyone into zombies.
Back in the woods, zombies have spotted Mortimer and Brother Wolf. Rhiannon lets Wolf go in hopes that he'll help her when she needs it. Mortimer and Wolf team up to fight the zombies and protect Rhiannon. They head back to town not knowing that they are walking into the source of the problem.
One of the biggest problems with this film is there is tons of padding. At least one third of the movie is people walking, Mortimer riding a horse, or people running around. None of it is exciting and if these scenes were deleted it wouldn't make any real difference.
Another issue is that while it is set in the Old West but there many modern things in the movie. The wanted posters appear to be computer printed, the town is newly built using plywood, and many of the characters are wearing modern pants and boots, including Brother Wolf. Plus the music is modern rock which completely detracts from any western feel to the movie. If I'd heard the score by itself, I would think it was for a modern film about teens or college students full of angst.
Historically speaking, no one would ever ride into town and ask a random stranger on the street to take care of their horse. You'd board your horse at the Livery stable. But I don't think they could afford to rent more than one horse for this movie as I don't recall seeing any other horses on the streets of town or anyone other than Mortimer riding a horse. Hmmmm, maybe a western wasn't such a great idea.
The blood is CGI which isn't the worst I've ever seen, but it's not that great. The problem with CGI is that when you shoot someone in the foot and the blood splatters, you need to make sure your next shot doesn't reveal that his boot is unscathed.
Also I would be remiss if I didn't mention that as soon as Mortimer opens his mouth, you will be shocked at his unnaturally high voice. It reminded me of Michael Jackson and was very disconcerting as he's supposed to be a tough, gun slinging, bounty hunter. I got used to it after awhile, but it's very distracting and does nothing to portray Mortimer as a tough bounty hunter.
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