The Mad

It's the attack of the killer hamburgers in The Mad, a horror comedy in the vein of Shaun of the Dead, Night of the Living Dorks, and Undead — however, it's got its own vibe that's quite apart from those films. It's not as smartly crafted as Shaun; it's not as sophomoric as Dorks; and it's not as action-packed as Undead. The Mad is actually about sirloin sullied by a strain of Mad Cow Disease that's so virulent, it turns those who consume the quarter-pounders into brainless, murderous zombies.

A cue-ball bald Billy Zane plays Jason Hunt, a widower on vacation with his snappish teenaged daughter Maggie (Maggie Castle) and trying to contend with his hot new girlfriend, Monica's (Shauna McDonald) inappropriate overtures during the should-be tame family outing to the country. Along for the ride is Amy's gangly, eager-to-please boyfriend, and before long the foursome find fear in-between two white-bread buns at a roadside diner.

The Mad isn't too gory (well, there is lots of blood, but we don't see much of how the wounds actually are opened), but it's got its share of horror moments. The best part of the film is its droll sense of humor (I was laughing out loud during a certain scene in a hotel room, involving the Do Not Disturb doorknob sign) and its top-notch delivery from the actors. Fans of Billy Zane and Shauna McDonald will definitely not be disappointed.

There is a short making-of featurette on the DVD.

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