Well…It’s at least creative.
Dolla Morte (2006)
Directed By: Bill Zebub (Breaking Her Will)
The Prologue
In the world of movie reviews you never really know just what is going to come your way. And today the movie I’m going to review is a movie called, Dalla Morte. You see, Dalla Morte is an outrageous film, with a very outrageous and at times confusing plot. Also, this movie has no actors and is made up totally of dolls, action figures, and toys, with some CGI tossed in. It’s not on the level of something like Robot Chicken, but it makes me wonder if Stacie Ponder of Final Girl fame didn’t see it before she had her idea for her show with dolls.
The Movie
So George Bush..or can I call him George Bush? There was a big thing at the start of the film stating all was a parody and all that in order to keep the director from getting sued. None the less, the President, that just so happens to be a doll of George Bush wants to be immortal. So this sets forth events dealing with time and space (among other things) that also involve the likes of Hitler, Jesus, and Dracula, just to name a few. It all comes together if a very over the top plot that at times might be somewhat hard to follow..But, at least it’s creative.
First off I’m sorry if the plot up there comes across a bit lacking. But honestly, that’s a major problem with the film, the plot is soo darn confusing and over the top it’s hard to follow. And just how hard to follow is it? Well, if you wait til the end of the movie they actually have a part that explains just what the heck you just saw. I know this isn’t to be taken that seriously, and it would be too bad for the poor film if it was meant to be, but come on guys..This is way worse than Donnie Dark when trying to figure it out.
Of course with a movie filled with dolls you know you have a film that leave the possibilities endless when it comes to pushing the envelope. And pushing the limits of sanity and decency is just what Dolla Morte does. The films says there’s no way a movie likes this could be filmed with real actors, and I agree whole heartily. Between the doll crucifixion, Jesus jokes, molestation, and tons of other extreme stuff, I’m not sure you’d be able to have found anybody who would have wanted to be in this movie had it been live action. Then again, Subconscious Cruelty managed to find real actors so you never really know.
I also think the movie does OK for being a movie with dolls. I think it’s enough to at least grab your attention at first, but once it wears off (and it wears off quick) you can’t think of it as a real film very long. It also doesn’t help when you see hands moving the dolls. I know it’s low budget, I know sometimes this stuff can’t be helped, but a little closer shot with the camera could have did away with hands and fingers you see from time to time. I find this as a problem while watching due to the fact that if you’re not already lost by the plot, stuff like hands moving the doll in a scene can you take you right out of the movie.
So once this movie ends, and I’m sorry to say it seems like it goes on for a lot longer than it does, you just feel underwhelmed. I think Bill Zebub is a very creative man and I give him major props for doing what he did here with dolls, but I don’t think a lot of people will get it. The jokes sadly aren’t that funny, the actual message the movie has seemed forced at times, and while your leads are dolls (like Jesus, Saddam, and a few others) dare I say none are likable in this film? I’d like to see someone else take a shot at making a full on film with dolls, but I’d like for them to cut back on the shock and just keep it more simple all around.
The Conclusion
A prime example of what you can do with pretty much nothing, but not worth your time I’m afraid. I understand the film was made for just $4,000, and I don’t know about you, but I’d love for someone to hand me that much money and turn me loose in a toy store. If you want to check out this film it’s by the fine folks at Wild Eye Releasing, and you can also pick it up over at MVD.
The Rating (3/10)
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