Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead

The plot: A vampire infiltrates the off-Broadway community, intending to feed on the cast and crew, after putting on his avant-garde re-interpretation of Hamlet.

When I saw the title, I figured this was going to be an unwatchable mess. Still, since I'm such a huge fan of Stoppard's play, I figured that I'd give it a chance. Hell, I've watched more Troma movies than anyone I know, so it's not like I have any right to say that I have standards.

I steeled myself for lame theater puns and ironic references to the Stoppard play, but I was actually quite surprised. Yes, there are lame theater puns and a couple references to the Stoppard play, but this is more properly a parody of Hamlet and Dracula. Depending on your tolerance for unsophisticated humor, you may even find it funny. It's not really all that witty or intelligent, but it's stupid and wacky enough to be mildly amusing, much like Troma movies.

6/10 might be a bit generous, but, for those us out there who are very easily amused, I think you could do worse.

A dark theater Off-Off Broadway NYC, a mysterious theater owner and an out-of-work stage director deliver giggles galore. With a soundtrack that makes one feel that Sean Lennon has finally found his groove. Musican Jordan Galland directs and stars Jake Hoffman, Devon Aoki,Kris Lemche, and John Ventimiglia as the mysterious vampire theater owner. Along with a wonderful performance by Ralph Macchio.

Brilliant low-budget horror-comedy a must see for anyone who loves indie films ! The script seems amateurish at times as does the acting of the supporting characters (not the above mentioned but Carlos Velazquez and Mike Landry should keep their day jobs), but this director really brings it home. Filming on a shoestring is an difficult journey to take, but all the great directors begin that way. The sets are functional and used masterfully to bring the story along I cannot wait to see something mainstream by this young man

This movie is so confusing and weird The plot: about the Vampire named Theo went into a theater and killed a woman there, even this film turned to the character of Justin a director and playboy who likes to change girlfriends .... This movie is so boring, weird, and not funny .. Although this movie is labeled comedy genre but not funny at all ... Too much drama .. I thought this was a horror movie .. Ohhh wasted my time ... Do not watch this movie and do not waste your time .... If not yes you just watch this movie to feel its strangeness

ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE UNFUNNY. Despite a clever concept and one or two witty moments, the film (which deals with vampires, not zombies) isn't all that amusing. The good news is that the film is well produced with good production values all around. Bit parts are filled out by the likes of Ralph Maccio, Jeremy Sisto and Chip Zien (the Baker from Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS). But in place of comic bite, R&G delivers a muddled plot that wouldn't be feasible to the least lively corpse. I found it amusing that the lead character Julian Marsh shares his name with the lead character in 42nd STREET, the ultimate show-biz flick. But is this cleverness, or mere coincidence? I'm not sure - and therein lies 'the rub'.

I decided to give this a go one slightly hung-over Saturday morning. I expected to be out by the first commercial break (and as this was on Chiller TV, that was due to be really, really early) but I found myself pleasantly surprised and quickly engaged by a charming, capable cast and first-rate direction.

The entire cast handled well the delicate balance of playing out an absurd premise with relatively straight faces, but you could tell they were having a good time. Ralph Macchio and Jeremy Sisto were a lot of fun in their smaller roles, but the leads were truly standouts. Jake Hoffman and Kris Lemche both have great timing and an easy charm while Devon Aoki, well, let's just say that when her boyfriend tells her that she's beautiful, he ain't lyin'.

As Horace the Vampire, John Ventimiglia stole every scene he was in, and I'm embarrassed to say that this 'Sopranos' fan had no idea that it was Artie Bucco who was chewing up the scenery.

Some of this brought to mind 'Repo Man' (and from me that's no small compliment)and while not a classic of that magnitude this was a lot of fun to watch. When I see it on the supermarket rack I'm gonna buy it because I look forward to seeing it again, sans commercials. I also see that writer/director Galland worked again a few years later with Ventimiglia, Lemche and quite a few others from this cast in 'Alter Egos'. I'm looking forward to seeing that as well.