Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead

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

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.

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.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead is quite 'brilliant' cleverly written & directed by Jordan Galland with the exceptionally beautiful musical score by Sean Lennon which seems to breathe life and color to the story and the players ,they have successfully brought new life to Shakespeares characters , not an easy feat by any means.Everything in this film works seamlessly ,the players the direction , the musical score I have always thought 'arthouse' was the most pure and authentic of all film making, it is from here that some of the best films ever made have been born.Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead will certainly live on.If you are really really "lucky" you get the opportunity to share in something truly special such is the experience of seeing the work of a brilliant young film maker , Jordan has sealed his place in the world of film making with this iconic production ,and as he continues to write and produce other works he will join the list of outstanding film makers

I saw this funny flick when director/singer Jordan Galland came to my province of Ontario, to partake in "Canada Music Week" as a movie premier and also as a panel speaker (because of his contributions to movie/sitcom soundtracks) I had seen the preview of this movie back in summer and had been happy it came to a city a few hours drive away.

I can say that this was unlike any movie I have seen! Lately I have found that a lot of movies lose my interest 30 minutes into the film, because they are so formulaic, but this movie kept my attention because I could not predict what would happen next, the special effects were pretty fresh and funny! and had a Monty Python (its a British comedy and not a snake like I first thought!) flavor to it. It was also reminiscent of "Young Frankenstein" The plot line had many twists to it as well, and ending was definitely not your typical "happy ending" formula, but sinister and funny! I enjoyed the chemistry between the actors, especially Devon Aoki and Jake Hoffman. I had been somewhat curious to see her since I saw the movie "Sin City", and "Frindly Fire", and was pretty impressed by her ability to do comedy! her timing was perfect.

I hope this turns into a sitcom spin-off, to fill the void left by "Angel" , " Buffy", and "Charmed"

I give this movie a 10 out of 10