Review of Black Sheep (1996) by Ryan W — 23 Jul 2013

An immoral farmer using illegal genetic manipulation to create a new strain of sheep gets more than he bargained for when a couple of animal rights activists accidentally release a mutant virus that turns his flock into flesh eating monsters.

Black Sheep does exactly what it says on the tin. Taking its cues from zombie and werewolf films, it's a no frills comic horror film that doesn't aim for outright parody or belly laughs, instead relying on the inherent silliness of the idea.

As a result I'd hardly call it hilarious, but it does have its funny moments and the film as a whole is surprisingly well done, with the cast playing it admirably straight, some very nice photography and quality effects.

Very much in the tradition of countryman Peter Jackson's Bad Taste and Braindead (although a lot more reserved by comparison!) it will also appeal to fans of Sam Raimi's early work and Shaun Of The Dead.

I'd like to have seen more of Tandi Wright's amusingly amoral mad scientist, but it's a well made irreverant monster mash that rarely fails to entertain.