Product: Nazis at the Center of the Earth (2012)
Rating: 3.0
Almost as good as Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies
If you are pre-disposed to think that any story taking place in the center of the Earth is ridiculous, but decide to watch this movie anyhow, then knock yourself out. You will undoubtedly find it ridiculous.If you are going into this film expecting logic and rationality, then I have to wonder if you read its title.Perhaps you didn't know it was an Asylum film, and that it showcases all the highlights (or lowlights) of classic Asylum films - bad acting, goofy dialog, unrealistic scripts and plotlines, and generally poor special effects. But, did you read the title? Even if you weren't aware that it was an Asylum film, I'm only going to cut you a little slack if you were disappointed by this flick's silliness - there comes a time when people have to step up to the plate and accept responsibility for their choices. And if you choose a movie called Nazis at the Center of the Earth and then complain about it later, I'm just not feeling it.I think the film is incredibly faithful to itself. Does it have Nazis in the story? - oh boy, you bet. Does it take place in the center of the Earth? For a substantial part of the film, yes. Voila! here is a perfect example of a film that sets up certain expectations and then meets them with flair! For instance, I've always considered the swastika to be a perfect symbol for evil, but the brains behind this film chose to hang a BACKWARD swastika when The Leader makes his surprise appearance. I mean, how evil is that? A BACKWARD swastika? That's got to be, like, the absolute acme of evil.And then too, what sort of crazy inspiration led to casting Jake Busey in this film? Who knows what they had to offer up to tempt him away from other projects he had going on. I don't know about you, but I have to say, Très bien!There are, admittedly, two scenes in this movie which border on the limits of good taste. No, you say, but yes, there are. Most Asylum films I've seen are schlocky and ridiculous, but usually so silly as to be rendered harmless. This one carries an edge to it that may be offensive to some. Whether it was an anti-abortion PSA in the making, or just the happy folks at Asylum's way of squirm-inducing film technique, I don't know, but it worked both ways for me. Surprisingly, there was also an unexpected plot twist in the film's final third that I won't give away, but if you've read any other reviews, you'll know about anyway. I didn't see it coming, and it was pretty funny in an over-the-top, absurd sort of way.The best Asylum film I've seen yet is Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies - how does Nazis at the Center of the Earth stack up next to that pearl? Until the last twenty minutes, I say it hangs in there pretty well, sometimes worse, sometimes a little better. (Is it just me, or does Dominque Swain look adorable in a Nazi uniform or what?) Unfortunately, things seem to fall apart near the end, as if the strain of holding everything together was just too difficult for the folks involved. I'm going to stick with 3 stars, because it's better than any of the Mega Shark movies, or even Mark Decascos in I am Omega. Believe it or not, its even better than They Saved Hitler's Brain, and that's saying something. Heil Busey!Trust the Chief.