There are two kinds of zombie films: those that are only looking for a cheap scare and even cheaper laughs, and those that use the walking dead to say something about society. Alejandro Brugués’s Juan of the Dead falls firmly in the latter category.
When the dead begin to hunt the living in Havana, self-centered Juan sees it as an opportunity to make money by offering to rid homes of zombies à la Ghostbusters. His estranged daughter, who’s trapped on the island with him, would rather he think about someone other than himself and lead a resistance movement.
This is a zombie film, so of course there are plenty of decapitations and gory kills, not to mention some moments of pure comedic brilliance, including one when Juan finds himself handcuffed to an undead transvestite whose attack turns into a spirited tango.
10 p.m. daily, through April 12. Alamo Drafthouse, West Oaks, 1000 West Oaks. For information, call 281-492-6900 or visit www.drafthouse.com. $9.
Mondays-Sundays, 10 p.m. Starts: April 6. Continues through April 12, 2012