Anna and the Apocalypse

In the Christmas zombie teen musical Anna and the Apocalypse, a whole lot of genre is stuffed into one neat little package, and happily, giddily, it is perfectly executed, landing like a triumphant triple axel splattered in gore, and wrapped in tinsel.

Watching it is a cheer-along experience.

While the young cast does its best to sell the gleeful music, its delirious premise eventually loses steam, as do the songs, which are stronger in the first part of the film. Yet despite this doomsday setting, Anna and the Apocalypse ultimately delivers an uplifting message.

It may be a touch overlong – perhaps because everyone has to stop running to sing songs at regular intervals – and the emotional beats familiar, with moments of poignance, tragedy, gruesome comedy (a decapitated zombie in a snowman suit) and absurdity.

What’s strangest about this almost-comedy, though, isn’t its mish-mash of unlikely genres, but the earnest approach to them. “Apocalypse” begins as a “High School Musical” look-alike with poppy group numbers in cafeterias and hallways. One song, “Hollywood Ending,” is a dead ringer for “Stick to the Status Quo.”

The film's biggest problem is its inability to lend its clichés and tropes any dramatic thrust or satirical bite.

Anna and the Apocalypse is more sketch than developed movie. Directed by John McPhail from a script by McHenry and Alan McDonald, the movie is thinly plotted, its pacing slack, its staging uninspired; Anna remains merely an idea for a plucky heroine, despite Hunt’s smile and sweat.

A delightful hidden gem. Anna and the Apocalypse elevates itself beyond a very simple story by becoming a wildly creative mix of genres with strong performances, fully realized characters, and catchy songs. It's the sort of movie where everyone on screen looks like they're having a blast making it, and its sense of fun is as infectious as a zombie bite.

While most of the comedy missed the mark and the acting wasn't particularly good, the music was great, the movie was entertaining and the cinematography, while not being exceptional, was still more than **** you're looking for a fun, mindless, entertaining zombie movie with a good soundtrack, you'll probably be satisfied.

Just for the creativity and songs this movie gets a six. It even takes a departure from the usual musical troupes.

Anna and the Apocalypse was the biggest waste of an amazing concept I have ever seen in my life.

I wanted to like this movie. I'm a huge fan of horror/comedy and I sparingly enjoy musicals. Not happening. What could have been the merciful flush of the overflowing toilet of Zombie movie ends up a Class A floater. The plot itself boring and pedestrian. The songs are preening teenage pop abortions without a ounce of humor or wit. A missed opportunity on multiple levels.