Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires Review
Much like Descendants, the Zombies franchise has become one of those franchises that every modern-day Disney Channel fan adores. With every new installment comes something new, whether it be werewolves, aliens, or anything else, Zombies still manages to be an exciting event for families. With Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the series hopes to invoke some of that fun back with a rivalry perhaps as old as zombies and humans. What comes out feels might be a familiar narrative that also feels like a reflection of today’s wave of nostalgia.
The beats of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires that lie within the story highlight this. Vampires and daywalkers, created by a broken Moonstone, have been at odds with each other due to dwindling resources. However, enigmatic vampire Victor (Malachi Barton) and determined daywalker Nova (Freya Skye) hope to defy expectations for both of their species. Helping them out is the inseparable duo, Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly), and their friends, who might be in over their heads this time.
If this entire concept sounds similar to the first Zombies movie, then you’d be right to a certain degree. Nova and Victor essentially serve as the “Zed and Addison” of this installment, with the film even taking this division further by involving the parental figures. Even some of the players on both sides, like the vampires’ Vera (Swayam Bhatia) and Vargas (Mekonnen Knife) as well as the daywalkers’ Ray (Julian Lerner), play nearly similar roles to the split supporting casts of the original.
Yet, at certain points of Zombies 4, the film makes it clear that it knows it’s hitting similar beats. From a few hilarious referential drops to Zed and Allison’s origins from the original to some visual cues, it’s undoubtedly clear now that Nova and Victor are the series’ next big thing. In a way, some could say this way of storytelling makes Zombies 4 part of the wave of nostalgia in media, which already involves some heavy hitters in theaters.
Tonally, Zombies 4 contains enough energy and excitement to keep itself going. The cast chemistry is just fun to watch, especially with how the older cast essentially uses their “counselor” roles to put the newcomers in their places. Furthermore, Skye and Barton’s pairing as Nova and Victor felt like it’s been in the making for a while. Every scene they share proves that they’re capable of being some really good leads in the future, especially when it’s just the both of them!
This positivity also particularly goes for all the big musical set pieces, some of which work to a higher degree more than others. The big ensemble pieces, like “The Place To Be” and “Don’t Mess With Us”, have that ‘umph’ to them that keeps you hooked, with some good choreography to go with them.
However, there are two songs that are my personal favorites: “Kerosene”, an intense Manheim-led third act musical piece, and “Dream Come True”, the Barton-and-Skye heartthrob song that every Zombies fan will absolutely adore. Both songs work in their respective placements and do a good job in emphasizing those specific tones.
Of course, given how Zombies 4 is still targeting its younger audiences, it means that most of its plot points are easily laid out. Through Nova and Victor’s ventures to find keystones to unlock what’s essentially the “garden of Eden”, some of these moments do a little too much expository telling.
There’s still a hint of mystery in specific situations where the daywalkers and vampires have to work together. In fact, it ties into this side storyline where Zed, Allison, Willa (Chandler Kinney), and Eliza’s (Kylee Russell) powers are being ‘corrupted’ by whatever’s happening with the two sides, lingering just carefully. However, it doesn’t necessarily hold much impact until the climax, at which point makes it feel like this aspect of the film could’ve been handled differently.
All in all, Zombies 4 is a satisfying sequel for Disney Channel fans, with its fun musical moments and nostalgic undertones that feel like the franchise is ready to move onto a new duo. It does feel like this is somewhat of a goodbye for Manheim and Donnelly, so, given the film’s ending, I’m very hopeful for where Skye and Barton take the franchise next!
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres July 10 on Disney Channel at at 7:00 p.m. ET and streams July 11 on Disney+
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.