Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Micitype Pretty Good

Claire Dunne One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Red-Barracuda This documentary focuses on a somewhat unique scenario. Emily Hagens is a young girl who is something of a film fanatic. Nothing so strange about this, quite a few kids her age are but where Emily differs from the crowd is that she managed to direct a feature length zombie film called 'Pathogen' to completion when she was twelve years old. This film documents her as she achieves this impressive feat. It's partially a family portrait because Emily's mother is fully behind her daughter in her endeavour and is an ever present on set carrying out all manner of tasks such as sound woman, special effects artist and producer. It's a pretty heart-warming story just in this regard, as it shows a family unit working together really well, with parents supporting their daughter to the hilt. Emily's mother is clearly a very patient woman, as she had to put up with a group of young teens hanging around making a zombie epic for two years, which is even more impressive when you realise that she had to do this after working a full time job in the daytime. It must have driven her nuts.The documentary ends not long after the premiere of the film. It was a pity we never saw the audience reactions to it but, even though I have never seen it myself, it's safe to say that it looks like it is a seriously ropey affair. But this isn't the point, as what can honestly be expected of such a micro-budgeted affair made mainly by kids? Film-making is a complex process, with even low budget b-movies costing many thousands of pounds to make. This was made with really next to no money and we bear witness to typical issues that are part of the cinematic creative process such as having to depend on actors, trying to achieve decent results with little money, technical nightmares with audio and of course trying to make a film when the director has to attend school by day. It's a pretty inspiring little tale and it is good to see that Emily has gone on to make several other films since this. The film ultimately shows how difficult it is to make movies on tiny budgets but it also shows it can be done with perseverance and dedication. Young Emily has given a good example to many that you just need to get out and do it and be prepared to work hard enough to ensure you finish it. Good on her.

Slowblivion What strikes me is that despite the age and experience difference, the problems encountered during filmmaking are all the same ones you find on small indie sets on up the line to the big boy pictures. issues with actors schedules, budgets, loosing light, prop mishaps, sound issues, the wear and tear a director, 1st AD, or producer feels etc. Heck, even the relationship between the mother and daughter is like relationships i've been witness to between producers and directors. Despite the love that they have for each other there is of course tension and sometimes that tension comes to a head which is captured in this documentary.Having help from local film critics and of course Harry Knowles, it's also interesting to see the local community help out and show their support for someone who has no experience but only the want and drive to finish a movie. Many people may not realize or just choose to ignore the fact that making a film (short or feature) is hard work. The amount of planning is staggering sometimes even to seasoned professionals. To see them come and help a 12 year old who simply has a love for the craft is something special. I'm not going to say this is the most inspirational piece in the world and it's not like the final product was Citizen Kane but this still merits a watch in my book. I can't really put my thumb on who this documentary may appeal to but i'll venture a guess. If you're interested in the film making process (in a general sense) and like a film about passion and conviction then I think this may be something worth watching. I'm giving this a 7 for showing me that age has no bearing on passion and that doing what you set out to do can be it's own reward.

aaronsberman This has remained my favorite documentary, and one of my favorite movies, since I first saw a screener of it about two years ago. I'm so glad that it's finally reaching a wider audience now.When I was writing "The New Horror Handbook," I not only wanted to cover some of the landmark horror movies of the 21st century, but also to include a section on the effect the genre has had on up-and-coming filmmakers. When I came across then-14-year-old Emily Hagins and her zombie movie "Pathogen," and the documentary about its making, "Zombie Girl: The Movie," I had to include a chapter on both."Zombie Girl" does something I've never seen accomplished before -- faithfully and lovingly document the joys and aggravations of the creative process.Sure, there are plenty of "making of" featurettes, some better than others. But this movie has two advantages. The primary one is Emily Hagins herself. This is a young girl brimming with creativity and drive, yet with enough maturity and support from her family to see her vision through to completion. Second, a refreshing lack of the manufactured drama that reality TV has made us all accustomed to. Finally, after watching this movie, chances are good that you will want to make your own movie, or write a novel, or paint a masterpiece -- whatever long-held creative passions you've carried with you suddenly won't seem so out of reach. I can't think of a greater accomplishment for a film.

Mauricio Silva Barrios This is a great documentary. It's complete, from the beginning of Emily's project until its premiere. The final product, the "Pathogen" movie, is very poorly produced, clearly an amateur work. This documentary, on the other hand, makes is pretty clear why that is so. It displays Emily's will to turn her idea into something real. But as a 12 years old girl, she lacks planning, knowledge and looking ahead. She acts much like any average adolescent: that "let's just do it now" attitude, that takes her into troubled times.The documentary also shows the driving force behind the cameras, Emily's mother, always pushing the idea forward. Her adult vision on organization and planning brings mother and daughter into many conflicts, as the girl believes her mother is trying to make things "her way", but she can't afford losing her support.Zombie Girl's directors themselves also show their share of persistence, as they keep making the documentary even with the risk of the "Pathogen" project's death, being put aside indefinitely, untouched for some months.This is a must-see for all paranoid parents who think their children may become disturbed citizens when they grow up if they watch horror movies when they're young. The important thing to keep in mind is not the subject of the child's attention, but the parent's attitude towards it. In this movie, Megan treats a Zombie movie as just what it is: a movie, a project to be executed, a career opportunity, and above all, a learning opportunity. Even if you don't like zombie movies, and don't want to watch "Pathogen", you should see this movie. It's not about zombies, it's about making your ideas happen, through perseverance and support.