The Zombies Have Invaded Our Cinemas
Zombieland, Shaun of the Dead - Have The Dead Been Done To Death?
Oct 14, 2009
Zombieland. The word itself seems to depict the landscape of recent Hollywood cinema. The resurgence in the zombie/apocalypse genre is undeniable and, like the creatures themselves, appear to infect more producers yearly. Although to some this is a definite plus, like most of the mass-produced fodder churned out yearly one must sift through mountains of garbage before finding the George A Romero-type gems.
However, the gems are to be found. Shaun of the Dead, reinventing the genre with its self-titled 'Zom-com' not only pays homage to Romero's iconic trilogy but defiantly stomped its mark upon it. So much so that Ruben Fleisher, first time feature director of Zombieland, said that Edgar Wright's masterpiece directly inspired him. But how does it fare?
Guns, Flesh-Eating Monsters, Machetes, Theme Parks and Twinkies. Boring?
Reading through recent reviews of the film, it is only too easy to become put off. Having been plagued with swarms of two or three star reviews, the consensus that it's unremarkable doesn't exactly whet any appetites. In all honesty it looks destined to fall below the radar, to gather dust at the back of the shelf. All of which is completely sacrilegious. It must be seen to be believed. To put it simply, it must be seen.
There is no way to describe this film as average; it is scientifically incapable of monotony. Critics who claim otherwise have clearly watched so many films that they have become apathetic corpses. They are to be ignored. The opening sequence alone is incendiary, setting the tone perfectly and viewers will instantly recognise whether it will be their favourite film of all time, or a complete waste of 90 minutes.
Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has survived the apocalypse. He is one of the unlikely few. What seems all the more unlikely is that he's an anti-social, awkward teenager. He has survived by sticking to a certain set of rules. Until now. Out of nowhere, he finds himself teamed up with crazed gore-lovin’, z-choppin' Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). This odd couple soon encounter sisters Wichita and Little Rock (Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin respectively), a seemingly sweet couple of girls. The way to experience this film is to know as little as possible, so only two words follow in terms of plot giveaway: chaos ensues. Unfortunately, critics have splurged important plot details and spoilers everywhere, trying to ruin this film for as many people as possible. Ignore everything and head in undead-like fashion to the cinema. Enter without prior expectations (although this review has surely ruined that). Therein lies the recipe for perfection.
It's The End Of The World. And Everyone's So Nice!
The cast gel together so well, the chemistry sizzles. Nothing screams contrivance, and in an apocalypse genre exploited to death, this speaks volumes. Jesse Eisenberg, a relative newcomer could be a poor mans Michael Cera, a by-product in the era of Mclovin-lovin'. He is the opposite, brimming with charisma, so much so that even if his dialogue smarts of cheese or lovey-dovey, they are accepted. He's that good. As for Woody, he's on top form. They all are, and it's so rare to see such care taken in character development in a movie this action packed (and it more than satisfies in this department!). All are fondly thought of. This review has barely had time to mention the guns, blood splatters, or slow motion gooey beautifully directed set pieces. But it doesn't have to. They need to be seen to be appreciated. This may be jumping the gun, but it has to be said, Zombieland was more fun to watch than Shaun of the Dead. THAT'S how seriously it should be taken.
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