I assumed Shaun of the Dead was the be-all, end-all of the zombie comedy genre. There have been a number of good movies of this type but Edgar Wright set the bar so high there didn’t seem to be a reason to even try another one. Zombieland proves there are still legs in this subgenre and is the best horror comedy since Shaun of the Dead and arguably one of the best of all time.
While many zombie comedies show what happens when the infections occur, Zombieland takes more of a post-apocalyptic approach. The opening credit sequence shows what happened to the world in a format that has been compared to that of this year’s Watchmen, although as great as that one is, this opening is a completely different beast. Set to the beat of Metallica’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, we get more gore in this title sequence then in many feature films. It is funny, over-the-top, and sets the table for what we are about to witness.
There are very few survivors since the zombie outbreak. We meet one of them immediately and discover he survived because he is so neurotic he prepared for everything. Every character in this film is named after their home town and Jesse Eisenberg is Columbus. He encountered his first zombie while attending college at the University of Texas. Since that event, he has made a list of rules to live by. There are at least thirty rules on this list and we are told them as he utilizes each one. The technique used to show these rules are a running gag through the movie and one that works very well. Rules include Cardio, Double Tap, and Use Your Seatbelt. It is just one of many gags, more hits than misses.
He sets out to find his family and runs across another survivor, Tallahassee. Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson, is a highlight of the movie, all bravado and arrogance. While Columbus survives because he is too neurotic to die, Tallahassee survives because he loves to kill zombies. It is not a mode of survival to him, but a sport and he takes his zombie killing with the pride of a big game hunter. This might be Harrelson’s best role to date and is most definitely his most fun. I can’t picture this movie without Harrelson, who has the comic timing of a seasoned pro.
The other major characters are sisters Little Rock and Wichita. They have been scam artists their entire lives and make Columbus and Tallahassee’s lives living hells. The cast in this movie is small, four major characters and one surprise cameo, with only minor flashbacks providing the rest of the cast. With that small of an ensemble, it is important for all to work to make you care. Luckily, they all carry their weight and make you care that their characters make it to the end of our story.
Most of the comedy comes from the odd couple pairing of Columbus and Tallahassee. Eisenberg really works well in his role, one very similar to those he has played in the past (Adventureland, The Squid and the Whale). While he always came across to me as one dimensional, he really comes into his own in this performance. He takes his characters neuroses and makes them funny instead of pathetic and you really want to see him succeed. This is the first time I have had these feelings about one of his characters. It helps that he is offset by Harrelson, his polar opposite. The two share so many one liners that you could quote this movie for months after seeing it. It reminds me of the pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in both Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. These two guys have a chemistry that makes the movie even more enjoyable than it otherwise could have been.
You can’t have a horror comedy without the horror.
The zombies are kept on the backburner for most of the film. When they do show up, they are quickly dispatched by Tallahassee, usually in a hilarious way that involves banjos, ball bats, hedge clippers and a trusty machine gun. However, the movie relies on the character building moments. There is one scene where they take refuge in a house in Beverly Hills. I immediately had visions of Diary of the Dead and imagined them assaulted by zombies in this seemingly safe sanctuary. The director went in the opposite direction and gave us one of the funniest moments in the movie, a sequence you have to see to believe. It is glorious.
But the zombies are a threat. There is a final showdown at an amusement park when our four heroes are hopelessly outnumbered. By this time, we are solidly behind our protagonists and fear for them as they face insurmountable odds. This showdown is full of great moments and everything that led to this pays off at the end. Columbus must overcome his greatest fear while Tallahassee has his moment to shine. It is everything you could have hoped for and more.
The 411: This is a movie you need to see in a theater with all your horror loving friends. Yet, at the end of the day, it has something for everyone. My wife is not a horror fan and the gore in this movie disgusted her. However, she left the movie with a smile on her face as she called it a really fun movie. The movie can win over non-horror fans and yet has enough to drive a true zombie fan to the point of euphoria. It is not often a movie gets everything right. Zombieland is one of those movies. It is incredibly funny, the gore is just disgusting enough and the kills are all inventive and innovative. See Zombieland. As Tallahassee says, “It’s time to nut up or shut up.” This movie “nuts up” and knocks it completely out of the park.
Posted By: Guest#2438 (Guest) on October 01, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I recently remarked to my friend that this is woody harrelson's first action figure worthy role. i hope to god that i see this.
Posted By: the danger stranger (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 01:20 AM
great film!!
Posted By: Guest#9124 (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 02:35 AM
Agreed. Funniest movie of the year. Way better than Hangover.
Posted By: Twitch (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 05:51 AM
Oh, come on, stranger! You don't have the entire Whit Men Can't Jump playset?!
Posted By: AndrewCrow (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Everything said in this review is spot on. Caught a screening of it last night, and most likely gonna see it again before the weeks out. IF you live anywhere near georgia, then go to wild adventures where they filmed the kick ass final'e
Posted By: Jacksonville (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Can't. Bloody. Wait.
Posted By: neverAcquiesce (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 09:36 AM
I recently remarked to my friend that this is woody harrelson's first action figure worthy role. i hope to god that i see this.
Posted By: the danger stranger (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 01:20 AM
If that's the case, maybe we'll see him on Robot Chicken next year!!!
Posted By: Mikel (too lazy to log in) (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 09:40 AM
The Danger Stranger OBVIOUSLY hasn't heard of/or seen NATURAL BORN KILLERS.
Woody at his BEST.
Posted By: The Shawn (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Went to midnight showing. People were cheering. One of the best movies of the year.
Posted By: Myst031 (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I've been avoiding your review all morning, but I just couldn't do it anymore. I can't wait to see this film. Even more so after reading this.
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on October 02, 2009 at 02:33 PM
This movie was absolutely wonderfully done. I laughed, I felt excited, and terrified for the characters. There were definite, "Oh, shit!" moments. It was awesome!
Posted By: Torvald (Guest) on October 02, 2009 at 10:34 PM
The movie I never saw a trailer for ends up being my pick of 09. This movie rocked the shit. I almost want a Zombie Apocalypse to jump off so I can reenact this movie with my friends. (Almost- I'm no fool.)
Posted By: Kyatollah (Guest) on October 03, 2009 at 01:12 AM
I saw it tonight, and it was awesome. The crowd was pretty into it to, and it got a good round of applause at the end. It had plenty of gore to satisfy that aspect of horror lovers, and plenty of comedy to satisfy everyone else. The casting was spot on. I saw an interview with Woody and Jesse where they joke that because the movie has no real logic, they could have 7 more sequels. I believe it's possible they could pull off a sequel to it, and if this makes as much money as it deserves, it probably will.
If you haven't seen it, go see it with a group of people (I went with a dozen buddies) and enjoy. Can't wait for the DVD.
Posted By: Triple B (Guest) on October 03, 2009 at 03:02 AM
If you haven't seen it, go see it with a group of people (I went with a dozen buddies) and enjoy. Can't wait for the DVD.
Posted By: Triple B (Guest) on October 03, 2009 at 03:02 AM
Liar! No one on this site has a dozen friends...just kidding. I loved the film as well. best of the year.
Posted By: Guest#5392 (Guest) on October 03, 2009 at 07:20 PM
omg they shot ......
hahaha, you have to watch the movie, thats the best part.
Posted By: marc (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 02:05 AM
Wtahcmen. Inglorious Basterds. Zombieland. Best movies of the year.
Posted By: guest guest (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I wasn't pleased with this film and felt it pandered to poser zombie fans more than actual zombie fans. I'm not talking "walking dead" vs. "infected"...I'm talking "mainstream" audiences that could arguably be said to be "zombies" themselves. For example, making the film largely about braindead catchphrases ("Nut up or shut up" repeated over and over for no reason), having a meandering and all too convenient plot (and plot armor - characters that should have died over and over don't), voiceover for no apparent reason save for, "I can clarify the setup for some later 'in-jokes'.", etc.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. The film made no brave choices...
To me, it was "a pop-culture zombie film" at its most base and worst.
I'm glad others could enjoy it, though...but I felt a dissenting opinion being expressed here might help some see that not everyone loved the movie.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 06:57 PM
wasn't pleased with this film and felt it pandered to poser zombie fans more than actual zombie fans. I'm not talking "walking dead" vs. "infected"...I'm talking "mainstream" audiences that could arguably be said to be "zombies" themselves. For example, making the film largely about braindead catchphrases ("Nut up or shut up" repeated over and over for no reason), having a meandering and all too convenient plot (and plot armor - characters that should have died over and over don't), voiceover for no apparent reason save for, "I can clarify the setup for some later 'in-jokes'.", etc.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. The film made no brave choices...
To me, it was "a pop-culture zombie film" at its most base and worst.
I'm glad others could enjoy it, though...but I felt a dissenting opinion being expressed here might help some see that not everyone loved the movie.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Ash seriously, Ligthen up. Your the only one on here that has given this movie a bad review. So alot of people here disagree with you. I'm a major zombie fan and i loved it. I wasn't offended by it. You don't speak for everybody. Best comedy of the year. And the reviewer was right. It made you care for the characters. And people in my theater laughed and cheered as well.
Posted By: Guest#1738 (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Jeez, Ash. You finally take a break from defending Roman Polanski all over the site to come here and trash the most fun movie of the year. Now I know you love criminals and have terrible taste in film.
Posted By: Guest#8744 (Guest) on October 04, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Guest#1738...
I never claimed to speak for everybody. It seems evident 90% (or more) of those bothering to say anything enjoyed the film. But it doesn't help the discerning film-goer who's out to see what people thought determine whether they'd enjoy seeing the film if they only hear one kind of opinion and are not given an example of what a dissenting view might be.
Guest#8744...
I wasn't defending Polanski. Your inability to discern that is indicative of your being as braindead as the zombies in this film. Saying, "Uh...wait a minute." isn't the same as defending someone. THINK FOR YOURSELF for a moment and realize that things aren't black and white, please.
And people should recognize that my saying, "Hey, I didn't like this movie." and stating a few reasons why isn't meant to be an attack on them, their "collective views" or even the film expressly, so they don't need to "defend the movie" to me.
Most people enjoyed the film. That's obvious from looking at the review as well as the comments section. So people don't have the state the obvious by saying, "Well, you're the minority." Of course I am.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I cant wait to see this to,news of the world nespaper said it was a really bad movie but the critic must be some kind of prude.
Posted By: bigibob (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 06:42 AM
"I wasn't defending Polanski. Your inability to discern that is indicative of your being as braindead as the zombies in this film. Saying, "Uh...wait a minute." isn't the same as defending someone. THINK FOR YOURSELF for a moment and realize that things aren't black and white, please."
Some things are black and white. For example, Ash has no friends and no life as he feels the need to respond to every comment made towards or about him always. Grow up, its the internet! You do not have to attempt to prove your intelligence to everyone here. Go back to school if you need to do that. Of course, that would mean getting off of the site once in a blue moon.
You Polanski-loving, Zombieland-hating silly boy.
Posted By: Guest#4975 (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Whoa, Ash called someone a Zombie in a movie review about Zombies. He is so smart and obviously not braindead.
We see your pattern, kid. Go to every Shawn Lealos review and be contrary. Neat. I want to be just as smart and cool as you one day. Oh, wait. I reached that benchmark at age 8.
Posted By: Guest#6945 (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 10:06 AM
cannot wait for this film must be really good enough because ever body wants it so bad.
Posted By: jessica jones (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 10:22 AM
A great movie. Made the mistake of using it as a date movie though, bad idea my date was grossed out.
Posted By: Adam (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Well I loved the film, but thought it could have benefited from more zombie interaction. it seemed like all the best zombie bits, save for the finale and the big cameo were shown in the commercials leading up to the release.
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on October 05, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Guest#4975...I'm not shallow enough to think that "defending myself" on an internet comments section means jack - that you would assume I am (or assume it means something beyond simply what it is) is more indicative of your worldview. Your assumption that this is my intention (to show I'm intelligent - Honestly, who tries to "prove their intelligence" by debating on the internet?) rather than further clarification is ridiculous.
Guest#6945...I find that my views are typically pretty similar to Shawn's but he wrote one review I felt was poorly done, so I pointed out factors I felt he failed to consider or glossed over when writing it. In this case, I saw everybody "jumping on the bandwagon" when I didn't enjoy the film and thought it would be constructive for people to see an alternative take on things.
I think it's pathetic that people are using a comments section to attempt to belittle someone putting forward a rational view on things simply because my view isn't the same as theirs.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 03:02 PM
so technically, if this movie raped a child NOW, in about 20 years this movie would be a perfect 10, technically giving it diplomatic immunity from prosecution & web cub writers to give inept opinions to "get over it", movie raped a kid, move on...? I must see this movie.
Posted By: Holla! (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 11:53 PM
You have any regrets? Yeah. Garfield. That scene made the movie.
Posted By: G-L-O-R-I-A GLORIA!! (Guest) on October 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
The film is amazing just got back from seeing it so damn funny easily woody harleston best film to date as for the first time since wmcj he plays a likeable character
Posted By: Rob (Guest) on October 14, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Guest#4975...I'm not shallow enough to think that "defending myself" on an internet comments section means jack - that you would assume I am (or assume it means something beyond simply what it is) is more indicative of your worldview. Your assumption that this is my intention (to show I'm intelligent - Honestly, who tries to "prove their intelligence" by debating on the internet?) rather than further clarification is ridiculous.
Guest#6945...I find that my views are typically pretty similar to Shawn's but he wrote one review I felt was poorly done, so I pointed out factors I felt he failed to consider or glossed over when writing it. In this case, I saw everybody "jumping on the bandwagon" when I didn't enjoy the film and thought it would be constructive for people to see an alternative take on things.
I think it's pathetic that people are using a comments section to attempt to belittle someone putting forward a rational view on things simply because my view isn't the same as theirs.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 05, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Ash,
Please do not jump to a "holier than thou" position by remarking how sad it is that you are belittled on forums. Your initial criticism referred to mainstream fans as zombies, and all over this site you routinely call people "braindead."
You make the insults first and then act offended when people so much as disagree with you.
As for your criticism of the film...I agree. How dare a movie appeal to a wide audience of fans rather than its niche genre audience? Horrible.
Also, using the word "poser" loses you a great deal of credibility unless you are twelve.
Posted By: Guest#5468 (Guest) on October 18, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Guest#5468...
I referred to the person making inaccurate statements related to me which were solely based on assumption as "braindead" because he or she was clearly showing no ability to think for him or herself. As for the other instances-in context, they do not refer to any specific individual as braindead. So no, I DO NOT routinely call people "braindead".
And as for the "holier than thou" position, I stated clearly that I was glad other people enjoyed the film-and yet then I was criticized based on blatant misinterpretations or assumptions seemingly SOLELY because I said I didn't like it. And I'm left to think that that was why because most of those responding didn't address any actual points I made-of which there were only a few anyway. But all I heard was, "I loved it so you're wrong,"-type statements directed toward me-and people criticizing my vocabulary. And people throwing around petty putdowns and, in doing so, implying that I'M the one who's behaving immaturely. Which is, obviously, ironic.
I don't "make the insults" first. I'm typically very careful to say, "many of" or whatever instead of "everyone" so that if it's a third of the people who do something, fine. If it's eighty percent, fine. But I try to avoid saying "everyone" who has this certain view is of a certain way because there are a multitude of means by which to reason some things in many differing directions.
Your sarcasm in relation to the perception I put forward about the film is inaccurate in its basis as well. My issue isn't with the film appealing to a wide amount of people rather than "zombie fans". My issue is with the film lowering itself from its potential and its intentions artistically in order to get brief chuckles from an audience when it could genuinely make them laugh a good deal (or, if you laughed a good deal, a comparable step up from that). And what are we to judge a film on if not the perceived intention behind it-because almost anything out of context could easily be viewed negatively.
Additionally, the word "poser" is entirely applicable to many who saw the film and your flaunting your didactic behavior really serves to do nothing more than illustrate potential insecurity in relation to valid criticism of the film.
Because if I had said anything particularly INVALID, you'd think somebody would point toward what they perceive as the fallacy inherent to THAT perspective of the film...but instead all many seem to do is, to present a heavily-exaggerated version, go, "I really enjoyed it. You use words a lot! Shut up, stupid!"
Yeah, I use words a lot. It's how you convey actual points. I'd prefer if some here did THAT instead of throw insults around.
In recent reviews, when dissenting opinions were presented, Shawn's done it. Most others haven't.
Posted By: Ash (Guest) on October 19, 2009 at 01:40 AM
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