Release Date: 10/2/09
Zombieland, directed by young filmmaker Ruben Fleischer a music video director whose only other credit is as a producer of the show Rob and Big, is a zombie comedy or as Fleischer himself calls it a “zom-com”. The movie starts with a bang with opening credits similar to Watchmen except with zombies chasing down people with For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica blaring on the big screen. From then on I was expecting the entertainment value of the film to decrease, but as it furthers along in the plot it becomes more and more surprisingly funny and original. The film really is a more Americanized version of Shaun of Dead, even though this film isn’t quite as original, it is just as funny and made for a hell of a time in theaters.
Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg (fake Michael Cera) is a big wuss — but when you’re afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. He has devised a list of rules to stay alive, which they showed by big bold text on the screen, which was a nice touch. Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson is a zombie-slaying bad ass whose single purpose is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita, played by Emma Stone and Little Rock, played by Abigail Breslin who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies.
The film was a huge surprise, even though it is a little predictable it still manages to be original. The writing is fast paced and very entertaining, it jumps right into the story and there’s not really any slow build, which could sometimes be a problem, but here they managed to develop the characters and keep the action flowing. I also was surprised at how sharp everything looked and sounded, the goriness of the zombies and the editing were top notch and that is surprising by such a young filmmaker. They keep the violent zombie scenes and the development of the characters through dialogue and flashbacks at an even amount and it most definitely works. Fleischer seems to have some talent behind the camera and I will keep his name of my radar from now on.
The acting also works very well. The characters are all different and seeing them interact with each other is very effective. If you can put yourself in the characters shoes and think of what you would do if zombies really were taking over the world, then that means the story and characters are believable and getting the job done. There is also a cameo that blew my mind. I didn’t think this director or even this really small post-summer zombie movie would be able to get an actor of this caliber in the film. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and I won’t give it away who it is, but just know that it is one of the funniest cameos I have ever seen in a movie.
Overall, Zombieland is a surprisingly funny and original little flick that will be sure to entertain most audiences. It has a kick ass soundtrack and good acting, supported by a cameo that is sure to shock some people. It also has enough violence, drama, and hilarious dialogue to keep people more then satisfied. I can’t recommend Zombieland enough so…
Nut up or Shut up…STAMP IT
IT’S MADE
Imdb: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Moviewiseguys: 8.5/10
