Movie Reviews: ZOMBIELAND

Sunday, October 04, 2009
Movie Reviews: ZOMBIELAND
IN THEATERS

ZOMBIELAND

A cowardly shut-in named Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is forced to join up with a seasoned zombie slayer named Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. As Tallahassee sets out on a mission to find the last Twinkie on Earth, the duo meets up with Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two young girls who have resorted to some rather unorthodox methods to survive amidst the chaos. Reluctant partners in the battle against the undead, all four soon begin to wonder if it might be better to simply take their chances alone. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Opened ..October 2, 2009..

Runtime: 1 hr. 21 min.

Rated R for horror violence/gore and language

Genres: Horror Comedy, Horror



Review:




Zombieland is very much like a rollercoaster ride, filled with frights and fun which is only occasionally marked with slow or choppy moments and over way too quickly. First time director Ruben Fleischer makes an impressive debut never lingering too long on any moment or situation. Fleisher makes some fun stylistic choices throughout, the opening sequence and rule breakdown are good fun, and keeps the pacing brisk. Plotting is straight forward and it doesn’t bother itself with extraneous details. It’s a road movie and while most will compare it to Shaun of the Dead because of the zombie comedy aspect but in actuality it feels more like a zombie filled National Lampoon’s Vacation with a motley crew of characters. Leading this crew is Woody Harrelson in full ham mode is hilarious throughout and somehow manages to makes us believe the connection he makes with the characters towards the end of the film. Jesse Eisenbern is great as the straight man to Harrelson manic energy and gives Michael Cera a run for his money in the awkward 20 something category. Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin play con artist sisters and they do decently but aren’t given much to do outside of shooting guns and stealing SUV’s. An inspired celebrity cameo give the film’s middle section a much needed boost as the film starts to lag. The finale in the amusement park will make you long for a rollercoaster where you can shoot zombies as you speed along the tracks. Zombieland is the type of film that hard not enjoy in its entire gooey zombie bashing goodness.



A-