Brad Pitt stars as an ex-United Nations employee racing around the globe in a bid to halt a worldwide zombie pandemic in Marc Forster's sprawling adaptation of Max Brooks' bestselling novel of the same name. James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, and David Morse co-star in this Paramount Films production. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Marc Forster
Cast: Brad Pitt, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, David Morse
Release Date: Jun 21, 2013
Rated PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images.
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Horror
Review:
World War Z, the book, is one of the smartest slants on zombies I’ve ever read. The amount of research that Max Brook put into his heady novella is extensive and well thought out. I personally think the best way to adapt the book faithfully is via a mini series. Of course that won’t happen. The film version bares little resemblance to the book and if book readers can detach themselves from that fact they might be able to enjoy it. It’s a generic but occasionally thrilling blockbuster. Brad Pitt is pretty much the only character that matters throughout. There are other ancillary characters but honestly they don’t matter outside of window dressing. Pitt is tasked with saving the world because he works for the UN doing, um, well something. Either way its Pitt’s show and thankfully he’s one of the few actors strong enough to carry a film like this. The plot littered is logical holes but thanks to his commanding, paternal presence you can overlook them, for the most part. Marc Forster does a solid job in the director’s chair. He crafts some impressively tense sequences throughout. This film is a relentless yet sterile PG-13 funhouse ride filled with big action set pieces. Even the airplane sequence, which I still found rather silly, works. It also confirmed my longstanding theory that Brad Pitt could survive an airplane crash solely based on good looks and charm. Unfortunately, like some rides, its ends abruptly with very little pomp and circumstance almost like it was out of breath and motivation. It’s all easily digestible and forgettable.
B-
Based on better than expected reviews, I am excited to see this. Although I still feel like I will leave the theater disappointed.
ReplyDeleteHoping I enjoy it! Great review. Agree with you about World War Z the book too, it's an insanely smart look at zombies.
It's not going to blow your socks off but its enjoyable enough as is for what it is. Its not going for anything deep or meaningful and if you can just ignore the name it's watchable.
DeleteFrom all the production problems it could have been much worse. The Walking Dead has created a ton of Zombie craze and I suppose everyone is trying to cash in. Looks like something fun to watch sometime, another one to add to the rental list.
ReplyDelete-James
Mindless fun for the most part but like you said it could have been a lot worse.
Delete"relentless yet sterile PG-13 funhouse ride" - that's exactly what I'm expecting of it. Gonna see it next week.
ReplyDeleteReally wished they'd gone R and just owned it, oh well maybe a disk release.
DeleteBrad Pitt must be relieved, after seeing the movie's box office performance. The production budget is rumored to be upwards of 300 million USD.
ReplyDeleteB2B.
Yeah they'll need to have a strong run to recoop it's money.
DeleteBrad Pitt is what puts me off seeing this movie. I know I'm odd, but I've always found him kind of repellant.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about his wife so no need to explain.
DeleteYou've made me laugh so hard! Clearly Brad and Angie are destined to be together! ;)
DeleteLOL, I think so!
Deletelol brad pitt is pretty boss. but, you're right, the film as a whole is quite generic. i have been meaning to read the book for a while
ReplyDeleteThe book is very impressive, I can't recommend it enough Candice.
DeleteI am glad you enjoyed it and I promise you I tried but I really didn't!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a mess - a terrible adaptation of a brilliant book and as a stand alone a terrible film.
This will become one of my most hated films. I am gutted
K :-(
It's about as dumb as I expected and I do agree with, its hard to create tension when Brad Pitt's the only star.
Delete