I like zombies — a lot. Well, technically I hate them, but I love the idea of them. Something about the idea of zombies appeals to me for a few reasons. Guiltless violence, survival-minded living, and no traffic are just a few, and as such, I was very drawn to the film “Zombieland.”
The genre of zombies has been widely explored, with dozens of films having been made about outbreaks of the undead because of a virus, disease, or another inconsequential reason. With so many films about zombie survival, there have surprisingly been very few comedies.
“Zombieland” will undoubtedly be compared to “Shaun of the Dead,” the 2004 zombie comedy, which is a classic in its own right. The two are very different, however, but are on the same level of quality.
This story focuses on a paranoid and nerdy loner named Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) who lives in a world overrun by zombies. Columbus has only survived because of his list of rules that range from “wear your seatbelt” to the “double tap,” which means delivering a second blow to the head to make sure a zombie is dead. Early in the movie, Columbus is joined by the goofy, but hardcore zombie-killer Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). The two couldn’t be more different, but manage to make a good team as they embark on an irrational and dangerous search for a twinkie, Tallahassee’s favorite snack, which has become scarce in the post-zombie apocalypse world.
The two join up with sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). The sisters are on a separate journey to go a theme park in Los Angeles.
In reality, there is no plot in “Zombieland” other than the character development that happens between the four non-zombies. There is no concern about how the zombies really came about or even if there is any chance of killing them all off or saving the world. Instead, the film is a road trip movie with the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. Even with no real plot, the film works. Humor abounds, but there are also interesting stories for each of the main characters that draws you in and makes you care, but doesn’t over do it.
There is emotion found in the film, but that is definitely not the focus. “Zombieland” is a blast, with action and non-stop laughs. Primarily Eisenberg and Harrelson, who play off their appropriate situations hilariously, carry the comedic weight of the film.
There are many memorable and quotable scenes in the film, with an unexpected cameo role that makes the movie and is rather unexpected. I won’t ruin it for you, but you will know it when you see it.
Also, there is gore. Plenty of it. It isn’t a nonstop rain of blood and carnage, but “Zombieland” is definitely filled with many scenes that show brutal and bloody zombie killing. If you are turned off by violence at all, then this is not a movie for you. If you can handle a hefty amount of humorous skull bashing, then the film will definitely fill your quota.
Other than that, there is a good deal of profanity that one should be aware of and a few crude jokes. This could ruin the movie for some people, but if you can look beyond that, you will find yourself ready to kill zombies and see the movie again. This film is by no means deep or spiritually resounding, but it is a great way to spend an evening.
