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ZOMBIELAND
DIRECTOR: RUBEN FLEISCHER
WRITERS: RHETT REESE, PAUL WERNICK
CAST: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone
PLOT: A group of survivors must band together to survive a
world overrun by zombies. Knowing what it takes to survive,
they're about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of
all: each other.
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THE PROLOGUE:
The Zombie sub-genre is nothing new in Hollywood. Since George A. Romero’s classic “Night of the Living Dead”, we
have seen many films tackle the undead. It became an instant phenomenon in pop culture, especially when Michael
Jackson paid homage in his excellent music video to “Thriller”. Since then zombies were pretty much becoming tedious
and old news. There was nothing new or original being brought to the table. Then in 2004 came a British film called
“Shaun of the Dead” which changed everything. It was the same old zombie story we’ve heard before but this time it was
a comedy! Audiences quickly embraced the cross over of Horror and Comedy, which began the rebirth of the zombie
sub-genre. I remember seeing early trailers to “Zombieland” and being really confused. I had no idea what to think of it.
Was this just another lame rip off of “Shaun of the Dead”? Was it Horror? Comedy? What the hell? I can’t say that I was
jumping up at the opportunity to see “Zombieland” but I knew that I had to, if only satisfy my curiosity. Oh man, if I can
summarize my experience in one word, it’s definitely: FUN!
THE PLOT:
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.
THE FILMMAKING:
“Zombieland” was director Ruben Fleischer’s feature film debut. All studio eyes are on him to deliver a good film with
financial prospects. It’s not easy to deliver your first time around but Ruben Fleischer knocked it out of the ballpark. Even
with the constant “Shaun of the Dead” comparisons, he managed to turn out an enjoyable witty Horror-Comedy. It’s as if
he borrowed the tone from a George A. Romero film and mashed it with a Judd Apatow modern day comedy. What I
mean by that is that it has the scares from an old school zombie flick but mixed with comedic dialog and heartfelt
characters. As hilarious as the film is, you can honestly say that you grow to care for these individuals. Although it may
seem unlikely that a zombie-like epidemic will ever happen to us, it’s fun to see it portrayed on film. “Zombieland” also
offers a witty way to teach us the rules to surviving a zombie attack. This creative gimmick in the film is what had me
hooked from the beginning. The film never takes itself too serious, which is why we are allowed to have a good time. I
wouldn’t have imagined this to be Ruben Fleischer’s directorial debut. He definitely did his homework and schooled
himself in everything zombie related. Then he took those references and made us laugh out loud. Violence, comedy, gore,
and great characters are just the right recipe for a great time at the movies!
THE PERFORMANCE:
There couldn’t have been a more perfect cast for “Zombieland”. I believe that casting plays a huge part in successfully
executing a film. Choosing the right actors to bring action and humor to “Zombieland” was very important. Having seen
Jesse Eisenberg in such films as “Adventureland”, I knew he was capable of pulling off these awkward kinds of roles. He
is often compared to Michael Cera in terms of comedic tone. Although I can’t say whom I prefer but what I know is that
Jesse Eisenberg is an actor to look out for. He is next set to play ultimate nerd, Mark Zuckerman, founder of Facebook, in
David Fincher’s film “The Social Network” in 2010. While Eisenberg is launching his career, veteran actor Woody
Harrelson also delivers. I was reminded of how much of a badass he can be on screen. His character closely resembles
that of “Natural Born Killers” minus the psychotic natures… well maybe not. He is simply remarkable as a zombie slayer.
Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin turn out good performances as well. It’s a different kind of role for them, which is why
they signed on to the film in the first place. What definitely deserves attention is the scene-stealing cameo by one of the
funniest actors in Hollywood. I won’t spoil much but it was just genius! The more I think about it the more I find it hilarious.
If anything “Zombieland” is worth going to see for that one scene alone!
THE FINAL THOUGHT:
I’m usually very anti-Hollywood and all of its mainstream crap. Don’t get me wrong, I am into the art of filmmaking but I do
know how to enjoy myself once and awhile. Films like “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers 2” are not enjoyable to me at all. Is
“Zombieland” going to be one of my favorite films of the year? Probably not, but it’s not to say it was a bad film. Popcorn
flicks is what I usually call them, films that can be just a good time at the movies. Unfortunately, the Horror genre is dead
at this point, so we have to take anything we can get. “Zombieland” offers scares, laughs, and a good story. It’s the perfect
in between medicine to a mainstream crappy film and a great independent film. If you want to sit back and just enjoy
yourself then ‘Zombieland” won’t disappoint.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 FILM FRAMES
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