Zombieland Movie Review

The other night we watched Zombieland, and while it was a comedy instead of a true horror movie, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Four stars. The movie was rather fast-paced, it was never boring, and it was funny as hell. A truly different outlook on the Zombie Apocalypse.

Jesse Eisenberg, who also played the lead in The Social Network, did a stellar job of playing an Anthony Michael Hall type Sixteen Candles nerd who, throughout the movie, goes from being a complete social outcast to "getting the girl". While his part may have been somewhat predictable, sometimes that is a good thing. I really thought he did an excellent job.

Woody Harrelson, of course, always does a bang-up job, and this was no exception. He plays a rather out-of-control hick who likes to shoot guns and be a man's man. He teams up with Eisenberg to travel the country, that has now been completely taken over by zombies. His never-ending quest for a Twinkie is rather humorous, as well, in this author's opinion. He plays the general hard-ass type who finds his emotional side toward the end of the movie. Also enjoyably predictable.

Emma Stone plays "the girl". Each character goes by their home-city for a nickname. Eisenberg is Columbus, Harrelson is Tallahassee, and Stone plays Wichita, a bad-girl who has teamed up with her sister as they con their way across America toward Los Angeles. Of course, the two men meet the two girls, and hilarity ensues.

It really is a funny, cute movie, and for some of you it may be a welcome break from the classic zombie thriller. In fact, although the movie is technically about zombies, they actually play very little role in the movie, other than the reason America has gone to hell in a hand basket. The story is one of youth, adventure, love and self-defense. I mean, ya' gotta kill some zombies, right?

Bill Murray even comes onto the scene, dressed as a zombie. He isn't a zombie, but that's how he moves about the town. His claim is that zombies don't mess with other zombies, and so he remains safe just walking about like that. Unfortunately, it ultimately leads to his demise, but I'm not the "plot spoiler" kind of guy, so I'll leave it at that.

Round up the family, pop some popcorn and throw Zombieland into the DVD player. It's a cool watch, and tastefully done. I was really impressed with the cons the sisters made up in order to get ahead. Very witty. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1156398/