United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against
time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and
governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Storyline
Life for former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane and his family seems content. Suddenly, the world is plagued by a mysterious infection turning whole human populations into rampaging mindless zombies. After barely escaping the chaos, Lane is persuaded to go on a mission to investigate this disease. What follows is a perilous trek around the world where Lane must brave horrific dangers and long odds to find answers before human civilization falls.
I was dubious! The
rating, the early reviews, my love of gory George Romero movies had all
led me to deciding not to see this. But, my wife wanted to go... Well,
two breathless hours later I turned to her, big grin on my face and had
to state "That was awesome!" Yes, I can see why people don't like it. It
is very different to the traditional zombie movie, and very different
to the book. But you know what, who cares - it's not a traditional
zombie movie, or the book - it's different. So suck it it up whiners and
enjoy this for what it is! (And I'm a huge fan of all Max Brooks zombie
books.) The movie begins with a short intro to the main character and
his family (it was enough, it told me all I needed to know) before
launching into a fantastic, break neck sequence that establishes the
pace for most of the rest of the movie. It's violent, visceral and
shocking without any reliance in gore. The tension is racked up
(especially in the escape from the apartment block sequence) with a
series of spectacular set pieces (the walls of Jerusalem scene is
brilliant) and things get better and bigger until the film slows the
pace for the final reel with a slow burning, smaller scale sequence set
in a WHO research lab in the UK. It's an unusual choice to end a movie
with the smallest set piece, but it worked well for me as it was in line
with Gerry's quest and the (stated in the movie) fact that the answer
is often so small it gets overlooked. The gravity of the decisions Gerry
has to make here are greater than any previously in the movie (where
mostly he just has to run like hell!) and it's that that makes this such
a powerful set piece to end the movie. I learnt several things from
this movie 1) to let go of my preconceptions about what a zombie film
should be, 2) that a low rating doesn't mean its for kids - I have two
sons and despite the lack of gore I certainly wouldn't let then see
this. Its very intense and that (not the gore) is what would scare them.
3) to go with the flow - I did here and was swept along for a rapid
fire 2 hour thrill ride that was a hell of a lot of fun. I for one will
be getting this on blu ray and I'll be first in line for any sequel. But
I will admit, an undated version would be very welcome!
User Reviews