Extra Credit Zombieland Review

Extra Credit

Movie Review: Zombieland

Justin Purvis

I didn’t know if I was or wasn’t looking forward to viewing this film mostly because of the tons of zombie movies I feel have came out in the past couple years. But I must admit it’s probably one of the better ones I’ve seen. It was gory and chaotic just like most of your zombie movies but still managed to bring a specific feel to the table. I’m not going to say this was this year’s blockbuster, but overall wasn’t a waste of time.

First off going Woody Harrelson’s character was great especially for Harrelson to play. His character was gritty and unique and almost quirky at times but still made a great lead character of the four main characters. The main character though I felt was boring at times, and I think made the film a little more laid back then it should be. Also I’m tired of seeing movies where the lead characters are college or high school kids that are more less the “losers” of their school. I felt like recent movies like “Adventureland” or “Superbad” have worn out that trend. I guess I was wrong.

One of the things I thought made the movie better was the way the director made the scenes “jumpy”. In other words he didn’t make the movie one strait storyline. During the movie there were flashbacks and “rule scenes” that made the movie feel a bit different from your standard flick. On the other hand I hated all the basic scenes of people just running around with almost military guns and vehicles and just wiping out zombies. I feel like movies based around killing zombies have been done before and it’s time to move on.

I will admit probably tying Bill Murray into the film was probably my favorite aspect of the film. To be honest I don’t know why that is. I guess because it was unexpected, random and admit who saw that coming? Also the scene where Columbus the main character shoots Bill Murray was priceless even though I thought the dying sequence was a bit weird as far as his acting goes. Also the slow motion zombie harassment screen shots made for a nice lead to the opening of the film.

I always have liked Woody Harrelson ever since I’ve seen Kingpin but his scene at the end of this movie tops any scene from Kingpin. At first I thought he was making himself the sacrificial lamb so the main character could save the girls but I was way wrong. I guess no zombie was any match for Woody. The girl in the movie I recognized from Superbad but I don’t know if I would have picked her for this role. She’s cute but I probably would of casted a bit fiery actress for her role. That’s just me though.

So overall this movie wasn’t bad, I’m not saying it’s great either. I just saw it as being another mid level zombie movie. The cast was decent and the editing was different but not exactly unique. So if your into zombie movies they sure this movies worth a watch, if you’re not then I would save your money. I don’t know I feel like when you have trouble differentiating the movies apart; it’s time to stop making a certain subgenre of movies. So no more zombie movies! Please! If you want to see a good movie with zombie-like creatures in it then rent Bruce Campbell’s Evil Dead series. They are old school, unique, and not to mention scary as hell. I think these new day zombie movies don’t hold a candle to the old ones, but again that’s just me.