Zombieland (2009)

Zombies have overrun the world, but the power is still on.

When Shaun of the Dead came out in 2004, most people probably wrote it off as a lone entry into the zombie/comedy genre. Little did we know that the movie would reinvigorate the world's love from zombies and send them back, close to, the Hollywood mainstream. Shaun of the Dead wasn't the first time zombies and laughs had been put together and, thankfully, it's not the last. Zombieland, the latest success in the world of walking dead comedy, is a absolute blast for zombie lovers and a genuinely funny movie.

The world is overrun by zombies and some people don't really want to die yet. Zombieland's set up is typical for a zombie film, but the survivors, led by Woody Harrelson, are a little different this time around. The offbeat group of survivors must make it across the country to California, in hopes that there is a place that they walking dead haven't taken over. The film marks director Ruben Fleischer's debut and was surprisingly successful with critics and audiences across the country. While the movie may not be the best film to blend zombies and comedy, it's certainly a fantastic entry to the genre and one that shouldn't be missed.

Zombieland's strengths are easy to see. The movie has an exceptionally quirky sense of humor that is strongly bolstered by some quirky performances, especially by Harrelson. If you've ever read The Zombie Survival Guide, you should know what to expect from Zombieland. The same sort of semi-serious zombie humor that is present in the book is here in the movie. What is surprising, is the sincerity that the movie has. There is something surprisingly genuine and touching about this group of rejects. In this fashion, the film succeeds in much of the same way that Shaun of the Dead succeeds.

I don't know if my love for Zombieland is a result of my unhealthy love for zombies or if it's because the movie is actually good. Personally, I think it's a combination of both. While the movie may not be the revelation that Shaun of the Dead is, it is a movie that stands on it's own as a completely satisfying experience. There's something to be enjoyed  her regardless of how you feel about zombies.

8/10