Zombieland
Is it worth $10? Yes
Hudak gives it a ‘B’

By Dan Hudak // hudakonhollywood.com

Any movie that has a tagline of “nut up or shut up” and begins with a montage of gruesomely hilarious deaths to the tune of Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” will certainly grab your attention. That “Zombieland” is creative, different and funny enough to keep your attention is impressive, especially given the inherent limitations of zombie movies.

“Zombieland” is what Will Smith’s “I Am Legend” would have been if it were a comedy. In the near future a virus has wiped out mankind, save for a few stragglers who’ve managed to survive and not become zombies. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has a strict set of rules he lives by (“Limber up,” “Always have an escape,” “Enjoy the little things”), while Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) has learned to love the thrill of the kill.

They don’t really like one another, but join forces given that they’re two of the last people on earth. Soon they come across sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two con artists who grow to like the guys. (Because you must be wondering: Yes, the characters are named after the cities they’re from.) Together they drive west across the country in a Hummer — no gas mileage issues, apparently — to Pacific Playland, an amusement park that’s said to be safe for humans.

Director Ruben Fleischer said “Shaun of the Dead” (2004) was his inspiration in making this film, and it shows. “Shaun” was a great success because it knew how ridiculous it was and it understood how to use zombie movie violence as an asset for comedy. “Zombieland” similarly embraces its story, and does so with sass and style. The vivid violence is both direct and matter-of-fact, and the comedy works perfectly because of it.

Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick’s script also has some quirky dialogue, including the tough-as-nails Tallahassee’s obsession with finding a Twinkie, and Columbus’ desire to put a girl’s hair behind her ear. There are also plenty of pop culture zingers: “What’s the best thing about Zombieland?” Columbus is asked. “No Facebook status updates,” he replies. Sometimes the script just calls for them to trash a novelty store and smash zombie heads with baseball bats. It’s a nice mix.

One day someone will make the de facto sequel to all zombie movies, which will feature a few characters trying to restart mankind after the zombies are killed. Would extravagant material possessions still have value? Will there be rules? Laws? Money? It’s like starting a new civilization from square one, and the possibilities are endless. Then again, if the genre continues to be as laugh-out-loud funny and entertaining as “Zombieland,” there may never be a need to make that sequel.

comments@theleadmiamibeach.com