Review: Zombieland

From the opening credits (a montage of zombies attacking people set to Metallica’s For Whom The Bell Tolls) I was hooked on Zombieland. It’s a wild ride that will make you laugh and cheer and want to watch it again as soon as it ends. Simply put – it is pure awesomeness!

The zombie apocalypse has happened and only a few people are still alive and kicking. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), who narrates the story, is alive because he follows a set of rules. Rule #1 is “Cardio” (because you must be able to outrun the living dead). Rule #2 is “Double Tap” (meaning put two bullets in a zombie to make sure they’re actually dead before kicking them or turning your back on them). Some of the other rules include no bathrooms, always wear a seat belt and travel light. These appear on screen video game-style.

Columbus is a born loner and a self-aware geek. Before the zombie virus he would spend his nights with pizza, Mountain Dew Red and World of Warcraft. Trying to get home (to Columbus, Ohio – hence his name) to see if his parents have met their zombie end, he runs into fellow survivor Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). Tallahassee has survived because he is the definition of bad ass (he drives an Escalade with a plow on the front and has a back seat full of weapons). After some hesitation the two partner up and hit the road.

During their travels they stop at a grocery store so Tallahassee can try to find a Twinkie. Twinkies, you see, are what keep him going and he is obsessed with them. So when questioned if he is really willing to risk his own life for one, the answer is yes. While in the store killing zombies and looking for Twinkies they stumble across sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) hiding in the basement. Without giving anything away the foursome eventually stick together, only now they’re taking a detour to Hollywood.

If it wasn’t for the strong cast, Zombieland would only be a mediocre film. Sure, the script is funny but it’s the cast that carries it. Eisenberg, who I still feel is a poor man’s Michael Cera, works a lot better in this than his non-zombie film Adventureland. He’s witty and charming and the audience can relate to him. Stone and Breslin (who is only 14) also do a great job proving you can have a strong female presence in a zombie movie without dumbing them down or stripping them down. It’s Harrelson who steals the show though. If he wasn’t a cult icon yet he will be now. His portrayal of Tallahassee is a blend of his previous characters Mickey Knox (from Natural Born Killers) and Woody (from Cheers). He’s not the brightest bulb but he gets the kill and cracks jokes while doing it.

Director Ruben Fleischer along with writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have put together a great zombie spoof that works just as well as Shaun of the Dead did. Everything from the make-up effects to the cinematography to the killer soundtrack (which happens to feature Canada’s own Metric) fits perfectly. And although it’s not a horror film there’s lots of blood and guts to please the crowd.

Near the end there is a cameo I can’t speak about or it will ruin the surprise. Let’s just say it’s the cherry on top and pushes Zombieland into a category of its own. If you’re looking for a good time at the theatre this weekend this is the film to see (all the way til after the credits too).

**** out of 5 stars

Rated R
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Official Site IMDb 

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com

ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK: The Invention of Lying, Capitalism: A Love Story, Coco Avant Chanel, Whip It, Toy Story 1 & 2 3D Double Feature

Top image: Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg in Zombieland. Courtesy Sony Pictures.