World War Z // DVD Review
Zombies, eh? Can't live with 'em, can't live without ‘em wanting to eat your kids...
Zombies, eh? Can't live with 'em, can't live without ‘em wanting to eat your kids or overrun your society or turn your perfectly toned body into a host for their nasty infection. At least not if you're Brad Pitt in this highly anticipated, mega-budget, much-hyped adaptation of Max Brooks' zombie-geek bible, that is.
Now, let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: No, it's not as good as the book. I'm told. I've never read it. And, frankly, I couldn't give a shit. Comparing the experiences of reading a book and watching a film is like comparing great sex to masturbating into your Stepfather's food; they're both fun, but for different reasons. What's important here, in a film review, for a film page, is whether the film is any good. Well, is it, Jay? I hear you ask.
Yes, yes it is! I think it's very good, in fact. The first 30 minutes are pretty stunning, actually, with the onset of the apocalypse unfolding in chillingly plausible detail. The subsequent globe-trotting race-against-time never quite lives up to the standard of the first act, and there are a couple of "duh!" moments, but the tension stays high, the tone intelligent, and the visuals extremely impressive. I was firmly on board throughout.
In the increasingly crowded zombie-film genre there are better (28 Days Later,) cleverer (Shaun of the Dead,) and more original (Zombieland) movies, but WWZ is a worthy addition. It’s a compelling and brutal zombie-horror flick with brains. BRAINS!
