Okay, have you read the book? Fine. Now, forget all about that and just go in to the movie with the mindset that it is its own separate entity. Many of you mark the Max Brooks novel as the beginning of the "zombie craze" in the book world. If you are like me, you read it a LONG time ago and can only remember specific parts that might have struck a chord. Since then, hundreds--if not thousands--of zombie titles have come and gone. You can recall hearing that Brad Pitt (Seriously? Brad Pitt...wow! That will totally add credibility to the zombie genre!) snagged the movie rights. The eager anticipation built and built as you waited anxiously for the film to hit the big screen.
All of that would have been fine except for one little thing.
Kirkman's television series already landed, swept the beach, and pushed inland. The Walking Dead is a bona fide hit. So, World War Z has a lot of ground to make up if it is going to be a smash with the masses. I went in with the idea that I was in no way going to hold this up beside the book and wait for it to sync. Trust me when I tell you...that is the way to see this film.
The movie is very well done. The action is intense (I even jumped once) and I believe that most people will enjoy it. As with The Walking Dead, it will introduce more people to the monster that many of us know and love. It is what you expect from a summer blockbuster. Good, mindless fun for all. I will say that I saw the HD XD showing...it is not necessary. This movie is fine in good old 2D.
There are a few holes, and a moment or two where you really have to remember that Brad Pitt is the star and he is supposed to survive zombie hordes, horrific accidents (planes, cars, etc.) so just let it be. The zombies are actually fun. Love the teeth clacking thing!
So, is this the next "be all...best ever" zombie movie? No. Is it fun, entertaining and pretty well done? Yes. Just don't go in expecting an honest adaptation of the book and take it as its own piece.
I am heading to see this in a few weeks. Not opening in Holland until July 4th.
ReplyDeleteJust in time for our Independence Day celebrations...mine will be spent in the woods of the Oregon Mountains...camping with friends.
DeleteGood review, Todd. I appreciate it, even though I wouldn't go see this at the movie house. Allergies to perfume keep me out of movie theaters. People were so much!
ReplyDeleteAnyway...I have a similar attitude about summer blockbusters. They are what they are--mindless entertainment. That said, despite my dislike of Brad Pitt, I might try to catch this one when it his HBO.
Pitt was good. Not 12 Monkey's good (his best role EVER), and I thought that Mireille Enos was under used. Love her in "The Killing", but the movie was okay. Like Denise said, "We walked out of The Hobbit saying "Oh wow!" and we walked out of this saying, "That was pretty good."
DeleteYou pretty much summed up all my expectations for this movie. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThe conversation home revolved around all the material not covered from the book and how the Hollywood money machine can capitalize on the franchise now and ride it until it meets a 'Jurassic Park' style death.
DeleteThis summed up my expectation of the movie to a tee. Nice to know what to expect. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletewell I am lucky (?) I have not read the book... So my only issue with the film is Brad Pitt(!) and the speed of the zombies.... but I will go and see now as it made you jump!! loving the little side bar!
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that you mean my "works in progress meters". Yes, big thanks to Rhonda for pointing me in the correct direction for them.
DeleteThe movie does have all the right elements for a summer flick. And not having read the book, you will probably enjoy it. I am more a fan of the slow moving zombies myself, but there is something horrifying about a tsunami-like wave of undead coming at you with a vengeance.