Zombieland

Released October 2009

Directed by Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

First Viewing February 6, 2010

Roger– 3/5 stars

Okay. I’m not a fan of zombie movies. It’s the ripping and eating of the flesh I don’t like. Plus there's no tension. The zombies always move so bloody slowly! Funnily enough, I’ve seen my fair share of them, usually because the latest zombie flick (does anybody say “flick” anymore?) is on somebody’s TV. Or my boyfriend would win the movie-rental battle that night. The point is, for somebody who’s pretty against them, I’ve seen more than enough.

That being said, along comes Zombieland, which for some insane reason appealed to me. Maybe it was because it seemed smart and clever, and I love smart and clever. Maybe it was Woody Harrelson. (Who doesn’t like Woody Harrelson?) Whatever the reason, Zombieland became part of my movies-to-see list.

When I finally saw it, I liked it quite a bit. It’s funny. And not in the same old, zombie/action movie way. And the main character (Eisenberg) is really fun to watch. He’s likeable and smart. He begins by telling the audience his tips for survival against zombies. Not only are they fun to watch him follow, they’re useful. I found myself thinking – well hey, if zombies DO attack, this could actually be helpful!

He meets up with the inevitable motley crew of survivors, Woody Harrelson (an amusing zombie killing fanatic by the name of Tallahassee) included. There are genuine laughs and genuine sincere moments, and each character is flawed and human.

I liked this movie. I’d recommend it to anybody, zombie fan or not. Also, if nothing else, rent it for the great cameo appearance of a star  - funny stuff!