When one thinks of zombie films, there are several that come to mind. Robert Rodriguez’s 2007 film, “Planet Terror,” George Romero’s 1977 film, “Dawn of the Dead,” and 2005’s “Doom” are just a few examples of a genre that has seemingly had lasting power within the American psyche.
Take director Ruben Fleischer’s recently released film “Zombieland.” The film, starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, is interesting in the way that it is not a complete spoof of the Zombie genre, while still not taking itself too seriously.
The film takes place in present day, when a pandemic related to mad cow disease sweeps the nation and turns human beings into zombies. The main characters in the film are the few survivors of this pandemic, and they remain more or less nameless throughout the film, referred to as the name of the town from which they came, or to which they were headed.
In the film, Jesse Eisenberg plays a former University of Texas student who has managed to survive the widespread pandemic. His method for staying alive is adhering to an extensive list of rules, which are, more or less, derived from his neurotic tendencies. Early in the film, he sets off for Columbus, Ohio to look for his parents; thus, he is referred to as ‘Columbus.’
Woody Harrelson plays Eisenberg’s foil, Tallahassee, a brash, crude southerner who has taken a liking to slaying zombies. Tallahassee’s ultimate goal in this post-apocalyptic world is to find a Twinkie, which he sees as an ode to simpler times.
The movie also features Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin; two con-artist sisters, deemed Little Rock and Wichita, who eventually join forces with Columbus and Tallahassee. In addition, one of the more memorable scenes of the movie is hilarious cameo by actor Bill Murray, who steals the show, despite his limited screen time.
Overall, the movie thrives on its unique storyline and filmmaking. Though in many ways a conventional zombie film, the use of creative special effects and design in Zombieland, such as the incorporation of Columbus’s rules into the background of the scene to which each pertains in the plot, as well as the use of flashbacks to explain each character’s past, rather than one which is exclusively verbal. Furthermore, the screenplay is written such that it doesn’t completely separate itself from other zombie films, while still exuding comedy.
Overall, I found Zombieland to be an extremely enjoyable film experience. While undoubtedly many have already seen this film, I encourage those who have not yet seen the film to do so given the next opportunity.