By Sean Molloy
Based on Max Brooks’ wildly successful zombie opus, World War Z succeeds for the most part. Where the movie differs from the novel is the overall tone and execution. In this day and age we really shouldn’t compare Hollywood movies to their paperback counterpoint but in this one I couldn’t help it. I am NOT a zombie fan; for me to live any aspect of the genre it must bring something fresh. Brooks made the genre intelligent, and though it is entertaining at times, the film version is summer popcorn fodder.
World War Z isn’t so much a typical zombie survival movie, it feels more like a Tom Clancy inspired thriller with just huge CG undead things flying around the background during key set piece moments. One could also use the word epic to describe Z. It takes place among different countries and continents, comparing how each different culture is treating the zombie apocalypse. In Jerusalem, they build a gigantic wall; in the United States it’s a matter of bringing massive destruction to the horde. If you’re North Korea however, you just issue a law that says everyone in the country has to have their teeth pulled out to prevent bites.
One thing I wholeheartedly appreciate about Z is the pace. The audience is thrown into the action and story within the first ten minutes. You know s*** is hitting the fan, the global scale is presented by the death of the President and the situation is dire. The word “zombie” isn’t even said for about 40 minutes of screen time. Another solid move by the movie’s writers. In the trailers we only see the fast running, crazy type of zombie. I can guarantee that the slow mumbling kind are here as well. The description how they differ is another unique way the walking dead is presented.
Next thing, Brad Pitt is in a zombie movie. Who saw that one coming 5 years ago? I’m pleased to say that once again the man delivers. We actually feel for the character and the desperation he displays in trying to find a cure or small moments like not being able to reach his wife via cell phone. He is also backed up by a strong supporting cast including The Killing’s Mireille Enos as Pitt’s wife.
Now comes the stuff that brought the movie down for me. I don’t enjoy zombie movies that are simply about blood and gore. Like I said earlier I dig different twists on the genre. For every cool investigative moment the movie is given, I had to suffer through underwhelming special effects and hundreds of the undead getting mowed down by every gun available. Most zombie movies have the great tense moments; World War Z simply doesn’t have any. I never felt any character was in real danger, a HUGE deterrent from fully loving this movie. I know I only wrote a paragraph of dislikes but trust me when I say these problems are enormous when it comes to counterbalancing all of the good World War Z does.
World War Z tries to be the next evolution in the zombie genre, while it succeeds at times, the film frequently stumbles. Is it worth a ticket? Sure. Just don’t expect the gravitas of AMC’s The Walking Dead.
Grade: B-
