Shaun of the Dead

release year: 2004
genre: zombie horror/comedy
viewing setting: home DVD, 1/27/06

synopsis: A lazy-but-basically-good young man in England must get his act together in a hurry, because the dead are coming back to life and eating the living.

impressions: Early on, I didn't like it; it was just a story about a guy who completely lacks motivation and lets his even-lazier friend control him. But then it transformed into a zombie movie, with plenty of action and gore, plus it was funny as hell. Aside from the one-liners and funny situations, it paid tribute to Romero zombie movies (as well as other zombie movies) in clever and easily-overlooked ways.

something this movie has that no other movie has: A fight against zombies, in a pub, while Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" blasts through the jukebox. This is just one of many odd situations that this movie sets up for the viewer to laugh at.

acting: Simon Pegg is great as Shaun, who has to confront many issues in a very short span of time (and while avoiding being eaten by the zombies.) Kate Ashfield is his girlfriend, who had dumped him but now depends on his leadership. Nick Frost is Ed, the ultimate slob roommate and Shaun's best friend.

final word: A strange mix of horror and humor, absolute required viewing for fans of zombie movies.

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