Shaun of the Dead
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Movie Reviews of Shaun of the Dead
Movie Review: "Get fu-ked four eyes!"
Summary: 5 Stars
With "Shaun of the dead", there's a lot of underlying humor that flies over the head of some people, and I know this because I have watched this film with people who sat and glared at the television the whole entire time with out a change of expression either thinking this another zombie film and taking it too seriously (thinking how it's a knock off of other zombie movies) or wondering where and when to laugh. Sure it may not be funny to some who do get it, but the producers can't just add laugh tracks in this film like they do for british comedies that make there way onto American television. This isn't a bad kind of "dry" humour nor a poignant film.
This film wasn't mean't to jump out of the screen and yell "I am a parody!". The film has all the serious theatrics gore movies use, the survivors and the loss of loved ones(those who get bit turn into one of those "things."),the emotional trials, and the morons who stop the progress of the groups survival by being irrational and irritating (Night of the living dead.) Yes, I will add a few references regarding other zombie films.
Then there is the complete absence of knowledge to Shaun as he obliviously walks by catastrophes at the beginning of the zombie invasion. Whether it is Ed playing pinball when the group is trying to hide,a juke box playing Queen while killing the zombies *(Shaun says "kill the Queen"), it's rather amusing. It pleases in various ways: a couple patches up their relationship after a zombie massacre, and the friend of Shaun doesn't exactly die. There is the usual blood and a stomach getting ripped open (1978 Dawn of the dead) which is fun for some.
At the close of the film, there is the media covering the zombie attacks and a lot of explanations relating to those of (28 days later..) Shaun keeps changing the channels finding Zombie game shows and talk shows with zombie love affairs.
Fans of Sam Rami and George A. Romero can certainly appreciate the basic zombie elements of this film. People seeking a little humor who don't mind slow moving flesh eaters should give this a watch. There isn't anything negative to say about this film because I find it hard to critique a film named "Shaun of the dead." I have to note that the acting was actually better than most of these new horror films which makes this film a little more than a subtle parody. I give this movie a high rating because it amuses me after watching numerous amounts of times.
Movie Review: Aim for the Head - Shaun of the Dead
Summary: 5 Stars
Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a 29-year-old electronics store employee. Shaun is an entirely likable and sympathetic character, who gets dumped by his girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield) for various reasons; his bad habits, hanging out with his best friend and roommate, Ed (Nick Frost), who neither works nor pays any rent to speak of, and for never taking her anywhere except The Winchester, a local pub.
The story centers around Shaun, Ed, Liz, David (Dylan Moran), Dianne (Lucy Davis) and Shaun's mother, Barbara (Penelope Wilton), whose husband and Shaun's stepfather, Philip, is played impeccably by Bill Nighy. Peter Serafinowicz is also quite good as Shaun and Ed's roommate, Pete. And of course, there are the zombies.
After the zombies appear throughout the city, Shaun goes about his normal morning, not even noticing that his neighborhood is running, or more appropriately, walking with zombies. A very appealing, albeit disheartening, comment on society contained in this film is that many people move listlessly through life, like zombies. Shaun doesn't detect any difference at first.
Down and out after Liz's dumping, Shaun (and Ed) take charge; save Mum, save Liz, and go to The Winchester, a secure and familiar place. David and Dianne decide to tag along.
From beginning to end, the movie consists of one hilarious scene after another, but the movie is not without its poignancy.
It contains some of the funniest scenes ever, including a side-splitting performance of "White Lines" by Shaun and Ed, with a little help from a neighborhood zombie. Another scene, among many, which comes to mind is one in which the crew mimic an impaled zombie with the intention of blending into the crowd of zombies to make it across the street to The Winchester.
The film is absolute fun the entire way through. I had to watch it several times just to hear the lines I'd missed from having laughed uproariously over them. Brilliant writing and acting, with flawless timing. It is a perfect blend of horror and comedy, with just the right amount of gore.
I discovered this film by accident and immediately purchased it and watched it numerous times. It is my fave film at the moment and I don't think I'll ever tire of watching it. It contains some of the funniest moments ever on film and is destined and guaranteed to be a cult classic.
Movie Review: Huzzah! A Solid and Entertaining Comedy!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a killer movie. It is the first really fresh farce I've seen since the "Airplane"/"Naked Gun" continuum of cookie cutter comedies started to run in the early 1980's. The movie is well photographed, smart, clever and funny. The humor is a little goofy (imagine if your high school class clown were allowed the budget and resources to make a serious movie), but it is satisfying.
There are many current movies that had bigger budgets and can only wish they were as well made and well scripted as "Shawn of the Dead."
The filmmaker is well versed in traditional zombie movie/"Night of the Living Dead" cinematic mythology, and you'll see a lot of familiar horror movie symbols skewered.
It pains me to say that this movie probably couldn't be made by Americans today (the cast and writers are relentlessly British) because of Hollywood's fear of original and clever thinking. The tradition of British humor which prides itself on originality of thinking is a key element at work in the success of "Shawn of the Dead." Of course Hollywood will try to clone the film, but the product will look like all the rest of the recycled spew churned out by domestic filmmakers.
Take note Anglophobes: there's nothing in this movie except the accents you won't approve of. In fact, there's little in the film that won't make perfect cultural sense. This is the kind of slacker movie that every Twixster living in his mom's basement from Shepherd's Bush to Malibu dreams of making. It's surely the movie they want to watch.
Best of all, since my family purchased the film we've watched it several times. There's always something new to see. This is critical in a film that you will purchase for your own collection.
WARNING: As I said, this is a smart movie! Like all of the best comedy there are some barbed social comments at work here. You've probably thought the film's main theme yourself: in the modern technological world if we aren't careful, we all wind up "living dead" zombies.
If you can't deal with a film that rises well above the profanity and bathroom humor of "Scary Movie" you won't like "Shawn of the Dead," but if you need some real humor that's a step or two above the drivel you put up with at the cinema day in and day out, check out "Shawn of the Dead."
Movie Review: Not Your Typical Zombie Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Who's the real zombie in this 2004 flick? "Shaun of the Dead" stars Simon Pegg as Shaun, a man with no real ambition who meanders through his daily routines. He seems quite content with his job at an electronics store, going to the Winchester (the local pub), and hanging out with his girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield) and his roommate Ed (Nick Frost). But things take a drastic turn when Liz gives him an ultimatum.
After Liz breaks up with him, things for Shaun go from bad to worse. Oblivious to the news reports of strange things happening in the vicinity, Shaun goes about his day until he and Ed notice a stranger in their backyard. At first assuming that the lady is drunk, Shaun and Ed quickly realize the predicament they're in. So what do they do? They immediately run to the television to see the local news while they're having tea.
Soon, with cricket bat in tow, the pair devises a plan. First, the two concoct several scenarios to save Shaun's mom, Barbara (Penelope Wilton) and stepfather, Philip (Bill Nighy), who has already been bitten by a zombie. Although they differ, at first, on where they should end up, one thing is for sure, they're going to kill Philip. The next part of the plan is to rescue Liz and her friends Diane (Lucy Davis) and David (Dylan Moran). After that, they'll comfortably stay at the Winchester until all is well once again. But with flesh eating zombies on the loose, will the group survive long enough to make it to the pub?
"Shaun of the Dead" is one of those pleasantly surprising gems! It also isn't your typical zombie movie. The situation with the zombies seems almost secondary to the dilemmas facing the main cast. The characters deliver great performances and good comedic timing. (One of the funnier moments is when Diane is trying to teach the others how to act like zombies so they can blend in with them.)
Although the movie has more comedic moments than your typical horror movie, it's important to remember that the film may not be for everyone. There are a few scenes that have plenty of gore.
But if you're looking for a movie that's a good mixture of "scary and funny", make sure you pick up "Shaun of the Dead". You won't know whether to laugh or scream!
Movie Review: Subtle humor that's not for everyone, but I thought it was HOOT!
Summary: 5 Stars
IF you're looking for a farcical, slapstick Will Farrell type comedy, I'll guarantee you WON'T like SHAUN OF THE DEAD. BUT, if you like wry, subtle humor this movie is worth a look! I didn't expect much the first time I watched, but SHAUN OF THE DEAD delivered laughs, adventure, romance and realistic characters. WELL ACTED, WELL SCRIPTED and WELL DONE! Does require an attention span of more than video game proportions to appreciate the subtle, recuring humor themes throughout the movie. Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Kate Ashfield are excellent throughout, as are the supporting cast. Zombies are well done, too--not overblown or overly silly. Some gore, but nothing gratuitous. Well edited. Overall, 2 hours of well acted, quality entertainment! DVD extras are OK--not great, but the commentary is worth a listen. Also, the OUTTAKES are rather good. As a package, this DVD rates FIVE STARS in my book. The humor doesn't get old or lose it's punch after multiple viewings and the story keeps you entertained through the whole length of the film.
Again, NOT FOR ALL TASTES--if you LIKED the AIRPLANE movies, ANCHORMAN, ELF or similar films, you'll probably NOT "get" the humor in this movie. But, if you're like me and you found the aforementioned films to be dull and senseless, then you'll probably find SHAUN OF THE DEAD to be a barrel of laughs (and who doesn't like ZOMBIES????). Transcends the British/American humor gap as well. Usually British humor doesn't register with me, but SHAUN OF THE DEAD seemed to hit the mark with a more universal type "real world" humor. Overcomes the old "two peoples separated by a common language" problem as well--no need for a translator!! Writers made a conscious effort to avoid slang with differing American/British meanings, so everything makes sense no matter which variety of English you speak!
TO RECAP: Wry, subtle humor that requires you to pay attention throughout the film--NOT a slapstick, silly comedy. Lots of zombie action with traditional zombies--nothing overly silly. Well acted, realistic, real world characters you can relate to. Well scripted, well edited and entertaining! Even has a HAPPY ENDING! FIVE STARS!