Review of Diary of the Dead (2007) by Martin R — 14 Jan 2015

[1/14/15] "If you don't get it on camera, then it's like it never happened.".

I think that statement resonates more with people now than it did at the time of George A Romero's "Diary of the Dead"--available in 2007 but was released in the U.S in 2008--with the many reported cases of alleged police brutality (we don't know for sure in some instances, hence why I said alleged) and the call for police officers to wear cameras. 'Diary' is what I would consider to be a "surpriser," a movie that you go in not expecting much and [after you finish watching] realize that you're content with what you thought would be a negative viewing experience. Following movies like: "Cloverfield," "REC," "Quarantine," "Paranormal Activity," etc; Romero takes the found-footage style, which for many has become overused and ineffective since it doesn't necessarily require sharp direction, and spices it up with a bit of social commentary that makes the film stand out despite it being considered one of Romero's weaker efforts. However, the only major con here is the lack of practical effects for the gore, yeah, I know, CGI is used for most of the kills, I'd say. And in some shots, it's not even good CGI--what a bummer! But don't let that deter you from watching it or even buying it, Romero is STILL a master of the zombie subgenre and proves that a lot of directors that want to direct a horror movie could learn a lot from him, even this one. Since George's "Night of the Living Dead", there has been a reoccurring theme that asks who's REALLY the zombie? Them (the dead) or us (the live ones), Romero asks that in a different way this time around. By making villains out of the people behind the cameras (an ironic nod, or maybe even a slight shot against Romero from himself?), there's a refreshing sense of hatred towards some of these characters. As honorable as their intentions are, some of the characters become a bit too obsessed with recording the world around down drop dead and resurrect instead of being a good friend who's putting the group before him or herself. It works, man, I'm telling you, I was NOT expecting to be as impressed as I am right now. And...this isn't even the director at his prime and he's still showing everyone that his techniques work.