Review of World War Z (2013) by Shpostal — 22 Jun 2013

I don't quite understand the fascination with zombies. I suppose some form of monster, alien or mutant has always been a mainstay in Hollywood H.G. Wells' book "War of the Worlds" was a huge hit and terrified readers of the day, as did a radio play of the same book in 1939 by Orson Welles, enough that some listeners thought a Martian attack was actually happening. And let's not forget the slew of sci-fi monster movies that kept drive in theatres busy for decades, including giant mantises, tarantulas and anything else that slithered or crawled.

So the question is, how do you do a movie with undead people and make it plausible instead of the same old ARRUGHGGH? "World War Z" gives it a shot, and it actually works, as the focus is more on the viral disease that is turning people into fast zombie killing machines by the millions, making it more of a medical thriller than a B movie.

Brad Pitt does a fine job as one of the people who might be able to save the planet, and because he makes it believable, it gives the film authenticity and is actually easy to believe. There is plenty of zombie munching and heads getting blown off, but in dim or no light, considering the PG13 rating. The script however is actually done quite well, and as far as this type of film goes, it's far superior to most similarly themed movies, with the comedy "Warm Bodies", that also involves zombies, the only other zombie movie this year you can actually enjoy. It's not the greatest film of Pitts' career, but it's a good summer flick and just scary enough to keep you on edge just a little bit. Not bad.