Review of Z-O-M-B-I-E-S (2018) by Daniel T — 21 Mar 2018

This movie is an absolute delight, only requiring a small amount of background of 1950s-60s era racism within the United States. Many complaints with the movie come from the standpoint that it is far too stereotypical; however, these viewers fail to realize that Disney is trying to develop satire on these very stereotypes.

Yes, the main characters may be an all-American cheerleader wannabe and a football star, but in looking at how these characters rebel against their standard roles and develop throughout the movie, it becomes clear that Disney is attempting to turn these stereotypes on their heads.

Furthermore, while others have called the movie a Romeo and Juliet-esque type of relationship dynamic, this is only applicable to about fifteen minutes of the film and is clearly rebelled against. In staying with the plot and theme aspects of the movie, it is essential to note that this movie has some seriously heartbreaking moments for a Disney Channel film.

To accomplish this, it does something that no Disney film has been able to successfully do before: it shows how deeply rooted and unjust prejudice is in ways that feel natural rather than a stretch. Two scenes delaing with this devastatingly portrayed prejudice in particular may be two of the greatest Disney Channel Original Movie scenes of all time.

Furthermore, this movie truly develops the ability to sign by showing both sides of the conflict. Much like in the struggle for Civil Rights in American history, it presents Martin Luther King Jr.-esque characters that desire to change the world peaceful and believe in a harmonious future, but it also shows Zombies that are completely fed up with this discrimination and have developed a hatred for humans (whites) that results in trying to start revolts against the oppressive society.

Moving on, in talking about the actors, there is very little to say except for the fact that the chemistry between the two leads is absolutely flawless, and the primary antagonist doesn't necessarily fit the cookie-cutter mold for change and is portrayed wonderfully.

Finally, to analyze the music, overall, it is very Disney-level. Not necessarily extraordinary, but it does have some phenomenal singles off of its Soundtrack that could very easily be considered High School Musical Tier , particularly the song Someday which is choreographed beautifully whilst still pushing the story forward.

In the end, it is very much a Disney movie (especially with a Disney ending), but for everything besides the very end, it excels in pushing an engaging story and message for kids and possibly even those slightly older.