Zombieland

In 2005, screenwriting duo, Rhett Reese & Paul Wenic penned a spec script for TV pilot titled, “Zombieland.” Ruben Fleischer (Venom) helped the pair they should turn it into a self-contained full-length film with a road trip involving survivors traveling to an amusement park.

Released in 2009, (same year Inglorious Basterds came out) it received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Besides praise, the movie earned enough money at the box office. A sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap” was released ten years after the first movie.

Emma Stone’s most recent movie, “Poor Things,” will be released on December 8, 2023. Before I see one of my Top 5 favorite actresses’ upcoming movie, I wanna share my thoughts on Zombieland. One more thing, its Halloween Month 2023. I’m watching and reviewing several Horror films throughout October. Which Horror film should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.

This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see this zombie comedy.

Alive & Dead Qualities

Alive: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone & Abigail Breslin all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.

Ruben Fleischer did a great job directing.

Rhett Reese & Paul Wenick co-wrote the script. They’re also known for writing “Deadpool” and its sequel. I can’t wait for the third film with Hugh Jackman coming back as Wolverine finally wearing the yellow and blue suit.

Cinematography didn’t succumb to Shaky Cam.

Practical Effects were heavily used while C.G.I. blended in. Both done right.

Humor has a bunch of Funny Moments that made me laugh.

Prosthetic Makeup transformed extras into zombies.

The best way to describe Zombieland is a cross between “National Lampoon’s Vacation” & “Shaun of the Dead.” Combine a road trip comedy and a zombie comedy together.

Chemistry between the four leads serve as the main highlight.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since the beginning.

Columbus often brings up rules to survive a zombie apocalypse. My favorite’s Rule 2. Double Tap. Meaning, shoot a body twice if a zombie’s not down. Heck, Jessie & Woody promoted the movie teaching us lessons about additional rules.

Bill Murray appears as himself. He’s the best part of the movie.

Fun Fact 1: Woody & Bill also appeared in “Kingpin.” Zero connection to the Spider-Man & Daredevil villain, Wilson Fisk.

Fun Fact 2: In “Natural Born Killers” Woody’s character, Mickey Knox coined the word, Zombieland.

Fun Fact 3: Patrick Swayze (may he Rest in Peace) was originally gonna appear as himself. Due to his battle with pancreatic cancer, he had to turn it down.

Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls plays during the Opening Credits. I prefer this over Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.” By the way, “Guitar Hero: Metallica” came out in 2009. I had fond memories playing the game.

Russell Crowe’s mentioned. “State of Play” came out around 2009. Russell was also filming Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood.”

One character mentioned “He’s Just Not That Into You.” A movie based on the book also came out in 2009. Scarlett “ScarJo” Johansson was gorgeous in it.

Prior to the outbreak, we learn about the backstories surrounding Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita & Little Rock.

My favorite joke is the part when Bill regrets a movie he made in his career.

Ghostbusters is referenced. Bill reprised his role as Peter Venkman in the 2009 video game.

Tallahassee’s goal is to find a box of Twinkies. If I had to endure a post-apocalyptic wasteland, my quest is to find every single bag of Funyuns.

Mike White (School of Rock, The White Lotus) makes a brief appearance.

The Raconteurs’ “Salute Your Solution is played during the End Credits. It was also used in “The Flash.”

Dead: Wichita mentioned her first R-rated movie was “Anaconda.” It’s actually rated PG-13.

An early romance with two characters happened way too soon. In real life, it takes a few weeks for a pair to get to know one another. Then, a relationship is fully established.

Amber Heard makes an appearance. This is before she pooped on Johnny Depp’s bed. Amber’s the closest thing to a brown Power Ranger.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BREAKOUT!

Zombieland is an awesome zombie comedy that’ll make you laugh. If you haven’t seen it, give this one a shot.