Zombieland [4K Ultra-HD] [Blu-ray] [2019] [Region Free]

Zombies have never really been a source of comedy until very recently. Romero managed to get a certain amount of comedy out of Dawn of the Dead with his satirical attack on consumerism, but up until Shaun of the Dead, zombies were not really considered to be comedy gold. And whilst many regard Shaun of the Dead as the zombie comedy that set the standard, with Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer may well have raised the bar.When the film opens, the zombie fuelled apocalypse is quickly dispensed with during the opening credits (an unknown infection turns people into bloodthirsty zombies and anyone bitten by a zombie becomes a zombie, pretty standard stuff really, but that's not what the film is really about) and we are introduced to our nameless hero, played by Jesse Eisenburg, a college geek who has spent his life being afraid of almost everything, too nervous to take chances and really live, and it is this very nervousness that has kept him alive due to his fear of everything from clowns to bathrooms to always fastening his safety belt when driving. Adapting his fears into a long list of do's and don'ts for survival (which crop up throughout the film in a very clever use of subtitles), our hero and narrator (a very, very knowing, funny and arch voice over) decides to head for Columbus to see if his parents are still alive (he was never really close to his parents and until later in the film he cannot figure out why he really wants to do this). Along the way he meets a short fused redneck in the shape of a very funny Woody Harrelson. Harrelson's character agrees to team up with Eisenberg, and the pair suffer a series of humorous and very bloody encounters before encountering two girls Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin. This foursome eventually team up, realising that they may be the last four people alive on Earth and they need each other, not just to survive but also to truly live.Zombieland is on the surface a simple comedy that utilises the end of the world to elicit laughs from its audience. And the film works very well on this level, and there is nothing wrong with that, but there is another, equally satisfying film here, as Eisenburgs character finally comes of age in the face of the ensuing apocalypse and realises that he may well have left to late to finally start living his life. Developing an attachment to his three fellow survivors, Eisenburg comes to the conclusion that this is now the only family that he will ever have, and it is his efforts to keep this mis-matched "nuclear family" together that forms the core of this hugely funny, hugely enjoyable and hugely satisfying zom com.There is also a number of terrific performances within this film, with Harrelson being the most obvious with his slightly over the top but loveable redneck with his violent hatred of zombies (the reason for which we discoverer late on in the film, which makes him are more rounded character) and his love of twinkies, as well as Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin turning in terrific performances, but this is really Eisenbergs movie, as he is the heart and soul of this film.No one gets a name, with characters referring to each by the places they come from or are heading to so as not to get to attached, just in case (Eisenberg is known as Columbus, whilst Harrelson becomes Tallahassee, Breslin Little Rock and Stone Wichita) but even without this most obvious of character conventions, you really do care about this slightly dysfunctional "family", and coupled with a lot of laugh out loud genuine belly laughs and some really bloody violence, often in the same scene, as well as a truly outstanding cameo from a Hollywood comedy legend that is almost a total scene stealer, this film is not just as good as Shaun of the Dead, it may well be its superior.

Wow! Wow! Wow! I Absolutely love this film! On every level it's great! If you want laughs, guns, zombies and great cinematography you can't beat it!It has the best opening to any film I've seen in a while and the script is sharp and tight, and most importantly - laugh out loud, side splitting, piss your pants funny!The stunts and action are great, it's well directed, the score is excellent and it makes great use of sets and scenery.Visually, the film is a treat and excites the eyes. Also the jokes and characters are hilarious and very, very likeable.The acting's great, with an awesome cameo from Bill Murray, and Jesse Eisenberg does a very good job in the lead role - watch out Michael Cero, this guy does you - but even betteHarrelson is on top form and honestly, I loved everything about it. I enjoyed this film so much I can't wait to watch it again.A real feel good movie that I was surprised to find I loved. I thoroughly recommend it for a fun night in front of the goggle-box.The Blu Ray copy I had looked amazing quality too (let's be honest, the format and transfers can be a bit hit and miss), this is one Blu Ray that looks and plays as Blu Rays should.Overall - for me - this gets an easy 9... maybe even 10/10. Great fun and visually pleasing.If you found this review helpful, please give it the thumbs up - and if not, comment on why so I can do a better job for you next time. Thanks :-)

Zombieland is sugary, spicy and with a little dash of Murray. While 'Shaun of the Dead' started the trend of blending the undead with self-referential comedy (and arguably the better film), Zombieland puts the "Z" in zany. Both a survival horror and a road trip comedy that has just enough memorability to justify its ridiculously short runtime, ultimately leaving the audience wanting more. After the world is ravaged by the walking dead, four individuals travel to California in search for sanctuary and nostalgia. It immediately starts with a montage of clips that outlines the rules our protagonist abides by. Ranging from the sensible fastening your seatbelt and maintaining cardio to the more specific such as avoiding public bathrooms. Accompanied with quirky narration, these are adhered to throughout the film and provide several scenes of callback humour. The characters are quickly introduced and grouped together as they journey to Pacific Playland, each harnessing personalities that make them relatable. Columbus is exaggeratively awkward whereas Tallahassee is the Twinkie-loving badass who relishes in slaying zombies. Perfect casting choices with Eisenberg and Harrelson, with the two exhuming onscreen chemistry. It makes for sufficient, albeit predictable, character interactions and development. Some of the humour misses, but for the most part it works well. The laughs do not come from "double tapping" zombies, but rather the quips and dialogue between these survivors. The highlight being the complete ten minute sequence set in Bill Murray's mansion, with an ingenious cameo from himself. There's just something about him reenacting 'Ghostbusters' that puts a twinkle in my left eye. More often than not, scenes are rushed in an attempt to stuff the film with as much content as possible. Realistically the runtime needed to be twenty minutes longer to further flesh out the characters and the romance. Still, Tallahassee got his Twinkie, and that's all that matters. Zombieland is just as amusing as the amusement park it concludes with. Bloody good fun. Sequel please!