Later has arrived. Run, run, run...

Rating: 6/10 (11 May 2007)

The only reason Hitler didn't invade England during World War II is because he couldn't , England being an Island, and with the sea's as barrier he just couldn't take his prize. It is in this paradox that a deadly rage virus that has contaminated the British Isles has been contained from reaching the outside world. It is in this theme that we now find in this extended movie of Danny Boyle's 2002 movie 28 Days Later the virus gone and a slow repatriation of its people back to the British Isles.
28 Weeks Later stars one of the most charismatic actors to come from the Scottish Highlands; Robert Carlyle, whose works range from Once Upon a Time in the Midlands (2002), The Full Monty (1997) and Trainspotting (1996) and the beautiful Angela's Ashes from 1999. With this man in tow, what possibly can go wrong? In usual form 28 Weeks Later is a very good shock fest, with its more than capable blood, gore and death. With an interesting and imaginative use of camera and editing techniques that really does this to its best advantage, all very exciting, captivating and enthralling, particularly the opening sequence, one of Cinemas finest. Of course we have the same music that is used in the first movie, and this does the second no harm indeed.
28 Weeks Later is a delivery of great horror cinema, this genre, this newly developed genre, is taking us to new fright levels, great visuals, great atmosphere and that gives even greater heart rate levels to pulverise the nervous system. Exactly what a good horror movie should be.
But, where we have a horror genre made good, we have a horrific story line that is, unfortunately, letting this movie down. With an over simple narrative and a very negligent use for its main lead that is in itself shocking and somewhat disturbing. When we have such a strong lead, a strong personality of good stock and calibre then why oh why have him trussed up and spiting blood at the world in anger? This seems very much a wasted opportunity and a shame of not utilising your best asset. We can all blend in all too easily with the red-eyed madness, but there is only an individual before the transition, and this individual is sadly missed for all the wrong reasons.
Also, there is the use of the Stateside's (NATO Peaceforce) protectors, fair enough, but where does 28 Weeks Later explain the whereabouts of England's own protectors? It doesn't, they had all fled, as too did everyone else, but why had none returned? This is more bizarre and perplexing. A country, any country, would not leave itself open without seeing to its own concerns too? A Stateside sale and collaboration to drip-feed itself to a wider audience. This is the peril of the sequel, which 28 Days Later has succumbed too also. A bigger budget, a bigger profile and a bigger target audience. While not a slur on the US' but more a comment on "movie advancement" in general.
Finally, the general narrative is weak, apart from the decoration of death, disaster and decay that accompanies the mayhem of madness throughout, the story is shallow. A very simple and mediocre score that unfolds all too easily for all concerned in 28 Weeks Later. A jig-saw puzzle whose pieces fall into place at the right time for the right reason. Uncomplicated and a little uninspiring, but the bloodbath, saliva and guts covers this all too well. An all too predicable conclusion to a very imaginative concept, perhaps we'll see a better third act some time later?