Zack Snyder's awesomely demented Zombie apocalypse Debut

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2009)

Imagine living your uneventful life, day by day as a nurse in a county hospital. Then imagine waking up one fine morning, just in time to see your sweet little 10 year old neighbor gnaw your husband's neck open, killing him! That's not all as your husband suddenly gets up again, blood-lust in his eyes and tries to eat you! Such is the plight of poor Anna. As she flees her suburban home, she is greeted with a world of chaos. Some form of infection that turns humans into bloodthirsty undead zombies after they have been killed is spreading across the globe. This infection spreads through bites received from other zombies and there is no cure. Anna bands together with a few other survivors, and together they try to whether the zombie apocalypse inside a mall. But sometimes, the greatest danger might not be the obvious danger. What started off as a normal everyday morning has now become a DAWN OF THE DEAD!
Love it or hate it, this remake by Zack Snyder is one of the finest horror movie remakes of the new century. Though it downplays the whole social satire/political undertones bit, it cranks up the action and drama. It can be argued that Dawn of the Dead 2004 is more of an action thriller movie than a horror movie; it is not scary aside from a couple of cheap shock moments. Snyder's versatile camera work and effective usage of slow motion enhances the impact of every gunshot, every limb severed and every zombie blasted to kingdom come.
But do not let all that action fool you, this film thrives on its well written script, good acting and characters. Granted that the characters are mostly action and horror movie stereotypes (tough guy, emotional damsel, kick a55 gal, sombre hero, etc) but it is the drama that ensues as the diverse cast of characters interact with each other that drew me into this film. All of the characters are fully fleshed out with their own attitudes, motivations and reactions to their current predicaments. Every one of them is easy to relate to as they represent the "every-man". Under all that zombie killing action, this is a story about how grave situations can unite the most unlikeliest of allies and bring out the best in most people. It is just that easy to get emotionally invested in this movie. The fact that the cast are relative unknowns with no big name stars makes relating to the characters so much easier.
One thing that stood out was Zack Snyder's usage of music and little nuanced references in the background to enhance the story such as the "hallowed grounds" coffee house where the survivors usually congregate and where they hold their funerals (references back to the old zombie movies where Zombies were considered unholy creatures that cannot harm people on hallowed grounds). The opening theme of "The Man Comes Around" set to scenes of Zombie carnage worldwide sets the overall subdued mood of a bleak post-apocalyptic land where Zombies rule the streets.
Fans of the original 1978 classic might not be too happy with the amount of liberties this film takes. The zombies, the cast of characters, even the setting and feel of the movie are all vastly different. However, one can see these changes as an improvement. For example the savage, fast running zombies(now immortalized in recent games like Left 4 Dead) are a lot more dangerous than the dim witted lumbering ones in George A Romero's classic. Also the special effects, cinematography and story pacing are all better.
Overall, Dawn of the Dead 2004 is an exciting, adrenaline charged piece of modern film-making that is sure to please any blockbuster fans. Horror fans may be a little let down by the lack of scares. Great makeup and effects, excellent acting from a cast of relative unknowns, and awesome cinematography coupled with an exceptionally witty script. The movie is well paced, never drags and has its fair share of sad and light hearted moments.(the best is the montage that plays over Richard Cheese's lounge version of "Down with the Sickness"). Easily the best remake of a classic horror movie ever and a real treat for any movie goer.
(Get the director's cut DVD. it's worth it)