A true masterpiece, this movie is the pinnacle of the horror genre

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2007)

Never before has a film had such a remarkable combination of perfect acting, an imaginative and lurid plot, and above all, believability. No movie has ever had such an impact on me, not even any of the hundreds of movies I have watched when I was a child. No accolades or awards will ever do this film justice. Dawn of the dead is the pinnacle of the horror genre. Nowadays, many movies have resorted to sudden plot twists and ridiculous dues ex machinas and other hanky-panky acting to keep its viewers awake. This is especially true in the horror genre. However, this movie of sheer perfection is completely realistic yet still contains all the undertones and values in United States as well as all the common plot devices.
A mere ordinary American is subjected to an unimaginable horror in a way that seems far less distant than the other scenarios in other movies. This American is neither an omnipotent hero nor a coward, but an ordinary American. At first, the death and carnage is shocking to her, along with many others she is stuck with, but in the mall with all the now-abandoned merchandise, a disquieting routine sets in that shows the characters happily enjoying the luxury of the place rather than thinking of solutions. Eventually, conflicts between the characters threaten the survival of all, while a vastly greater conflict looms. It is under the duress of this scenario that all the facets of the ordinary Americans brought together in the mall is represented. For example, CJ, the most colorful character is a problem solver and rational man who has the most exceptional physical abilities as well. Most of the other characters get in his way but all have different ways to respond to the situation. It is because of this realism that CJ's final heroic act (that would have only been written off as senseless violence in other horror movies) is so heart warming and powerful. That simple scene was the most powerful scene in any movie I have seen because it represents what a true American hero would do in such a scenario completely accurately. He doesn't have a full two minutes to say a goodbye to his girlfriend, he isn't gonna save all mankind by single-handedly stopping a barrage of nuclear missiles, he isn't going to protect earth from destruction by aliens, but he does act in the heat of battle to perform one final believable heroic act.
This is the only movie I would ever give more than a perfect 10/10 for, nothing compares to its elegance.