Strong Horror Movie

Rating: Null/10 (23 March 2004)

In a time when good horror movies are not the norm, this is very good one. I was on the edge of my seat all night and laughed when there were some good satirical moments, but often thought I did so 'cause I was so scared. I don't scare easy at movies, and am a horror junkie. I have seen all of the living dead's by Romero numerous times and appreciated the twist this movie gave to DotD. My gripes concern the over-similarities to "28 Days" (these movies were quite similar in many respects, as already noted by several reviewers), and illogic of the survivors at the very end in their escape plans (don't folks in zombie films ever see any zombie films? -- stolen from the NY Times film review of this movie..a very appropriate critique!).
The music was very good, the opening and closing credits very innovative and clever (and suspenseful), the cameos quite "winky," and the intermittent humor necessary.
Most of all, this movie was suspenseful. Fast zombies can be scary and slow zombies can be scary, depending on how the director handles the setting and action. These guys did a better job with the fast zombies than 28 Days did, but clearly, 28 Days paved the way. The acting here is strong (although their aint no Brendan Gleeson level actors, I've always loved Ving Rhames and Sarah Polley is strong, too). The guy who plays "steve" (noted elsewhere) has the opportunity to add some great spice, and he does it well (mr. dripping sarcasm). The pace is frenetic, and the lack of explanation right on. That only adds to the "dummying down" of such movies. The destruction of suburbia was brilliant. This was a well-done movie, and when compared to contemporary horror flicks, at or near the top (10 stars). When compared to other flicks in general, I would give it 7 stars.