Nice action, but it lacks soul

Rating: 6/10 (20 May 2009)

I had a low level of expectation when I rented this movie because you just can't hope for too much when preparing for a horror flick. However, a GREAT beginning immediately raised the bar. Both the "before and after" sequences in the Milwaukee suburbs and the opening credits were thrilling, chilling and fabulous.
Much to my disappointment however, things become much more predictable and clichéd when they all get together in the mall. The characters I found hard to really care for, or at least dislike because, even in the case of a good actress like Sarah Polley, they're not very well sketched. The mall itself, what purpose did it serve? As many other reviewers have pointed out, in the original movie social commentary was everywhere and the mall, the ultimate symbol for (especially suburban, middle-class) consumerism, was an ideal location. Plus, the zombies kept wandering around the shops, which was funny! This movie lacks, besides a political slant, a good sense of humor. Even the celebrity-shooting scene I found somewhat uninspired (although many find it hilarious, so to each his/her own).
The good points however are the pace (which allows for repeated viewing) and, if we judge the movie strictly by its own merits (ignoring the fact that it claimed to be a remake of something else, which could have been left out because it's a DIFFERENT movie), that it's a dignified horror and action story, decently acted and has a couple of memorable moments, which is a lot right now. Don't expect too much and you'll be okay!