Review-Shaun of the Dead

Rating: 9/10 (2 April 2017)

Review: Shaun of the Dead 'Shaun of the dead' directed by Edgar Wright is a loose parody of 'Dawn of the Dead' although the similarities are just the name and the zombies. It is the first film of the cornetto trilogy starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. It is a zombie, comedy-horror, romance film and is in my opinion the best of the cornetto trilogy films. Released in 2004 it is about a man who decides to turn his life around and get back with his ex-girlfriend, reconciling with his mam and dealing with an entire community which has turned into zombies. Shaun, played by Simon peg, is a pretty average person. He works in a television sales shop. One day he decides to win his ex-back, and make up with his mam and his step-dad all the while a zombie apocalypse is going on. One thing this film does well is it picks and chooses what type of genre it want to be in different scenes. One minute its horror than its comedy, then drama, then a bit of romance and sometimes a mix of all. That's what this film does best and what makes it so good. One of the standout scenes in the whole film is when Shaun walks to the shop for the second time. The first time he goes at the start of the film it cements what a loser he is but the second time it is pretty funny. He groggily walks to the shop and as he's just out of bed he's not fully awake and doesn't notice what is happening around him. Zombies are all around him and he hasn't a clue, it is hilarious. It is a very well shot scene and sets up the humour side of the film. What I liked about this film as well is that it had a relatively low budget and the special effects still hold up today. The goriest scene in the film is when a man is ripped apart and it holds up today. There is no CGI used and I appreciate that. The practical effects are spot on. Another great thing about the cornetto trilogy, not just Shaun of the dead, is the relationship on screen between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. They work very well together, playing off one another. The script is very funny and well written by Edgar Right and Simon Pegg. The camaraderie between characters especially Shaun and Ed. Also with their other housemate Pete. Finally the ending is very funny and without giving too much away I could see the commercialization of zombies if there ever was an apocalypse. In conclusion 'Shaun of the Dead' is a very well written, exciting, witty, gory, fun film. The acting, writing and visuals are great. If you liked it I would wholeheartedly recommend seeing the rest of the collaborations between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. All in all I give it a 9/10. It's a must see.