Much better than Dawn!

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2005)

This is what the zombie movie genre should have been. A comedy. I really disliked the original DOTD. I can see that it started a trend, but why is beyond me, since it's so appallingly bad. Not only is the setup a bit silly(slow-moving brainless easy to spot zombies taking over the world? Yeah, right) but the movie takes itself so seriously, and the fans even more so. Shaun of the Dead doesn't, and that's its strength.
The movie starts as a normal relationship comedy, and Shaun is our regular loser. The whole problem of the dead walking begins just as any problem; something you hear on the news but ignore because you have worse problems. People's reactions to the zombie plague (Don't say the "z-word"!) is actually pretty realistic and also funny.
The movie uses gore in a good way, and doesn't indulge in it, like the 2004 DOTD remake. Since this is not USA, the Londoners have to use cricket bats and umbrellas instead of shotguns and colts. The classic mall is replaced with a pub, and when Shauns mum tells him she's been attacked on the phone, she refers to the zombies as "a tad bitey". It's very British, and I love that.
The cast is good, especially Pegg, who shows a great range o emotions. The two usual zombie movie emotions, fear and expressionlessness, are nowhere to be seen. The supporting cast is good, and the zombie extras are great.
I recommend this movie to anyone who likes zombie movies, and to other people too. Unless you have a weak stomach, this movie is good for everyone.