Laugh? I nearly died...

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2004)

Shaun of the Dead is the best british horror movie in a long time, and the funniest film I have seen in years. It starts off with its message clear and bold - when you spend every day of your life doing the same mundane thing, are you really living?
Shaun lives with his mate Ed, a complete waste of space. His job is boring. He spends every night in his local, much to the despair of his girlfriend, who wants a little bit more from life. His life is going nowhere, and he is on the verge of losing everything. Then zombies start appearing...
This film could have been so bad - a "Romzomcom"? But through the spot-on acting and brilliant, sharp direction by Edgar Wright, it has a vivacity that never lets up. I have never watched a film before with so many laugh-out-loud moments. The cast, made of the cream of modern british comedy, really breathe life into their characters. Simon Pegg as Shaun, shows our hero as just like the rest of us, but is excellent in a role that goes through a roller-coaster of emotions. Special mention must be given for Bill Nighy's short but poignant role which provides a turning point for our intrepid survivors.
I was worried if the film would stretch to feature length given the TV pedigree of the cast and crew, but the time flew by, and I was especially pleased with an ending which was true to the spirit and humour of the rest of the film.
Go see this film. It is worth it. I'd like to say my wife enjoyed it as well - it is the first film where she has laughed while hiding her eyes in my armpit!