More Britcoms should be like this

Rating: Null/10 (10 October 2004)

SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004)
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Dylan Moran, Lucy Davis, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy
In a year where the zombie flick has all but been resuscitated, what with the enjoyable remake of Dawn Of The Dead and a sequel for Resident Evil (although the less said about that, the better), it's kind of funny that the best film of this kind to come out has been more funny than frightening. Former "Spaced" co-collaborators Simon Pegg (who also plays the title character) and Edgar Wright treat us to their own homage to George A. Romero's Living Dead films, ably assisted by a likable cast. Basically, Shaun Of The Dead is what it says it is on the cover - a (very amusing) romantic comedy with zombies. One that manages to be scary and quite touching despite its non-serious approach. If it weren't for the gore (which we now have to accept as a necessity in zombie films) I'd recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it without a doubt. Suffice to say the target audience won't care (and they'll love the soundtrack as well, I'm sure), but we've got to think of everyone here. That said, after having seen this I seriously believe that more British comedies should follow Pegg and Wright's approach.
(NOTE: The DVD contains many worthwhile extras. And, apparently, Pegg and Wright have landed cameo parts in George Romero's next zombie film - Land of the Dead.)
Rating: **** (out of *****)