Really really bloody good! small spoilers!

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2005)

When i first saw the trailer for Shaun I thought it was a spoof but after watching it i realised that it is so so so much more. The film works on so many levels which is the main reason i like it so much.
On one level it is an excellent Zombie film with some of the best special effects in the genre. The zombies are perfect, the blood isn't over-kill or suggestive but a perfectly gory balance between horrific and subtle. With this, the climactic sequence is tense, scary and effective where it could have easily failed if it were helmed by another director.
Another level the film works at is it's fine grasp of comedy. Of course this is for many the main attraction and the Spaced comparisons are inevitable. Yes its like Spaced, No it isn't better but it isn't worse either. Where spaced was a surreal fanboy orientated sit-com, Shaun is a less-surreal fanboy orientated rom-com. Spaced wouldn't have worked as a film because it is written in episodes and is to hectic however, Shaun is set at a different pace with more realistic settings and characters. The fanboy homage's are still there, references to Raimi and Romero are excellently handled, but this time round Edger Wrights direction has matured and he has made his own style from his influences. Now rather than rip-off camera work we have subtle inserts which are fun for everyone and mean that little bit more to those in the know.
The film also showcases some fine scripting, performances and acting as well as some astonishing set pieces. There are spoofy moments such as the Queen/pool battle and the ambitious use of vinyl as a zombie deterrent but the film isn't just a spoof reel like Scary movie or Hot Shots. Shaun of the Dead is in it's own right a classic horror comedy. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's double act of Shaun and Ed is inspired and touching and even outdoes Tim and Mike their roles in Spaced. Nick Frost's Ed is so good because he is so real, he's such an honest portrayal of the best mate who you can't quite let go. He's also wonderfully politically incorrect with lines like "wassup nigga's" and "alright........gay" which could easily offend but don't because they are so effectively delivered there's no doubt that no harm is meant.
Overall Shaun of the Dead is bloody fantastic and I recommend it to all! I give it a nine out of Ten. It loses a point because I feel it slightly lacks the feeling of alienation and apocalyptic atmosphere of the Romero greats but is so effective never the less I don't really care.