"David, kill the Queen."

Rating: 7/10 (17 January 2019)

The "zombie" first appeared on film in 1930's with White Zombie. Still, they did not become horror staples until Night of the Living Dead (1968). Over the years, zombies have morphed and evolved from slow walking chumps into ravenous hell hounds. For over 70 years, zombies lived on solely within traditional horror. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright changed that notion forever with their breakout comedy, Shaun of the Dead.
Shaun (Pegg) is a droll waste of human existence whose mediocrity is only surpassed by his flatmate Ed (Nick Frost). After his girlfriend dumps him, it seems only the apocalypse could make life worse for Shaun. To viewer delight, that is precisely what happens. Armed with a sturdy cricket bat, a scraped shovel, and childish enthusiasm, Shaun and Ed set out, vying to survive. There is a sense of familiarity in these protagonists which warmly draws the viewer. We feel Shaun's worthlessness after the breakup. This is in part due to long tracking shots as he accomplishes his daily tasks. Furthermore, as Shaun grows to be a champion and a leader, the shots quicken and character movement grows exponentially.
Between laugh out loud Brit humour and animated gore, there are honestly sweet moments that further beg us empathize with Shaun. And that is the sign of a geat film. A film should grab hold of the viewer, place them in the hero's shoes, and excite them until the credits roll. For those reasons alone, Shaun of the Dead remains a cult classic worthy of praise seldom offered horror films or comedies. It defies two genres wholeheartedly while making no enemies along the way.