Engaging enough but overrated for sure

Rating: Null/10 (26 September 2004)

As another Brit comedy flick, Shaun of the Dead certainly has some illustrious peers such as Lock Stock and 4 Weddings. However, while it's certainly not in the same league as any of these it still holds its own reasonably well.
Simon Pegg is Shaun, an average joe sales assistant in a fairly crummy flat with very little to look forward to. Ed is his best friend and flatmate and when everyone begins to turn into a zombie (This one ain't overly realistic) they put together a motley crew and set out to survive the onslaught of the dead walking.
Yes, more than a nod towards the Romero 'Dead' trilogy is in evidence here, not least of all in the *name*. Plenty of other homages are showcased but it obviously helps to have seen the originals otherwise you just won't 'get' them.
This *is* a comedy, but it lacks a lot of laughs, and that is the main criticism. When it tries to be funny it succeeds, but it doesn't try often enough. This is a huge shame. There are many moments of amusement which aren't belly laughs, but for a comedy you expect to laugh out loud a little more often.
A very clique cast is featured here, with actors and actresses who are known as off-screen friends playing most of the main roles. That chemistry works on screen in places but not all.
The direction does what it's supposed to without being especially inspiring, and the acting is sitcom standard.
Overall it's decent enough entertainment, but ultimately it could have been a bit better.