A worthy entry to the Zombie sub-genre

Rating: 7/10 (15 February 2013)

Before writing the main part of this review, lets deal with something else first. There seems to be a lot of talk about Twilight series surrounding this film. The hatred for that series has become so intense – almost militant – that it is seeping into completely unconnected projects. Don't get me wrong, I am most definitely not a fan of those films, but they and Warm Bodies have about as much in common as The Whole Nine Yards and Godfather.
Warm Bodies is a fresh, if not completely original, addition to the Zombie genre. Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland have recently started to bring this horror sub genre to the masses by upping the laughs and limiting the gore; Warm Bodies takes it a step further by adding a much stronger romance sub plot (actually, it could be argued that the zombie apocalypse is the sub-plot here with the romance being the central plot). The film is not without its scares though. The zombies are self aware and for the most part, are not happy with their condition. Those that essentially give in to what they are gradually turn to "bonies" – skeletal creatures who are much quicker and more aggressive. Whilst for the veteran zombie fan, these will cause little more than a flutter, for the casual observer they are enough to give the movie an edge. There is also an excellent soundtrack full of classic songs.
There are a few questionable character decisions and bending of its own rules, which are used to take the action to its required destination. John Malkovich is also criminally underused for an actor of his ability and seemingly perfect fit in the role of chief zombie hater. Other than that though, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film with a decent, at times witty, script. There's even an early moment that suggests the film is going to tread in Romero's steps and be a social satire too. Unfortunately that never came to be though and ultimately that prevented this film entering the realm of brilliant.