Cold body. Warm heart.

Rating: 7/10 (6 February 2013)

Before the trailer was released, everyone thought "Warm Bodies" was going to be "Twilight with zombies," although some would argue that "Twilight" was already filled with zombies. However, I'm happy to put this issue to rest: "Warm Bodies" is nothing like "Twilight." They're not even in the same family tree. In fact, "Warm Bodies" is a clever take on the Romeo and Juliet story, spinning the zombie genre on its head. The way the film subverts and even breaks the rules of your typical zombie movie gave the film some freedom to play with the material that no other zombie movies have done before.
Now this may anger die-hard zombie fans, like how "Twilight" angered vampire fans. After all, zombies can't talk. That's just pure blasphemy! In this world, they do. Pure and simple. If it takes a film to break the rules in order to breathe in new life to a certain genre (i.e. "The Cabin in the Woods," "Scream") and to tell more refreshing stories, I want more filmmakers to start breaking the rules. "Warm Bodies" is unlike any zombie flick OR romantic-comedy you've ever seen before. It's original. It's unique. It's invigorating. It's just plain exciting to watch unfold on screen.
The film has its funny moments and its horror moments, but what really sells the film is its genuine heart. Its plea for hope, compassion, and empathy is something rarely seen in films, and it works without feeling like it's hitting us over in the head with it. There are moments where you get to know the characters - and I mean really get to know them - that are so poignant and unexpected that it hits you right in the heart. And I cried. Oh, yes, I did. Several times, in fact. It also helps that the film's leads, Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, are terrific and have great chemistry as well. Rob Corddry is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors, and he has some great moments in the film. Additionally, Dave Franco is pretty damn good, especially if you consider the unconventional way the filmmakers develop his character.
To say the least, "Warm Bodies" blew me away. It's an extremely well made film with an even greater story to support it. However, coming from "50/50" director Jonathan Levine, it also shouldn't be that surprising. "Warm Bodies" is already a contender to be one of the best films of 2013.