Is there hope amidst the chaos of an apocalyptic world?

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2013)

World War Z has the look and feel of just another zombie movie, but with a gloomier and more realistic background than the average suspense flick. Who scratches the Hollywood coating off the surface, finds a seriousness underneath that can't be ignored. Sure, the movie has A- lister Pitt in a heroic role and of course this movie is made for your entertainment. Still, it addresses a valid point; the human race is more vulnerable than ever in our global village, but it never preaches. Whether it was the screenwriter's intention or not, World War Z is not about zombies. The undead are brutal – fast, vicious and deadly within seconds – but the biggest fright does not come from these creatures; it is knowing that there is nowhere to turn from a virus that is making victims so quickly that there is no escaping from it.
Although marketed as a zombie movie, the movie feels more like a horrific detective. Although the hero is looking for an answer amidst the chaos of a changing world, it is knowing that due to our global network the virus cannot be controlled what makes you feel uncomfortable, if not claustrophobic. The pace of the movie is good and the storyline gives you enough background to understand the helplessness of the human race. Even though the movie is filled with characters who you don't feel for, the ever present dread and suspense are enough to keep you tot the edge of your seat.
One of the movies strengths is that it shows you just about enough to feel the anxiousness and the agony of the human race, but also leaves many questions unanswered, which makes it gritty and ominous.
The acting is decent, but at times lacks inspiration. Scenes are shot decently and Forster knows how to push the story forward when necessary, while at other crucial times he slows down to stress a point. The ending is predictable, but that should not stop you from watching this movie. While it is still way out of the league of 28 Days Later, World War Z is a welcome addition to the zombie-suspense genre.