Expensive Bag of Tricks

Rating: 4/10 (22 September 2013)

This is a surprisingly unambitious effort to cash in on the zombie craze. With some very decent talent in the cast, a little energy on the other side of the camera would have made a world of difference. But no. The "suspense" relies on cliché plot devices at the level of a TV drama (car won't start when you are trying to escape; cell phone rings when you are trying to hide).
Pitt holds up his end of the bargain reasonably well, but there are no strong performances because the actors have too little to work with. Occasionally a writer managed to drop in potentially good moment or line ("Of course I'm not" could have been a memorable movie quote) get lost in the seeming rush to get it over with.
I thought the most promising character was the virologist, who actually seemed enthusiastic about playing his role. So of course HE doesn't last 5 minutes.