Can Zombie Flicks Continue to Stay Fresh?

Rating: 6/10 (19 August 2013)

Though my initial reaction to the trailer for this film wasn't all too favorable, the film itself just barely exceeded my expectations for the film to be mediocre. What saves this film from descending into the basic tropes and clichés of this genre is probably the massive use of locations and how they incorporate the zombies into it. The zombies in this movie are presented to be very ant-like, devouring structures larger than them in formidable numbers. The film actually tries to create original concepts around the zombies, and the question that's brought up in the film is why they aren't attacking certain people and whether or not the reason can be applied to all humans. This along with Brad Pitt's restrained but visibly concerned performance added a bit more uniqueness to the film. The locations vary from your typical action set pieces with mass confusion and chaos to quiet, rainy military bases where zombies are all but visible and lurking in the dark open. Both types have a level of tension to them. Though some scenes don't entirely hit the mark, most of them do have a thick tension in the air, especially the final sequence. The film's flaws do weigh it down, however. All the other actors are pretty typical and forgettable. The film's pacing becomes somewhat repetitive, as you find yourself just waiting for the talking bits that fill the gaps between each zombie sequence to be over (especially since the talking scenes aren't that interesting until the final set piece). Also, the film rushes in a second character to tag along with Brad Pitt when before she just appeared to be your background military personnel. I can forgive that, though, since the film is trying to pose a more realistic interpretation of this type of situation, even though when an airplane crashes, Brad Pitt and the girl are conveniently the only ones who live. I also think that the film is a bit too draggy at times. Maybe it treats itself too seriously. I mean, we've seen plenty of zombie films, and while this film does try to bring some more originality, I don't see why we should ultimately care. The film suggests a sequel in the future, but I don't see myself sitting through it. In the end, it basically brings up the same themes similar zombie films that deal with global viruses already have. I'd recommend at least one viewing, but I have no doubt this film will disappear into the void as one of those "other" zombie films that exist. 6/10.