Zombieland is sugary, spicy and with a little dash of Murray.

Rating: 7/10 (28 October 2018)

While 'Shaun of the Dead' started the trend of blending the undead with self-referential comedy (and arguably the better film), Zombieland puts the "Z" in zany. Both a survival horror and a road trip comedy that has just enough memorability to justify its ridiculously short runtime, ultimately leaving the audience wanting more. After the world is ravaged by the walking dead, four individuals travel to California in search for sanctuary and nostalgia. It immediately starts with a montage of clips that outlines the rules our protagonist abides by. Ranging from the sensible fastening your seatbelt and maintaining cardio to the more specific such as avoiding public bathrooms. Accompanied with quirky narration, these are adhered to throughout the film and provide several scenes of callback humour. The characters are quickly introduced and grouped together as they journey to Pacific Playland, each harnessing personalities that make them relatable. Columbus is exaggeratively awkward whereas Tallahassee is the Twinkie-loving badass who relishes in slaying zombies. Perfect casting choices with Eisenberg and Harrelson, with the two exhuming onscreen chemistry. It makes for sufficient, albeit predictable, character interactions and development. Some of the humour misses, but for the most part it works well. The laughs do not come from "double tapping" zombies, but rather the quips and dialogue between these survivors. The highlight being the complete ten minute sequence set in Bill Murray's mansion, with an ingenious cameo from himself. There's just something about him reenacting 'Ghostbusters' that puts a twinkle in my left eye. More often than not, scenes are rushed in an attempt to stuff the film with as much content as possible. Realistically the runtime needed to be twenty minutes longer to further flesh out the characters and the romance. Still, Tallahassee got his Twinkie, and that's all that matters. Zombieland is just as amusing as the amusement park it concludes with. Bloody good fun. Sequel please!