Good solid fun

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2009)

Poor old Zombieland. It is always going to be the second zombie comedy and, to that extent, it's always going to be in the shadow of Shaun Of The Dead, but that doesn't mean it's inferior, because it isn't. It is, however, very American in contrast to Shaun's extreme Englishness.
There is little in the way of story, but a fair amount in terms of character work. And all the characters are likable notwithstanding their substantial flaws. The humour, of which there is plenty, flows naturally from the characters and their situation, and the splatter effects are fine (these, by the way, are the modern, new, go-faster zombies, not the old stumbling around type).
All four main characters are well played, with Woody Harrelson enjoying the opportunity to play broad. Jesse Eisenberg seems born to play everynerds, although I find his resemblance to British stand-up comedian Alan Davis somewhat distracting. I am very taken with Emma Stone - having seen her now in The House Bunny, The Rocker and now this, each time she has done well with very different characters. And I think Abigail Breslin is going to have a very effective transition to grown-up actress.
This movie entertained me solidly all the way through and I recommend it.