Zombieland is a bloody good time

“Zombieland”
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Rated: R
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone,  Abigail Breslin
Release Date: 10/2
Rating: B+

It is unnerving to take such delight in zombies feasting on human flesh and bone marrow, but “Zombieland” makes the whole apocalypse scene seem like a day at the beach.
Within minutes of the film’s start, blood is spurting and dripping across the camera and the only response is nervous laughter. The carnage lasts throughout, and so do the laughs.
Columbus (Eisenberg) narrates the film as he tries to make his way back home with hopes that his parents have not yet been zombified. He has survived because of a list of rules he has made while avoiding and killing zombies. He follows these rules religiously, until he crosses paths with another survivor, Tallahassee (Harrelson).
Harrelson’s character’s sole delight in the world is zombie killing. He makes his way through the wasteland America has become, using a variety of items to skull crush the flesh eaters. Unlike Columbus, he is not careful and does whatever is necessary to take care of anything that crosses his path.
The unlikely duo smashes through zombies with shotgun blasts, banjo head smashes, garden shear throat slashes and a number of other creative kills. The two enter a grocery store to try and fulfill Tallahassee’s never-ending quest for Twinkies when they come upon a pair of other survivors.
Wichita (Stone) and Little Rock (Breslin) are on their way to California in hopes of reaching an amusement park, which could provide safety for survivors.
The film doubles as a road-trip and zombie film, succeeding within each genre.
Harrelson is the film’s star, dropping one-liners through a thick southern drawl. He is the perfect accompaniment to his younger trip mates, as he is less mature than even 12-year-old Little Rock.
The film does not bring anything new to the screen, but with such a strong cast and script, the film is a winner. One of the greatest cameos in history helps its case as well (no spoilers here).
Through all the blood blood and loads of laughs, “Zombieland” is one of the year’s funniest and most enjoyable films.

Luke McCormick can be reached
at 536-3311 ext. 251.