Reviews

Lets get this out of the way straight away THIS WILL BLOW PEOPLES SOCKS OFF. Im not kidding. I know people here are attracted to this genre for various different reasons but i'd like to think we all share some connection when zombies are involved. For me its the post apocalyptic scenario. I don't particularly need the gore element but it has its place when used well.

In Darabonts take on the apocalypse, you are there. The world is dead and rotting. The military have lost the battle. You wake up with Rick in this new world and get to explore it with him. Its the exposition of the pilot that will probably put the gorehounds off and lead to some small criticism from others. Personally, i want to see that. I want to know how society responded to the phenomenon.

Those who have read the comic books here know that Kirkmans trick is to get you attached to the characters, like you know them intimately, then kill them off. Here Darabont uses the same trick but not how you would expect nor with who you would expect.

Im personally invested in this series already. God knows what it will do to the average TV viewer. Im also not a particularly emotional person but i don't mind admitting that i was close to tears on a couple of occasions. There you go. I've said it. Just don't tell anyone.

I cant say enough about Frank darabont after watching this. He understands what this genre is all about and, more importantly, he understands Romero's zombie world. The zombies are Roamers and lurkers. They act how they should and you do feel sorry for them. This is explored really well. They are a small threat but in groups all riled up and hungry. Well, you know the rest.

The score is also outstanding. Very understated but poignant. The cinematography is worthy of a movie and the camera moves a lot. I cant recall any shaky cam which some people here seem to despise.

Kirkman, Darabont and AMC have come up with the series we have been waiting years for. Long may it continue, and you know what? I think it will. The balance is perfect between a horror film, TV show and intelligent drama.

Oh and btw. Keep getting people onboard with this. Co workers. Non zombie lover friends. Anyone. They wont think you're weird. They'll thank you. The Lost crowd are going to lap this up.

Just got back from the 2.35 showing and thought i would put down a few words about Land. I remember coming out of Day of the Dead being very disappointed. Looking back now i was expecting Dawn of the Dead part 2. Of course it wasn't. Even today i still do not rate Day very highly, i lose interest for the last half hour. I was not disappointed at all with Land of the Dead. In fact i thought it was very good. I think the movie has upset some people because they have tried to fit it somewhere in the timeline of the Dead series when its not. Day of the Dead for me was the end of the human civilisation. All hope was lost. A Rome like structured city full of people who are trying to "ignore the problem" just doesn't fit into the trilogy. "An all new cycle of horror begins" is a perfect tag line for Land of the Dead. Its definitely a Romero zombie movie, just not a dead series movie. Some of the imagery was wonderful. The bird in the cage. The people standing behind barbed wire fences, luggage in hand. The sky flowers. I must confess to reading the script and not expecting much which seemed to be confirmed by some of the scathing reviews, but i have been pleasantly surprised by a very good movie. I watched this one on my own on purpose for many reasons - mainly because i wanted to give it my full attention, but i also didn't want to see my friends rip Georges work to shreds if it stank. I'm happy to say it will be recommended to many people who aren't necessarily into zombie movies but will get the "message"

Bring on the unrated DVD. Then bring on a sequel

I too had heard good things about this movie and was eagerly awaiting its release. Boy was i disappointed. It is a valiant attempt, and there can never be too many zombie movies, but aside from the great special effects the experience was not a good one. There are a few really funny moments that made me chuckle but a lot of the humour is overdone and after a while it becomes tiresome. The lead character has a ridiculously put on "macho" voice that just annoys all the way through and its not hard to work out who dies in what order. I really wanted to like this and tried but it didn't work for me



5/10

I absolutely love this movie. I remember the reviews being harsh at the time of release which was expected considering the subject matter. Personally i always get something out of Luc Besson films as they are so beautiful to look at with sweeping camera shots that give an epic feel and this is no different. The humour contrasts very well with some shocking scenes that balance the film very well. Credit must also be given to the costume and set crew as the attention to detail is fantastic. This is a film to get lost in (like any good film in my view) and enjoy.

Forget about the historical events and enjoy filmmaking at its best.

8/10

I recently re-watched this after seeing it a long time ago and it is still as good as i remember. Story is sound, atmosphere perfect and the head explosion is still shocking. Michael Ironside puts in a good solid performance as usual and is convincing as the bad scanner. There are sequels but i haven't seen them so cannot comment.

Not sure but i think there is a remake in the pipeline.

7/10

With George Romero's trilogy (hopefully a 4th in the pipeline) it is very important which film you see 1st. For me it was dawn at the age of 11 via video & i was blown away mainly by the action & gore at that age. The other two cannot compete in my eyes & its the same if you saw night or day 1st. The version to watch is the american theatrical release which is paced just right with an excellent atmospheric soundtrack. As the story has been covered i won't go over old ground.

If you want to see this movie wait till anchor bay release the digitally remastered version early next year.

Quote "Shoot it man. Shoot it in the head"

Excellent