SHAUN OF THE DEAD

(2004)

directed by Edgar Wright

reviewed by Adam Armstrong

04.20.2008

So far, the best Romantic Zombie Comedy...

Shaun Riley (Simon Pegg) has found himself stuck in a mundane routine in a mediocre life. While Shaun has accepted his life and grown complacent with it, his girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield), wants a change of pace. When Shaun accidentally breaks a promise to Liz she dumps him. His responsible and increasingly irritated flatmate, Pete (Peter Serafinowicz), tells him he needs to get his life together and get rid of his best friend, Ed (Nick Frost), who is mooching off of him. Shaun finally comes to a decision to fix his life; unfortunately a zombie holocaust starts at the same time. Now, armed with a cricket bat, Shaun becomes a hero while trying to rescue his ex-girlfriend and mum (Penelope Wilton).

Directed by Edgar Wright (Spaced, Hot Fuzz) and written by Wright and Simon Pegg this movie is twenty-five kinds of great. SOTD uses a variety of comedic approaches such as slapstick, satire, irony, and observational giving it a well rounded feel. While being a comedy, the movie makes bolder and less veiled statements about society than its more serious counterparts. SOTD also has a running parody/salute to tons of movies that have contributed to the zombie genre over the years. A few well placed moments of seriousness actually help to suspend disbelief and make the movie overall more enjoyable.

Something that can be watched again and again for fans of the zombie genre: 5 out of 5

Purchase this DVD at Amazon.com: SHAUN OF THE DEAD