Shaun Of The Dead Review
By: Chris Akins
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield
Year: 2004
The first zombie movie I ever saw was the remake of the horror classic Dawn of the Dead. The second was the parady of that very movie, aptly titled Shaun of the Dead. I went in under the impression that the movie would be similar to American Werewolf in London, combining comedy and horror. I had no idea that I was about to witness the very pinnacle of film making. I often like to insert humor into my reviews by making fun of a films flaws, the only problem is, there are absolutlely no flaws to mention. Everything about this movie is sheer perfection, which is quite something considering the cast was new to film.
Now on the surface, this movie may look like nothing more than a "romantic comedy with zombies" (that was one of the best taglines for a film I've ever heard), but if you analyze it deeper, you can find the true genius behind the comedy. The movie uses very settle consistancies that will most likely be overlooked upon the first viewing (for example, the constant referrance to Shaun having red on him.) I must also give mention to the camera work, which is not something I normally notice. The camera seems to zoom in super close and move fast whenever someone is doing some normal or insignificant, such as brushing their teeth, conveying a sense of intense action. This comes off as quite funny seeing as they never do this when action is occuring. The dialogue is also spot on, being very clever, humorous, and ordinary. In other movies where characters are supposed to be friends, no one ever jokes around with each other, the humor comes from the fact that everyone is exceptionally mean to everyone else. Shaun of the Dead derives most of it's humor by incorporating dialogue that I would say to my friends. Perhaps the greatest triumph of this film is showing how friends actually talk on a day to day basis even in the middle of a zombie infestation. Something else I never mention, (though Mike seems to think can singlhandedly make a movie great) is the soundtrack (Yeah I know, he's an idiot). The soundtrack of this movie primarily consists of Queen, which is argueably one of the greatest bands in history (Not THE greatest, but one of em.) Freddy Mercury may have been gay, but that dude could belt (and blow). It also contains an ending that is just perfect for a zombie film and due to most of them being scary, no one else had done it. The ending of this movie felt like the beginning to the movie Fido, another excellent zombie flick (though not quite as good as this one).
I'm not saying that it's a better movie than the Dark Knight, as that was simply awe-inspiring (though I can still point out a few flaws). But for such an underdog film, it's simply astonishing how good it is. I would never have thought a comedy would end up being my favorite movie, but somehow, this one pulled it off. If you haven't seen this movie, go out and buy it now. Don't rent, BUY. If you have seen it, then watch it again. Chances are, there's something you missed.
10 out of 10 Nerdism Nerds.
