World War Z...The Zombies Are Coming!

Disclaimer: Now let me make sure that I state that I have not read the book "World War Z", but after seeing the film I think I will. And let me also just say this the movie further piqued my interest to want to read the book! So some of the questions that I have may be answered once I dig into the text.

Ok now that I got that out the way let me just give you a few thoughts about the summer flick, World War Z. What perfect timing for a summer apocalyptic horror flick! Based off of the 2006 novel by Max Brooks, World War Z tells the story of a retired U.N. employee Gerry Laine (played by Brad Pitt) who must travel across the world to stop a zombie pandemic that is literally tearing apart the world.

This is not your typical zombie film, and I mean that in a good way. World War Z presents a gripping performance that is decent, but with that extra push it would give it an even bigger boost. The story and plot shed light on how you can be creative and innovative when it comes to making a zombie flick. Instead of just blood, guts, and gore we witness how a world is literally falling to pieces as the undying slowly takeover. Now how interesting is that, the undead controlling humans (something to marinate on). Instead of focusing on three or four different people and their stories, there is a focus on one family and the role that one individual has on saving the world. Now to some it may come off as "this white guy saving the world" gimmick, but I think it offers more. There is this notion of what one will do to sacrifice for his family, so that he can save mankind. The idea of self-sacrifice. And also we get to get a taste of the dynamics of what happens when you have just a little bit of power.

Here director Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace, Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball) brings us a straightforward film, minus all the bells and whistles, that gives you action, suspense, horror, and a touch of humor. With each passing minute it gets crazier and crazier as we watch the interactions between humans and zombies. If they could only communicate in a way that they would both understand, that would be the icing on the cake. Just imagine zombies coming after you from every corner, regardless of if your riding in a car, flying in a plane or just trying to break through the crowd. Hence, the CGI works really well as it make certain scenes that might have been dull become spectacular. It's not overly done and provides enough action to put this zombies on a very large scale.

Another key element of this film was the use of the word "zombie". This film could have easily went into overdrive with the fact this is set to be an apocalyptic/zombie film. Uniquely it actually allows for the concept/idea of 'zombie' to be normalized and not treated as a cliched term. Zombie was used so much that it became part of the normal/regular conversation, it was almost as if they were semi on the same level as humans (key word almost). So often zombie is used and seen in such a foreign way, that it was a bit a fresh air to see how it was used openly and honestly in such a serious matter.

Even with all the highlights, I will say there were some moments where I felt the story could have been developed more, and this would mean strategically building character stories as well as the overall story. This was definitely a film that should have taken advantage of the political and international context that were absent. Now I'm just guessing here, but I am sure this is definitely addressed in Brooks novel. So by failing to include that piece in the film kind of leaves the audience guessing and yearning for just a bit more story.

Needless to say, certain scenes in the film will make you literally jump out of your seat, others will make you laugh in a weird twisted way, and others will make you really think about what you just saw come onto the screen. Matter fact I will give you two pivotal scenes and when you watch it you will know exactly why I picked these specific two...
        a) Zombie as ants
        b) Black woman zombie

Both are creatively problematic and even at this moment still got me thinking. Without getting too critical these are areas that definitely needed to be teased out just a bit more for clarity sake. With that being said, the strongest point in this film comes from lead player Brad Pitt, in essence he literally carries the movie from beginning to end. Now this can be a good and bad thing depending on how you see it. Overall, in more ways than one, all the other actors can pretty much be summed up that they are definitely supporting cast members.

In addition to the role of the characters the special effects adds another layer that keeps you glued to the screen. I will admit there were some ridiculous moments and movements to make you say DAMN!! glad that was not me. At times one feels like they are literally right on set witnessing this epidemic. Interestingly enough, the story has just enough suspense and depth that you forget that it is rated PG-13.

Now I will end with this leave all expectations in the car, you will be better off especially as it relates to the ending. I personally think, without giving any spoilers, that the film ended appropriately. It was definitely not what I anticipated, but it works.

All in all, what I would find interesting about this film is that is based off of a oral history of this supposed 'Zombie War'. So obviously there brings a level of depth to the storyline considering oral history is a method that presents information regarding past events and memories to be preserved so that future generations can have some type of record of it. World War Z is definitely a movie I would recommend to see this summer, I would even go as far as saying bring the kids (age 12 and up). Here is an honest, modern day zombie flick that has the potential to even have a sequel (might be wishful thinking).

So if nothing else there are definitely some good movie previews that appear in this film (Pacific Rim, Elysium, Anchorman 2, Insidious 2, and The Wolverine). [ :-) ]

Rating: 8.5 out of 10