Zombies are practically ubiquitous in pop culture these days. In fact, there’s countless mediums and pieces of work dedicated solely to these monsters. Some argue there’s too much right now. Well Zombieland: Double Tap doesn’t care, and that’s part of what makes it so fun.
Few people can deny the cathartic feeling of watching people mowing down zombies with high octane action. There’s a reason zombies haven’t gone away for so long. This film knows it, and delivers a story filled with zombies, action, and plenty of laughs. It’s a shame it’s very derivative though.
10 years after surviving the events of Pacific Playland, the crew: Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock are honing their zombie killing skills. But being isolated can be hard. And so Little Rock decides to flee the nest with a pacifist she encounters on the road. Now, everyone else must find her and save her from the growing threat of evolving zombies.
The biggest positive is that this film is incredibly faithful to its predecessor. Which is also it’s biggest flaw. It captures the same heart and tone, but sadly chooses to rehash a lot of similar jokes and lines. So if that’s what you’re looking for, than this is the perfect sequel. Though others wishing for some more originality should brace themselves.
Also really good is the acting, these characters are immensely likeable. Jesse Eisenberg is delightful as the relatable Columbus, Woody Harrelson is a zany and over the top Tallahassee, and Emma Stone is badass and funny as Wichita. Though sadly Abigail Breslin’s Little Rock, while good, just isn’t in the film enough to really shine.
There’s much more action in the film too which is very fun to watch. There’s one scene in particular inside an Elvis themed motel that stands out as the best scene in the movie. Fans of zombie slaughtering action will definitely find their fulfillment here.
Fans of the previous film will like this film. So will fans of action-horror films with zombies. Younger viewers may be uncomfortable with the dark tones, gory action, and vulgar language. Parental discretion advised.
Zombieland: Double Tap doesn’t quite land every shot, but mostly because it tries to reuse the same ammo.
Zombieland: Double Tap
7 out of 10
1 hr 37 mins. Comedy, Action, Horror.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, and Rosario Dawson.
Now playing at Cineplex Winston Churchill Cineplex Oakville & VIP.
