Z/Web

Perhaps this film ought to be forgotten. Okay, it’s not that bad; the performances and presentation are sincere and it has some good moments (including a couple jarring shocks), but the entire movie is built around a single mystery that when revealed, isn’t at all compelling. (In case you wish to see the film, I’ll refrain from revealing the ending.) The premise is intriguing: a woman who appears to be suffering from a mental breakdown after her son was killed in a plane crash suddenly finds that all trace of her son’s existence is being wiped away. Picture albums are empty, people who knew her son suddenly don’t remember him, etc. She’s told she never had a son but imagined one after a miscarriage, including elaborate details. Even her husband agrees. So, has she lost her mind or did her son exist? It’s an interesting conflict, but unfortunately the film soon deviates down a strange path of shady government agents, a mysterious man who can’t be hurt, and more. Obviously some sort of conspiracy is at work, but who’s behind it? The answer’s a letdown. It’s not illogical or even implausible, it’s just too pat and not satisfying. The conclusion is also too easy. The film has some excellent scenes, but on the whole it’s awkward. The initial half, where you’re not sure what’s going on is exciting but you’re emotionally held at arms length from the characters since you aren’t sure if the mother is crazy or not. Later, when you realize she was right all along, the silly resolution to the mystery keeps you at odds with her. Thus the mother’s pain never truly resonates with the audience.

This British film has one of the best premises I’ve ever heard of: the dead come to life in London and admidst all the regular drunks, losers, and McJobbers, and no one notices! Hilarious. We cut from scenes of our loser hero staggering zombie-like out of bed and to a dead end job to scenes of real zombies lose in the world. While this movie is funny, I really hoped for some witty and piercing social commentary. Unfortunately, the film turns into a real zombie movie. In that respect, it’s very good within that genre, but without depth, the film’s nothing more than an elaborate gag. But it’s an excellent film, funny (not exactly a joke a line, but definitely comedic), intelligent, and cool. There are dozens of awesome scenes and killer moments. The zombie scares are good as well, though the humor takes the edge off the fear factor. The plot is merely survival as a loser tries to get back with his girlfriend by saving her from the zombies, and of course nothing goes as planned. The direction is wonderful, matching the film’s humor (somewhat similar to Raising Arizona in that regard), with a high pace, energy-filled shooting. Great stuff, though I would have liked it even more if it was a touch more thoughtful (like the original Dawn of the Dead).