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Zombieland

Buzz says:   MPAA Rating: R
Current Showtimes: No showtimes available

I have never been a fan of post-apocalyptic zombie movies; so when I walked into see Zombieland, I did not have very high expectations. I sat down, popcorn in hand, and I waited for the disappointment to commence – however, it didn’t come. I knew immediately that a movie featuring “For Whom the Bell Tolls” as its opening song could not possibly fail me. And soon, I was watching an explosion of color and character in what is to be dubbed one of the freshest comedies of 2009.

Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a post-pubescent virgin with more survival rules than he has friends (#3: Beware of bathrooms; # 17: Don’t be a hero). He is making his way through the desolate zombie wasteland to his Ohio hometown when he crosses paths with the twinkie-addicted zombie-killer Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). In an attempt to each safely arrive at their destinations, they pair up. After a grocery store zombie battle, the two meet their match in the manipulative con artist sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). Following a few tricks from the girls, the quirky quad decides to take a road trip to the Pacific Playland - an imaginary amusement park that is rumored to be a zombie-free zone.

While dodging zombies, the fabulous cinematography lends itself to the funny bone of Zombieland with its 3D-esque effects that will make you think you'll get blood on your clothes. This movie is hysterically gory and graphic that it will make you wince, but you will never have so much fun watching a mallet go through a clown’s head.

In addition to the visuals, the casting of Zombieland is spot on. It has been ages since we have seen Woody Harrelson in anything worthwhile, but in this film we get to witness his comedic talent unfold as his twisted sense of humor enjoys finding new and demented ways to kill zombies (think hedge trimmers and a baseball bat). Emma Stone shows that she is more than a pretty face. Abigail Breslin adds comedy to her resume, and brilliantly pulls off the role of the wisecracking 12 year old. But, it is Jesse Eisenberg’s Columbus who brings the laughs full circle. Also, the third act comes with a surprise appearance from a famous fake zombie who’s just trying to fit in.

In short, Zombieland is a fresh and cool take on the undead –especially at a moment in pop culture when everything seems to focusing on vampires. Whether it be the cast’s chemistry, the comedy or the zombies, there is something for everyone. And while we are laughing the whole way through, we get to know the characters; we begin to empathize with them; we want Columbus to get the girl; and really, we do like to see them kick some zombie ass.