I love Halloween and horror films. Last year I watched 31 movies in 31 days, and while I had a blast, it was extremely time-consuming. I wanted to do something similar this year without the time commitment. So I decided to let my followers and friends pick five films in four different subgenres, and at the end of the week, I’ll review and rank them.
The Zombie subgenre has long been a favorite of mine. Before The Walking Dead and Zombieland rejuvenated the undead genre, films like The Return of the Living Dead and Re-Animator were two of my favorite go-to Halloween watches. Most of the movies that you chose for me to watch I had seen before, but it certainly had been a while for most. I enjoyed re-watching/watching these films this week, and I honestly liked all of them.
5. World War Z
Marc Forster would not have been my first choice to direct this or any other zombie film, but it’s clear he knows how to structure a movie. A few high-profile Hollywood writers wrote the script, but Drew Goddard rewrote its last act. Goddard is probably best known as a tv writer with credits on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Lost. His best work has been on the big screen with films like The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods. This director and writer combination understands that small set pieces can be as impactful as CGI love fests. The first 3/4 of this film feels like a huge blockbuster and is a little bland. However, the last twenty minutes of World War Z are almost perfect. The tension and emotional weight ground the climax of the film. I didn’t love World War Z, but I certainly enjoyed it!
Rating: 6.5/10
4. 28 Weeks Later
28 Days Later is a seminal film in the zombie genre. I love the film, but I hadn’t seen the sequel since its release. It certainly wasn’t because it was a bad film. Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is a competent director, but what hurt this film was his frantic editing and camerawork. This style made the film feel unique; in 28 Weeks Later, it feels like a gimmick. The script is terrific, and the performances are off the charts. Imogen Poots is great, and the film rests on her shoulders. There are a couple of superstars’ supporting performances that help the film rise above mediocrity. Idris Elba and Jeremy Renner are both fantastic. Ultimately, this film is brutal and beautiful. Its allegory is something I strongly agree and it’s the main reason why I enjoyed it. The camerawork and direction aren’t the best and prevent it from achieving more.
Rating: 7/10
3. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
If Superbad were a zombie movie, I guess it would be this. Now let me be clear, Scouts vs. Zombies isn’t nearly as funny, clever, or good as Superbad. But it’s obvious this is what Christopher Landon was trying to accomplish. Landon is very talented. His films Happy Death Day and Freaky are genre gold. The humor in those films hit better and do a great job of subverting their genres. Scouts vs. Zombies isn’t without its laughs, but some of the jokes feel forced. Tye Sheridan is the perfect lead for this. He’s not super handsome, but he has a sly charisma. It also helps that he is an excellent actor.
Rating: 7.5/10
2. Train to Busan
I’ve been told to watch Train to Busan by several people, but I hadn’t pulled the trigger until now. I am not sure what made me wait, but I wish I had seen it sooner. It’s probably the most obscure film on this list, and it is Korean. Director Sang-ho Yeon delivers on an epic level. This film is fast-paced, gory, and might be the scariest film on the list. Gong Yoo is the lead, and his performance is frantic and fun. The real star of the film, though, is Yeon’s direction. The claustrophobic tension is, at times, almost unbearable. The plot builds, and characters are forced to do unimaginable things. The biggest issue with the film is that it abandons this tension, and the film devolves into a CGI blockbuster. This film is almost the exact opposite of World War Z. The beginning is so fun and tense that it makes up for the sloppy finish.
Rating: 8/10
- Dawn of the Dead (1978)
I don’t think it’s a surprise that George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead tops this list. Dawn is, in my opinion, the best zombie film of all time. Romero’s brilliant take on American consumerism is at the center of the film’s message, but he doesn’t beat you over the head with it. He also uses claustrophobia and monophobia (fear of being alone) as monsters. Each character is dealing with his or her own issues and is forced to face them head-on. The performances aren’t great, and the acting is sometimes cringe-worthy, but Romero does a great job of not making anyone carry this film. He keeps the film moving and evenly distributes the drama. Romero is also a master at getting “his shot.” There are several insanely good set pieces in Dawn. Romero had little to no budget for most of the films he created, and this hardship helped him develop a skill above any contemporary.
Rating: 9.5/10
Next week, I’ll be reviewing and rating slasher films. So go to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to vote on which movies I should watch!
