World War Z

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Tyler

I read Max Brooks' Zombie Survival guide but I've only managed to head some of the audio book of World War Z. (Awesome cast they got for that btw.) Suffice to say this film does not resemble what little I know of the book and nor do I think you could make a straight adaptation of it into a 2 hour film. It is a very globe trotting zombie adventure, which makes a nice change from the usual zombie fare. And the spectacle of this new breed of zombies, that swarm like ants high on red bull rather than shambling around looking for brains, is visually thrilling.

What doesn't work as well is creating any tension or empathy for characters. The episodic nature of the structure means we aren't with any one group for very long and our only guide is Brad Pitt, so you just assume he'll always get out fine. In that sense it does seem very observational, rather than emotional.

It's also hard to separate expectations from the widely reported production troubles and high profile writers that came onboard to re-write the end, extensive re-shoots and many many delays on the release date. I wonder what the original ending was supposed to be. What we are left with now for a resolution is a small first step towards recovery, but very much an open ending which makes room for sequels.

Now there are some really cool set pieces in each location. I loved the idea of a plane outbreak and also that idea that all the people that prayed to god caused the downfall of Jerusalem. Delicious. There's also an attempt to create suspense at the end with a sequence set in a hospital, but it doesn't really work, for reasons stated above.

I saw the film in 3D. It didn't really add that much. It's a pretty shaky-cam film too. There were one or two moments where, looking down a long corridor they add a lot of depth only to have a biter jump out right up close. But I think that works just as well in 2D. It's a pity they had to keep the rating PG, there is no blood associated with these guys. Gore hounds will be very disappointed.

I think this comes of as overly negative, but I did enjoy the film. It has some great visuals, a few nice new ideas but at the same time it just felt a little empty.