Shaun of the Dead is like the spoof of the original Dawn of the Dead, and is directed by Edgar Wright. I remember seeing the original black and white horror film and it is an accomplishment for its time, but a little short of success if it came out nowadays. Mostly because it built up to much suspense and had a great score, but went downhill when it came to the resolution. Anyhow, this version is greatly adapted to fit our short attention span when it comes to brilliant flics. I suppose that’s the general charm of most movies that come from the United Kingdom (and basically everywhere else other than the Americas…) There’s a certain essence that we just don’t see in many American films that other movies from other nations have. It’s either pure ingenuity or brains, which many films that originate from Hollywood today don’t possess either quality. The story pivots around our couch potato hero named Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his simple lifestyle. He lives under the same roof as two of his other mates, Ed (Nick Frost) and some shmuck that is a real wanker (I love Brit lingo!) that neither Shaun nor Ed like. Shaun works at an electronics store as one of the assistants and has troubles in his relationship with his girlfriend (well, that’s not really a set priority for Shaun…). Aaaand he hates his mum’s second husband who’s been with her for a good part of his life! It’s something adorable to see a grown man groan as he corrects everyone that his so-called father is his step dad. As the story unfolds, we see hints of something wicked that is coming. Shall I even dare utter what it is?
Overall, the film is lush with comedy, gore and moments of reconciliation. The camera shots gave the full effect to the entire film. The zooming in when it came to Shaun brushing his teeth and getting ready for work or Shaun and Ed’s plan for rescuing the family from the zombie epidemic. There are certain things that we can relate to; those annoying friends that your bf/gf hangs out with when you neglect your significant other, the family dramas, those mornings where you wake up like the living dead and inside jokes with your best mates. It’s a film where it makes you loosen up after a long day, or wind down another well spent afternoon, doing positively nothing. If you don’t experience a moment or two of giggles or laughter, then check yourself up to the nearest morgue!
Rating: Four bloodied cricket paddles
Line in my Mind: “Alright, gay!”
Best Scene(s): Shaun’s infantile reasoning for everything.
Shaun and Ed’s first contact with zombies.
That darn radio playing at random moments.
Advice from the reviewer: Nothing that I can think of, amazingly. I feel generous.
Outside Sound Bytes: My hysterical laughs
Oi!! Cricket Paddle!!! *runs about hyper-ish*