Tuesday, November 16, 2010
ZANY ZOMBIES
Today's movie was
with Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson.
This is a very funny movie leavened by Jesse Eisenberg's beautiful acting. He is more than the sum of his parts. Rather than settle into the stereotype nerd role that would be so easy for someone of his physiognomy, he puts great subtlety into his serious and comic persona. I am familiar with the lovelorn virgin thing which is used here but it is new to see him running, jumping, smashing zombies with great relish. A hero.
Woody Harrelson brings us his redneck. Hardened so that his heart seems missing except when it is bleeding on his sleeve. Very good.
Further, the team work between these two actors is exceptional. There are many physical stunts which are clearly their own doing. They joke, they fight, they carry on as the only survivors of a world turned to zombieland. With two exceptions. Sisters, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone. It is a great breakthrough for Breslin who can now say that she has done her obligatory horror movie. Stone is tough and touching as Eisenberg's love interest.
Well, he is the only young man alive but it goes further than that. Their relationship blossoms and, again, Eisenberg brings real chops to this part of the story.
There is a cameo with Bill Murray. I felt a bit letdown by it but others have seen it as a great addition to the film.
In any case, it is not a big deal and the grand finale occurs at Pacific Playland Amusement Park which is supposed to be the only area in the world that is zombie free. Not.
I would easily see this film again and, as I believe Eisenberg has a long and fruitful career ahead of him, would include it in his film fest which we will have in ten or so years when he has an ouvré. I am looking forward to his work in Social Network. He is becoming a star. In the meantime, we can have fun with this and some of his other comedies.
I first saw him in The Squid and the Whale in which he soared.
I will give this a 4 or 5 out of 5. I will see how it settles between now and the time I have to rate it.
Labels: films
