"World War Z"

[Originally posted on 6/20/13]

From June 18 press screening:  I've never been a fan of zombies, but thought I'd go see this for the big-budget blockbuster factor. 

Adapted from Max Brooks' novel, the movie opens almost instantly with chaos, attack from the zombies.  The first infection and transformation from human to zombie looks pretty cool, but loses its novelty fast.  The zombies are full-on CGI, fast-running and swarming like ants.  They actually look pretty funny (watch for the teeth! :-)), although I'm not sure if they're intended to be.  One of the funniest scenes is the hide-and-seek scene at the WHO facility where the main characters are trying to get to some vials in a secured laboratory room in a desperate attempt to find a potential cure for the pandemic. 

The emotional element is minimal, and it's not with the hero's (Gerry Lane, Brad Pitt) family; it's the connection the former United Nations worker forms with a wounded Israeli soldier.  They do a good job in ratcheting the urgency and horror, in close quarters and globally.  But it's clear that while the stakes are high, nowhere do we feel that Gerry is harmed.  It's a don't-worry-Brad-is-gonna-save-the-world kind of deal, a very Hollywood American hero. 

Bottom line, it's pretty entertaining as a summer flick, but it's hard to take seriously, and if you're a true zombie fan, you may be disappointed.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-reviews-world-war-z-and-now-you-see-me/

DVD: http://tinyurl.com/mt6ysxa

DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/ksm2y4j