REVIEW: WORLD WAR Z

Zombies. An interesting sub-category in the action adventure genre. There have been many good zombie films in the past, notably; 28 Days Later (2002), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Night of the Living Dead (1968) and many more. Since the genre is rarely seen in cinemas, this would be interesting to review, especially when the credits included an almost 'who's who' in the Hollywood entertainment industry. The film is adapted from a novel of the same name which was written by Max Brooks.

World War Z is directed by Marc Foster (Quantum of Solace, Machine Gun Preacher, Stranger Than Fiction). The film stars mega-superstar Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Fana Mokoena, and many more. Aside from Pitt as one of the producers, Ian Bryce (all Transformers films, Saving Private Ryan, The Island) is one of them too. It is adapted to a screenplay by J. Michael Straczynski (Thor), Matthew Carnahan (The Kingdom), Drew Goddard (Cloverfield, Cabin in the Woods), and Damon Lindelof (the last two Star Trek films, Prometheus, Cowboys & Aliens). I was mystified by the credits of the production team but was I zombified by the film? Do read on.

SYNOPSIS:
A retired employee of the United Nations Gerry Lane is forced by his former subordinates to help the planet solve a massive zombie crisis. Along the way, he discovers a trail of clues which would lead him to many problems.

SCRIPT:
A very good script. I like scripts which on the surface may have a lot of technical jargon to explain (like science-based films) but easier to understand. This script was the latter, easier to understand. It focuses on the pursuit for clues throughout the plot. However, there was lack of characterization.

I must save my family first. Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane.

ACTING:
Speaking of lack of characterization, the film was dominated primarily by star Brad Pitt, with the other supporting cast diminished greatly. Though Brad Pitt gives a fine performance, it was not as memorable as his previous films. The supporting cast of relative unknowns were okay.

Gerry Lanne (Brad Pitt) attaching a bayonet to his rifle.

FILMING:
In my opinion, director Marc Foster excelled in this. He and director of photography Ben Seresin composed some magnificently beautiful shots. It was a mixture of handheld and aerial camera work. The editing could have been tighter to make it snappy. A good amount of scare for the audience.

A scene from the film with Gerry Lane (Pitt) and his family.

PACING:
Not too fast and not too slow. Just moderate and not boring. The film goes straight into the action after the first 5 minutes.

TONE (MOOD):
Suspense does not escalate but scattered around the film well enough. May not be suitable for young children.

Gerry Lane (Pitt) on the hunt for a cure of the pandemic.

DOWNSIDE:
Lack of characterization which I felt could have been developed more. Less blood and gore compared to previous zombie films.

UPSIDE:
Good audience reaction. Some few parts could make you cringe.

Lets fight zombies together as a team, shall we?

OVERALL:
Good zombie film but still not as good as Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10