REVIEW: KL ZOMBI - Malaysia

Two months ago in June this year, I reviewed a local Malaysian film titled Pecah. The film was adapted from a novel published by Buku Fixi. It is quite rare to see Malaysian films adapting material from novels. For the second time this year, Buku Fixi has another novel being adapted to the big screens. The film title is KL Zombi adapted from the novel titled Zombijaya which was written by Adib Zaini.

KL Zombi is produced by Grand Brilliance and Light Bulb Pictures. The film is directed by M.J. Woo. This comedy stars well-known comedian Zizan Raja Lawak, Siti Saleha, Iedil Putra, Zain Hamid, Izara Aishah, and many more. Before I begin my review, here is the trailer:-

SYNOPSIS:
A young teenager is accidentally bitten by an animal which causes him to get sick. Little did he know that after a trip to the hospital, his infection would cause a zombie outbreak in Kuala Lumpur. Now, it is up to pizza delivery/hockey player named Nipis to stop the zombie outbreak.

SCRIPT:
KL Zombi bound to be drawn comparisons to other zombie-comedy films from Hollywood. In this case, it will be compared to Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Zombieland. The storyline is a no-brainer and predictable. The dialogue is cheesy but to certain degree, it works for the storyline.

Zizan Raja Lawak as the lead character Nipis

ACTING:
The film has a star-studded cast but the lead character Nipis played by Zizan Raja Lawak steals the show. Although some supporting characters did do well, it always goes back to Zizan. I would love to have seen more screen time for the leading lady played by Siti Saleha,

Zizan fighting Izara Aishah who plays his sister

FILMING:
Some of the shots were pretty nice in terms of colour and angles. The highest commendation has to go to the make-up effects department which did a good job for a local zombie film.

A behind the scenes photo of an actor in zombie make-up

PACING:
Just the right pacing for a comedy. Doesn't get too boring and has enough laughs to control the pace.

TONE (MOOD):
Comedy and gore with a light-hearted feel. (Is there such a thing?)

Actor Zain Hamid after being turned into a zombie

DOWNSIDE:
Major plot-holes in storyline but this has been sacrificed (I think) in favour of the action, make-up effects, and stunts.

UPSIDE:
The comedic performance of Zizan Raja Lawak which drew a lot of laughs. I could tell that he ad-libbed some lines.

Zizan Raja Lawak one-man show

OVERALL:
Its a long way to go for Malaysian films to make a good zombie film but this one is light-hearted and popcorn fun for the audience.

RATING:
6.5 out of 10