Trilogy Week #44 - Zombies!

It's now October, so now it's horror month. This week we're talking zombies. With three different types of zombies. The classic slow moving, lumbering zombie, the talking brain eating zombie, and the modern running zombie. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. But which one is your favorite. Well if you are undecided, maybe these will help your decision.

Title: Night of the Living Dead
Year: 1968
Director: George A. Romero
Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, Kyra Schon
Rated: UR
Running Time: 1hr. 35mins.

My Review: This movie is very tame for today's traditional standards. Which surprises me because, this movie was very scary for it's day. There was a gimmick that you would sign a $10,000 life insurance policy if you died from a heart attack while watching the film. I Think this film is fine for a 10 year old to watch. Although they might find it to be very boring. It has a very slow pace, the actors are not great, absolutely no gore, except for the 2 second shot of a decade face at the top of the stairs. But the reason why I enjoy it, is the very clever way that the characters interact with each other. That's what the real story is. And the interesting camera work. I don't know if it's because Romero didn't know where to put the camera, or that he is that brilliant of a film maker. But I think it works very well for this film. And it's bleak ending is very shocking for its time. 6 out of 10 bottles of bosco syrup.

Title: The Return of the Living Dead
Year: 1985
Director: Dan O'Bannon
Cast: James Karen, Thom Mathews, Clu Gulager, Don Calfa, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Beverly Randolph, Jewel Shepard, Linnea Quigley, John Philbin, Brain Peck 
Rated: R
Running Time: 1hr. 30mins.

My Review: A very original take on the myth of zombies. Literally taking the story of Night of the Living Dead and flipping it on it's head. Very tongue and cheek, which works very well for this story. I don't think I could see talking zombies saying "brains" seriously. I really like the plot of the two main characters going through the stages of death, and being conscience of it. If you haven't seen this before, it's worth it just to see the tar-man. With his slimy black body, and crazy marionette gate, as he try's to chase his victims. A must see for zombie lovers.8 out of 10 naked punk chicks

Title: Zombieland
Year: 2009
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigale Breslin, Amber Heard, Bill Murray
Rated: R
Running Time: 1hr. 27mins.

My Review:  I love this movie. It's a lot of fun to watch. And you can tell that the cast and crew had a lot of fun making it. This was supposed to be a TV series, that would have had a kill of the week each episode, but it didn't get picked up. I hope the popularity of this movie helps make it a reality some day. Jesse Eisenberg is ok in his role, but Woody Harrelson is perfect. A very simple story with some great zombie gags. 9 out of 10 twinkies.