Zombieland Double Tap Review
- G
- Nov 3, 2019
- 3 min read
After two weeks I finally got to see this movie I've wanted to see since it was announced. Totally not upset I had to deal with one of the worst audiences ever, with two girls under the age of 10 in the row behind me talking because they clearly weren't interested in an absolutely not for children movie, and the other handful of people on their phones and talking. It was a weird choice but at least the parent who brought her kid into my showing of the lighthouse was slightly older (still young) and he just fell asleep so he wasn't talking.
Story- Taking place ten years after the first film, logically, the gang is back together to mow down some zombies in stylish fashion. This time around, Little Rock is sick of hanging with the adults and would like someone closer her age to hang out with. She takes off one day, content to find someone with Wichita, when they come across Berkeley, who Little Rock runs off with. Now it's up to the gang to get Little Rock back. The story is a bit loose, and there are some plot contrivances and some serious deus ex machina moments, but overall I think the movie was enjoyable. The writing did feel stale at times, but there were some really funny moments that made me laugh a fair bit.
Cinematography/Props/Editing- Honestly one of my favorite parts of this movie is the cinematography. The shots were either dynamic or just very seamless and unique. There was one scene in particular following three of the characters having a simple conversation down the hallway and the steadicam just made it so smooth. The color pallete as well was very full considering the movie takes place in a post apocalyptic world. The props were good, and they utilize a set piece with different props that I really enjoyed. The editing was also solid, and I appreciated the use of practical effects over CGI for the most part. Gore fiends will love this movie.
Acting- Some people really can't stand Jesse Eisenberg, much like how people feel with Michael Cera, but I really enjoy his acting. I think it's because I can somewhat identify with the awkward characters that he plays, and he just has really good comedic timing. Woody Harrelson is Woody Harrelson, but that ain't a bad thing. I love Emma Stone, and she puts in a great performance, you can tell she enjoys the character and her personality. Abigail Breslin was a bit angsty but not unlikable, which is a relief . I know she's a minor character but Zoey Deutsch is hilarious in this movie as a ditzy blonde. Usually characters like this irritate me immensely, but she really sold it and gave me a new impression to try and nail down. There is also one of the funniest cameo mid credit scenes in a movie ever, hands down.
Directing- I really like Ruben Fleischer. I feel like the projects he's involved with he genuinely enjoys, which makes it a lot easier for the audience to enjoy themselves as well. I think he directed his actors well, had ideas of where he wanted the story to go and had it flow well enough, and made it a visually appealing movie. I'm definitely partial to his movies, so I'm curious to see what he chooses next.
Soundtrack/Audio- With the exception of another fun use of Metallica as the opening theme, this movie was actually pretty subdued with its use of licensed music. It definitely focused more on the score, which I will say did feel very familiar from the first, and I even mentioned to my friend afterward that it sounded like they used the same track from the first movie's climax in the climax of this movie. Not that it was a bad track, I just would've liked a few more risks to be taken.
Final Verdict- B+. While it didn't do anything to reinvent the formula, I don't really think it needed to. It's a silly, enjoyable comedy with some great pop culture references from way back when, which aren't hamfisted and I appreciate.
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