18/50x2: Zombieland

This was one of the few films on my list I was apprehensive about watching. I have stated many times my lack of joy for gore-type horror films, but I had heard so many great things about this, including how hilarious it was, and that the gore was somewhat tame. So, I gave it a shot.

And, I am glad I did.

"Columbus" (Jesse Eisenberg) is a college student and one of the few unaffected humans still living in Zombieland, which is what Columbus has affectionately called the planet now. Apparently, a bad strain of mad cow disease has changed most humans into cannibalistic zombies, and Columbus is one of the few fighting to stay human.

He lives his life by a series of rules, like always checking in the back seat, to ensure his survival. He is currently trying to make it back to Columbus, Ohio to see if his parents are still alive or if they have been affected by this as well.

Along the way he runs into "Tallahassee" (Woody Harrelson), who actually seems to enjoy living in this new world. His goal throughout the entire film is to find a Twinkie - and loves killing zombies.

While searching a grocery store for Twinkies, the two stumble across "Wichita" (Emma Stone) and her sister "Little Rock" (Abigail Breslin). The sisters appear to be harmless, but it turns out they are con artists and manage to steal the guys' weapons and their car.

Now with no car, the guys manage to find an abandoned Hummer loaded with weapons. Instead of pressing on, Tallahassee sets his mind toward revenge and looks to ambush the two ladies. Yet again the girls outsmart them and take their new car - but Tallahassee is able to wrestle the gun away from Little Rock and a truce is negotiated as the quartet decides to move forward.

Wichita and Little Rock plan to head to 'Pacific Playland' an amusement park that they state is free of zombies. The four arrive and this is where the films climax takes part, and it was glorious.

As I said, these are not usually my cup of tea. But, it actually was. I really enjoyed it and the zombie/gore factor wasn't that bad either.

Harrelson really continues to impress me as an actor. I am glad he is finally back and making solid movies. Eisenberg also impresses here, and I feel the Michael Cera comparisons should probably stop as he has clearly past Cera. Let's be honest, all four of these actors are amazing - really liked Breslin and Stone as well.

This has also opened my eyes a bit and will allow me to watch some films a little out of my comfort zone that may be just a bit gorrier than I expect.

Grade: