MATT CHEETHAM
Arts Writer

Zombieland is just a fun, no holds barred horror-comedy.

It’s good, every once in a while, to see a movie that is pure exhilarating fun and doesn’t pretend to be anything else. You walk in with set expectations and you walk out with those expectations met. Nothing more, nothing less.  

Zombieland takes place in the not-so-distant future after a zombie outbreak has occurred. The movie follows four characters, the implication being that they are the last survivors in a post-apocalyptic America, now renamed Zombieland.

The survivors all refer to themselves by the places they originate from, so as to avoid attachment.

There is Colorado, Tallahassee and sisters Wichita and Little Rock. Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson, is the “shoot first, ask questions later” type, who has finally found his calling: killing zombies.

In a nutshell, aside from the zombie factor, Woody Harrelson is the reason to see this movie. He clearly had as much fun making it as you will watching it. From his laid back ass-kicking attitude with a bevy of different weapons, to his witty one-liners, he is the only character who truly seems to be having fun amidst the apocalypse. 

The main plot, which is loose (other than surviving and killing zombies), is about the sisters’ quest to go to the amusement park Pacific Playland, which is apparently zombie free. Columbus goes because he has no home anymore and is crushing on older sister Wichita. Tallahassee just goes because he can rack up his kill score and maybe get zombie kill of the week.

It can’t be said enough. This movie is just pure fun. The fact that the climax takes place in an amusement park is just the cherry on top of a very delicious sundae. Everything, from the acting, to the humor and, of course, the quest for the last remaining Twinkies on Earth, is just awesome.

One could make comparisons to Shaun of the Dead but I think this one stands in its own category. If you are someone who enjoys zombies, humour and Woody Harrelson at his best, step into Zombieland.