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Directed by : Joanna Johnston, Mary Selway, Jim Clay, Shaheen Baig, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Nick Moore, Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis, Duncan Kenworthy

Produced by : Joanna Johnston, Mary Selway, Jim Clay, Shaheen Baig, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Nick Moore, Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis, Duncan Kenworthy

Starring : Adam Godley, Hugh Grant, Heike Makatsch, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Rowan Atkinson

Company : Working Title Films, DNA Films, Universal Pictures, StudioCanal

Release date(s) : 2003-09-07

Running time :135 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English, Français, Português

Budget :  $40,000,000

Storyline : God only knows what I'd be without you.

London, England, and it's the run up to Christmas, and we are in the company of a number of couples dealing with the joys and problems that love can bring.

We open with a narration from Hugh Grant who tells us that when he is troubled by the hate in the world, he thinks of the arrivals area of Heathrow airport. A place where loved ones greet returning loved ones, a place that indeed showcases a strand of love in its joyous form. He further ventures that when the aeroplanes hit the twin towers on 9/11, as far as he knows, all those phone calls from those sadly involved were messages of love, not hate. Pertinent musings that although somewhat sombre for an opening, sets it up nicely for what Richard Curtis (writer and director) wants to say.

A roll call of fine British and Irish actors, and American Laura Linney, lend their considerable talents to Curtis' ensemble piece. The structure is surprisingly simple considering the number of stories being woven together, the result being that there is sure to be a story in there to either love, or, yes, even hate. Is it sentimental? Of course. Is it as stuffed as a turkey on Xmas day? Naturally. Does it stretch credibility in some strands? For sure. But only the coldest of hearts could truly decry that Love Actually is all around. Very often it's funny too. Curtis, following on from writing credits such as Four Weddings And A Funeral, continues to show himself to be a very fine writer of comedy. None more so than with Bill Nighy's past his sell by date pop star, Billy Mack. There's something for everyone in here, indeed there's likely to be something that many can associate with.

It's a lovely affecting film that should hopefully perk up those that get blue around the holiday season. With perceptive writing, some excellent acting (Nighy, Emma Thomson, Colin Firth et al) and a soundtrack of some worth, Love Actually is a winner. 8/10

Directed by : Amy Seimetz, Amy Seimetz, Ryan M. Price, Jay Keitel, Mondo Boys

Produced by : Amy Seimetz, Amy Seimetz, Ryan M. Price, Jay Keitel, Mondo Boys

Starring : Kate Lyn Sheil, Jane Adams, Josh Lucas, Chris Messina, Michelle Rodriguez, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Katie Aselton, Adam Wingard, Tunde Adebimpe, Jennifer Kim

Company : Rustic Films, Neon

Release date(s) : 2020-07-31

Running time :84 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English

Budget : 

Storyline :

Directed by : Francine Maisler, Rupert Gregson-Williams, Jennifer Aniston, Renée April, Charlize Theron, Kathy Driscoll, Michele Laliberte, Beau Flynn, Barry Bernardi, John Stoneham Jr.

Produced by : Francine Maisler, Rupert Gregson-Williams, Jennifer Aniston, Renée April, Charlize Theron, Kathy Driscoll, Michele Laliberte, Beau Flynn, Barry Bernardi, John Stoneham Jr.

Starring : Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans, Terence Stamp, Gemma Arterton, David Walliams, Dany Boon, John Kani, Adeel Akhtar, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson

Company : Vinson Films, Endgame Entertainment, Tower Hill Entertainment, Happy Madison Productions, Denver and Delilah Productions

Release date(s) : 2019-05-25

Running time :97 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English

Budget :  $24,000,000

Storyline :

Directed by : Chryss Hionis, Michael Giacchino, Paula Weinstein, Shawn Levy, Shawn Levy, Susan Lyall, Ford Wheeler, Terry Stacey, Dean Zimmerman, Cindy Tolan

Produced by : Chryss Hionis, Michael Giacchino, Paula Weinstein, Shawn Levy, Shawn Levy, Susan Lyall, Ford Wheeler, Terry Stacey, Dean Zimmerman, Cindy Tolan

Starring : Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Abigail Spencer

Company : Spring Creek Productions, 21 Laps Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures

Release date(s) : 2014-09-10

Running time :103 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English

Budget :  $19,800,000

Storyline :

Directed by : Des Hamilton, Michael Giacchino, Mayes C. Rubeo, Mihai Malaimare Jr., Taika Waititi, Taika Waititi, Taika Waititi, David McKimmie, Kevan Van Thompson, Brendan Heffernan

Produced by : Des Hamilton, Michael Giacchino, Mayes C. Rubeo, Mihai Malaimare Jr., Taika Waititi, Taika Waititi, Taika Waititi, David McKimmie, Kevan Van Thompson, Brendan Heffernan

Starring : Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen, Stephen Merchant, Archie Yates, Luke Brandon Field

Company : Fox Searchlight Pictures, Defender Films, Piki Films

Release date(s) : 2019-10-18

Running time :108 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English, Deutsch

Budget :  $14,000,000

Storyline : Through his use of music and uncanny ability to find humour and heart in the darkest of moments, Taika Waititi has created an everlasting story that gives the power back to the persecuted and hope to the lost. ‘Jojo Rabbit’ will make you cry from laughter, cry from emotional pain, and cry with hope. It is simply stunning in all its facets, and a truly remarkable and unexpected film.
- Jess Fenton

Read Jess' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-jojo-rabbit-taika-waititi-strikes-comedy-gold-again-with-adolf-hitler
Manages to somehow be one of the most raw and confronting looks at various aspects of WWII I've ever seen, and yet also often genuinely very funny. I'm not sure if that's really something that you should do... But Taika did anyway, and I loved it.

_Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
Funny, light-hearted and delightful, Jojo Rabbit is a charming, and at times poetic, celebration of friendship, romance and peace, and a cheerful ode to our capability, and bravery, to save and love beyond boundaries.
**_A hilarious piece of political satire that isn't afraid to be serious_**

>_The great danger of lying is not that lies are untruths, and thus unreal, but that they become real in other people's minds._

- Christine Leunens; _Caging Skies_ (2004)

We live in dangerous times. In this era of political regression, racists, xenophobes, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, white separatists, and fascists, once confined to the periphery of civilised society, have wormed their way back into the cultural mainstream, preaching hate and intolerance under the guise of terms such as "nationalism" and "patriotism". Meanwhile, politicians validate such groups by doing precisely nothing to curtail them and refusing to condemn them ("_very fine people on both sides_" and so forth). Far-right political parties have gained worrying footholds in numerous European countries, running on populist platforms of Islamophobia and anti-immigration, playing on peoples' fears of the Other, exploiting the dearth of facts in sociopolitical discourse, and trading in disinformation (and the less said about the current administrations in the US and UK, the better). Anti-establishment political rage is on the increase, as hordes of people disavow traditional centrism; think of Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, the _Movimento 5 Stelle_ in Italy, the _Alternative für Deutschland_ in Germany. Scholars and sociocultural anthropologists have posited that hateful right-wing ideologies are more validated now than at any time since the rise of fascism in places such as Italy in 1922 and Spain in 1936. And the best known example of this kind of fascist thinking, of course, is the Third Reich in Germany, beginning with the rise to power of Adolf Hitler in 1933.

And so, it's entirely fitting that a film set in this very _milieu_, which argues that love, tolerance, and kindness can defeat hateful indoctrination, has come along at this precise moment; because although this is a film set in Germany in 1945, it's really about the here and now. Based loosely on the 2004 novel _Caging Skies_ by Christine Leunens, _Jojo Rabbit_ is a political satire written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker (and Polynesian Jew) Taika Waititi (_Eagle vs Shark_; _What We Do in the Shadows_; _Hunt for the Wilderpeople_; _Thor: Ragnarok_). Courting significant controversy when it was announced (a comedy about Nazis? For shame. Especially when one considers that the novel is deadly serious) and sharply dividing critics upon release, the film has proven a significant hit with audiences, and has just scored an impressive six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Positing that the first casualty of indoctrination is objective truth, Waititi follows in the footsteps of filmmakers such as Charlie Chaplin (_The Great Dictator_), Mel Brooks (_The Producers_), Roberto Benigni (_La vita è bella_), and even Quentin Tarantino (_Inglorious Basterds_), in attempting to defang Nazi ideology by rendering it utterly absurd and mercilessly exposing it to mockery. Marketed as an "_anti-hate satire_", the film has no easy task – to use Nazism as the (mostly) humorous background to what is essentially a _bildungsroman_, without it seeming exploitative or dismissive of the real suffering endured by real people. And Waititi manages this tricky balancing act exceptionally well. The satire and slapstick elements are as funny as anything in his filmography, and the film's more serious moments (of which there are several) arrive like an absolute gut-punch. This could have gone wrong in so many ways – if it wasn't funny, if the emotionality felt contrived, if the serious moments seemed manipulative, if the whole thing just came across as disrespectful and in bad taste – but Waititi navigates these dangerous waters magnificently. _Jojo Rabbit_ is, in fact, that rarest of films – a comedy where the serious moments feel completely earned and a drama with something important to say where the comedy enhances the seriousness.

_Großdeutsches Reich_, 1945. The European war is all but over. Germany's army has been pushed back to the homeland and allied forces are approaching from multiple directions. However, the propaganda machine continues to ensure that the populace are relatively unaware that _Der Führer_ is on the brink of total defeat. In the fictional town of Falkenhem, ten-year-old Jojo Betzler (an astonishing debut by Roman Griffin Davis) lives with his whimsical mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson doing probably the best work of her career). His father, he believes, is fighting on the Italian Front, whilst his older sister Inge recently died of influenza. And, oh yeah, his imaginary best friend is none other than Hitler himself (a ludicrously over the top Waititi), or at least Jojo's childlike conception of Hitler. Believing absolutely in his duty to the state, Jojo and his actual flesh-and-blood friend Yorki (a hilarious Archie Yates) attend a camp for the _Deutsches Jungvolk_ branch of the _Hitlerjugend_. The camp is run by the cynical Cpt. Klenzendorf (a powerful performance by Sam Rockwell that was outrageously ignored by the Academy), who was forced to leave the front line upon losing an eye. Helping him manage the camp are his effeminate second-in-command Finkel (Alfie Allen) and the completely insane Fräulein Rahm (Rebel Wilson), who claims to have given birth to eighteen blond-haired blue-eyed _übermenschen_ who are now fighting on the front. When Jojo is told by some older boys that to prove he has what it takes to be a soldier, he has to kill a rabbit, he refuses to do so, earning the moniker Jojo Rabbit. However, determined to show his fellow students what he's made of, he barges into a _Stielhandgranate_ exercise, tossing a grenade against a tree, which then explodes a few feet away from him, leaving him with a limp and a scarred face, and forcing him to return home in disgrace. As Jojo recovers, Rosie persuades Klenzendorf, who was demoted after the incident, to give him some work, and so he's employed to distribute propaganda around town. Life is dull but straightforward. That is until he learns his mother has been hiding a young Jewish girl, Elsa Korr (a nuanced performance from Thomasin McKenzie), in a crawlspace behind the wall of Inge's room. However, as every German youth knows, Jews are mind-reading demons who must be exterminated. So why would his mother be harbouring one, and, more importantly, what does Jojo do now that he knows?

Perhaps _Jojo Rabbit_'s most laudable component is how well Waititi balances the disparate tones, which is a hell of a lot better than Benigni did. The film mixes slapstick humour, caricature, satire, dramatic irony, and hope, but never does it seem like its ignoring or trivialising real suffering. When the comedy is dropped and Waititi gets serious, the tonal shifts pack a shocking punch, and it's _because_ they're so well integrated into the overarching comic structure – if you take away the humour and the satirical edge, the film's darker elements simply don't work as well – it's the contrast that makes each element all the more powerful. Waititi's tonal intentions are indicated right from the beginning, as stock footage of German children performing 'Heil Hitlers' is scored (unashamedly anachronistically) by the German version of The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963). Also crucially important to the film's tonal qualities are the bright, colourful palette employed by director of photography Mihai Mălaimare, Jr. (_The Master_; _A Walk Among the Tombstones_; _The Hate U Give_) and the whimsical production design by Waititi's regular designer, Ra Vincent. Together, they speak to the fact that this is Jojo's worldview rather than objective reality, with the look of the film reminding me a great deal of Wes Anderson's _The Grand Budapest Hotel_ (2014). It sure doesn't look like any World War II movie you're ever likely to have seen.

Thematically, the film examines multiple issues; the devotion of motherhood, the importance of kindness in defeating indoctrination, the disconnect between an unchallenged and rigidly reinforced ideology and a far more nuanced and complex reality, the predetermined attitudinal stance towards the Other, the clash between doing what one knows to be right and what one is expected to do, the fact that good people can be found even in the worst of circumstances. Klenzendorf's arc is especially telling in this respect. Introduced as a hyperbolic caricature, the source of some of the film's biggest early laughs, as things progress, we realise there's considerably more to his character than initially thought, and he commands what's easily the most moving scene in the whole film. This is Jojo's story, however, with much of the runtime concerned with his attempts to rationalise the cognitive dissonance between what he's been taught and what he can see with his own eyes. Rosie is rightly worried that the indoctrination Jojo has known his entire life has effectively brainwashed him – he's so passionately loyal to Nazi ideology, when he found out his grandfather didn't have blond hair, it took him three weeks to get over it.

Of course, as mentioned, although set in 1945, _Jojo Rabbit_ is really about the here and now, although it's more than a little upsetting that its depiction of illogical hate is so timely. Essentially, the film mocks extremism, people who hate based on ethnicity or religion, with Jojo's belief that Jews are demonic figures capable of powerful magic standing in for people who believe all Muslims are terrorists or all Mexicans are rapists. In this sense, the film isn't about Nazis at all; their role is more allegorical. Rather it's partly about the role adults play in inculcating children into hate and partly about exposing the power of propaganda to subvert truth. But so too is it about rising above such ideology, no matter how ingrained it might be, a path that values personal relationships with persecuted minorities, which in turn reveal the individualistic humanity behind the political cliché. And although all of this is presented humorously, it never becomes didactic or monolithically preachy – Waititi balances his tones so well, the political undercurrent remains always subtle.

If I were to criticise any element of the film, it would be that Waititi undeniably glosses over some of the more horrific atrocities carried out during the War. The Nazis in the film are, by design, cartoonish, but that is done so as to render them as easily dismissed figures to be scorned. The reality, of course, was far, far darker. I've seen some critics point to this as evidence that the film is crass and manipulative, and although I disagree with that assessment, it certainly wouldn't have hurt to have at least one fully indoctrinated Nazi who isn't a figure of fun – even the Gestapo is exposed to ridicule, with the character of Deertz (an admittedly hilarious Stephen Merchant cameo) presented as more concerned with empty pop-cultural signifiers than carrying out the actions of the real Gestapo. In this sense, the film doesn't represent the awful truth, but it never claims to; this isn't a reality-based examination of Nazism, nor does it try to be.

Only two weeks into 2020, and I already have a possible film of the year. _Jojo Rabbit_ is beautiful, emotional, heartfelt, and devastating, but mostly hilarious and always hopeful. It's an extraordinarily sweet film without ever becoming saccharine, as Waititi strikes a perfect balance between comedy, tragedy, and drama. It's a very funny World War II film which imparts a vital message for our confused and divided world of today – if we let them, love will always trump hate, hope will always light a way through the darkness.
"Your mother took me in. She's kind. She treats me like a person."

Taika Waititi is on a roll recently and rightfully so, because he's got a great comedic vision.

'Jojo Rabbit' is a World War II satire that's both hilarious and surprisingly tragic. Joy, terror, love, hate all in one movie. Waititi knows how far to take a joke and how humor can put on light on ugly issues. While absurd looking on the surface, but on a deeper look it's something unique.

Newcomers Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie take center stage upon the big cast. Their comedic timing, emotional range and overall performances are nothing short than impressive. Also Archie Yates is like the adorable child version of Nick Frost.

Speaking of big name stars. Scarlett Johansson is having a fantastic year and she once again delivers a wonderful performance. Sam Rockwell is amazing in pretty much anything he's in and here is no different. Rockwell playing a closeted homosexual Nazi is hysterical, and yet meaningful when you look at it more thoughtfully.

The weakest actor upon the cast has to be Rebel Wilson. I really didn't buy her as this character. I thought she's just doing her usual comedic traits like in every other movie, which I'm not a fan of.

Not only is Taika Waititi directing and writing, but also starring as Jojo's imaginary friend of his very own idol... Adolf Hitler. Apparently Waititi didn't have to research playing Hitler, because he thought Adolf was 'a f**ing c***'. Anywhere, the concept itself is really bizarre and really fascinating. While silly and entertaining, but could've been left out, in my opinion. There was a point where he completely disappears from the movie to later reappear during the finale.

At times I feel like it tries hard to be like a Wes Anderson movie, in terms of staging, quirky humor, and overall setting. Influence is one thing, but it came a point when it wasn't being it's own thing.

Overall rating: Criticisms aside, I had an absolute blast. Endearing and highly vocal. I'm glad a movie like this exist.
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Taika Waititi delivers one of those films I absolutely love for the exact same reasons some people deeply hate it. His seamless balance between comedy and war drama makes Jojo Rabbit a thought-provoking yet hilarious depiction of how ridiculous Hitler’s followers were. Roman Griffin Davis offers one of the best young performances of the millenium, and the rest of the cast is pitch-perfect. There’s a lot of laughs, but also a lot of heart. Still, be warned: if you’re easily offended, this movie isn’t suited for you. Either go in with an open mind or don’t go in.

Rating: A-
Thought the first 35-40 minutes to be rather dull and unfunny, however the rest really brought the film together and made the first part make more sense what Waititi was doing. Some nice moments with Davis and McKenzie although can't say I fell in love with this, but still glad I watched. **3.5/5**
Where this film may have missed the mark for some people is in its comedy, insofar as audiences expect a certain depth of humour from Waititi's films. Nevertheless, _Jojo Rabbit_ is tremendously endearing, especially through the titular character's innocent portrayal by actor Roman Griffin Davis.

Its poignant ending—the last scene of which I'd rewinded about 5 times—brought a smile to my face. Likewise, the appended Rilke quote seals the film as a tremendous work of art.
**Jojo Rabbit** is wild. Heart-warming yet heart-breaking. Laugh-out-loud funny yet nerve-racking. This film is crazy good and offensively amazing. Please don't feel guilty for laughing, just enjoy the show.
I almost feel bad for not liking this more.

Directed by : Sarah Bradshaw, John Schwartzman, Theodore Shapiro, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, Emma Thompson, Emma Thompson, Fiona Weir, Brent White, Daniel Phillips, George Michael

Produced by : Sarah Bradshaw, John Schwartzman, Theodore Shapiro, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, Emma Thompson, Emma Thompson, Fiona Weir, Brent White, Daniel Phillips, George Michael

Starring : Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh, Patti LuPone, Rob Delaney, Lydia Leonard, Sue Perkins, Rebecca Root, Jacqueline Ramnarine

Company : Universal Pictures, Feigco Entertainment

Release date(s) : 2019-11-07

Running time :102 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English

Budget :  $30,000,000

Storyline : If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @
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I'm not the biggest fan of straight-up romantic comedies (rom-coms). I don't think I absolutely love a film from this genre, and if I do, it probably doesn't solely belong to the rom-com's list (they could also be musicals, dramas, etc). Most of the times, I appreciate them enough to feel fulfilled. Very rarely, I feel totally disappointed or with a hate feeling towards one. Paul Feig delivered a couple of great comedies during his career (Bridesmaids, Spy), and the underrated/overlooked A Simple Favor, which I enjoyed very much. With Emma Thompson (Adelia) as both supporting actress and screenwriter, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding as protagonists, Last Christmas grew on me in the week of its premiere, making me genuinely excited for its session.

This Christmas' movie sort of falls in the middle. I don't exactly "like" it that much, but I still left the theater happy and reasonably entertained. It actually possesses a dramatic tone deep within, but it never fully explores it, maintaining the lighthearted and festive vibe throughout most of its runtime. Clarke and Golding share amazing chemistry, and their scenes are very romantic, sweet, and emotional. However, it's more of the same. Last Christmas doesn't bring anything new since it follows the same cliches every other rom-com does.

Its only bold and different take on the story is a plot twist that raises too many logical questions. Instead of carrying an emotionally powerful impact, it merely delivers an initial shock that goes away once people start to really think about it. Nevertheless, I praise this storytelling choice. It's never easy to pull off a twist, but the truth is that if Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings didn't take this missed shot, I wouldn't have spent the whole trip back home thinking about the film. I would have probably forgotten it as soon as I got into the car. So, congrats on trying something different, even if it didn't quite work for me.

Thompson ultimately shines as Kate's mom, though. No missteps here. She's hilarious, and she has some of the funniest lines of the whole thing. Michelle Yeoh (Santa) also has a couple of fun moments, but her subplot feels a bit strained. Emilia Clarke incorporates the clumsiness and awkwardness of her character seamlessly. If you're familiar with Clarke's interviews and public persona, then you know that Kate is basically the over-the-top reflection of Clarke. Despite her lack of luck, she's still charming and a good person that went through a traumatic event that changed her life (duh). Golding is glamorous and perfect as expected, especially since his character needed precisely these attributes.

Their relationship grows in a not-so-realistic way, and while this might be justified by the last act's twist, other plot points are not. My main issue with the movie is really those last 20 minutes. In addition to the twist, every single subplot is closed like nothing happened. From a particular family situation regarding sexual orientation to Yeoh's entire side story, all are either solved off-screen or way too easily. It's a rollercoaster of good and bad writing decisions. It has a couple of exciting downwards slopes and tight turns, but most of it is a slow ride with nothing truly thrilling or astonishing.

Last Christmas tries to be "the next big thing" concerning Christmas classics, but it falls short of its goal. Boasting a fantastic cast, with two charming, compelling leads in Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, Paul Feig delivers a lighthearted, festive film, but stuffed with cliches and a twist that doesn't quite work. Emma Thompson shines as a supporting character but has some missteps in co-writing the story with Bryony Kimmings, showing significant struggles in tying up the loose threads left by the side stories. Despite its storytelling issues, it's a flick I recommend to anyone who loves seasonal movies with a beautiful message, some fun moments, and a score packed with our favorite George Michael's songs.

Rating: C+
Some nice moments and I did like the cast as Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding had some nice chemistry. The twist felt forced but I guess I should expect it from a sappy Christmas movie. IDK, I enjoyed parts of this mostly for the core cast though doubt I'd have much desire to watch again (also feels odd watching a Christmas movie like this in February). **3.25/5**

Directed by : Magali Guidasci, Gene Serdena, Rhett Reese, Rhett Reese, Maher Ahmad, Kami Asgar, Austin Gorg, Ezra Swerdlow, Gavin Polone, Michael Bonvillain

Produced by : Magali Guidasci, Gene Serdena, Rhett Reese, Rhett Reese, Maher Ahmad, Kami Asgar, Austin Gorg, Ezra Swerdlow, Gavin Polone, Michael Bonvillain

Starring : Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone, Amber Heard, Bill Murray, Derek Graf, Justin Price, Mike White, Victory Van Tuyl

Company : Pariah, Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Sony Pictures

Release date(s) : 2009-10-07

Running time :88 Minutes

Country  : United States

Language :English

Budget :  $23,600,000

Storyline : Fun, not that fun to have a higher mark than a 5/10.
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I haven't seen Zombieland in quite a few years, but with its sequel being released this week, now it's the perfect moment to go back to the hilarious world of zombies. It still holds up incredibly well. In a time where zombie films and TV shows were starting to come up (The Walking Dead premiered one year later), this post-apocalyptic zombie comedy flick still remains as one of the best zombie movies of the century. Their use quickly became something cliche, and neither funny or scary. Nowadays, people are used to seeing the living dead on the screen all the time, so why does a 2009's film like this still work?

Well, first of all, the outstanding cast is halfway through success. In 2009, only Woody Harrelson was already a renowned adult actor. Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg didn't star in anything truly remarkable yet, so much that Abigail Breslin was more recognizable than them. Even with only 13-years-old, she already had an Oscar nomination in a supporting role (Little Miss Sunshine). However, everyone delivers fantastic performances, which carry the simplistic yet entertaining story to such a success that it became a zombie classic.

Harrelson portraying Tallahassee, the guy who's not scared of anything and likes to "enjoy the little things", is one of his career's coolest roles. Eisenberg is not exactly the type of actor I like since he can only do so much with his acting abilities. He always offers the same type of character: a quirky, twitch-full, idiosyncratic personality, which most of the times doesn't work. Contrary to this tendency, Columbus is a character that logically and hilariously fits this model, hence Eisenberg is the movie's primary source of comedy. From his list of rules to his weird behavior, everything feels natural since the character's background justifies his awkward self.

Stone and Breslin share great moments together, as well as Harrelson and Eisenberg, but the former duo has less exciting sequences. Nevertheless, even though the girls could have received more character development, their relationship gives them a compelling reason for us to care about. Wichita might just look like the cliche hot girl who falls for the good guy, but she would do anything to protect her sister, and her love for Little Rock does give her some gravitas. The cast's chemistry is undeniably astonishing. It's visually palpable that they had tons of fun doing this film, and that elevates every single conversation or action scene.

The short runtime allows for a fast-paced story, packed with fun moments, and a lot of bloody zombie killings. The production design is remarkable. Excellent use of practical effects and real sets, plus a perfect soundtrack. Ruben Fleischer knew precisely what he wanted the movie to be, and he never tried to make it something more. Yes, it still involves a romance of sorts, and some backstories might not be funny or joyful. However, it never feels forced or fabricated. It never overextends its stay because Zombieland is neither a romance or a drama. It's purposefully campy, plays with stereotypes creatively, and it's merely 88 minutes of good fun. We are in 2019, and studios forgot how to make films like this!

Every year, there are dozens of blockbusters that would be extremely entertaining if studios would just let them be what they are meant to, but no. They need to have some relevant story that carries a political tone or a social message. Zombieland has all the attributes of a pure blockbuster: a phenomenal cast, a straightforward narrative packed with thrilling sequences, a short runtime with fast pacing, compelling characters, and thousands of zombies. Put together a funny screenplay filled with chuckle-worthy jokes, and you have yourself one of the best zombie movies of the century. It's one of those films which don't exactly have what people address as "flaws". Zombieland has its cliches and lazy exposition, but it heavily compensates them with 80 minutes or so of spectacular entertainment. It's a zombie cult classic. Nut up or shut up, but watch the goddamn movie!

Rating: A-