Day of the Dead, film review

Okay, right off the bat let's pretend that this movie isn't titled Day of the Dead (easy enough, considering that this is not really a remake at all), that the cover doesn't feature a rotted, vomit-spewing cretin (an event that never takes place in the film), and that Mena Suvari, Ving Rhames, and Nick Cannon are actors you've never heard of (hey, that could be true too). With these assumptions firmly in place, Day of the Dead is an enjoyably dim-witted zombie action flick along the lines of a quick game of Resident Evil or a dumbed down 28 Days Later. The zombies are fast, the character development is minor, and it's all over in under an hour and a half.

The basic story centers around a national guardswoman (Mena Suvari) who has been called to help set up a blockade on a small Colorado town, that coincidentally happens to be her own hometown that she swore she'd never return to. But when she finds out that her mother is sick and no one is allowed to leave the town, she heads to her house with another guardsman (Stark Sands). Of course things escalate quickly and the duo end up trapped in a hospital filled with rabid zombies (including the military captain, a depressingly misused Ving Rhames).

The very thing that makes Day of the Dead a disposable horror flick is also what keeps it interesting: the lack of character development allows for incredibly fast-paced action. Only a few times does the story slow down to provide for some cheesy character realizations, which is a relief to most gorror (gore+horror) fans. The zombie transformations are pretty impressive, though perhaps a bit too sudden, and the makeup work is outstanding. Only the CGI really leaves something to be desired, as exploding heads and limbs turn into cartoony blotches of red liquid.

Those who can't get enough of zombie action will find plenty to like here, while standard horror fans are likely to be disappointed. But for anyone looking for a bit of escapist zombie fare, look no further. Just don't pay too much attention to the dialogue.

Zach's Rating: B-

Perfect For: Anyone looking for more zombie destruction

Stay Away if: Zombies are so three years ago

Watch For: Ving Rhames as a handicapped zombie