Land of the Dead (2005) *Viewed Thrice*

Aw sweet nothings can have such a profound effect sometimes

Genre: Apocalyptic Action Zombie Horror Thriller (USA, Canada, France)

Starring: Dennis Hopper (Apocalypse Now; Blue Velvet), Simon Baker (The Ring Two; Red Planet) John Leguizamo (Romeo + Juliet; Moulin Rouge!)

Directed By: George A. Romero (Dawn Of The Dead; Day of The Dead)

Overview: A city still flourishes years after the zombies awaken, but the zombies are getting wiser to the ways of the humans...

Acting: The acting was far better than you would expect from a zombie film. Dennis Hopper's bastard character certainly takes the cake. That Samoan guy who plays Pillsbury even does a great comic relief character. Romero directed this rather well and the cast all knew what to do. Oh Big Daddy, you pull at my heartstrings!
Rating: 8

Cinematography: The gore is EVERYWHERE. Finally a zombie movie where we see people getting actually eaten, and often! Zombies ripping their fingernails off, explosions and blood squirting, unique zombie looks and interesting demises to be had all round. A top quality high-budget production. Amaaaazing.
Rating: 9

Script: You will see the script genuinely as a part of the film. It's not filler, it's character building. They have a few tricks up their sleeves, and it's nice that we're given a lot more than, "Aaah! Zombie!". Just enough of those cheesy one-liners to pay homage to the genre. You even feel a little for the zombies from time to time, even IF they only say "RrrrRRGrrr!"
Rating: 7

Plot: The plot suited me just fine thank you. A nice sequel to Day of the Dead: years later people know the threat that is 'the Zombie', humanity is over the initial survival phase and they have to live this way now. We follow the frontiersmen who go out of the city to make runs and hope that the big evil corporate Hopper gets his due. Original as Romero's ever been. And in true Romero fashion, the black-man-voice-of-reason character is there too! This time though, he's the leader of the zombie hoard!
Rating: 8

Mood: The mood tends to be gory more than scary, and that's good, but for fright you'll find more in 28 Days Later. As for the gore, well, holy jeezus. Picture a society built on self-defense against these things, and imagine how well they can cut zombies down. Then add a hyper-intelligent zombie who seems to be sick of being used, leading an army to the city wall. Add that they can now use tools (read: weapons) and duck from all the splattering blood and gore.
Rating: 8

"What are they gonna say about him? What are they gonna say? That he was a kind zombie? That he was a wise zombie? That he had plans? That he had wisdom? Bullshit man!"

Overall Rating: 80% (Serious Zombie Fun!)

Aftertaste: MOTHERFUCKING ZOMBIES!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! See this!

First Reviewed August, 2005. See comments for re-viewed review.