They’re so slow and lethargic that the characters seem to think they’ve all the time in the world. “Shaun of the Dead’s” zombies are the exact opposite. In that film the zombies are ruthless and blood thirsty and, get this, they actually run. Compare this film with that of “Dawn of the Dead” directed by Zach Snyder. This being a zombie movie, of course there will be violence but it’s so tongue in cheek (literally) that it’s next to impossible not to laugh.
His dry and sardonic humor work for his role here and Nick Frost’s Ed is right up there with some of the best lines the movie has to offer. The writing is quick and sharp and Simon Pegg really works wonders with his part. “Shaun of the Dead” works on so many levels namely because of the cast and it’s supporting members.
Can Shaun save the lives of his friends, defeat the zombies and manage to get his life back on track or is he doomed to a future of the undead? They eventually end up at their favorite pub (the Winchester) and, lacking a plan, have no idea as to what to do or what will happen next. Shaun realizes that this is his chance to prove himself to Kate (Ashfield), so he and Ed head across town to save her and her friends. Unfortunately for Shaun and everyone else, it seems that London has now been infested with the undead. Shaun’s in the process of trying to reconcile with his girlfriend (Kate Ashfield) after his procrastination ends up in disaster. He’d rather hang out with fellow slacker Ed (Nick Frost) playing video games but whereas Ed has no desires whatsoever, Shaun at least has a few. We meet our antihero, Shaun (Simon Pegg) a salesman for a low end electronics store who’s employees don’t like or respect him. Naturally the chemistry between stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is a key reason to the film’s success (so much so that the two would later go onto star in “Hot Fuzz”, more on that later). I mean, how seriously can you really take a movie that has the undead slowly walking after you waiting to eat your brains? Why not make it funny and have the best of both worlds? And that’s what the filmmakers did and did it perfect. However “Shaun of the Dead” is a bit different in that it’s a parody of zombie movies by incorporating humor into the plot. Vampires and zombies, yes I could fill a day (and have) with movies about those two fictional beings.
First off, I’m a big fan of zombie movies. Perhaps one of the latest entries in this exclusive genre is “Shaun of the Dead”, a movie so fun to watch that I’m kicking myself because it took me so long to discover it. “Office Space” did it a few years back and some of the “Evil Dead” movies did as well. There are few movies released today that really achieve the moniker of “cult classic” just after they’re released. Plot: What’s it about? Video: How does it look? Audio: How does it sound? Supplements: What are the extras? The Bottom Line Plot: What’s it about?