No Blood. No Guts. And it’s a zombie movie?
What the hell!?
World War Z is unlike any zombie film before it. It never relies on gore, barrels of blood and rotting flesh to further its story. The delivery of fright and suspense is done in an intelligent and sophisticated way, and that is a rare thing for this type of genre. However, do not mistake its approach as a weakness. This zombie apocalypse keeps you on edge for almost two hours straight and absolutely shows no mercy.
Gerry Lane (played brilliantly by Brad Pitt) is a former U.N. investigator who gave it all up to be a stay-at-home dad and husband to his wife Karin (The Killing’s Mirelle Enos) and their two young daughters. What starts out as just a normal day in the car driving into the heart of Philly rapidly becomes the beginning of the end for Gerry and his family along with the rest of the human race. Once all hell breaks loose, thanks to the help of a U.N. buddy, Gerry and his family find temporary safety aboard an aircraft carrier serving as the U.N. command center.
Due to Gerry’s past experiences at his old job, he is asked to travel in to the mayhem to not only find answers about its origin, but possibly a cure. As a father and husband, he does not and cannot leave his family, but is forced in to action because if he does not contribute then there is no room for them on the ship. So his decision instantly becomes an easy one.
As Gerry enters the battleground of places like Jerusalem and South Korea, he encounters the undead who run not walk, climb over walls that were built to protect a city not trap people in it, and capable of bringing helicopters crashing to the ground. His horrifying journey takes him on a race across the globe trying to make sense of this pandemic. His family and the rest of the world are depending on him. No Pressure.
It has been made public about the rough start of World War Z. If it was not the budget, it was the script, and those reasons combined with reshoots made the movie appear dead on arrival. Yet somehow, some way, World War Z comes together in a hugely satisfying and entertaining way. I must confess, I have not read the novel by Max Brooks in which the movie is based on called World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. But from what I have been told about it, I believe it is best to separate the two because the title seems to be the only thing they have in common. Knowing this up front will make you not only appreciate what director Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Quantum of Solace) and Pitt (who is also a producer) have created, but you will have a blast watching it.
Pitt renders a dynamic performance by portraying a simple guy asked to do extraordinary things while witnessing unthinkable events. As Gerry, he is never less than believable and with it comes this sense of pure honesty that pours out on-screen. Gerry doesn’t look like the hero the world needs, and he doesn’t see himself as one either. Unlike a lot of the world, he is still a human and has weaknesses, but he’s smart and knows what actions to take as well as how to correctly react. Pitt is never too brave or overly confident nor does he downplay his strengths and abilities. His performance may be restrained, but does not mean it has any less of a potent impact on the film.
World War Z is solid filmmaking from Forster. It’s a big-budget, summer blockbuster done right. He does not dumb-down the story or its characters, and never submits to lowering its standards and settling in to being just another outlandishly, ridiculous zombie feast that eventually becomes lame and predictable.
Forster knows precisely how to make scenes feel unnerving and look horrific without ever showing a drop of blood. And no matter if it’s on a grand or intimate scale, his direction handles both with solicitude and focus. World War Z gives zombie movies something to strive for. Forster gives the genre some style and thoughtfulness, but still keeps the terror alive and well. Through all of the issues and obstacles it endured, this zombie thriller is stunningly gripping and emotional.
World War Z is relentless. It is a tense, nerve-wrecking flick that sends jolts and chills through your entire body. So do not be fooled by the PG-13 rating. I suggest you enjoy the first 10 minutes because it will be the only relaxation you will get.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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