Rule # 32: Enjoy the little things. That’s one of the many rules Columbus (played by Jesse Eisenberg) lives by in Zombieland. And he lives by those rules because they keep him alive. They also happen to be a little on the absurd side, like don’t use bathrooms, and are initially presented by narration giving examples of why the rules are so important. And that lets the movie kick off with a good series of gags, firing on all cylinders and never, ever letting up. The movie is one long series of comedic events punctuated by a few, quieter moments, and it’s absolutely littered with ‘little things’ to enjoy.
The story focuses on Columbus, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and how these four individuals interact in Zombieland. And, despite the overall setting, these are not characters who are one dimensional Zombie slayers. Each has their own unique background, though the film shows more of Columbus’ background than the others. In fact, Tallahassee has the smallest segment of background, but the reveal (and you will know what I am talking about when it happens) is actually a moment of emotional poignancy in the middle of a quiet moment, punctuated by an absurd motion of comfort as he wipes his eyes with 1000 dollar bills.
The little things really are what the entire film is about. Tallahassee has two drives in Zombieland: kill zombies and find a Twinkie, and in both he is relentless. He is the killer of the group, but without sacrificing that spark of humanity that makes him so likeable. He has a pervasive sense of humor, and gets off on killing zombies. Columbus, on the other hand, is taciturn and quiet; as Wichita says, he “has the guts of a guppy.” And he is the heart of the film, providing the narration and really the glue that holds the group together. His kind of goofy, “how the hell have I survived this” charm is the perfect counterpoint to Tallahassee’s gun slinging nature, and a perfect fit against Wichita’s somewhat distant exterior.
Going back to the little things, shots are filled with small, silly details. For example, one scene takes place in an Indian themed gift shop. In one shot we see not only Little Rock holding a snow globe but also the reflection of Tallahassee and Columbus in the mirror behind her. It is a very nice touch that gives the set a feeling of realism, which is carried through all the locations, including one of the funniest locations I have ever heard of to sleep during a zombie invasion, and I refuse to spoil it. Suffice it to say with the location comes a very funny cameo.
The movie ends on a high note, with an absurd amount of zombie killing happening all at the end in an imaginary theme park. The kills range from cool to absurd yet always manage to be fitting to the area and nail the environmental interaction zombie films are usually full of. The ending of the film is quite open, and it is easy to see how the movie was originally meant as a pilot for a television show (as it actually was). I can only hope to see more of these characters in Zombieland, as they are so vibrant and life like that there are many different situations they can be put into and remain entertaining. I also wouldn’t mind whatever network passed going back to the idea and bringing the cast to the small screen on a regular basis
Any way you slice it, Zombieland is a film that knows strongly what it wants to be. It takes all the best bits of zombie films of the past twenty years and rolls it all up in a package that rivals Sean of the Dead for pure comedic genius. If you are a fan of zombies, or comedy, you owe it to yourself to go see this in theaters, it is well worth the money.
Pros:
Great casting. Further proof that Abigail Breslin is going to be an amazing leading lady in a few short years.
Great comedic timing.
Full of fun, character moments.
Fun kills.
Cons:
The story is a little light, but still held together better than some bigger movies.
It ends. I honestly wanted to keep riding along with these characters and absorb more of the world. Seriously, someone please pick this up as a television show, it would do so well.
Overall Score: A
by 
October 6, 2009 at 2:42 am
I have watched Zombieland movie and it was really marvelous. It was rare to see movie which came along with horror and fun at the same time. I like that movie very much.