Zombies and Robot Men

ZOMBIELAND (2009): Incredibly entertaining action-packed romp set in a post-apocalyptic future predominated by zombie hordes. This horror comedy hybrid makes Shaun of the Dead look like child's play, and stands out as one of the best examples of the genre. It doesn't waste any time, placing the audience in the midst of a zombie wasteland and listing our protagonist's rules for survival (and providing excellent scenarios to explain why these rules exist). Columbus (Adventureland's Jesse Eisenberg) sets off on a journey to find other survivors, and it's not long before he finds some interesting companions (Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin). I won't say anymore about the plot for the sake of potential viewers, but I will say that this movie is teeming with uproariously funny moments and features what is possibly the best cameo of all time (which I won't spoil here). All the actors shine but Woody Harrelson steals the show as Tallahassee, a Twinkie-lover whose particular brand of zombie hate provides a decent chunk of the humor. First-time director Ruben Fleischer deserves high praise, especially for his apt and hilarious use of slow-motion. Credit goes to the writers too, who have crafted a horror comedy with intriguing, endearing characters and a story that we can get invested in. The biggest surprise is the heart and warmth that exists at the core of this film, evident in the characters and their interactions. All involved should get high marks for this. Highly recommended, but those who cannot tolerate bearing witness to the undead becoming targets of strong bloody violence should avoid this one at all costs. Rated R for horror violence/gore and language. Genre: Horror/Comedy/Action/Adventure. 80 minutes. Released theatrically on 10/02/09. My score: 8.5/10

SURROGATES (2009): This is a fun, entertaining action pic, albeit a soulless and forgettable one as well. Clocking in at a mere 88 minutes, the movie goes through the motions and ends both abruptly and somewhat predictably. The premise is intriguing and the action sequences are spectacular, but I couldn't escape the feeling that I had seen it all before...and done better. As far as sci-fi murder mysteries go, this pales in comparison to Minority Report (2001). Bruce Willis does fine in his role, but he can't elevate the movie above its enjoyable but insubstantial popcorn flick status. My biggest gripe with this film is its unforgivable omission of any mention of sex and dining in the surrogate world. Food and sex are basic human needs, and I am hard pressed to believe that all mankind willingly gave up (or forgot about) the pleasures of sex and eating so that they may wither away at home while vicariously living through a surrogate substitute. We can all relate to the desire to be someone else and the themes and issues the film brings up are provocative, but the writers failed to explore or realize them, instead focusing on action and story. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, language, sexuality and a drug-related scene. Genre: Sci-fi/Action/Mystery. 85 minutes. Released theatrically on 9/25/09. My score: 6.5/10