Honeybeads Blog

George A. Romero's 4th installment in the classic "Dead" series that started the entire zombie genre came out today, and of course I had to catch the first screening. Not really knowing anything about the movie, or even who was in it, my expectations were high because it's not only the first Dead film I was able to see in theatres, but also the first since Day in '86. And my expectations were pleasantly met!

The overall plot of course is kick as much zombie ass as possible in order to save your life. However, there was a nice story working that involved Dennis Hopper as a rich bigwig who owned a fancy high rise building allowing only the rich and priviledged to live there in nice apartments and wine and dine themselves free of the zombie threat, while everywhere else in the city was a slum for the poor. The city is heavily guarded and Hopper has different guards working for him in order to get certain supplies. It follows the life of one guard who has had enough of the evil doings of Hopper's character. There is also a guard, played by John Leguizamo, who decides he wants into the high rise to live the high life. He plays his normal off kilter psychotic self. Also in the mix is the beautiful Asia Argento, in which I was very pleased and surprised to see her name in the opening credits!

The zombies in this film become pretty inteligent and learn to use their resources to kill the living, and they band together to march toward the city. The zombies probably look better than in any other zombie film to date! Each has their own look and staying true to Romero form, are slow moving, true zombies. Just when you think there are no new ways for a zombie to kill or be killed, Romero throws in some pretty impressive, inventive deaths. It really is a visual treat to watch. The movie starts out right away on a fast pace and never slows down. It's action packed til the last minute. In fact, the ending is almost abrupt, but it's really a great ending to a great film.

This film should not be missed for any fan of Romero's, zombies or Horror films. It offers better acting and a much higher production value than any of Romero's past Dead films as well. Just don't expect to be too frightened by any of it. You will also be treated to a nice surprise for anyone familiar with Romero's past films!