Dawn of the Dead Review

I'm a big fan of zombie movies. Have seen pretty much all of the major ones.
This movie gets it right. You really get the sense of the greater
disintegration of society, but you're caught up in the story of one small
band of refugees, holed up in a mall.

Other reviews I've read say there is a lack of character development in the
movie. I think, for a zombie movie with so many players, there is adequate
time devoted to the personal growth of these people. The head security guard
in particular was a menacing, well-written character who definitely has a
clear arc. Sarah Polley's character does not go through a major perceptible
change in personality, but there are scenes that show her coping with the
changes to the world around her.

I do agree that they could have done a better job with mood and lighting.
This is probably the brightest lit zombie movie I've ever seen. The filming
is skillful, though, and when the action starts the camera is handheld and
the exposure is short to give that "strobing" effect like in Saving Private
Ryan. Seriously.

There are things that evoke a sense of horror and dread in the movie aside
from the gore and death. The darker side of human nature bubbles up in our
band of survivors on more than one occasion, and a couple very twisted
things happen aside from people being torn apart by zombies.

My only complaint is that the soundtrack songs are featured a bit too
heavily, but some of the song choices are very appropriate. I really liked
the swing version of "Get up and monkey down with the quickness" they used.
It really added to the surreal nature of the events on screen.

Overall I'd say this update is a slight improvement upon the original. I for
one like fast zombies, even though they are a bit incongruous with the idea
of the "walking dead." Where do they get all the caloric energy to move so
quickly for so long? We are never shown fully consumed carcasses.... I'd
assume that occasionally a person would be completely eaten before getting a
chance to rise as a zombie...

I'd really like to see a "simultaneous" sequel showing another perspective
on the unfolding of this story. Sort of like what they did in Day of the
Dead with the army scientists, only not so lame.

This movie compares favorably to recent zombie-genre update 28 Days Later.
Both movies have great 1st and 2nd acts, but Dawn of the Dead remains
consistent in the finale, compared to 28 Days Later, which practically
switches genres for the 3rd act.

Go see it! Well worth the full price of two adult admissions and some
snacks, as well as your time spent.

- Tweek. March 19, 2004