World War Z

 

When it comes to much-anticipated blockbusters, I have a tendency to get my hopes up too high. However, with all of the turmoil and rumor flying around the World War Z  project, I was able to go into this one with a fairly realistic expectation.  And I'm glad I did.  First, let me start by saying I did enjoy the movie. It's got good production value, solid SFX, a strong cast, a decent script, and more than a few terrific scenes. It's not the best zombie film ever, but it's good.

 

Considering the fact that the makers of WWZ re-shot a massive 40 minute section of the film, it's rather comically appropriate that Brad Pitt's production company is named Plan B.  Though I enjoyed it, I'm left feeling like I was slightly cheated out of something that could have been really fantastic.

 

WWZ feels a lot like the 2011 film Contagion, with a hint of 28 Days Later. While the film is well-paced and intense, it suffers from a lack of emotional punch. With a PG-13 rating, much of the film's potential power is neutered to suit a younger audience. With a PG-13 rating, the director could have focused on creating a more emotionally gripping story. Only once do we see any character show real visceral emotion regarding the fact that the entire world is in crisis. Only ONCE!  Considering the topic, I would expect to walk out of this film emotionally wrung out. That simply didn't happen.

 

One of the brightest spots of World War Z is Mireille Enos, whom you might recognize from AMC's The Killing. She's a flat-out star. Enos plays Pitt's wife in the film but unfortunately, doesn't really get the opportunity to demonstrate her superb acting chops. Again, in view of the fact that a deadly zombie plague has been unleashed upon the entire globe, one might expect a mother of two to have a bigger response. Sadly, we never see it.

 

While watching, if you think World War Z feels like it could be someone's first attempt at a legit blockbuster, you're pretty much right on the money. WWZ is directed by Marc Forster, best known for Monster's Ball and the much-maligned Quantum of Solace.  Bringing this behemoth of a project to the big screen might have been a little out of his depth.

 

Now, before you run out to the theater, here's a bit of advice to improve your WWZ experience. First, forget the book exists if you hope to enjoy this movie. Repeat after me, "What book?"  Seriously...if I hear one person say, "The book is better..." I might gouge my eyes out. (And theirs.)  Secondly, DO NOT spend the money to see this in 3D!  Period.  The frenetic pacing of the action sequences are quite enough on their own.

 

Whether World War Z will eclipse the $200+ million they spent to make it is yet to be seen. As for me, I was glad to contribute my fair share.  See you at the theater!