K=one guy                  E=other guy                  S=the girl

S: So let me start out by saying I was SO worried. The trailers were misleading and this movie was going to be S-C-A-R-Y!  But was hoping beyond hope that it was like one of my favorite movies, Shaun of the Dead.

K: I went in thinking, “Do we really need another zombie movie?” In the end, I’m glad I didn’t talk myself out of seeing it.

E: The set up is like any other zombie flick.  Virus goes wrong.  People start feasting on each other like a CiCi’s buffet.  A few stay untouched, band together, and try to find some sense of normalcy.

S: The gags and “The Rules” were what kept me engaged the entire time.  I was laughing my butt off!  “The Rules” reminded me of “going to the Winchester to get a pint” in Shaun of the Dead.

E: Rules like 2.  beware of bathrooms… 11. always check the backseat… 3.  always double tap (shoot ‘em in the head twice).  1.  Cardio.  30.  Never be hero.  Rules like that.

K: I enjoyed the zany, dark humor gags of Zombieland and the crazy, way over the top, gory tone of opening the scene. It sets up “The Rules” that Columbus (Eisenberg) follows to stay alive.

E: You had to love the running gag that Woody Harrelson was looking for the last Twinkie on earth.  And, it made S & me run to Hy Vee for some golden cake and creamy filled goodness after the flick.

K: Zombieland is essentially a road trip movie while parading the zombie movie genre. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin each bring certain flair to their performances that keep the viewer engaged.

S: I loved Emma Stone in Superbad anyway but her rocker-chic look and kick-ass mentality was even better in this movie than that one.

E: And, for once, two really strong female characters in a creature feature.  That’s rare.

K: What made me really crack up unexpectedly was a terrific, out of the blue cameo by a legendary comedic actor towards the second half. The hilarious buzz worthy scene alone is worth seeing Zombieland!

S: I SO agree.  However, the end of the scene was the only thing that kind of made me a little uncomfortable.  I didn’t think it was quite the right end.

E: I think you’ve both said too much.  You’ll just have to see it for yourself (hint:  it’s not Russell Crowe, but he is the butt of a great joke).

K: Kudos for director Ruben Fleischer & the screenwriters for their creative vision for a fresh take on zombie movies.

S: I’d see this again and again and again and…

E: The ending was a little too Scooby Doo (monsters in an amusement park), but look past that for lots of laughs, a couple buckets of blood, a few one liners you’ll keep saying, and one last Twinkie.  So nut up or shut up and go see this thing.

Recommendation: Full Price for zombie movie geeks, Shaun of the Dead groupies and dark comedy fans.  Matinee if you really hate zombies.