“World War Z” has been called “the most expensive zombie movie ever made”. With a reported budget of $190 million I think that’s a safe bet. Director Marc Forster (“Quantum of Solace”, “Stranger Than Fiction”) was likely faced with his toughest challenge yet: turning this best-selling novel into a equally-popular and effective action film. The fact that the third act had to be re-written and re-shot, delaying the film’s release by six months, wasn’t a good sign. However, Forster and his team deserve a ton of credit for bringing this project back from the (un)dead, because “World War Z” is an amazing achievement.
Following an opening credits sequence that perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come, we meet Brad Pitt’s Gerry Lane, his wife Karin (played by Mireille Enos) and their two daughters. The family lives in Philadelphia. Gerry once worked as a high-level operative for the United Nations but is now a stay-at-home dad. Less than 10 minutes into the film the lives of the Lane family change forever – because the zombies have arrived in Philly. Kudos to Foster for not wasting time with a long set-up or a lot of talk among the characters about what it is that’s causing all of these deaths all around the world. He shows us zombies biting humans, who then turn into new zombies, right in this first scene of the Lanes trying to escape to safety. Great decision.
It takes about 12 seconds for anyone who is bitten by a zombie to turn into a zombie. As chaos ensues, the Lanes barely escape in an RV, but continue to be forced to fight-off more zombies as the human population decreases and the zombie population increases. The Lanes are rescued, but, in return, Gerry must join the remaining members of the government and military and try to find-out how to stop the zombies from completely taking over the human race.
“World War Z” is, by definition, a true summer blockbuster. The suspense level is set on high and never dips down until the final credits roll. The story is pretty straight-forward – no subplots or distractions – because who has time? The zombies are coming! And in the few scenes where characters have to explain things it’s done quickly and it all makes sense. Pitt is very convincing in a demanding role that required him to be in practically every scene.
As for the zombies themselves – they are very creepy. There are a few brief humorous moments, but Forster doesn’t play the “cheesy” card at all. “WWZ” gives you exactly what you’re looking for: a scary, gripping action/horror flick that’s treated very seriously and doesn’t disappoint. Things become slightly calmer in the final act, but even more dramatic. All the late changes definitely paid off. And there’s no cop-out ending. Matthew Fox (“Lost”) has a very small roll as a parajumper – he probably had more screen time in the original cut.
Surprisingly, “World War Z” is rated PG-13. There’s an insane amount of action/violence and disturbing images. I guess not having tons of F-bombs or any nudity kept it from getting an R (I’ll never understand the thinking of the MPAA). It’s appropriate for teens and up. Anyone younger could be frightened.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “World War Z” gets an A-. It’s a well executed, heart-pounding thrill ride that took a big bite out of summer 2013 box office.