31 More Days of Horror: Zombieland (2009)

In a world overrun by zombies there survives a rare bunch of strangers. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a neurotic young man who lives by a set of rules to survive. Joining forces with half-cocked Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) to fight their way to the coast, the two meet up with Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and Wichita (Emma stone) to destroy countless undead and make it to an abandoned amusement park.

Zombieland is an unexpected horror romp with attitude. Elements combine to execute a hysterically gory good time.

Endearing characters are just the beginning. Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg make a great odd couple. With rules for survival that emphasize the need for cardio and not being a hero, Columbus is a flighty kid wanting to make it back home to Ohio. Eisenberg plays neurotic well. Harrelson is a real treat as the Twinkie-obsessed Tallahassee and ultimately steals the show with his zombie-stomping swagger. Love interest Wichita, Emma Stone doesn’t really have to do anything but look pretty. In that, she is successful. Abigail Breslin has grown and delivers well.

Though not scare-filled, Zombieland is graphically gory. The gore—almost chunky and spew-tastic—is in your face and deliciously gooey. The running ‘double tap’ rule throughout the film is equal parts safety and fun. These zombies are hardcore and watching their annihilation at the hands of banjo-wielding Tallahassee is killer.

Not to be overlooked is the screenplay. The plot—it doesn’t take a genius. It’s essentially wary loners teaming up for survival’s sake. It’s where director Ruben Fleischer take it. Road trip! The group makes their way cross-country to the last known safe-place with a few bumps along the way. The dialogue is infinitely quotable. The stop-off at an A-lister’s home in the 90210 is unforgettable!

It's the details that catapult Zombieland to cult status alongside Shaun of the Dead and Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. From the opening credits to Metallica’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ to Columbus' rules to the very last splatter, this is zed fun. Don’t wait for the DVD. Go now and stay past the credits!