Ten years after the 2009 horror-comedy comes the sequel, “Zombieland: Double Tap,” featuring the same gang surviving the zombie-infested United States.
“Zombieland: Double Tap” is entertaining, witty and self-aware, but nothing revolutionary. While enjoyable, it certainly does not live up to the bar set from the first film.
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin, the cast is ten years older and all the more wiser when it comes to the game of brutally killing zombies.
Columbus (Eisenberg) continues his list of tips and tricks for survival, including a new labeling system for the three types of zombies that exist. Unfortunately, a bigger, badder breed of zombies is brewing, pushing the unconventional family to the test as they search for Little Rock (Breslin).
What’s most impressive about the film is the fact that although these beloved characters have changed over the past decade, especially Breslin who was 13 in the first film, their essential personality traits remain constant. Additionally, each character goes through a specific type of personal growth in the film, without actually changing the core of who they are.
The audience is able to develop and care for the main characters as they embark on their life-threatening journey, which is not an easy task to fulfill.
Bravo, writing team!
Expect a lot of fake gore, jokes and a similar structure from the first film. While certainly entertaining, “Zombieland: Double Tap” feels a little too close to the original.
There is nothing unique enough about this film to feel important in the series. It’s the “Toy Story 4” of sequels: enjoyable, but unnecessary.
The film’s tropes often felt too similar to the first, and didn’t provide a compelling enough plot to be refreshingly new. And seriously, how many times are we going to have to hear “Nut up or shut up”? Even ten years didn’t make that joke funny.
That being said, I enjoyed meeting new apocalypse survivors along the way, adding to the talented cast. That is, I enjoyed each new character, except for Madison.
Portrayed by Zoey Deutch, Madison is an overly-stereotyped “dumb blonde” who offers absolutely nothing to the film, other than minor conflicts. There isn’t really a bigger reason for my distaste of her, other than she was annoying to watch and listen to, and didn’t provide the comedic relief that was intended.
In summary, don’t expect to walk into “Zombieland: Double Tap” for a life-changing experience. It’s fun and entertaining, but nothing more. Did I hate it? No. Did I love it? Also, no.
If you’re looking for a cheaper, practically same movie, stick with renting the first one from Redbox. If you do choose to see the sequel, make sure to stick around for the post credit scene, as it might be the best in the film. #murraying
Story by: Amanda Walton
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Photo courtesy of IMDB.com
