Zombieland: Double Tap

zombieland 2
zombieland 2
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It’s not often that a cult classic movie gets a sequel. Movies like Scott Pilgrim vs The World and Napoleon Dynamite has such a unique tone and visual style when compared to blockbusters, that to recreate such a feeling would almost be insulting to the original. Which causes me to marvel at how well a sequel to 2009’s Zombieland works.

The film picks up with our original cast of Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock (played by Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenburg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin respectively). The movie sees them roaming the United States, now dubbed Zombieland, as they search for a safe haven from the undead hordes, some of which have become faster, stronger, and smarter. When Little Rock runs off with a young boy named Berkeley, the gang has to track them down to ensure her safety, while trying to work out their makeshift family.

The cast does such a wonderful job returning as these characters that it’s hard to believe a decade has passed since their last outing. Each has their own distinct personalities that complement each other nicely. Of the originals, Emma may be the best performer of the bunch. You can tell the experience she’s gained in the past ten years and it helps to make a smooth return to her character. By far the character who steals the show is newcomer Madison played by Zoey Deutch. This ditsy, clueless caricature could easily become annoying quickly, but Zoey’s charm and legitimately great comedic timing make her a scene steal.

The film has many callback to the first Zombieland, but they’re able to have these references feel natural when the characters are talking and even have a joke at their own expense.

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I also have to give props to the perfect blend of comedy and action. While the characters are constantly being hunted by the undead, the movie doesn’t play up the horror at all, preferring a fast-paced romp that keeps the gore and laughs coming fast and often. All I can say is that if you liked Zombieland, you’ll find a lot to love in the sequel.

If there’s anything I can find negative about this movie is that some of the zombie stereotypes that we’ve seen in almost every zombie media are here. For example, someone gets bit and despite knowing that means turning into a zombie 100% of the time, they deny it and put their friends and loved ones in danger.

At only an hour and a half, Zombieland: Double Tap is a tightly paced, funny, bloody ride. The mid credit scene is worth the price of admission alone, so stick around for the credits. This movie wins best mid credit scene in history. Marvel, eat your heart out.
Zombieland: Double Tap get 4 1/5 stars out of 5.

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