PG Score: 9/10
Shaun of the Dead was re-released in theaters for its 20th anniversary on 8/29/24
20 years strong and Shaun of the Dead is still a slice of fried gold. For a movie I have seen over 20 times, this was a first experiencing it on the big screen with full Dolby enhancements. Charming, witty, and with a fun soundtrack, Shaun of the Dead is the originator of the Zom-Rom-Com and stands the test of time. It has a little bit of everything and it is easy to see why this was the launching pad for Simon Pegg (Star Trek), Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz) and director Edgar Wright (Baby Driver).
Pegg, Frost and Co.
Pegg as Shaun takes the titular role and makes you think he could be one of your friends. Easy to like with heaps of charm, his relationship with the rest of the cast doesn’t exacerbate things in the slightest. Pairing well with Frost as Ed, it his relationship with Liz (Kate Ashfield) that adds levels to the film. A funny, slightly dysfunctional pair with odd friends, Pegg and Ashfield have you rooting for them to make it through to the end. A very young Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) makes a small cameo, Bill Nighy plays the not so bad step-dad, and the rest of the supporting cast is spectacular in support. The special FX, the fight choreography, and especially the makeup are next level. You’ll be unable to tell this film is 20 years old.
Still Got It
Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead was the first zombie film I had ever seen. That movie was awesome, but terrified me and made me paranoid, thinking about escape routes and where I would go to survive. Shaun of the Dead gave me a different outlook on zombies. Still terrifying, yes, but with the added comedy and romance, this became a much easier film to watch on repeat. Full of humor with heart and romance and a little bit of a bromance thrown in, this zombie film is still alive and kicking. It's a must-see.
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