Shaun of the Dead

I laughed so hard!
Now that is something you hear every now and then, but I don't say it that often. For this great movie from director Edgar Wright, it is a perfect comment.

"Shaun of the Dead" was listed as a romantic comedy...with zombies, and it lives up to all of that description. Wright, who co-wrote the film with Simon Pegg (who plays Shaun), also demonstrates that he has only grown since "Fistful of Fingers", his debut film in 1994.

Shaun is nearing 30, stuck in a crappy sales job (where his younger co-workers show him no respect), and his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) is unhappy having none of his quality time. Where he does spend a lot of free time is with his ultra-slacker friend, Ed (Nick Frost), at their local pub, the Winchester. When Liz dumps him, Shaun's so glum he doesn't even realize that London's been overrun with flesh-eating zombies.

It is hilarious to watch how long it takes for Shaun and Ed to realise anything's wrong. Once they do get it, they're not necessarily quick to make a plan; at one point trying to use vinyl records to decapitate a pair of zombies in the backyard. Shaun and Ed bicker about which bands deserve preservation--New Order they keep, but Sade becomes a lethal frisbee. They also mention one of my favorite artists Prince--

Ed: Purple Rain.
Shaun: No.
Ed: Sign o' the Times.
Shaun: Definitely not.
Ed: The Batman soundtrack?
Shaun: Throw it.

Shaun fights his way across town to rescue Liz, save his mother, and set up a stronghold at his ever loved Winchester. The plot rips along beautifully and parodies both the romantic comedy and zombie genres, while at the same time remaining true to both of them. The great (mostly British)supporting cast includes Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Dylan Moran and Lucy Davis

Shaun of the Dead was hugely inspired by the classic zombie flick, "Dawn of the Dead". Its creator George A. Romero was reportedly so impressed with the film that he was quoted as loving it and being really flattered stating, "If you come over to the States then I'll come along to a screening". Furthermore, it is rumored that both Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright are taking on cameo roles in Romero's latest zombie installment, "Land of the Dead" which is due to arrive in theatres October 2005!

And what a fantastic soundtrack!! My favorite song would have to be "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. But there is also songs from Goblins, Ash, Man parrish and one of my favorite songs from The Smiths, "Panic" How cool it that? Panic in the streets of London....*L*

A surperbly enjoyable film and the DVD extras will give you more Shaun than you can throw a vinyl record at!!

• Today's Cure song is Just One Kiss from the Japanese Whispers CD - (1985) Robert says that this is a song that tells the story of a shared night of passion. Then why does he mention that someone died? Although he is my favorite artist, I can't say that he songs always make sense. Then again, this was in the mid 80's and not everything from the 80's makes sense.
  

"Remember the time that the sky went black
We waited alone on the sands
Remember the taste of the raging sea
But nobody held out their hands "

CJ