Movies / Movie Reviews

World War Z

By Hervé St-Louis
July 14, 2013 - 10:07

An unknown infection is turning people into starving zombies and threatening to infect all countries in the world. Special retired United Nation agent Gerry Lane makes a pact with the world body and United States military to help them find the source of the infection and a cure in exchange for safe haven for his family’s safety. But it’s a wild goose chase around the world that will have Lane and his associates travel the world to find a solution, while fighting zombies along the way. Can Lane save the world in time?

There are plot holes in this movie, such as Lane’s plane magically landing over England after just changing route from a destination in the Ukraine. However, the action and the suspense run continually. Another thing I liked about this movie is that the previews didn’t really show much about the zombies’ looks or “powers,” leaving enough surprise for movie goers and guesses to be discovered. This movie is intense, and although more the kind of movie Will Smith would star in, Brad Pitt was magnificent as an action hero. Here he plays the kind of role Bruce Willis or Smith play continually. The one hero who’s unstoppable and literally save the day at the end of the movie. The third act set in a laboratory contrasted with the grand settings seen in Israel or the Korean bunker earlier. But the proximity to danger is exactly what made this part of the movie work. It’s a good action thriller for the summer.

Essentially, this is a zombie film. Makeup and prosthetics matter. Some of the film’s “main zombies” had distinctive looks. For example, the captured black woman looked scary just because of her eyeballs. Others, like the scientist in the safe room had nervous ticks that added to their acting. It’s not always the disguises that make a zombie movie actor work. Here, it was their performance and the terror they induced. But the film relied on huge sets and the effect of the running zombies foraging through felt like a bunch of dominoes falling. It was well-choreographed throughout the film. World War Z is loosely based on a novel by Max Brooks.

Rating: 7.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12