Directed by Edgar Wright
Written by Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg
Starring: Simon Pegg (Shaun), Kate Ashfield (Liz), Nick Frost (Ed), Lucy Davis (Dianne), Dylan Moran (David), Nicola Cunningham (Mary)
(Rated R for language and violence against zombies--impalings, dismemberment, head bashing-- and zombie violence against humans -- biting, gouging, dismemberment, and the ripping out of and distribution of intestines)
In a September post I wrote the following about the upcoming release of Shaun of the Dead : "A zombie comedy from Britain? Can you say cult classic? It is such a whacked premise that it just might work."
Well, my prediction about it becoming a cult classic was as off as Ashlee Simpson singing live. (Note to self: stop reading tea leaves.) Shaun only generated $13.5 million dollars of interest. And that’s a bloody shame, really, cause this campy comedy that mocks the classic Dawn of the Dead works! In fact, not only does IT work but IT is one damn fine comedy that is supported by a well written script with an intriguing sub-plot about a young man stuck in the doldrums who tries to slough off his old self in order to win back the heart of the one he loves.
Yes. I would be talking about the main character, Shaun. Shaun is a very dull boy. His daily routine consists of activities that can be counted up on one hand. He doesn’t alter his routine nor does he even think about altering them. One thing you can count on is that Shaun and his best friend Ed will be at the pub every night.
Enter Liz, Shaun’s girlfriend, Shaun’s true love, stage left. We learn that she has tried for weeks to get Shaun to change or, in the least, be a bit more interesting than the walking dead. All efforts to change him were to no avail so she breaks off the relationship. That’s the first five minutes of the film.
Without telling you the entire plot, let me break it down like this: Shaun mourns. People start turning into zombies. Shaun sees dead people. Shaun decides he is going to save Liz, and his mum, of course. Shaun leads friends to safety-- I bet you can guess where. Shaun and friends destroy lots of zombies.
Shaun of the Dead is one of those films that make me wish I were born a Brit. Hallo, I'd be in hysterics all day. Shaun is one of the best surprises of the year; and one of the best comedies too!
