By Mark Saldana
Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
It has been ten years since the first Zombieland hit theaters and maybe that was just the right amount of time to give fans the sequel they deserve. The first movie gave audiences a witty and inventive take on the genre, and though the sequel doesn’t break any new major ground, it is still a joy and marvel to revisit these characters. Humor is the key to the success of this sequel, and Zombieland: Double Tap delivers an extravaganza of laughs and gore galore.
Jesse Eisenberg reprises his role as Columbus, a zombie apocalypse survivor who has remained with his makeshift family Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), and Wichita. (Emma Stone) The “family” has managed to survive “Zombieland” by traveling from place to place laying zombies to rest along the way. But just like every family, this one suffers from growing pains. Little Rock is no longer a child and wishes to spread her wings a little. She especially hopes to spend some time away from domineering father figure Tallahassee. Meanwhile, Columbus hopes to take his relationship with Wichita to a furthet level, but the uncertainties of their existence frightens her from further commitment. Along the way, our heroes must survive the newly evolved forms of zombies that develop and attempt to destroy them.
Written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Dave Callaham, and directed by Ruben Fleischer, Zombieland: Double Tap may not reinvent the franchise, but it advances the story and characters in some fun and entertaining ways. As I stated above, the humor works so well, and keeps this franchise alive and well. The film also alliws the main characters to grow a some, aside from the aging the actors have experienced since the first movie. I had an absolute blast of a time with this movie and it pleases me that the cast obviously have that same level of love for their characters.
Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin all reprise their role as comfortably as they do in the first movie. Their energy and joy are ever present, as is their comic timing. The movie also features some welcome additions by Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Thomas Middleditch, and Avanjogia. All of whom make enjoyable contributions to the film. The real standout performance comes from Zoey Deutch, who porrays the vapid and not-so-smart Madison, a Paris Hilton wannabe who has miraculously survived the zombie “acropolis.”
Though this isn’t a case where the sequel outshines the predecessor, it is a great example where the second installment comes pretty damn close. I am giving Zombieland: Double Tap a 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) rating because it is a guaranteed great time at the movies.