Movie Review: World War Z

World War Z

It appears that the megahit-movie momentum has finally started to slow down. Ever since the release of Iron Man 3 in early May the film industry seemed to have settled into a nice rhythm of releasing a blockbuster per week. Undoubtedly they were hoping to continue on their steady pace with World War Z, a zombie thriller starring Brad Pitt. However, this latest zombie apocalypse flick falls short of the mark left by its predecessors and does not carry enough weight to keep the momentum going. While by no means a horrible movie, or even a particularly bad one it exists as white noise in a market bursting at the seams with superheroes, superfast cars and even faster space ships. Unfortunately, World War Z earns the distinction of this summer’s Prometheus (2012): large yet unfulfilled expectations.

World War Z tells the story and struggle of ex-UN employee Gerry Lane as he races against time and a legion of undead humans to develop a vaccine for the mysterious and highly contagious zombie virus. Thematically and plot-wise the movie does not bring much innovation to the table: zombies bite people, the infection spreads rapidly, a small group of survivors try to survive and combat the virus; with only a few tweaks it could function as a prequel to Will Smith’s hit I Am Legend (2007).

In terms of structure, World War Z is a bit clunky and wobbly at points. Once the initial outbreak ravages humanity the movie puts on a murder-mystery-thriller cloak. Lane’s purpose becomes one of finding Patient Zero in order to develop a vaccine. As the pool of possible countries-of-origin widens Lane’s job becomes quite like a game of “Clue.” Was it the Korean soldier in doctor’s hut who bit first, or the Indian man in city? While a unique take for a zombie flick it didn’t fully convince me that it worked. What starts out from minute five as a face-paced thriller slowly loses steam and becomes a staring contest between Lane and a group of zombies.

What the movie does really well is explore the microcosm of the survivor camps. Questions of morality arise around most corners. For example, at what point does one put the needs of the group over close personal friendships and promises? The interactions between Lane and his family and friends are genuinely emotional and human; they don’t feel forced or like they exist merely as a plot convenience. And there is plenty of action and jumpy moments to go around. My personal recommendation though: go see it on a discount-day at your local theater, or a matinee showing at most; World War Z has its merits but not enough for me to advise paying full-price.

Overall Rating 7.5 out of 10