Director Ruben Fleischer launches his sequel with an update on the lives of the four beloved characters: Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock. It’s been a decade since these four united and they’ve grown closer through their adversity. Yet, Fleischer capitalizes on the fact that even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, human frailties are always present. This make-shift family crumbles as Little Rock, played by Abigail Breslin, leaves to chase selfish adolescent desires. As the three search for her in Graceland, they uncover difficult truths about a new zombie strand … A strand that has made them near impossible to kill.
Zombieland: Double Tap doesn’t commit to a flawless narrative - it leans on the audience’s willingness to come along for the adventure. This film is meant to be fun … And, it succeeds at this! But, if a moviegoer is expecting perfection, they’ll leave wondering what the fuss was all about. In truth, this film doesn’t require the screen play to outshine its original, as this franchise is grounded more on the depth of its characters.
"This film is meant to be fun … And, it succeeds at this! But, if a moviegoer is expecting perfection, they’ll leave wondering what the fuss was all about"
Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson, steals the show again with his likability. This Twinkie-loving, country boy draws you in with his quirky, genuine personality, and makes you care about the group’s survival. Yet, he revives his role with new and interesting facets to his character. Accompanying Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg’s, Columbus, delivers his silly routine on the rules for staying alive - and adding new ones to his game. And, the sister duo, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin, bring that much needed balance with their witty, tough cores. They’re back, and they’re fun to watch!
Besides these excellent performances, the real treat was the addition of new characters. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but these newbies complimented the four by adding a dimension of creativity and humor - enhancing moviegoer’s affection for this “zombie land.”
"A film like this is meant to be taken lightly, not for artistic analysis"
Again, this film is meant to be fun! And, you really can’t help but laugh at a number of ridiculous idiosyncrasies, teamed in conjunction with an occasional, disturbing “knock out.” A film like this is meant to be taken lightly, not for artistic analysis. Did I leave the theatre reflecting on new perspectives or meaningful topics? No. But, did I leave the theatre smiling? Yes! In the fictional “zombie land,” the art is in the moviegoer’s affection for these down to earth personalities. And, on this front, this film “tapped” into that … for a “second” time!
3/5
