When the Cheshire emerges...

World War Z (M)

CANNIBALISM - something humans reject with societal norms and progression of mankind, but nevertheless a primal instinct hidden deep within the darkest part of our souls. What possesses a select few at any given time to undertake the practice is as much a mystery as when zombies - the undead who are blissfully unaware of their traits - threaten to take over the world.

Marc Forster’s latest film, an adaptation of the novel by Max Brooks, is not so much a look at why zombies seek human blood though as trying to identify where the virus creating the creatures started and how to stop it. It’s a return to heavy action for the Quantum of Solace director as he tells us a story of that primal instinct we all possess to survive.

Gerry (Brad Pitt) is a former United Nations employee called to help stop the pandemic as it sweeps the world. Against his wishes to stay with family, he travels with US intelligence to South Korea to try and identify the source of the outbreak.

The zombies, determined to feast on and convert anyone, are ruthless. Their sheer numbers are enough to make most squirm in their seat as the humans that remain try to flee. Gerry is an action man though, more often than not finding himself in close calls during his mission.

His road is not an easy one as the world around him falls to pieces. But he’s a smart guy, putting the pieces together about what makes them tick. To say what they are would ruin the story, but suffice to say the solution to the dilemma is, in typical Hollywood fashion, a potentially costly exercise.

Courtesy g33kwatch.com

Forster leaves Bond behind but takes with him the international flavour to make this story a worldly one. Diverse casting including James Badge Dale, Daniella Kertesz and Moritz strengthens the film, while the locations are something for the Brangelina crew to be proud of.

At just under two hours, the overall story winds its way along as Gerry roughs it out across the planet’s newfound wilderness. That matters little as the plot delivers a not-so-subtle turn here and there to positively set the course in a new direction. Pitt is strong as the saviour, but is supported well by the cast.

This offering gives you a bit of everything; it’s manageable for the squeamish, thrilling for those with questions and even a bit comical for those who laugh in the face of the undead.

This story of instinct can’t answer many of the questions originally posed, but is better for it. To understand everything wouldn’t be truthful to human evolution, and so to leave satisfied would be anti-climactic. An entertaining film that leaves you wanting more is a solid result.

Rating: 3.5/5