If you’ve
read my review for “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse,” you would know that
I detested that piece of shit with a fiery passion. Not just because it was easily the most insufferable horror comedy I've ever seen, but because it was one of the worst movie theater experiences I've had in years. Let me explain, I saw the film on Halloween night of last year with a group of friends, and I was the only one who hated it. That's probably the worst thing that could happen when seeing a movie with friends, when you're the odd man out. I'm not saying they're wrong for liking it...but I fail to see why. The characters were unlikable, the action scenes were
uninspired, the comedy was beyond tasteless, at times didn't make any sense, and it was the film that made
me completely sick of zombies. Yeah, that’s how bad the
film was. It was already bad enough that "The Walking Dead" made me bored of the genre, but "Scouts Guide" was the film that completely destroyed my enjoyment for anything zombie related. Hell, not even re-watching “Shaun of the Dead” or
any of the Romero films cheered me up. And considering how over-saturated the genre was
becoming, I figured it was time to put it to rest and let zombies go the way of westerns. Sadly, that'll take time before it comes into effect, so we'll still have to deal with them for the time being. Until then, let's talk about today’s topic: “Pride + Prejudice + Zombies.”
Based on
the parody novel by Seth Graham-Smith, we are given a retelling of Jane
Austin’s “Pride & Prejudice,” but with zombies. Nothing more, nothing less.
I didn’t really have high expectations for this movie, so if the film didn't work, I wouldn't have been disappointed. But during its
opening weekend, and since I had some time to kill after seeing “Hail, Caesar,”
I decided to give it a chance. And boy…did I have fun with this film.
While the film does take itself
seriously for the most part, it does have some pretty exciting and
humorous moments to it, especially for those who know the original “Pride &
Prejudice.” Not only that, the action scenes were very good, especially with it
being director Burr Steers first action film. I’m also glad that the zombie
effects and mannerisms are consistent, and I love how they explain how they
keep their humanity intact, despite being infected, by having them feast on brains that aren't human. Take note of this, Chris
Landon!
Lily
James, Bella Heathcote, Suki Waterhouse, Ellie Bamber, and Millie Brady, really
do a great job portraying the Bennett sisters. They handle these characters
with dignity, both in their mannerisms and how they’d prepare for battle in
this time period, in a believable way. Same can be said for Douglas Booth as
Mr. Bingley. As a fresh and up-and-coming actor, he showcases that he can
really dive into a time period with such ease, and portray a convincing man of
class, both in mannerisms and skill. I especially love how he and Lily James
work off of each other, especially in their fight scene that has a nice homage
to “The Mask of Zorro.”
With what
I had good to say about it, was there anything that didn’t work with me? Well,
like the original “Pride & Prejudice,” it has some very dull moments, and I
mean DULL. I know that might sound childish of me, but it is supposed to be a
fun popcorn film too, and each transition through zombie fights does take some
time to slog through. That, and the film does tend to have trouble shifting through tones, something that “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter” had a
problem with, which I thought was handled more smoothly in “Hansel &
Gretel: Witch Hunters.” That, and the biggest problem I had was with Matt Smith
as Mr. Collins. I did not give a damn about this character in the film, nor did
I think there was any reason to have it be Matt Smith. This is the second film
I’ve seen him in where he’s flat out wasted, the other being “Terminator Genisys.” But
at least he wasn’t as underused as Lena Headly as Lady Catherine. I mean, she’s
great, but we don’t get to see enough of her in action. I mean, it’s Lena
Headly, the wife of Leonidas for God’s sake!
Overall, looking past some boring moments and a bit of wasted potential, I still managed to have fun with “Pride + Prejudice + Zombies." If you like
the original “Pride & Prejudice,” or if you’re someone who wanted it to be
a little more entertaining, I’d recommend seeing this. it. It
may not be the best zombie film ever made, nor is it the best satire action
film I’ve seen, but it does what it wanted to do. And unlike "Scouts Guide," "Pride + Prejudice + Zombies" was a film that allowed me to have fun.
Rating: 8/10
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