3.5/5 Skulls
First off, let's get one thing clear, this is a film in the zombie horror genre. You have to suspend belief just walking into the theater. It's not a gore-fest, so be prepared for that. Warm Bodies is a simple love story parallel the lines of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, the classic story of young love. This story though, offers a less tragic ending.
The premise is simple, the world had a zombie apocalypse and we the audience follow a young member of the undead (Nicholas Hoult), gaining the back story from his inner monologue. He can't speak and yes, needs to feed on brains. Though he is dead, he still longs for something more than roaming the walkways of the local airport along side the other zombies. Then, during an attempted feeding on a group of young survivors out on a supplies run, he sees the girl of his dreams, who happens to be fighting for her life. This is where the love story begins. The Romeo and Juliet parallel happens here also as her name is Julie (Theresa Palmer), and all our young zombie can remember is that his name begins with an R. So she calls him "R". Julie's father is the head of the refugee camp, safe behind a giant wall around the central part of the city. This leads to obvious tensions, especially since our young zombie friend does not eat Julie, but instead rescues her and protects her from the other undead and the skeletal "Bonies." What happens is during the course of his interaction with Julie, something sparks life inside his heart. R starts to gain back life. Let the trials of romancing the dead ensue!
Without going into too much detail, I have to note that the movie did its best to twist the zombie genre. It was also much better than I expected. Sure, there are parts that you have to give a pass strictly because it's a fantasy and to get too technical on some minor points defeats the purpose of the overall story. A story that was in fact, well written. Nothing was over acted or too dramatic, in fact the movie itself was well cast with the young actors as well as names like John Malcovich, Rob Corddry, and Analeigh Tipton. There were several scenes that gave nods to other films, scenes which may or may not get panned by zombie aficionados. But I have to say that the film makers seemed to be aware of the popularity of the zombie genre and as aware of horror fans hating the Twilight series. It was a love story sure, but it didn't take itself too seriously. In fact it almost had a distinct indie feel to it with an interesting soundtrack and thoughtful shots of the environment of the living dead. That being said, it also didn't delve into slapstick or camp.
Worth seeing in the theaters? Sure. A good matinee for sure. Go into it with a lighthearted mind and you might be surprised. This movie tends to grow on you. Will it stand up to the test of time like Shaun of the Dead? I don't think so, but it also won't be forgotten as quickly as some of the other slapped-together zombie movies that have besieged the movie going public over the last 10 years. And at this point, to be surprised by any zombie film is a good thing.
- Wayne Brekke
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