Land of the Dead Review by Monkey Rogue

The film is the ultimate in social commentary.  Romero's other works have all been an analysis of the human psyche or social issues that most are ultimately afraid to approach head on.  A lack of funding has always seemed to stem his creativity, and caused him to perform something of a circus act behind the camera, and this has always left a somewhat befuddled taste in the mouth of many people.  Finally, Romero's budget was big enough to let it all out.  And he does so with a style and vigor that moves you in your seat. Riley and his crew of the Dead Reckoning are the supply crew for the city.  They make excursions out into the world to gather supplies for the populace, and help to keep it protected by reporting on the undead (or "stenches") movements and activities.

As time passes, the undead become smarter and smarter.  They begin trying to remember how to do things like use tools and weapons to accomplish bigger tasks.  Very primitive, but it marks a time of real peril for the stragglers of humanity.For many, it's just a horror movie with gross people biting the heads off other people and screaming into a camera.  For others, it's a joyride of  filth and grime.  For those who pay attention though, Romero has a real treat in store for you.  A story.  A REALLY well written story.  Characters you come to feel for, dialogue that works, and actors who pull you in and make it all seem real.  And beyond that?  Social enlightenment.  I am not saying Romero is going to change the face of moderneconomics.

Far from it.  But watch as the zombies learn, and you realize that an escalation is taking place.  Where once before, deep water protected humanity, now the undead will simply walk under it.  Where once loud noises and sustained lights distracted them, now they just ignore it.  Where once glass protected them, they will now need walls of stone.  But sadly, for the people of Green Acres, it happens quite suddenly, and Dead Reackoning is missing in action.

I won't get into plot here, as it just wastes space.  If you are a fan of the Living Dead series, then you probably already know what it's about.  If you aren't, then me telling you what happens will just distract you when you do go see it. What you must understand though is that this is a scary movie, not because of the zombies or the blood or the guts...although I admit, it's fun...it's because Romero takes time to show you something about war and life and the price we really pay sometimes.  By the end of the film you will know sympathy for the enemy.  There is an empathy that is drawn between man and the beast, and if that doesn't chill you to the core, then your probably close to homicidal anyway.

First, I'll discuss the talent.  Wow.  Romero has never been short of talented people to work with, and it's no different (if not bigger named) this time.  Right out the door, I am not an Asia Argento fan.  I am just not.  But I give her her dues here.  She has alot of talent, and I recognize that.  My apologies for making fun of you for XXX.  Simon Baker, another actor who needs more work.  This guy has got what it takes to be a full-on mega star.  He's got good looks, great poise, and he demotion like he's pulling it out of a bag.  I wish I had recognized him more

in The Ring 2 for his talent.  The rest of the humans of note are John Leguizamo in a spectacular performance, Dennis Hopper with a little screen time than I liked but very well generated mad hatter in a banker's suit, Robert Joy as the slower-than average Charlie (just look at him, you'll see he means it), and Pedro Miguel Arce as Pillsbury who's real stunt is being able to deliver those lines with a straight face (I could not have done it!).  I will mention the undead in one summation:  Holy Cow!!  Eugene Clark plays Big Daddy, the leader of the undead resistance movement and I will say this for him, for everything Borid Karloff did with Frankenstein Eugene Clark just blew him out of the water.  He brought more emotion to a dead guy than anyone.  (Sorry Sherman Howard...he just had more screen time!)  His "crew" consisted of Jennifer Baxtor as Number 9 (hold onto your shorts Trekkers, she's a softball player) and Boyd Banks as the Butcher (a face you would EASILY recognize, but may not be able to put a name to).  The three of them really do bring the undead to, forgive me, life.  Without any of them the movie would not have done even half as well.

Some cameos ARE present in the film, from Simon Pegg to Tom Savini.  Don't know who they are?  Exactly.  It's not a knock to them, but their appearance was for those of us who wanted to see them in it.  They didn't have speaking lines, but they were there.  For those of you wondering who Simon Pegg and Tom Savini are specifically; Pegg was the star of Shaun of the Dead a British send-up to the old Romero films, Tom Savini is the genius who brought the zombies to life as a special effects artist gone stunt man from as far back as Dawn of the Dead (and directed the Night of the Living Dead remake).  For those you really interested, check out www.moviesonline.ca and you can dig up all the information on the cameos you like.

Speaking of Mr. Savini, let's talk about the special effects.  KNB Special Effects Group did the special effects for the film.  I am not sure if they handled the CGI or not, but I know they handled the prosthetics makeup work.   Here's what I am going to say right now.  Wow.  Seriously.  The mixture of CGI to prosthetic makeup work is what I've been ranting about for years.  I saw it in a few places, which means it probably needed a little more work, but overall it felt really good.  Lucas,take notes, learn from a real craftsman again.  The mixture allowed us to feel connected in a way CGI simply isn't capable of yet.  But it allowed them to skip alot of squibs (that's the explosion on someone from a bullet) and just work faster and cleaner.  There are some explosions that have the "ragdoll" bodies being tossed about that I wasn't crazy about, but I couldn't tell you what a body being thrown from high explosives looks like, so I have no real authority there.Stunts, music, cinematography should be mentioned here, as they play a large role in the way the film turns out and I think too many people don't say enough about them.  The guys who put it together in editing also deserve honorable mention as well, as they put together a fantastic film that for once tells a story.  Oh yeah, and the musical number is dead on.  Oh sorry, you didn't know about the musical number?  Well, if you read this whole thing then I guess I owe it to you to say, there isn't one.  And since I am tired of all the puns, I will wrap this up with a big thank you to George A. Romero for finally giving us some closer and one helluva film.  And a special thanks to my friends at Carmike Cinema here in Mobile, AL who have graciously let me come watch movies there with them and let me bask in the glow of the silver screen with them from time to time.