Dawn of the Dead (2004)

User Review

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  Barneyonmovies

  8 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: 2004's 'Dawn of the Dead' really is a lesson in how a re-make can be done successfully, as director Zack Snyder manages to create a film that uses elements from the original, but that most of all stands brilliantly on its own two feet. It does this not by re-hashing what was already there, but by deciding to dabble with some alternative themes and crucially by establishing a very different kind of underlying humour that makes the whole thing hugely charming despite its over-the-top stupidity. Indeed where some of the gritty intelligence and fear is lost, what's gained is a real smirk-factor and an engaging whit as the film seems to take things to a knowing extremity in a somewhat self-referential way. It's this that gives you the sense the whole thing just wants you to just enjoy yourself, and coupling that with exaggerated but well-done characterisation through the script and performances makes for a properly fun and engaging movie experience.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It is slightly dumbed-down, and it's really not that scary either.
  VERDICT: This over-the-top 'Dawn of the Dead' remake is dealt with just the right amount of knowing silliness to make it a very viable and enjoyable film that proves Zack Snyder can work a lot of good if he's got a proper grasp on what he's doing.

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