George A. Romero's Land of the Dead

This is the first George Romero zombie movie since 1985's Day of the Dead. This is a George Romero zombie movie with a budget. And it kicks ass. FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY an R-rated horror movie! (See my rant in my "Cursed" review in the March 2005 archives.) This movie is bloody, gory, violent, scary, and excellent.

"Some time ago" the zombies appear (aka "Night of the Living Dead"). By the time this movie takes place, the remaining humans are in Pittsburgh (played by Toronto). The city is walled up on one side, and protected by the rivers on the other sides. The really rich folks (led by Dennis Hopper) live in a huge glass highrise, while the poor people live outside the building, under constant threat of zombie attacks.

The humans have this kick ass vehicle called "Dead Reckoning" that is used to go out and forage for food, gas, liquor, whatever. They just mow down the ever-shambling zombies. Until, that is, one particular gas station attendant zombie sloooowly begins to learn.

That's right. The zombies are adapting. Nothing huge - they don't start driving; they don't open diners; they don't start jumping up and down on Oprah's sofa proclaiming their love for Katie Holmes. But, for the first time, you see a zombie use a gun. (By the way, when the zombie uses the gun, it is a very effective scene.) And, the zombies learn that they can cross water by simply walking....

The guy from that TV show "The Guardian" stars as the good guy soldier trying to earn enough money to leave town. (He's planning on going up into the wilderness of Canada.) John Leguizamo is "Cholo" (yes, that's his name), a guy who thinks he's earning his keep to be allowed into the highrise with the rich, white folks, but has a surprise coming.

This is a good zombie movie. Not for the faint of heart. But if you like zombie movies (you know who you are), then this is a great one to see.