Romero's 'Dead' Series - Part 2 (2005-2009)

Though the reception was more or less luke warm, I happen to think Land of the Dead (2005) is as good a Dead story a 21^st Century Romero could have given us. Twenty years since Day, the effects are sublime, the characters are likable and well developed. It’s actually quite hard to fault. The story is interesting enough if slightly basic, but I like nothing more than a miniature fascist state in a post apocalyptic setting being taken down by a group of do-gooding rebels. Dennis Hopper’s charismatic baddie is a real winner. Perhaps the best thing for the film for me was that it was a real sequel to the first three films, set in the same timeline. It was interesting to be shown a wider scope of the effects of outbreak, as opposed to just a mall, or a bunker. However, I’m not convinced about the whole ‘zombies can think like us now’ vibe… 7/10

Deciding that he wanted to make a change in form, and perhaps connect the series with a new generation of zombie fans, Romero decided to take on the hot 'new' filming style of the time, and do a first person camera horror, a la Blair Witch, Cloverfield etc, the result was Diary of the Dead (2007). While the change adds a certain interesting edge in terms of character development (being allowed to talk to the camera, and the viewer directly), it makes for some pretty stilted viewing, dodgy metaphors (a character asks another to put him out of his misery by pleading ‘shoot me’, while ‘shooting’ him with the camera – err, slick) and a social commentary that doesn’t really work. Despite some entertaining scenes, this reboot to the series was a disappointment and, frankly, lacked the intelligence of previous instalments. 6/10

Survival of the Dead (2009) was possibly one of the worst films its year. Even a few minutes in, I was wondering if I was watching a spoof, or maybe the camera would suddenly pan back actually show the characters from the film watching a spoof, as a nice little joke. But the camera never panned back. This is a terrible film in terms of character, plot, substance, effects… It really has nothing going for it. The deaths are gimmicky, the effects are lame, and the script is borderline retarded. A zombie riding a horse? Farmers feuding on an island? Who cares? Survival is dross that once and for all confirms Romero has lost it. Never mind George, it was a good run of genius while it lasted. 3/10

In all, the series has had some incredible highs, but there appears to be no chance of a resurgence. It’s time for the series be firmly put in the past, and... well... DIE.

Romero's 'Dead' Series - Part 1 (1968-1985)

One of my favourite directors. One my favourite series of films. I'm biased. While zombie films divide the movie going public, I'm here to stick up for them and give the unbeliever a glimpse of why they really should be on board.

Night of the Living Dead (1968) is often considered one of the original horror films, and certainly the scariest of the entire series. Any reviewer can talk about its cultural significance, the censoring, the legacy and interpretations, but lets not get too carried away. The film, or the most part, is solid, well written and tight. Direction is controlled and simple, with good use of light and dark to really get the most of the grim surroundings, making the house and fields area even more daunting and eerie. Characterisation is an obvious strength, each sympathetic in their own way. The ending is fantastic, and while the pace sags in places, the pay off is well worth the wait. On the whole, the film is a humourless, horrid spectacle that intrigues as much as it entertains, but bears very little resemblance to Romero's later work, of which I am more of a fan. The wit and fun of the sequels is strangely absent. While a solid classic, for me it's not something that can be re-watched and enjoyed more than a few times. 7/10

Dawn of the Dead (1978) is possibly one of the greatest horror films ever made. In fact, I would consider it to be one of the greatest films ever made, period. Social commentary and consumerism satire aside, it's tremendous fun. Sure, the direction is occasionally a little shaky. Okay, the dialogue is mostly ridiculous and borderline insane. It's one of those rare films that will provoke completely different responses from people. Some would see it as a horror, some as a comedy. I like to enjoy both perspectives when watching. Some of the sequences and exchanges between characters are undeniably funny, but there's always this heavy weight bearing down on the film, you can really feel the impending doom, the inevitability of the fact that even though they're living in luxury and the zombie's can barely put one foot in front of the other, they will eventually all die a horrible, theatre paint red death. Amazing fun, great effects, superb tone, a true original. 10/10

Day of the Dead (1985) was a true sequel to Dawn in style and substance. Perhaps even more bleak and dark than Dawn, the underground military base, home to grisly experiments and borderline psychotic soldiers makes for some riveting viewing. The balance of power between the parties involved is perhaps even more scary than the gore, as for the first time we are given a true antagonist in Captain Rhodes, who is delightfully unhinged, a victim of his environment and responsibility. Then add to the mix a lot of surreal dark humour, an Irishman with a catch phrase, caravans, 'a mouthful of Greek salad', a typically zany score, guts (lots of), an awesome opening scene and a better closing half an hour of zombie nonsense. It may not have the wide reaching themes of Dawn, but it's just as much fun. 9/10

Coming soon, Part 2 and the not so amazing 21st century Romero films...