Diary of the Dead (new film by George Romero)

[axl blaze]

this is the fifth one. while it would be superfluous if he wasn't the director who started the series way back in the 60s, his other non-zombie movies have been good.

as much as I love his zombie movies, he may have to switch gears for a little bit, it seems that there needs to be a new spin on the zombie-horror genre (and something more complex than just switching it up from slow zombies to fast zombies). I think maybe directors should now focus on the survival-horror, post apocalyptic side than just zombie-horror.

 

[colors]

i think this works as a shocker, along the lines of REC (excellent shocker, being remade under the title Quarantine). this style is like a next generation Blair Witch.

but aside from the style, it's a flop. the acting is atrocious, and as with Land of the Dead, the characters suck. the writing is unbearable at points, and the gore - while initially impressive - is strangely repetitive (same kills twice in a scene).

the politics and allegory (it's GAR so you knew there would be) are showcased haphazardly. a few good points but it just doesn't flow like DawnOTD. there are a few good bits of comic relief, but overall the whole thing is a bit grating and cheesy. i watched it the whole way through out of respect for Romero, but if had been another director, i wouldn't have bothered.

a fun watch for GAR fans and horror noobs, but overall i can't recommend it! (although it was better than most of the mainstream shit that gets praise here ).

3/5