World War Z ** out of 4

Seen in theater.     Released June 2013.

Directed byMarc Forster.

Written by : Matthew Michael Carnahan (screenplay), Drew Goddard (screenplay),

Starring  Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz

To be sure this is a fun and fairly harrowing film.  But in my opinion, it was nothing special.  All the action scenes were of zombie attacks on the populace. They all started to look the same after a while.  There was this constant low level soundtrack of groaning and growling off stage and I got tired of the stuttery herky, jerky movements and the expressive/non expressive facial expressions.  Seen it all before, too many times.

One thing I liked about the zombies was the dedication in which they pursued their victims.  They used their bodies as battering rams to smash though barriers and windshields in an all out effort to get their victims.  I thought that it was kind of intense.

At the end, I was left wanting more, but not in a good way.  Not in a way that made me think that was the most awesome film I have ever seen.  It was more like "That's it?"  More of a disappointment that there wasn't more.  The film just seemed to speed through events, except for the (after a while) the mind numbing zombie attacks.

I understand that this film had issues in its production, and I wonder if a lot of detail was left on the cutting room floor.  For example, this being a World War, there were scenes in 3 different parts of the world; South Korea, Jerusalem and some Southeastern European country whose name was mentioned quickly and that I was unable to catch. (Belarus? )

In South Korea, the film must have spent less than 10 minutes there (estimation) and it was taking place at the army base.  Hardly any glimpse of the country itself.  They got off the plane (attacked by zombies), talked, got back on the plane (again attacked by zombies).

In that southeastern European country, they spent the whole time (almost) in a health facility, It was a decent set piece but we saw very little of Belarus.

Only in Jerusalem was the any indication that they were actually in a foreign country.  And it was probably the best set piece of the bunch.  But even in that case, they spent about 5 minutes talking and the rest of the time they were being attacked by zombies through the street of Jerusalem.  At least during that attack, you got a feeling of place.

I'm trying to keep these reviews shorter, but there was an interesting scene in Jerusalem where people were passing though the gates to get protection, behind walls.  The zombies were on the outside trying to get in.  Any messages or symbolism there?  Me thinks perhaps. 

I wouldn't recommend this film at a first run theater, but it would certainly be worth watching at the cheap theater or at home on your home theater system.  On the other hand, why bother when there are so many great films available.  Do we have enough time in our lives to watch the " just decent" films?  

I have the feeling that there is a better possible film here, it is a shame that they couldn't make it.  I does make me want to read the book, so I can at least imagine that better movie.

Here's a trailer.