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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Shaun of the Dead (2004) in Movies

Dec 26, 2020 (Updated Dec 26, 2020)  
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
2004 | Comedy, Horror
Zombie hilarity
Film #8 on the 100 Movies Bucket List: Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead (2004) is the first film in the Cornetto trilogy, a series of films directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. I have to admit I’m a little biased when it comes to Shaun and 2007’s Hot Fuzz (shameful that this isn’t also on the bucket list), the first two films in the trilogy, as they’re two of my comedy favourites and films I can quote far too much from. And as zombie horror comedies go, you can’t get much better than Shaun of the Dead.

The film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), a hopeless boyfriend who shares a house with his slacker friend Ed (Nick Frost) and stickler Pete (Peter Serafinowicz), while he tried to save his Rocky relationship with girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) whilst trying to battle his way through a zombie apocalypse. The best thing about Shaun of the Dead is how it follows Shaun trudging almost zombie like through his own life, while in the background a real zombie apocalypse is breaking out. It’s so incredibly fun watching all of the zombie related acts in the background that the main characters are completely oblivious about, and not only is it funny, it’s also a rather clever commentary on the state of our culture and society – I’m sure we could all imagine this oblivious self absorbed attitude being very much present in a lot of people if a zombie apocalypse ever really happened.

Shaun also succeeds due to the incredibly clever and witty script and the gags that don’t ever seem to let up. From the subtle zombie nods in the beginning to the wisecracking and snide remarks between Shaun, Ed and virtually everyone else in Shaun’s life, this film is hilarious and infectiously quotable. The zombie apocalypse is tackled in such a typically British way, and not only is this funny but it’s incredibly refreshing too when compared to the overly stylish guns ‘n’ ammo style zombie films we’re used to from across the pond. How often do you see character trying to kill zombies with records before settling down with a cup of tea and a cornetto? It’s a work of genius.

The cast too are equally responsible for how good this film is, and do a great job with the script and pace. Not only do you have the charismatic pairing of Pegg and Frost who’s chemistry is undeniable, there’s also an excellent supporting cast with some rather big names in the UK industry: Bill Nighy, Jessica Hynes, Dylan Moran, Lucy Davis and Penelope Wilton. And some blink and you’ll miss it cameos from comedy greats Matt Lucas, Reece Shearsmith and Tamsin Greig. These names paired with Edgar Wright’s well paced directing style makes for an engaging film.

Shaun of the Dead is basically a big screen zombie version of Spaced, and this definitely isn’t a bad thing. The only negative about this, especially watching it 16 years later, is that it seems so obviously low budget which I think has only been made more obvious with age. Even in HD it does look a tad aged which is a shame, but the amount of blood and gore is still impressive for a 15 rated film.

Despite it’s age, Shaun of the Dead is one of the best zombie films out there and the fact that it’s hilarious too just makes it even better. And after watching this, you’ll never think of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now in the same way again.
  
130 of 235
Kindle
Run from the Dead: A Zombie Apocalypse (book 1)
By Joanne Nundy
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Can’t fight the dead? Then RUN…

The dead are rising and violently attacking people on the streets of the UK. Driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh, they attack anyone who dares to go out.

Anna is trapped as the zombie apocalypse rages outside her front door. Desperate and alone, she must find a way to get to her children who are with her Ex-partner. As Anna runs from the dead, she finds help from Rob and his fifteen-year-old brother, Jack, despite Rob’s better instincts. Together, they run the nightmare gauntlet that used to be their neighbourhood.

Run from the Dead is the first book in a zombie apocalypse series, following ordinary people trying to stay alive no matter what the cost. Battling the dead and humans alike, the people left must become somebody new. Someone prepared to do whatever it takes to live.

Anna must learn to survive this cruel new world, where the living can be just as terrifying as the dead.

I wanted to absolutely love this and give it 5⭐️! But to me it was every single zombie book going this may seem harsh and it’s not because it was bad Because it wasn’t. The writing was so good and I really did enjoy it I just needed that spark and it didn’t come. Especially with some I’ve read recently that have that edge. Saying that by no means was this bad! I’m sorry if it comes across that was as it is very well written and I really want to see where it goes. Guess I’m just trying to explain the 3⭐️
  
Surviving the Evacuation: London
Surviving the Evacuation: London
Frank Tayell | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Easy to follow (0 more)
An interesting first person insight into the Zombie Apocalypse
Contains spoilers, click to show
I confess I only downloaded this book originally because it was free on kindle, however, that being said, I was surprised at how good it was.

The story is written in diary form by fictional character Bill Wright. Similar to Rock Grimes (Walking Dead), Bill missed the initial apocalypse due to injury. His government links tried to rescue him during the evacuation, however, at the last stage the chauffeur fails. The story primarily centres around Bills attempts to escape London on his own, with a leg in cast, without falling victim to the Zombie virus.

The use of a diary to move the story forward is a different approach to most Zombie books, and allows us to to have a greater insight into the thoughts and feelings of the main character in hindsight of the events.

If you are looking for an in-depth and complex book, this is not the book for you, however if you are looking for a quick easy read on the go, I highly recommend this. I have already downloaded the sequel to this story (not free) in order to find out what is next in store for Bill.
  
The Last of Us
The Last of Us
2013 | Action/Adventure
Engaging storyline, ridiculously replayable. (0 more)
Some small glitches occasionally, as many games have. Also the multiplayer gets old quite quickly. (0 more)
A game set 20 years into the zombie apocalypse. You play as Joel, an old time survivor who is given the task of taking Ellie, a seemingly normal teenage girl, across the US. With a great script, some beautiful animation and scenery and a journey showcasing many different sides of a post-apocalyptic world, you get to decide yourself whether zombies or humans make up the real threat.
  
Wanted: Dead or Undead (Zombie West #1)
Wanted: Dead or Undead (Zombie West #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Forget Cowboys Vs. Aliens, this is Cowboys Vs. Zombies and it's much more fun.

It had a bit of everything I like in a book: romance, adventure, cowboys...and I kinda like zombie books, too (though they have to have a bit of romance in them as well). It didn't shirk on the horror details either with some rather creepy scenes involving one family.

I really liked Trace/Cowboy and Elisabeth/Red. They were both really great characters and I have to say that Cowboy seemed like the ideal guy to meet in a wild west zombie apocalypse. As for Red, she was pretty kick-arse. The secondary characters were cool too.

I'm very intrigued as to what will happen next in the series and can't wait to read the second book in the series.
  
Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
2018 | Comedy, Horror, Musical
Just Strange Overall
Anna and the Apolcalypse- is basically Shaun of the Dead meets Santa Clarita Diet meets a musical. You throw horror, comedy, action, drama and music all togther you get Anna and the Apolcalypse. I think their is too many genres in this movie. First its wants to be a drama, than a musical than a zombie film than a zombie action film than musical mix comedy in. So many genres i cant tell what this movie wants to be. And thats its major downfall.

The plot: A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.

Ohh i almost forgot its also trying to be a christmas film, revolving around christmas and set during christmas. Yes its one of those horror films. A horror film based/set around a holiday.

The reason im giving it a "7", because it reminds me so much of "Shaun of Dead" and i loved that film. And this film had good zombie kills in it and good action.
  
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Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Cargo (2017) in Movies

Jul 7, 2020 (Updated Oct 26, 2020)  
Cargo (2017)
Cargo (2017)
2017 | Drama, Horror, Thriller
Emotional Story About Father's Devotion To His Child During The Zombie Apocalypse
Contains spoilers, click to show
I like this movie. I mean an emotional journey of a father trying to find a safe place and people to take care of his baby daughter before he turns into a zombie is a great premise. Martin Freeman also puts on quite a good performance as he portrays the character Andy on this journey. The backdrop of Australia was beautiful as the setting in this movie too. This film has a well written plot and tense atmosphere but for me personally didn't quite reach fare enough into the horror genre to scare you and not enough zombie action. What it did have was added tension from the characters of other survivors and not knowing how they would deal with Andy being infected. I really liked some of the small details like how the little girl Thoomi made modifications to her shoes so her mother couldn't find her tracks or how she painted her face with stuff to hide her smell from the zombies. I even liked the villain's motivations and reasoning because they seemed realistic and very believable. Still it has me on the fence a bit because it feels like it was missing something when being considered a zombie movie. I wanted to rate it higher but personally feel like it deserves the score of 7/10.


  
78 of 230
Kindle
Dead Man Walking ( Death in a Northern Town book 3)
By Pete McKeirnon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My name is John Diant. Tortured father to a missing teenage girl, friend to a retro 1980s music obsessed Scouse smart arse and brother to Runcorn’s answer to Chuck Norris, only with less hair and a shitter beard. It has been several days since the zombie apocalypse came to Runcorn and now my home town, is nothing more than a dead town.This is my journal…The comedy horror trilogy continues with Death in a Northern Town 3: Dead Man Walking. Follow John, 80s Dave, Butty and Emily on their journey through zombie infested Runcorn, trying their best to survive against both the dead and the living.


I’ve said it after every book I bloody love this series!! This one was a just as good as the first two. I actually nearly wet myself laughing (or could be I’m getting old and after having 4 kids things get that way 😂😂😂) and also woke my husband at 1am at 80s Daves dream. The Tina Turner nut bush started it but Freddie Kruger and the mayonnaise spoon just had me in bits. I absolutely love this writers style and I still think it’s one of the best zombie books I’ve read. I urge everyone to read it. Also yay for zombie geese and ducks!!
  
Death in a Northern Town (Death in a Northern Town #1)
Death in a Northern Town (Death in a Northern Town #1)
Peter McKeirnon | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Humor & Comedy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
82 of 250
Kindle
Death in a Northern Town ( Deat in a Northern Town 1)
By Peter McKeirnon

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Follow the zombie outbreak as it happens in the small Northern English town of Runcorn, with journal entries from survivor John Diant, bringing you the apocalypse from his perspective as he goes in search for his missing daughter with his retro, chain smoking best friend 80s Dave.



Bloody brilliant!! I laughed so much! In my opinion it was well written and definitely funny. Love finding little gems like this especially from British authors. The Geese were just a fantastic idea and I loved this apocalypse included animals too. Loved the bloke throw zombies off the high rise block of flats and the zombies heads on pikes.
Can’t wait to read more I would recommend give these authors a go! X
  
The Girl with All the Gifts
The Girl with All the Gifts
M.R. Carey | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
8.1 (43 Ratings)
Book Rating
Audible makes this a better book!
I found this to be a truly enjoyable experience with Audible on my side. I am an avid reader, but something about Finty's voice and her ability to paint characters with just tonality is mesmerizing.

This is a unique spin on the typical zombie apocalypse story, and I have to say it's done exceedingly well. I loved the idea of Melanie being raised as she was, and even though the end of the book could be predicted, the perspective of the child and the changes that some characters made caused me to be particularly thrilled with this book. Off to find the movie now!!