Not Your Dad's Zombie Movie

28 WEEKS LATER

Four years ago 28 DAYS LATER redefined the zombie movie genre. In the history of horror films zombies have always been blood thirsty, mindless beings that can only be killed by cutting off their head or damaging their brain. In 28 DAYS LATER and 28 WEEKS LATER the zombies have these same qualities, however, there is one big difference. The zombies in these two films are fast! They run fast, they act fast, they eat people fast and they must be dealt with fast. In older zombie flicks such as DAWN OF THE DEAD and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD the zombies are slow. They see a victim and slowly move in for the kill. When watching these films I was never impressed with the heroes and heroins when they escaped the clutches of the slow zombies. It's not very impressive when one can "out walk" the being trying to eat you.

The zombies in the "28" films are fast because the human bodies that they inhibit came in contact with the "rage virus". The rage virus turns humans into zombies that can easily convert a human into a zombie by simply biting them or spitting blood on them. The rage virus destroyed London in the first film and converted the city into a ghost town. The second film takes place roughly 6 months...28 weeks later. The virus is contained and survivors are beginning to slowly return to London under the watchful eye of American troops who have been stationed to provide security for the deserted city.

The screenplay focuses on 2 children who return to the city to live with their father who survived the zombie attacks that took place 28 weeks earlier. The two children long for memories of their dead mother who was killed in the zombie attacks. They escape the secure area and make their way to their old home. While there they unwittingly set in motion a series of events that cause the "rage virus" to return. Soon they are running from zombies as well as American troops who are ordered to kill everyone and everything in attempt to keep the virus in check.

The viewer can't escape the political tone of these films. Bashing America has been the taste of the month in films that has lasted for about 10 years. The movie aims to bash the American troops in the film. I looked at them as heroes. personally I have no problem with troops killing people if it means saving the Earth and mankind. Much like the terrorists that American troops are fighting in Iraq and around the world...Zombies can't be dealt with. They need to be exterminated.

Both films get a "6" and are better viewed back to back...Instead of 4 years apart.