The zombie craze shows no sign of slowing down, even if the undead sometimes lumber around without a care, like in Warm Bodies, which was released earlier this year. In the recently released World War Z, the zombies take their time when all is quiet, but the slightest noise encourages them to move about briskly and then feed voraciously on any humans they can find. However, not all humans are zombie bait, which is a clue that former United Nations envoy Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) uses to the advantage of mankind during a seemingly never ending zombie invasion.
World War Z is based on a 2006 novel, of the same name, by Max Brooks. Instead of a post mortem story, if you will, the action takes place in real time, courtesy of a screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard and Damon Lindelof. Shortly after the film opens, Gerry and his family (wife Karin and two daughters, Rachel and Constance) find themselves stuck in traffic as a radio news report alerts listeners to a rabies outbreak. Soon the family of four find themselves running for their lives, as a group of zombies tear through the city while infecting others (with a bite) along the way. The Lanes manage to escape with the help of Gerry's old friend/co-worker, Thierry (Fana Mokoena), who also happens to work for the United Nations.
The family is transported to a Navy ship where Gerry is asked to help investigate what caused the outbreak and determine how to contain it. Initially, Gerry seems reluctant to help, since he left his previous job to be able to spend more quality time with his family. Now, he is being asked to travel to various locales around the world, where he will be separated from them during this trying time. However, once he understands that vast scope of the problem, Gerry agrees to do what he can to help. He travels to Korea, Israel and then to Wales, and somehow manages to survive a zombie riot and a plane crash along the way. His experiences lead him to a startling conclusion that he hopes will save the world, but even arriving at a World Heath Organization (WHO) facility does not guarantee his safety nor provide any real hope that he can solve the problem. However, he is more than determined to try.
The first two thirds of World War Z is what I would consider to be a standard zombie movie. However, there are a few scenes, particularly the one in Israel, where a wall of attacking zombies looks amazing. In addition, the final act was unexpectedly brilliant and well orchestrated by director Marc Forster. Brad Pitt is perfectly serviceable as the protagonist, but he has delivered much better work in previous films. Regardless, his screen presence is enough to make his character likable and Gerry is someone who you will want to root for. Although I did become annoyed when almost every time Gerry was escaping from the zombies, he would look back just in time to see something significant occur. I found that a bit unrealistic, even for a film that encourages viewers to suspend their disbelief. The supporting cast is above average, but also disposable, as is evidenced on more than one occasion. I would like to single out the performance of Peter Capaldi (Skins), who delivers his usual strong and believable work as a doctor who works at the WHO (and should not be confused with Doctor Who).
The screening I attended was in 3D, but frankly I do not think it was necessary to film World War Z with that particular technology. I do not think it adds anything substantial to the overall product. Because the film focuses on the human aspect of the problem and the interpersonal relationships between the characters, it works, despite my aforementioned concerns. This is a film where viewers just have to "go with it" and I think Brad Pitt is one of the few actors who can make that happen in this entertaining and often intelligent, if imperfect, effort.
