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Feature article
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Opening credits alone make ‘Zombieland’ worth seeing
By Lane Blevins
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There were several intriguing titles that came out this past weekend. I went to see them all, but was confounded when it came to choosing the subject of this review.
Michael Moore was back to ruffle all the feathers he could with “Capitalism: A Love Story.” British comedy all-star and personal favorite of mine Ricky Gervais was back with his new comedy, “The Invention of Lying.”
Then there was Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, “Whip It,” about one of the coolest things in the world — roller derby. And I still hadn’t seen last week’s nifty looking sci-fi release, “Pandorum,” come to think of it.
But in the end, my undying love of zombie movies would trump all things.
“Zombieland” is a kaleidoscope of heinous zombie kills, pop culture references (some cool, some lame), amusement parks and Twinkies (yup, those Twinkies).
It is a fun romp through a zombie-torn landscape starring geek-hero-du-jour Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus. Columbus survives in “Zombieland” because of a neurotic system of rules and phobias, which he passes on to the audience as he narrates the story.
One day, he happens upon Tallahassee, played by a very funny Woody Harrelson. Tallahassee is a skilled zombie killer who takes Columbus under his wing.
There is also the lovely Emma Stone as the last “hot chick” left on the planet, Wichita, along with her younger sister Little Rock, played by youngster Abigail Breslin in her first grown-up role.
My final assessment of “Zombieland,” you ask? While it lacks the intelligence of its British predecessor, “Shaun of the Dead,” it’s still a great time. Zombie genre-lovers will especially relish this one! Oh, and this film possibly has the best opening credits EVER.
Check. It. Out. 3 out of 4 stars.
‘DARK WINGS: THE MOTHMAN CHRONICLE’
I had a great opportunity this weekend I wanted to share with all of you GTC movie fans out there.
I was contacted by Charles McCracken about checking out his new documentary. “Dark Wings: The Mothman Chronicle” is about the Mothman sightings and collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, W.Va., years ago. I was thrilled to accept, as “Dark Wings” is all about some of my favorite things, including cryptozoölogy (in short, the study of mythical creatures) and documentary film making.
I went up to Norton, Va., where Charles splits his time between home and work in L.A. At Norton’s Cinema City, I got to see Mr. McCracken’s six year-long passion project about the cryptic events of the late ’60s in Point Pleasant.
The film is a collage of interviews, reenactments and creepy computer imaging that tells the story of the Mothman from its earliest sighting in 1966. Interviewer (and producer) Travis Shortt diligently guides the audience through the Mothman phenomena.
I like to describe myself as a sad skeptic. I am absolutely in love with the idea that incredible things exist in this world that cannot be explained by science. Yet, the cynicism that comes with growing up is beginning to set in, making me feel that there should have been some conclusive proof of these things by now. Even so, I still hope…
So, “Dark Wings” didn’t do what I wanted it to — make me believe. However, it is an intriguing watch. And perhaps even more intriguing is where the chronicle goes next. McCracken and Shortt are making a follow-up that will delve into the religious implications of the Mothman phenomena — ground which has yet to be covered.
Cryptomaniacs and paranormal junkies should keep their eyes peeled for more output by McCracken and Black River Films. It will be interesting to see what they can dig up! Visit blackriverfilms.com to find out more about “Dark Wings.”
--------GoTriCities--------
Lane Blevins is an aspiring filmmaker. E-mail him at the-hour@hotmail.com.
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