REELGUY'S REEL REVIEW: "Zombieland" has plenty of laughs, scares, and attitude

"Zombieland" is a hip, darkly humorous take on the zombie sub-genre of horror films. The film comfortably switches within the course of a scene between humor and genuine scares. Focusing on a group of survivors brought together because of their post-apocalyptic skills and outsider natures, the film follows this ragtag band around the country in search of a safe haven. The lack of a clear destination or motivation other than survival works within the backdrop of this bleak landscape. The four characters each bring something special to the group, whether it's a set of rules, a fearless nature, or the ability to run a successful scam. Mixing unexpected laughs with terror like its zombie forbearer "Shaun of the Dead," "Zombieland" continues to prove that you can laugh at the same things that scare you. It's all about attitude and "Zombieland" has plenty of it.

Jessie Eisenberg ("Adventureland") stars as Columbus, a young man who is an unlikely survivor of the zombie holocaust. Without any close family or friends, Columbus manages to stay alive by religiously following his set of self-made rules for survival. These rules pop-up on-screen throughout the picture, giving the audience visual cues notifying us when the characters are properly following those rules. I found myself calling out the rules as a scene would unfold. The narration in the picture is similarly absurd, sometimes pathetic, and often amusing.

Along the way, Columbus meets a hard-bitten wanderer named Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson; "No Country for Old Men"). Tallahassee is a well-conceived anti-hero with a craving for Twinkies and a need to take his frustrations out on inanimate objects. The fellows meet sisters Wichita (Emma Stone; "Superbad") and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin; "My Sister's Keeper") during their travels, soon learning not to underestimate them. Each person calls a particular place home (where the city names come from), is reluctant to get particularly close to anyone else, and has his/her own faintly-held notion of where a safe haven might be. This group of social deviants fight and argue often, making the viewing all the more entertaining.

The sisters Wichita and Little Rock operate more as a unit than as individual characters for most of the story. Their motivations, while initially understandable, become less justifiable as the movie continues. Both actresses bring charm to their roles, earning some patience for their con artist schemes. Harrelson is brilliantly rough and rugged but hiding an unexpectedly tender side. Eisenberg works well as the geek looking to prove himself. The apocalypse is a step up from his former lonely existence. He is constantly looking for opportunities to connect with his fellow survivors. Unfortunately, he's part of a rather prickly and suspicious group.

The second act loses momentum as the constant, looming threat dissipates but a surprise cameo livens the story back up. A great script and dialogue punctuate this thriller, continuing to prove that zombie horror sparks some of the most brilliant writing in the genre. A small but affecting cast and a quirky tone manage to make Zombieland a stand-out picture leading into Halloween.

Rated R for horror violence/gore and language.