Land of the Dead

Well, it only took twenty years to happen, but George Romero has finally returned to the scene with a new zombie movie that has been kicking around in various stages for the past couple of years. Thanks to Universal giving him the budget he needed it got done, and it was worth the wait.

This movie is more streamlined than some of the previous entries in the series, clocking in at a lean hour and a half. From start to finish, though, it is packed with great zombie goodness and decent action set pieces and an amazing cast.

The plot revolves around Riley, the driver of a tank, the Dead Reckoning, and his crew. He has driven his last mission getting supplies for the Fiddler's Green high rise fortress from the outlying dead towns. His second in command, Cholo, is reckless and aspiring to get from the slums into his own apartment in the high rise. When Kaufman, the head of the building, snubs Cholo despite his loyal service performing tasks for the community, Cholo steals Dead Reckoning and threatens the whole complex. Meanwhile, a horde of zombies is on the move and they're ready to feast on some flesh and it's up to Riley to try and stop everyone before a cataclysm occurs.

It's fun film, with quick dialogue, good scares, and fantastic gore. Romero is truly back in shape with this one and I can't wait to see what gets put in for an unrated director's cut. Simon Baker puts in a good performance as Riley and Asia Argento shows up as a hooker who's just trying to get the hell out of dodge and steals the show. John Leguizamo is good as Cholo and not his normal, manic self. Check it out while you still can.