Late sequels are always risky business. Ten years off the heels of one of the most successful horror/comedy flicks of the 2000's, the long awaited arrival of Zombieland: Double Tap was always going to be something of a gamble. Humour has certainly changed in the ten years since Zombieland's release in 2009, and zombies, for the most part anyway, appear to have run their course within pop culture. Just look at The Walking Dead's (2010-) dwindling viewing figures for one example of viewers losing interest in undead entertainment. Picking up ten years after the original film, Columbus (Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Harrelson), Wichita (Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) have been fighting off zombie hordes for ten years and have found their own private haven within the abandoned White House. With dynamics continuously shifting between the group, their loyalty is subsequently put to the test amidst the discovery of a new breed of evolved zombie.
Walking out of Zombieland: Double Tap, I was pleasantly surprised. As is the case with the original film, the chemistry shared between the four primary cast members stands as one of the films strongest elements, but it's newcomer Zoey Deutch who steals the show as Madison, a ditzy blonde somehow still surviving in zombieland. Deutch brings most of the laughs (often at her own characters expense), and integrates effectively enough amongst the rest of the cast. You'd be forgiven for believing her character would grow annoying fast, but she proves to be the most welcome addition out of all the new characters brought into the fold. What's also relatively commendable is the fact that Fleischer has remembered how to direct a feature film after his misguided efforts on Venom (2018). Just like its predecessor, Double Tap serves up a healthy dosage of gory headshots and ravenous undead action, but there's still nothing here to rival the levels of excessive blood and guts present within a Romero or Fulci zombie film. When it comes to the narrative itself, it doesn't come across as though ten years have passed for the characters themselves. Judging by their actions and interactions with one another, it feels like a year or so has passed rather than a whole decade, resulting in a first act that can come across as a little jarring once the central plot kicks into gear. Still, the film does what it has to do to get the plot moving, even if it doesn't feel as organic as it could be. Nevertheless, Zombieland: Double Tap is another fun effort that stands shoulder to shoulder with its acclaimed predecessor; a rare accomplishment for a late sequel.
Walking out of Zombieland: Double Tap, I was pleasantly surprised. As is the case with the original film, the chemistry shared between the four primary cast members stands as one of the films strongest elements, but it's newcomer Zoey Deutch who steals the show as Madison, a ditzy blonde somehow still surviving in zombieland. Deutch brings most of the laughs (often at her own characters expense), and integrates effectively enough amongst the rest of the cast. You'd be forgiven for believing her character would grow annoying fast, but she proves to be the most welcome addition out of all the new characters brought into the fold. What's also relatively commendable is the fact that Fleischer has remembered how to direct a feature film after his misguided efforts on Venom (2018). Just like its predecessor, Double Tap serves up a healthy dosage of gory headshots and ravenous undead action, but there's still nothing here to rival the levels of excessive blood and guts present within a Romero or Fulci zombie film. When it comes to the narrative itself, it doesn't come across as though ten years have passed for the characters themselves. Judging by their actions and interactions with one another, it feels like a year or so has passed rather than a whole decade, resulting in a first act that can come across as a little jarring once the central plot kicks into gear. Still, the film does what it has to do to get the plot moving, even if it doesn't feel as organic as it could be. Nevertheless, Zombieland: Double Tap is another fun effort that stands shoulder to shoulder with its acclaimed predecessor; a rare accomplishment for a late sequel.