A Film A Day: Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Cast

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy, Jessica Stevenson, Peter Serafinowicz, Rafe Spall, Martin Freeman, Reece Shearsmith, Tamsin Greig, Julia Deakin, Matt Lucas

Storyline

Life isn't too good for Shaun (Simon Pegg). He lives with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), his temporary management job isn't going well, and his long-time girlfriend (Kate Ashfield) has dumped him due to their almost-daily expedition to Shaun's favourite pub, the Winchester. Unfortunately when he finally vows to get his life back on track, the dead decides to come back to life. Now with a cricket bat and Ed by his side, Shaun sets out rescue those he loves and those he doesn't love, and heads to the safest place he know, the Winchester.

Opinion

Are you looking for zombies and hilarious gags? You are in the right place then. Hilarious, thoughtful, and sometimes dramatic, Shaun of the Dead is an extraordinary demential film that became a cult.

The intention of the film, which is to make a parody of Romero's Dawn of the Dead, is clear right from the opening credits, showing people already acting like non-dead, and following with Shaun waking up and walking like a zombie.

Written by Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright, this film and its simple, quite granted but consistent plot, don't disappoint neither the horror fans, nor those of demential comedies, mixing the right amount of British humour with Romero's finest horror.

In addition to the already great film there is a fantastic soundtrack and hilarious gags and scenes - how to forget when Shaun and Ed try to kill two zombies with their LPs, or when they beat up a zombie to the tune of the Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

The cast also does its part. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a great duo, both hilarious and with a brilliant chemistry, fruit of their real life friendship. Kate Ashfield wonderfully plays Shaun's girlfriend. The other members of the cast are also great.

Quotes

Shaun: As Bertrand Russell once said, "The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation." I think we can all appreciate the relevance of that now.
Liz: Was that on a beer mat?
Shaun: Yeah, it was Guinness Extra Cold.
Liz: I won't say anything.
Shaun: Thanks.