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Movie Review: 28 Days Later Story: The end of the world has always been a popular
theme for depiction on film. The demise of Earth, is usually caused
by an alien invasion and the fear factor is minimal for the seasoned
audience. Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting)
brings an all too realistic feel to this doomsday film when animal activists
(think PETA gone bonkers) release infected primates from a lab and a
highly contagious disease spreads rapidly causing infection in humans
within 10 seconds of striking. Humans become zombie-like creatures until
they meet their deaths. Before they die they try to infect as many others
as possible. SARS and Monkeypox are mosquito bites compared to this
plague. So why wasn't I more frightened as I sat and watched this well
made modern theme of Armageddon? Perhaps I have seen too many of these
type films - I am not sure.
Anyhow, there is a lot to like in this film. There is some wonderful
haunting cinematography of empty cities and countryside. The use of
the digital video camera gives the film a grainy texture that works
well -- it has a documentary type look. The acting works well and the
use of relative unknowns gives the film a more realistic spin. I actually
cared about the characters.
Moral of the story for me -- quit medical testing on animals and we
would all be better off (especially the animals).
Acting: Cillian Murphy as the guy who wakes from a
coma and finds himself in a real nightmare is someone to watch in the
future. He has those beautiful Paul Newman blue eyes and an interesting
face -- and he can act. Naomi Harris as his savior
and sidekick is as talented as she is beautiful.
Predilection: I like dark movies -- and boy, did this
one fill the bill.
Critters: Chimpanzees, horses, goldfish, crows and
sheep.
Food: Lots of junk food out of vending machines and
a super market shopping spree.
Visual Art: The camera was so jiggly it was hard to
focus on any wall art.
Blatant Product Placement: Benetton, Mars Candy and
lots of Pepsi, Pepsi, and more Pepsi (and Pepsi products). It seems
even when the end of the world is near - Pepsi has advertising dollars
to spare.
Soundtrack: Lively for a film that depicts the end
of the world.
Opening Titles: A voice-over explaining the situation
and a simple line of type that reads...28 days later. I was hooked.
Theater Audience: Five guys and me. We all survived.
Squirm Scale: If the idea of the end of the world makes
you nervous -- this film will have a very high squirm factor for you.
Predictability Level: Apocalyptic.
Oscar Worthy: No
Nit Picking: The all too trendy use of the jiggly camera
can get really annoying at times.
Big Screen or Rental: This film needs to be seen on
the big screen for the whole scary ride. For other rentals showing the
end of the world try On the Beach and Mad Max Thunderdome.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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