Dawn of the Dead (2004)

So "re-imagining" wasn't just a bullshit get-off-our-backs buzzword after all: For this retelling of George Romero's brilliant classic zombiethon, the filmmakers wisely decided to ditch the social commentary, instead going for the throat with a mean-spirited scare factory. The big surprise is that this approach works fairly well. It's like watching a punk band cover a classic-rock tune; while it's not qualified to hold court with the original (then again, what is?), it's quite a good time if you accept it on its own terms. The film is also clearly made by people who love and respect Romero's film (unlike some remakes I could mention), so they know not to tinker too heavily with his formula unless there's a reason for it (the initially-irritating introduction of too many characters pays off in spades during the climax). James Gunn's uneven screenplay could have used a few polishes -- a lot of the dialogue is lousy and the characters are thinly sketched. Plus, for every good idea or innovation (can we at least give this film an award for Best Supporting Pooch?), there's one that inspires head-shaking and teeth-gnashing. Mekhi Phifer's entire subplot, in particular, should have been cut out... even if that would mean losing one of the most disquieting and transgressive elements of the narrative. These weaknesses, though, are compensated for by some decent acting and a fine directorial job by neophyte Zack Snyder, who has a well-honed sense of how to keep the audience frightened and off-balance and keeps the film moving at a good clip even during the time between zombie attacks. The opening sequence is pure genius and the finale is tense and exciting and the stuff in the middle isn't overly annoying most of the time, so it's probably worth your cash. At the very least, it's better than the inexplicably overrated 28 Days Later.

Grade: B-