Zombieland: Double Tap

Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
R for bloody violence, language throughout, some drug and sexual content | 1h 39min | Action, Comedy, Horror

Synopsis: Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.

Review: When the first Zombieland released in 2009 it was at the height of the undead craze. I mean Zombies have always been in fashion but our culture seemed even more obsessed with them then. This heightened that first film to cult status immediately due to the humor, campy attitude, and memorable rules, and one-liners. I mean we all know that you have to double-tap a zombie to be safe. And who taught us that? Right. Zombieland: Double Tap has a lot to live up to in a politically charged climate where getting our brains eaten by the undead seems like a welcome relief. Luckily this one gives us exactly the escape we need and a truly fun reunion with these funny characters.

The film catches us up fairly quickly as to what has been going on with the zombies and our 4 heroes. It doesn’t stray far from the look and characteristics of the first film and other than the obvious aging of the actors it is a seamless transition. At the same time it doesn’t take the easy route of only reusing the schtick of the original but highlights those moments for nostalgic effect. You instantly know you are in a Zombieland flick.

The focus starts on two relationships. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are butting heads and for good reason. Tallahassee has slipped into an overprotected father figure role while Little Rock just wants to hang with people her own age. This relatable dynamic doesn’t need a zombie apocalypse to exist. At the same time Wichita (Emma Stone) and Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) are struggling in the deep waters of their relationship. It is neurotic meets commitment phobe 101.  These two plot points create the catalyst for the rest of the story and one hilarious adventure.

We meet several new faces in this one which breaks the monotony and gives our fab four other humans to bounce off of. These additions are zany and in any other film would feel ridicules. But here they fit in nicely. Madison (Zoey Deutch) – who you never really know if that is her name or origination – steals basically every scene she is in. The fact that she is the polar opposite of Wichita gives comedic depth and endless opportunity for sophomoric laughs. She may be my favorite part of the story.

Due to plot circumstances our team of survivors head to the heartland which could have been fodder for a lot of fun poking. Not saying it was a missed opportunity but I would have liked to see the stereotypes of that region exploited. What it does use it uses nicely. The story moves quickly and there is never a dull moment. The comedy is rampant and the violence splattering. I mean you have to have zombies in zombie land and this has plenty for your consumption. Again the filmmakers could have lazed through this and given us the same run of the mill creatures. Instead they made them evolve in to harder to kill versions. Smart.

Bottom line… Zombieland: Double Tap was made for fans of the franchise and those who like their humor with a certain spice. Yes you could roll your eyes through the whole thing and take the high road. But you would miss out on a ton of fun. I gave it 4 stars not because it will win any awards but because it did exactly what a sequel needs to. And we get too few of those these days.