#REVIEW: “WARM BODIES”

Everybody needs love. Zombies too.  50/50 Director Jonathan Levine delivers the goods once again with Warm Bodies, an Adaptation of Isaac Marion‘s Novel. Set in a post-Apocalyptic World, Julie (Teresa Palmer) is one of few Humans remaining and she is sent by her Father Grigio (John Malkovich), to fight the Zombie Enemy.  After her Boyfriend Perry (Dave Franco) is killed by an unusual Zombie  known only as R (Nicholas Hoult),  she finds himself falling for him in an unlikely pairing,  as he takes-on  Perry‘s memories via the consumption of his brain. As R continues protecting Julie, oddly he finds himself becoming less of a Corpse.  This sparks a re-awakening of sorts in his fellow Zombies and together they must unite to stay alive amidst an attack from  the most vicious and ruthless of Zombies.  If you haven’t been grossed-out entirely by the thought of this, then please read on because Warm Bodies is amazing.

Right beside all the gore and violence in Warm Bodies, is the odd juxtaposition of  a heartwarming Story about overcoming differences and fighting for love against all odds. The message here is one of empowerment, hope and love.  While at once all is cute and endearing, this comes without the burden of being Saccharine. Something must be said about the superb selection of Songs also ranging from ’80s Pop and Folk to Electronica, painting colour on an otherwise grim and gray palette.

Although we’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Hoult (About a Boy, A Single Man), Warm Bodies affirms his place as Hollywood’s next It Guy – successfully selling a Love Story in only grunts and the blurting of occasional words.  Palmer is a pleasure to watch, exuding a likeable Girl-Next-Doorness about her which surely is to make her the object of Fanboy affection.  Meanwhile, the promising Analeigh Tipton who wowed us in 2011’s Crazy, Stupid, Love. as the awkward/naughty Babysitter, is wonderfully funny here as Julie‘s BFF, Nora.

eOne Films releases the delightfully quirky Warm Bodies, in theatres now.  It’s  Comedy, it’s Action and it’s Romance – nailing all requisite flavours required of a February release.