October 02, 2019

Fave films of the century so far - 2004 - Shaun Of The Dead


"Can I buy any of you cunts a drink?" Nasty and thoughtful all at once. Just like the film below.

Ah Shaun of the Dead. You've got to love it. A thoroughly English take on the zombie genre that hits every beat you'd expect a film of it's type to hit while retaining it's own very unique style. It's a highly entertaining watch with something for literally everyone. For newcomers to horror or even those that aren't fans there's more than enough comedy here to soften it's (surprisingly) gory edges and for horror buffs there's a wealth of nods and easter eggs to enjoy. And of course blood. Loads of blood. And intestines. A bit of impalement too.

Shaun's life is after caving in. His longtime better half Liz has given him the flick because he's content to let himself and their relationship go stale. But soon enough his personal turmoil turns apocalyptic when the dead begin to rise and eat the living. Shaun may be a slouchy bastard but he's not a selfish one and the only thing on his mind now is making sure his mam and his ex are safe. The only place that will protect them is the place that helped destroy his relationship. THE PUB. A plan is formed. Well 3 plans.


1.45 minutes of perfection. The music shamelessly cogged from Dawn of The Dead, Ed and Shaun's ridiculous tactical sprint to his front door, Shaun getting less and less upset about having to kill his stepfather as every new plan appears. The news reports reminiscent of George A. Romero's dead trilogy. A dash of zombie head bashing. The fried gold callback to Pegg, Frost & Edgar Wright's TV show Spaced. Look how much fun is packed into 105 seconds. Now imagine that for 99 minutes and you have the wonder that is Shaun Of The Dead.

That's why it's my favourite film of 2004.

2003
2002
2001
2000

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