Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

3 out of 4

Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer

Director: Zack Snyder

Time: 100 mins

Viewed: in home theatre

Humans turn into flesh-eating zombies after being infected by a virus, and run rampant. While the cities and suburbs turn into a war zone, several groups of survivors take refuge in a shopping mall, hoping to stay alive and plotting their escape. Remake of George A Romero's 1978 zombie classic retains basic story premise and adds interesting new threads, but loses the satire and consistent chills. Still, horrific opening and exciting final twenty minutes make up for occasional mid-story lulls and too many characters. Good showcase for debuting director Snyder. (Note: Director's cut on DVD features unrated footage and runs 109 min.)

(c) Joe Wong (31 October 2004)