28 Days Later (2002)

One of the better modern zombie films that arenā(TM)t a retelling, adaptation, or have a comic book basis. This isn't exactly anything new or extraordinary, but was entertaining, and one could argue it also works as a coming of age or life changing story about a young man's abrupt evolution in demeanor in the face of a crisis. This film does show the beginning of the outbreak, the scientific aspects, and the wide spread of the disease and how the world reacts in the face of these atrocities; the panic, lack of emotion, and bottomless fear. The politics, military inclusion, and death toll are all emphasized in this unlike many of the Dead series of Romero fame. Those films better show a singular person's plight and response to what is going on around them with lack of information. This film does that well while also hinting towards the global response. Besides our characters usual situational standard, they also travel, and run amidst a group of wayward soldiers who have all gone mad with power. This is where I have a problem with the film. Zombie films are usual about the mass populous being zombie-like entities that follow the ways of what is popular, what is in the media, or advertising. While Night of the Living Dead didn't have a clear cut message, Dawn of the Dead was all about mall culture and the addictive power of buying. This one pulls into the moralistic message of the human condition, showing that without any sense of rule, of any law or order, man would break down and kill each other for survival. Looking over the alternate ending choices I would have much preferred one of them, much bleaker and understandably chosen. I did like the actual choices made, the stellar direction from Danny Boyle, and the great cast choices of usual creeper Cillian Murphy, later Pirates of the Caribbean witch Naomi Harris, 7th Doctor Christopher Eccelston, and lovable Brendan Gleeson. The story is kind of humdrum, but the actual action, the thoughtful ways they survive and ways they are saved and save each other really resonated. I especially didn't like the romantic element they thrust in for good measure and Jim's ensuing storyline and character development. Still, this really is one of the best zombie films of all time.