ZOMBIELAND DOUBLE TAP by Urizen

   Ten years! Ten years I have waited for Zombieland to get another movie and finally it is here! Starring Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, and Jesse Eisenberg, the original Zombieland was a fantastic horror comedy. It knew how to perfectly balance the tones throughout, giving us plenty of laughs while making sure the horror was very much present. It even knew when to throw in a few touching moments where we could really feel them, but without bringing the movie down too much. It has become a much loved movie over the years, by me included. After a long wait, we finally get to see the continuation of our group’s journey. After this wait though, could Tallahassee, Wichita, Little Rock, and Columbus leave as much of an impact on us as they did ten years ago?

   Thankfully, bringing back the same cast, Zombieland Double Tap brings our group to Washington to find a home in the White House. Little Rock, not thrilled with the life they live and wanting to be around people her age, runs away from home. Tallahassee, Columbus and Wichita must set out on an adventure to find her,  while also coping with the now evolving zombies. Along the way they meet up with other survivors, and have their skills and bonds put to the test.

   This movie is good. Really good. I can honestly say that there isn't a second of it I didn't love. It was well worth the wait, and if I found myself waiting ten more years for a third movie,  I’d be okay with that. While the plot may not seem like much, it doesn't need to be. It is strong enough to carry the movie forward and keep you interested, but this movie works so well for the same reason the first did, the characters and their interactions.

   The actors and actresses in this movie were all made for these roles. After this meant years they so easily seem to slip into those characters again, and nail it. Woody Harrelson continues to be the stand out for me, but I was also happy to see Abigail Breslin get more to do in this movie. Since obviously she was younger, her character seemed great,  but didn't have too much to do in the first movie. Here we get more of her character and see a bit of a father-daughter dynamic between her and Harrelson. Tallahassee ends up being very protective of Little Rock, and with what we learned with his son in the  first movie, it makes perfect sense.

   I also really enjoyed the new characters as well. We were introduced to Berkeley, played by Avan Jogia, Madison, played by Zoey Deutch, and Nevada, played by Rosario Dawson. Berkeley is good stereotypical,  pacifistic hippie that Little Rock runs off with. The way you feel about him is exactly how you’re supposed to feel. Madison is great. She is this sort of ditzy blonde who, while not the smartest, is usually just so happy and excited about everything. I really thought I would hate her, but she was wonderful. Finally we have Nevada, Tallahassee’s love interest. She is one of those just tough and cool characters.  Exactly the type you would expect Tallahassee to be with.  She wasn't my favorite,  but I definitely enjoyed her.

   Other than that, the story is a lot of fun, progressing in a pretty natural way from the first one. There are plenty of call backs to the old movies, but like the zombies in the film, it manages to evolve to fit a bit more with the time. Just as with the first, the opening credits are great, taking something that would ordinarily be dull and turning it into a fun time. We have some great action moments in the movie, and as usual with Zombieland, a lot of excellent humor. I’d say most of the humor hits as intended with a small portion of it falling a bit flat.

   On the subject of humor and action, keep watching at least for the mid credit scene. It is so good. I’d say the after credits scene is a bit funny too, but isn’t anything that is a must watch moment. The mid credit scene on the other hand, really made me want more.

   I will say that I wish we saw a bit more from the evolved zombies. They had “Homers”, which were basically harmless, stupid zombies; “Hawkings", which were incredibly smart ones; “Ninjas", which seems self explanatory; and eventually “T-800s", zombies that were very difficult to kill. The “Homer" popped up a couple times for comedic relief, and we got a moment for a “Hawking", but after they were introduced, the “T-800" became the main threat. I would have liked to see more of the others. Maybe it is also from my playing of zombie games, but I would have liked to see a bit more in the way of physical mutations.

   Other than that small thing, Zombieland is an amazing movie. If you liked the first one, you’re going to enjoy this one. No doubt about that. It takes everything that was loved about the first movie and amps it up. With a great story, amazing chemistry and acting from the cast, and top notch humor, Zombieland: Double Tap is a must see movie. Like the first, you will be rewatching it for years to come and eagerly hoping for and awaiting a return to Zombieland.