In this smart and hilarious comedy, Shaun (Simon Pegg), our hero, has to deflect attacks from both. A true-to-his-generation character, Shaun is the twenty-something male working at a dead-end clerk job, still sharing a flat with his college mates. Indeed, Shaun’s highest achievement in life probably only exists on Xbox Live. The film makes sharp observations early on, as even before the outbreak, England is already swamped with zombies: young adults who have no direction in life and content with their day-to-day existence. Yet this is arguably why Shaun of the Dead was destined to be a beloved cult hit. The title character isn’t just an everyday non-hero; he’s the mirror image of the film’s target audience.
After being dumped by his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), who sees no future in him, Shaun gets drunk with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost) at their favorite pub, The Winchester. Ed isn’t technically Shaun’s roommate, but he’s crashed in his apartment for five years. That night, and the next day, they stumble into honest-to-God zombies, even getting attacked by one, but don’t even realize their existence (re-affirming the zombie/deadbeat metaphor). They’re only finally aware of the outbreak when they see it on TV. They quickly form a plan: fetch Liz, fetch Shaun’s mum, and barricade themselves in The Winchester.
Just like in George Romero’s famed Dead series, the reason for the zombie outbreak is never revealed. It’s fun to think that Shaun and Dawn of the Dead can exist in the same universe, just separated by an ocean. Speaking of which, the zombie movie genre is something that is culturally American. Director Edgar Wright and co-writer Simon Pegg know this, and they have fun putting a decidedly British spin on things. The baseball bat, the ever-dependable weapon of choice for the average American, is replaced with a cricket bat.
Yes, it’s completely silly and no sane Briton would actually do it, but it gets the point across. Shaun of the Dead is not an easy spoof like the Scary Movie series. It actually functions just as well as a genuine zombie movie; it just has a goofy cast of survivors, played to perfection by an ensemble of top-notch comics. Simon Pegg makes his mark as a bonafide leading star. He’s not only convincing as Shaun; he also makes the character sweet, funny, and extremely likable. Then there’s the equally funny Nick Frost (who’s best friends with Pegg in real life) as Ed, the sidekick. It’s the banter between the two that defines the film, and it’s their friendship that really wins you over in the end. The two are supported by the talents of Lucy Davis (from the original The Office), Dylan Moran (Black Books), and the always amazing Bill Nighy, who plays Shaun’s stepdad.
While the gang goes on this wild trek through a zombie-infested London, Shaun and Liz try to fix their broken relationship. The film’s claim of being a romantic comedy with zombies isn’t inaccurate. The writing during these moments is equally witty and humorous, and would work just as well – though obviously not as fun – without the zombies. The commentary on British life rings true, such as the male’s deep attachment to the local pub, and the female counterpart’s resentment of that fact. The Winchester, apparently, is Shaun’s answer to everything; and for that reason, Liz dumped him. When the film turns a corner to a serious and dramatic moment in the climax, it is earned, and even more touching because of how funny they were moments earlier.
Part of the fun – arguably the most fun – of watching Shaun of the Dead is to spot the many, many, and many references to various (usually cult) movies and pop culture trivia in general that someone like Shaun would be interested in. From Evil Dead to Battle Royale to Flavor Flav, Shaun of the Dead doesn’t just show a hero the fans can identify with, it’s also chock-full of things that they relate to, instead of just the popular and well-known ones. Of course, references to zombie films are littered everywhere; everything from classic Lucio Fulci to the modern 28 Days Later. Yet it’s hard to call this movie a parody, because it’s not making fun of the zombie genre. It has fun with it, and anyone can see that the people behind it have genuine affection for zombie flicks.
Is it any wonder why George Romero himself is a fan?
"Shaun of the Dead" opens September 24, 2004 and is rated . . Written by Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright.
