Zombieland: Double Tap hit theaters in October of this year, 10 years after its beloved predecessor Zombieland. The original cult classic zombie film follows four survivors of the zombie apocalypse: Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock. After the events of Zombieland, the four agree to stick together and continue surviving the apocalypse with each other’s help. Zombieland was an immediate hit after its release in 2009 and quickly broke the record for the highest-grossing zombie film in America. However, Zombieland was unfortunately dethroned by the film World War Z in 2013. Although a Zombieland sequel was not necessary, that isn’t to say it hasn’t been welcomed by moviegoers all across the country. The film has grossed more than $100 million since its release in October.
Zombieland: Double Tap offers the same comedic sarcasm as its predecessor, however, the originality and surprise of the first Zombieland is missed. The introduction of newer and stronger zombies, for example the ‘T-800,’ attempt to bring back the initial shock value of Zombieland. Despite the less exciting plot, the newest film makes up for this with its cast and humor. Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg maintain the ‘unlikely duo’ trope, and they’re hard not to love. On the other hand, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin’s flighty personalities leave audiences trying to figure their characters out. The engaging characters make both installments of Zombieland worth the watch.
Despite the overwhelming positives of Zombieland: Double Tap, the events of the first Zombieland seem lost in the midst of each new character. Madison, Berkley, and Nevada are all new editions to the team we know and love. The idea shifts from sticking together to survival, into finding love and purpose amid the world’s new reality. Although this is a surprising turn for the group, it’s nice to see the four finding a purpose other than brutally killing zombies.
Ultimately, Zombieland: Double Tap is worth the watch. No matter the criticisms one may have about the sequel, it is an undeniably good time. The film yields only an hour and a half watch time which manages to fit a range of emotions in addition to the satisfying zombie-kills. Audiences watching Zombieland know what they’ve come to see, and they’ll receive just that.
