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- Dawn Of The Dead (2004 Remake) - Theatrical Release - 

About a year ago I heard that my all time favorite horror movie, George Romero's
"Dawn of the Dead" was being remade. To be completely honest with you, I thought 
that this was a dumb idea. Last fall I saw a trailer for the movie. I was not 
impressed at all. Then, four days prior to its release, The USA Network aired the 
first ten minutes of "Dawn of the Dead". Well, I was hooked. 
The 2004 version of "Dawn of the Dead" is obviously based on George Romero's classic 
film. It is not a rip off, nor is it an attempt to become a carbon copy of the 
original. Screen writer James Gunn (Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2) gives us an interesting, 
but not an overly complex plot. Realistically, a movie of this nature could easily
be spoiled by trying to either say or do too much. Most of us could easily figure 
out basically what was going to happen long before we stepped into the theater. The 
strength of Gunn's screenplay is that he puts enough creativity into the story to 
keep it authentic. We quickly know we are watching a different film from the 1978 
version. A few basics from George Romero's classic are obviously part of this film.  
The majority of the story does take place in a mall. A small band of survivors is 
once again attempting to remain alive in a chaotic and crumbling world. Of course, 
the dead have come back to life. Despite these similarities with the original, there 
are many differences. This time it is not just four humans trying to outwit the army 
of Zombies that has surrounded them. Additional humans are thrown into the mix as the 
story progresses. This causes the audience to pay closer attention to the human aspect
of the plot. An intriguing social environment is created. A melting pot of sorts is 
built before our very eyes. It gives an even better impression that the fate of America
and possibly the fate of the entire world as we know it, rests on the shoulders of 
these survivors. These new Zombies have a unique distinction. For the most part they
are the same run-of-the-mill Zombies that we have become accustomed to. They mill around 
in their normal state, stumbling and bumbling over each other. But, wait until you see 
just how they act when a warm human body and its tasty flesh come into near proximity.  
These suckers can move. I mean they have the speed and agility of an Olympic athlete.  
It brings a different twist to the film. 
First time director Zack Snyder uses the screenplay and the talented pool of actors to 
put together a darn good film. Ving Rhames, Sarah Polley, Michael Kelly, and Bruce Bohne 
are among those who give exceptional performances. Each character has his or her own 
distinctive personality. The actors, in perfect tune with Snyder's direction, give us a 
variety of interesting and remarkable characters.
Snyder's direction and Gunn's script ensures that the film does not become too predictable.  
The plot is never extended to a point where it becomes unbelievable. The director walks 
a fine line of balancing all the ingredients. He does a great job of it. 
This movie also has a few links with Romero's version. Richard P. Rubenstein, who produced 
the original, was one of the producers for this adaptation. Ken Foree, star of the original, 
has a cameo role in this one. Makeup and special effects guru Tom Savini has a small but 
memorable role as a sheriff. Savini also directed the forgettable remake of "Night of the 
Living Dead," and played the leader of the rouge motor cycle gang in the original "Dawn of 
the Dead". I think that the presence of these three truly legitimizes the film. 
The 2004 version of "Dawn of the Dead" has all the components needed to create a great horror 
film. It is intense, suspenseful, exciting, gory, frightening, and just plain fun to watch.  
This movie is just not for horror fans. Anyone with a strong stomach could possibly like this 
one. Anyone who does not like gore should stay away. Yes, there is plenty of blood and gore.  
The gore is necessary in this film. It is never misused. I left the theater thinking more 
about the characters then trying to decide what was my favorite bullet-to-the-head shot. That
says a lot about what went into making this film. I am not sure if the 2004 remake of "Dawn 
of the Dead" is destined to become a classic. It is one of the best horror films to come out
in the past five years or so. But, ten years from now it would not surprise me if this movie 
was still thrilling horror fans. Here is a bit of advice. When you see this incredible film, 
do not leave the theater until the credits are completed. This film does not end when the 
credits start to roll. Also, I do not believe that the ending is as absolute as it might 
appear to be. If you pay close attention, I think you will understand what I am getting at.

Reviewed By Scal Williams.

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