Dawn of the Dead (2004) Has Brains but Could be Better

If you're looking for a witty critique of capitalism, then the original Dawn of the Dead (1978) is probably more your speed. However, if you're anything like me, no zombie flick is complete without a hail of bullets and well-timed explosions. And in that case, look no further! Despite its flaws, 2004's Dawn of the Dead has enough brains to make it worth your while.

When it comes to music, I'm a total novice-but in my (admittedly humble) opinion, the soundtrack in this movie is on point. Take this montage, for instance. Both the lyrics and tone encapsulate the simultaneous sense of jubilation and despair experienced by the survivors as they grapple with being some of the only living people left in the country, if not the world.

And this Johnny Cash song interspersed with apocalyptic imagery gives me chills.

Another of the movie's strengths is the opening scene, which sets a pace that doesn't falter throughout the film. Of course, this doesn't mean it's pedal to the metal the whole time; slower scenes temper the more exciting and/or emotional sequences: keeping viewers invested while also allowing them to decompress. I love watching characters get swarmed by zombies as much as the next gal, but after a while even the most thrilling action sequences get stale.

Much as I love this movie, it could be better. Despite the even pacing and smashing soundtrack, the film suffers from a lack of character development which detracts from the story and limits its emotional impact.

Dawn of the Dead has a varied and interesting cast of characters, but sadly we learn little about them other than their names-and sometimes, not even that. Take the anonymous obese woman (Ermes Blarasin), who survives just long enough to be lugged into the mall in a wheelbarrow. That's a humiliating way to go. (Fun fact: the "woman" was actually a stuntman.)

Even our protagonist, Ana (Sarah Polley), receives little backstory other than her occupation as a nurse and marriage to Luis (Louis Ferreira): which abruptly ends when he becomes a zombie. Guess the romance died. (I'll see myself out.)

And this lack of information is a shame, because adding depth to the characters would make their struggle for survival that much more compelling; it's hard to root for people when you don't know much about them. Take Steve, for instance (Ty Burrell). He's selfish, arrogant, and vaguely misogynistic, but his sharp wit and deadpan one-liners provide much-needed levity to tense scenes.

See what I mean? An absolute legend. And yet, despite Steve's important comedic role, we know nothing about him other than that he's rich and owns a boat. (Which, depending on your opinion of boat owners, might immediately indicate he's a jerk.) Unlikable as he is, it would be interesting to know if Steve has always been so conceited and callous, or if circumstances conspired to shape him into such a d***** bag. At the very least, I'm shocked Steve made it to the chapel where he and other survivors were rescued by Norma (Jayne Eastwood). I mean, I wouldn't blame people for throwing him to the zombies just to shut him up!

The same goes for Michael (Jake Weber), a soft-spoken Brit who serves as Ana's love interest despite their obvious lack of chemistry. Unlike most of the characters, Michael is bland-but there are a few details which could transform him from an unremarkable leading man to a compelling cast member. For instance, when the group are discussing their careers, Michael admits he was worst at being a husband and that he's thrice divorced. With three failed marriages under his belt, it's clear he's the problem, but we never learn why. This is especially intriguing because of his wholesome exterior. I suppose Michael's wives could have left out of boredom, but I like to imagine it was because they caught him in bed with a str***er. Sometimes the clean-cut guys are the ones to watch out for!

During this conversation, Michael also reveals he was best at being a dad. However, it's unclear if he's referring to biological children or if he is a step-father. We also don't know what became of said offspring. Did they die during the outbreak, or has Michael lost contact with them and is thus uncertain of their fate? And why isn't he looking for his kids instead of hanging around the mall? Thanks for nothing, Dad.