Zombieland (2009) Director: Ruben Fleischer

From the very start, Zombieland is a visceral delight. There's no pussy-footing around. The opening credits depict US zombie apocalypse carnage - black blood spurts and zombies show no manners at all. They really are very rude.

Zombieland is a fine 'zom-com' and attacks the senses - full on metal music, relentless 'action' and brutal slayings. It seems like Jesse Eisenberg, as Columbus, is the only survivor of the zombie apolcalypse. HOW? He has allergies and he's never had a girlfriend. But he plays by the rules; if you have rules, you'll be fine. Here are some rules you should follow in a zombie apocalypse - 1) cardio, 2) double tap, 3) beware of bathrooms and 4) wear seat-belts. Number four is especially important when you are escaping a serious zombie situation in your car. You don't want to go flying out the window if you forget to belt-up, huh? Always belt up, kids.

It turns out Columbus is not alone, when he bumps into the crazed and full-on f**king fantastic Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). Tallahassee loves Twinkies and he lovvvessss killing zombies. He also warns Columbus not to get too close to him but their mutual respect grows, which is a lovely thing to see. Tallahassee almost takes on the father figure to Columbus.

Along their road trip, they meet two young sisters - Wichita and Little Rock (Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin) - who are on a quest to get to the Pacific Playground amusement park, which they believe is zombie-free. They go through LA and also meet a very un-zombified Bill Murray. I won't tell you what happens here but it's a highlight of the film and features some good comic fodder. I won't spoil it for you.

Bloody, fast, sweet and, really, a story about love, family and 'belonging', Zombieland also gives a tantalising hint of a sequel. Here's hoping. It may be the end of the world, but living in Zombieland looks like a lot of fun...if you know the rules.

5/5