Monday, August 8, 2016

Movie review: Pandemic

Searching for survivors of a zombie virus outbreak a doctor, tactical officer, navigator and driver set out from their secure base into the zombie infested suburbs.

Rachel Nichols (Lauren), Alfie Allen (Wheeler), Missi Pyle (Denise), Mekhi Phifer (Gunner), Paul Guilfoyle (Greer), Danielle Russell (Megan), Pat Healy (Ward).

Pandemic seems like a fairly tepid zombie flick at first, but things quickly become more complicated. Though the plot isn't anything new, some twists on the traditional zombie make this one more interesting. Zombies that can think and strategize? Yikes! And when the infected outnumber the uninfected things take on a much more desperate note. Add a couple more twists with the characters and the story had more depth than was conveyed in the film.

Acting was decent with Nichols putting forth a fairly solid performance. Pyle was enjoyable as well and fit the film better than expected. Allen was a bit rough to start but found his footing, as did Phifer. The remainder of the cast was decent.

Shot in the "first-person shooter" perspective, camera work was more than a little annoying when changing from first-person to scene shots, and even more confusing when switching between people for first-person perspective. Sets and backgrounds felt like natural scenery and fit the film well. Action scenes and zombies were fairly well done if mild. Dialogue was a bit bland and definitely could have benefitted the film with more depth. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Pandemic is a reasonably well done zombie flick, even if the "first-person shooter" perspective annoys you as much as it does me. Zombie fans should enjoy this one but those wanting a polished film or emotional depth may be slightly disappointed.

With plenty of graphic violence, blood, and gore, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 8.3.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Horror, Zombies, Apocalypse, Action Thriller

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

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