HOLLYWOOD—“Warm Bodies” is a flick that many may have low expectations for, but will ultimately surprise movie lovers in the long run. Most may come into the picture expecting hard core blood and thrills, but there is much more taking place.
The picture stars Nicholas Hoult of “X-Men: First Class” as R, a zombie who is attempting to survive in the midst of an apocalypse. He and fellow zombie comrade M (Roby Corddry) are wandering around an abandoned airport when they encounter Julie (Teresa Palmer) and a group of her friends searching for medical supplies.
You almost wonder just why a father would send his daughter to search for supplies instead of himself, but her fate now lies in the hands of R after her boyfriend is killed. He has a craving for brains which gives him a natural high. After ingesting Julie’s beau, he has a strong attraction to her and protects her from a zombie horde intent on killing her. That rescue is the beginning of a weird, but interesting relationship. R is smitten by Julie as is she by him.
Its something out of the ordinary, but it works. The chemistry between both actors is so evident that it’s the driving force of the picture. It shouldn’t work, but it does and once again its young love which is always compelling in the beginning. Who’d ever expect a zombie to fall in love with the pretty girl? Teaching and coaching her how to “act” like a zombie to ensure survival.
Julie’s father, General Grigio (John Malkovich) is a no-nonsense type of guy. Not for a second does he think R is looking out for his daughter’s best interest; I mean he did kill her boyfriend by savagely eating his brain!
“Warm Bodies” borders a thin line between horror and comedy, but ultimately comedy wins over in the long run. The elements of horror are prevalent throughout, but the comedic jabs between R (Hoult) and Julie (Palmer) are perfection. Its light in tone and doesn’t take itself too seriously which is the fun part. It’s a story of redemption which shows that love has the ability to change everyone, including a brain-eating zombie.
By LaDale Anderson
