Dawn of the Dead (1978, David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger)
When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.
Quick plot: When the dead start coming back to life to feed on the living, a group of survivors holes up in a secluded shopping mall.
Scariest moment: George A. Romero has always made good in the blood-and-guts department, but his real scares come from what his zombie films say about society. The walking dead flock to the mall. Why? Because they’re doing what comes natural. Then you realize a mall full of living, breathing people doesn’t look so different.
Final say: Night of the Living Dead started it all, but had Romero not knocked another one out of the park with its sequel, who knows if the zombie film would have continued to thrive? It also introduced the social satire aspect that now every zombie movie is expected to emulate. Hey, I liked the sleek remake as much as the next guy, but when it comes down to it, I prefer my zombies lumbering and wearing makeup prepared by Tom Savini.
But what about the proximity issue? A crowbar is small, you’d have to get in really close. And if your first shot isn’t completely accurate, that zombie is totally going to eat you! Is there any other weapon that could function in a similar manner, but from a safe distance?
Maybe some combination – gun and crowbar? But guns are only as good as the ammo you have or don’t have. Once you run out, it’s over. Blowtorch and crowbar? Well, a blowtorch is a bit too bulky. It would weigh you down, you would fall behind, and the horde of zombies would swarm.
Hmm… Slingshot? Hey, took out Goliath and saved the kids from IT. Chainsaw? Bow and arrow?
Crowbar. Can easily dispatch zombies with a blow to the head, never has to be reloaded and can help you past locked doors, boarded up windows and manhole covers.
I really liked the remake, but must confess… I’ve never seen the original. Or Night of the Living Dead. It’s looking like I’ve got some movie watching to do this month.
Shaun of the Dead is pretty awesome, though! Funny and bloody and silly. I love the scene when they throw Shaun’s record collection, album by album, at the zombies.
What do you suppose the best zombie killing weapon would be? Blow-torch? Gun? Samurai sword?