Should I Check This Out - World War Z (2013)

With the upcoming Blu-Ray release of Marc Forster's World War Z unrated edition, I look back to the theatrical version of the zombie action film.

Based on the popular book of the same name, I think it's safe to say that fans were disappointed when news came that it wouldn't be sticking to its original source material. It didn't help that more news came of the film's troubled production that involved budget problems, actual weapons instead of props being reported onset, and the studio making hasty changes to the ending, which was apparently too dark. And, this being a Hollywood film with a worryingly large budget, the film was to be made as a 12a (PG-13) to reach a wider audience, which meant cutting out any blood, gore etc for a zombie film?!

Yep, things weren't looking good for star Brad Pitt and Forster but despite the rising budget and reshoots, the film was released and bad press was in the air, everyone knew it. But, what happened behind the scenes, thankfully, didn't come across onscreen, making World War Z to be one of the years most pleasant surprises. One of my friends who I saw it with who had read the book even enjoyed it. That said, and while I haven't read the book yet, this is probably based on the book in name only, and of course the zombies.

So how does a production troubled, 12a zombie film get past all its obstacles? Like Pitts' character when being chased, just keep moving. One of the best things about World War Z is the pacing, it never slows down. We follow Pitt as he's tasked with finding a cure for the zombies as he travels from America, Korea, Jerusalem and even Wales! While this could be viewed as a film held together by a string of set-pieces, it remains interesting and exciting. And this was probably the best decision for a film that can't concentrate on the violence that most low budget zombie films do, it shifts its attention to the big picture, almost turning into Roland Emmerich disaster film than a George A. Romero horror film.

That said, among the grand exciting action scenes, there are also many great moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a cliche to say that but it's true, particularly in the final act, which has become a hot topic among audiences as this is where the production problems and changes are most evident. To some, this will be too much of a change in tone, but it didn't bother me and felt natural given the large scale of action beforehand, needed to change before becoming overblown.

Cast wise, everyone was generally good. Pitt played the role of a reluctant father well, and while his character didn't have the strongest personality, it didn't hurt the film. Playing Pitt's wife, Mireille Enos, is also good, but the filmmakers were right to reportedly cut out her subplot while Pitt is off fighting zombies as that would have only slowed down the great pace of the film. James Badge Dale makes a brief appearance as a charismatic soldier who adds a touch of humour to an otherwise slightly dry film. Other notable performances (cameos) include David Morse and the next Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi. 

Overall, this is a solid, entertaining action film that packs moments of tension and spectacle as zombies pile on-top of each other to scale buildings. The absence of any blood or gore doesn't hurt the film either, and it goes to show that a troubled production, doesn't necessarily mean a doomed film. Regardless of whether harder cut makes the film better, as it stands, World War Z is certainly worth checking out for those in search of excitement, but maybe not for those looking for horror.