A Review Of 'Shaun Of The Dead' 20 Years Later

Shaun Of The Dead poster

Image Source: The Loft Cinema

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since one of the best zombie movies ever came out. A lot has changed since then, both in the movie industry and in the world. Movies will always remain a constant, and a classic like Shaun Of The Dead proves that. The movie is currently being re-released in theaters for its 20th anniversary, and it’s still a masterpiece all these years later. 

For those who may not be familiar with the film, it tells the story of Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his friend/roommate, Ed (Nick Frost). They are in their late 20s, and not where they want to be in life. As the days go on, more and more people start to get sick. Of course, Shaun and Ed are oblivious to what's happening around them until they see a zombie in their backyard. Shaun devises a plan to get his mother, and his ex-girlfriend and take them both to their local pub, the Winchester, where they can all have a pint and wait for it all to blow over. However, it never does, and more and more zombies keep coming. Chaos ensues, and only some make it out. Some moments are funny, a bit violent, and even scary. It truly has everything you could want in a movie.  The best scene in the movie is when they are beating up the zombie in the pub with pool cues, and Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is playing in the background. It really adds to the silly antics this movie does so well with.

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Shaun Of Th Dead cast

Image Source: MUBI

It’s amazing how much has changed in 20 years. The movie came out in 2004 and has those early 2000s vibes to it. The phones, the clothes, the hair, and everything matched what the 2000s were like. Most of the jokes still hold up well and are funny, but there’s a certain word Nick Frost’s characters say that does not hold up well. It’s also very British, and this is not a bad thing. Shaun’s parents are played by Billy Nighy and Penelope Wilton, who would instantly recognize if you’ve seen Doctor Who and a bunch of other British TV shows. 

Seeing this movie in 2024 is an experience. Not only has it been a while since I’ve seen it, but it’s also after the 2020 pandemic. Many things are parallel to what the world experienced during the pandemic. In the movie, they are told to stay indoors, and not try to go after loved ones. They also tell the characters to have those who have been bitten, be isolated. This is what a lot of us went through during the pandemic, except for the zombie bites. The whole experience gives you a new outlook on the movie.

Pegg and Frost

Image Source: The Movie Database

Shaun Of The Dead continues to remain a classic. It’s not only the perfect zombie movie, it's easily the best zombie movie ever made. Everything about the film, from the story to the characters to even the music, is what makes it the perfect zombie movie.  If somehow you have never seen this movie, it is definitely worth the watch. In fact, I recommend watching all three movies within the Cornetto Trilogy, because each one is its own masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10

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