Blimplarg

I've seen 28 Days later, not seen 28 weeks later. However, I don't think seeing the other films, to enjoy this one, is necessary - this film works well as a stand alone.

I was expecting just another standard Zombie film - which mostly seem to be standard zombie trope stories (always remind me of the Thriller video), but, credit to Boyle and the writers, this most definitely wasn't.

Whilst the plot arc is vaguely predictable, there is enough originality, surprise and tension, to keep things trotting (or zombie running), along nicely. Some good twists too. There was more subtlety than I had expected.

The main cast, Comer, Taylor-Johnson, Fiennes were all very good. However, for once, a British child actor was, actually good (I.e., not obviously an obnoxious stage school type), so a shout out to Rocco Haynes, who was believable.

The one negative was towards the start of the film (no spoiler here, I think) - which came across as a sixth form art project - that tried to relate historical events as a parallel, (through real life historical film clips) or indicate that the film had metaphorical undertones. This was clumsy, heavy handed and unnecessary.

Other than the last point, this is a good film and well worth a view.

I like gusto in horror films, they should be done with enthusiasm and energy, and this film certainly has that.

For once, the sharks are, almost, innocent bystanders. But, of course it's not that straightforward. I won't rehearse the plot here, but whilst there are characters cliches, well trodden tropes (sounds painful!), and some predictably, this film enjoys itself - which helps the audience to.

The acting is decent, with a reasonable dose of mad ham thrown in - take a bow Jai Courtney. The Direction keeps things moving along nicely, and there is the odd bit of tension too. Thank goodness any deep and meaningful stuff is kept to a minimum. The plot twists can be seen from space, but that doesn't distract from this enjoyable, gory, piscine serial killer yarn.

Definitely worth a watch.

I'm a fan of the John Wick films, so thought that this might be a good film to go and see, as it is a branch of the franchise. Oh alas, whilst it isn't terrible, it really isn't very good and was very disappointing.

There seems little point in mentioning the acting, Directing, plot, script or cinematography. In trying to be balanced I'll say thy are all vaguely adequate, but I may be being a bit generous there.

The problem I have with this film is that, whilst it had wall to wall action, it was boring, and felt too long. In the end I wanted the protagonist to snuff it, albeit in a convoluted and original way.

I know that this is an "action film" and that disbelief needs a kick between the legs when it creeps in, but this went beyond comic book, and any engagement, and just became irritating. The John Wick films do have this level of action but, somehow, feel more credible and keep the audience engaged. This film did not.

The underlying premise is fine, but maybe the studio need to re-think how they compile these films - this felt tired and very unoriginal. Dare I say they need a bit more thought and plotting.

And, please no sequel to this (in any form) some characters should just stay in the shadows or retire. If this film were a hired killer, it would be better set adrift in a boat, with a hamper of food, a little bit of money and a gun with one bullet, and told to make a choice between a quiet life away from the cinema, or ending it all.