Burying the Ex

Burying the Ex sounds like a fun concept, putting the cynicism of relationships with some horror movie camp. It's quirky overall, with the combination of the monster movie tropes of its star, Anton Yelchin, and the flavor of Joe Dante's vision, this must be a perfect formula of an enjoyable zombie comedy. But surprisingly, the movie is lacking the enthusiasm it deserves. It seems like the film's only priority is just sticking to formula of a typical R rated comedy, and ends with a horror movie schlock. When it shows affections to the horror side, Burying the Ex becomes fun. But it would take a long while for the film to get there.

The film introduces itself with its main character seemingly living in misery with his girlfriend. His girlfriend apparently wants him to give up himself from being a horror movie junky, thus he struggles with her choice of choosing a lifestyle that he isn't really fond of. Then we get to meet another girl who has a better fitting personality for Max. This is meant to be something playful or somewhat, but the film's approach seems to lack real energy to make them totally entertaining. A raunchy best friend (or half brother) also exists in this story to provide a straight comic relief, but not even him could spice up these moments. When Evelyn turns into a zombie, it seems like the film doesn't earn much of a surprise. It still sticks to the quirkiness, but it's just another way to anticipate for the real payoff as we watch more of them trying hate each other, at the same time concerning the other girl and his supposedly funny half-brother.

It's only the third act where the film finds real joy from itself, even though it only lasts for a few minutes and looks pretty trashy, but this is what most of the film should have been, embracing its horror movie roots than forcing some romcom silliness. It's quite a shame because the film is scattered with potential comedy gold as well. There is a running joke about the catchphrase of Max's work that lead his costumers with amusingly bitter reactions. The film could have used more of that type of humor. The acting is surprisingly not so interesting. Anton Yelchin seems to build his own cliché as a hero who fights monsters with a hot girlfriend, but this is probably his least likable among. His Charlie Brewster had sense of adventure and humanity, while Odd Thomas had all the curiosity a monster movie needs. Here, he's basically struggling to get back to that mold, though he still spares the charisma only when the script calls him for it. Ashley Greene is trying to be freaky and cute as both human or zombie, but it never shines either way. Alexandra Daddario makes herself bubbly, maybe a little too much.

Burying the Ex should be fun. It's a simple quirky idea and yet it sticks in throwing some lazy clichés and unenthusiastic tone. Only the last few minutes where the real conflict kicks in and reveals the film's supposed true madness. If only the film focused more on that, or at least give more humor like the one that tells people to go to hell than another sex joke about half-brother having an orgy on the hero's apartment. It just wasted a cool concept for a dark comedy that could potentially bring its own personality, it's also scattered with a good taste of classic horror love, but what took over instead are the familiar and less inspired ones.

Embracing the corny B-movie allure, Burying the Ex takes advantage of its modest yet mildly fun concept. It produces decent comedy with pop reference, fitting acting and smart script. The movie is still stuttering with odd plot development, but all things considered it's a fun popcorn flick worthy of a few giggles.

Max (Anton Yelchin) has been bothered by his shifty relationship with Evelyn (Ashley Greene). Theire personalities almost always clash, not to mention Evelyn can be incredibly volatile. Things get worse as a shady curse of some sort bind them both forever, this includes afterlife. After a tragic accident Evelyn rises from the death to fulfill her eternal love. The premise is by all means average romcom, but it is delivered with adequate conviction and wit.

Ashley Greene fully welcomes the quirky role. She's equally obnoxious as living eco-obsessed girlfriend and a creepy zombie lady. The change of tone and behavior is done realistic enough, despite the exaggerated set-up, to ensure their situation is oddly identifiable. The cast isn't large, only four main characters, and it keeps the pacing moving relatively well.

The script is done with tongue-in-cheek approach. Dialogues are occasionally cringeworthy, though most of the times they contain enough modern pop references or silly puns, audience can't help but laughing at them. Plot can be shady and a bit forced, but if audience can overlook some of these obscurities, there's mild fun to be had here.

Burying the Ex is a simple B-movie, yet it is presentably humorous in the scale it plays on.

A guy (Anton Yelchin)'s regrets over moving in with his girlfriend (Ashley Greene) are compounded when she dies and comes back as a zombie.

Apparently this film has largely negative reviews. That surprises me. I can understand mixed reviews, because this is definitely not Joe Dante's finest film. But where are the horror fans who appreciate all the great references? This is definitely a love letter to horror fans, the ones who are gore to the core.

Maybe the humor was a little off. I thought the sex factor was played up a bit more than it ought to have been (but I am also very prudish). And Ashley Greene was somewhat annoying (though this was how her character was scripted, so that should be a compliment). Overall, this was enjoyable and light. I can see it getting improved reviews as time goes on.

Cute movie. I don't know why it has such a low rating.

This is not your typical zombie-type movie. It's more of a zomedy (zombie comedy :p) So, don't watch this expecting something like The Walking Dead.

The acting was good, and the writing clever. The zombie makeup was interesting. The flies flying around Greene was funny, and it was one of the things The Walking Dead never implements, but you have to figure that zombies would have a lotta flies buzzing around them.

Anton Yelchin did a good job in the lead, and Ashley Greene was the sexiest zombie you'll ever see.

In thought this would be awful, but I was very entertained. I recommend this.

Some will not like this, because they don't like zomedies, but it will be their loss.

I gave this a 6-star rating.

Not exactly of course, although this does feel like its aimed at a specific audience. Some might feel it's a bit too soft for them and that it feeds too many clichés throughout, but that would take all the fun out of it, if you'd reduce it to that. I understand that that's how some will feel (or felt) after watching this.

You missed out on a fun ride though. Yes you know where this is going, from start to finish, but it's fun to watch. Anton Yelcin seems to have a soft spot for the fantastic/light horror entertainment, which is a nice thing. Dante is an experienced director to say the least and he knows how to mix humor with some violence. It might not always work, but when it does (combined with the acting) it's funny