Warm Bodies – Review

How does one tame an undead heart? That is the age-old question that Warm Bodies attempts to answer in a short and sweet comedic romp through the world of zombies. Based on a book, this film is a winner.

The low self-esteem having and self-deprecating R (Hoult) stumbles through the airport terminal, unable to connect with zombies, but does finally give himself a break considering everyone else are the walking dead. Despite all surrounding people being zombies, not that much seems different from when all were alive.

His memories of the apocalypse are sparse, but ultimately it doesn’t matter. He longs for… well, something different, but he isn’t really sure what. At least he is better off than the super creepy “bonies” that are missing all of their skin and are eventually what all zombies become when they give up and waste away.

R’s home is a large plane on the tarmac where he spins records and tries to remember life before his zombie-ism. His best friend M (Corddry) meets him at the airport bar sometimes for grunts and stares. Life is… well… it is what it is these days.

So, what happens when R meets Julie (Palmer), a human girl who is out to find supplies for her camp? Will this spark something inside him that he thought was lost long ago? And what about Julie? Will she see some humanity left in this zomboid boy who is really trying to win her heart (and not eat it)? What about a cure, is that even possible at this point?

Warm Bodies is a creative and funny take on the well covered zombie genre. It has clever lines and a decent story, and somehow features a good romance, gore, comedy, action and fun, all cohesively. The cast is quite good as are the special effects, plenty of which are practical. Nicholas Hoult does a great job with his lurching zombie boy, delivering various levels of comprehension and abilities as the film progresses.

Pacing is good as the runtime is short and its creativity is maintained by not overstaying its welcome. Apt jokes and sweet moments help propel the story along, and this fun take on Romeo and Juliet in a post-apocalyptic zombie world is a good time. The goofiness works just as well as the gore, and there is some genuine emotion blended into the mix also.