Movie #168 - 28 Weeks Later...

Title: 28 Weeks Later...

Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadilla

Release Year: 2007

Plot Summary: Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of the British Isles, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes to plan...

Thoughts: I had seen 28 Days Later a while back, and while I'm not usually a huge fan of the whole horror/zombie genre, I was surprised to really enjoy it. So, I was interested in seeing the sequel, even though it's got none of the same characters - it's just a continuation of the idea, not of the plot, if that makes sense. And I was not disappointed.

The acting was very solid throughout - not a bunch of big names, but I think that's sometimes a good thing. I honestly can't think of anyone who turned out a less-than-solid performance, if not stellar. As for the story, I think it was actually a lot tighter than the first film, which sort of had this strange and unexpected change-of-direction in the middle. There's no unnecessary digressions, and it makes for a much smoother ride I think.

Two things really made this movie stick out for me. First, I couldn't exactly say why but I absolutely love the score. It's intense and creepy and techno and weird, but for some reason I felt it fits the movie like a glove. And finally, unlike in a lot of horror movies, I felt like almost nothing in the plot happened just because someone was a total moron. Usually you'll have a new outbreak, or zombies will get in the building, or something or other, because one of the characters does something that doesn't make any bloody sense - and I really like the fact that there's none of that in this movie. Everything that happens, the characters really couldn't have anticipated, and I think that makes it more satisfying in the end.

Recommendations: If you liked the first one, I really think you'll like this one. I'm not sure how well it would stand on its own though - they don't really explain too much about where the Rage virus came from in the first place, which I imagine might be a bit confusing. But I definitely think it's good stuff.