28 Weeks Later

The chilling zombie movie 28 Days Later from director Danny Boyle turned out to be an instant cult classic in 2002. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, warns A.O. Scott in the New York Times, is "not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach." Nevertheless, he argues, it is "bracingly smart, both in its ideas and in its techniques." Jack Mathews in the New York Daily News deems Later "an even happier surprise than the original" with "a stronger story line, equally fine performances, greater tension, enough gore to satisfy the most hard-core zombie fan, and a narrative pace that flings us from the opening scenes to the very last image." Michael Phillips in the Chicago Tribune agrees that the movie "exceeds its predecessor ... in every way." Several critics point to analogies to the war in Iraq, as British authorities are depicted trying to prevent their country from being overtaken by zombies. Lou Lumenick in the New York Post concludes his review by remarking, "Whether you agree with its politics or not, 28 Weeks Later is proof that summer movies don't have to be like an army of mindless zombies." And Carina Chocano in the Los Angeles Times comments, "The director's message is less overtly political than it is allegorical -- that chaos breeds chaos and that force only serves to amplify it." Which may be a political statement in its own right.

They're baaaack! Although the direction, cinematography, and special effects are very well done, the plot holes and misplaced motivations written into the characters are a bit distracting. If you enjoy shouting, "Don't go in there!", as you watch a zombie flick through your fingers, this is still well worth the rent.During daylight hours.