The message of the romantic zombie comedy ‘Warm Bodies’ is ‘All You Need Is Love.’
Surprisingly, in a movie that relies so heavily on music to complement its scenes, the Beatles song isn’t played by R, the heroic zombie who actually listens to classic tunes on vinyl because they sound more alive.
But R is a conflicted zombie. He doesn’t want to eat the brains of his human victims. R wants to feel again, a dream he starts to realize when he saves the life of a beautiful human survivor named Julie.
A sweet but awkward teen romance develops as Julie stays with R for a few days at his hideout.
Of course, R is a zombie and Julie’s father is a militaristic compound leader with the single-minded goal of shooting zombies on sight.
But all relationships have their obstacles.
In the romantic comedy genre, ‘Warm Bodies' is more romance than comedy as it elevates hand-holding to epic significance.
In the wake of 'The Twilight Saga,' moviegoers are comfortable seeing creatures that used to inspire fear become objects of affection, so the zombie angle is easily digested.
After all, how many zombie films can you recommend as date movies for Valentine’s Day? For teenagers, ‘Warm Bodies' passes the litmus test with its PG-13 take on love.
The charming performances by Nicholas Hoult as R and Teresa Palmer as Julie carry the film through its satisfying yet predictable conclusion.
‘Warm Bodies’ tries hard to convey the importance of tearing down your emotional walls and connecting with other human beings.
At heart, though, it remains a light teen romance about how love can change the world.
Now, cue the Beatles song.
Comments