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    Zombieland
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    Zombieland

    United States flagUnited States

    "Nut up or shut up."

    2009 1h 27m English
    73%

    User Score

    13,235 votes

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    Zombieland Collection

    Overview

    When a zombie apocalypse reduces most of the United States to a wasteland, the survivors who remain are those who adapt quickly. Columbus, a neurotic college student, has stayed alive by following a strict set of rules he developed himself, from always checking the back seat to avoiding public restrooms. His solitary existence is interrupted when he crosses paths with Tallahassee, a twangy, Twinkie-obsessed badass who dispatches the undead with gleeful creativity. Despite their clashing philosophies, the two form an uneasy alliance.

    Their road trip west becomes more complicated when they encounter Wichita and Little Rock, two sisters who have survived by conning and abandoning anyone who gets too close. The four eventually agree to travel together toward a rumored safe haven: an amusement park in California. Along the way they face hordes of zombies, a memorable detour to a celebrity mansion, and the slow realization that survival might mean more than just staying alive. Ruben Fleischer's directorial debut balances gore with sharp comedy, anchored by a cast that plays off each other with effortless timing.

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    PlotSpoiler-free

    Columbus, a perpetually anxious young man, has survived the zombie apocalypse by adhering to a meticulous list of rules he created himself. Rule number one: cardio. Rule two: double tap. Rule three: beware of bathrooms. Each rule has kept him alive through countless close calls. He is alone and prefers it that way until he meets Tallahassee, a loud, fearless man whose primary goal is to find the last remaining Twinkie. Despite their differences, they decide to travel together, with Tallahassee providing the muscle and Columbus the caution.

    Their journey takes a turn when they encounter Wichita and her younger sister, Little Rock. The sisters have survived by playing on the sympathies of others, then stealing their supplies and vehicles. They initially trick Columbus and Tallahassee, leaving them stranded. But when the sisters find themselves in danger, the men rescue them, and a fragile trust forms. The four decide to head to Pacific Playland, an amusement park in California that is rumored to be zombie-free.

    As they drive across the American Southwest, they face a series of encounters that test their rules and their patience. They stop at a supermarket where Tallahassee goes on a rampage for junk food. They visit the Hollywood home of Bill Murray, where Columbus accidentally shoots the actor, mistaking him for a zombie. Each event forces the characters to reveal more about themselves. Columbus admits his fear of clowns. Tallahassee hints at a personal loss. Wichita and Little Rock struggle with the idea of trusting anyone again.

    The group dynamic shifts as they grow closer, but Wichita and Little Rock have a plan of their own. They intend to leave the men behind once they reach the park, believing that attachment only leads to danger. Columbus, who has developed feelings for Wichita, is unaware of their scheme. The journey becomes a race not just against the undead, but against the sisters' determination to remain independent. The film builds toward the group's arrival at Pacific Playland, where they will face their greatest challenge yet.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Official Trailer #1

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    Zombieland is a refreshingly funny and action-packed horror-comedy that successfully blends gore with genuine laughs. Its witty script, memorable characters, and charismatic performances make it a standout entry in the zombie genre.

    “Zombieland is a surprisingly fresh and funny take on the zombie apocalypse, proving that even the undead can be fodder for great comedy.”

    Christy Lemire

    Associated Press

    Fresh
    “It's a horror-comedy that respects the genre while simultaneously poking fun at it.”

    Peter Travers

    Rolling Stone

    3.5/4
    “The film's greatest strength lies in its snappy dialogue and the effortless chemistry between its leads.”

    Kirk Honeycutt

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Fresh
    “Ruben Fleischer directs with a kinetic energy that keeps the film moving at a breakneck pace, making its 88-minute runtime fly by.”

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times

    3/4

    Top Cast

    Jesse Eisenberg

    Jesse Eisenberg

    Columbus

    Woody Harrelson

    Woody Harrelson

    Tallahassee

    Emma Stone

    Emma Stone

    Wichita

    Abigail Breslin

    Abigail Breslin

    Little Rock

    Amber Heard

    Amber Heard

    406

    Bill Murray

    Bill Murray

    Bill Murray

    Crew

    Director

    Ruben Fleischer

    Writers

    Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

    Composer

    David Sardy

    Cinematographer

    Michael Bonvillain

    Producer

    Gavin Polone

    Awards

    Scream Awards (2009)

    Breakout Performance – Female: Won

    Saturn Awards (2010)

    Best Horror Film: Nominated

    Saturn Awards (2010)

    Best Supporting Actress: Nominated

    Keywords

    zombie apocalypseroad tripamusement parktwinkiesurvival rulescomedy horrorbill murray cameo

    Sources

    Facts

    Budget
    $23,600,000
    Revenue
    $102,391,540
    Opening Weekend
    $24,733,155
    Filming Locations
    Texas, United States
    Production Companies
    Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Pariah

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