George A. Romero's Land of the Dead - The trailer

[Romier S]

The trailer for Romero's next zombie film Land of the Dead, has finally been released! The movie stars John Leguizamo, Dennis Hopper, and Asia Argento among others. This is the fourth movie in the "Dead" series by Romero and it's given I'll be there opening night on the 24th. :tu

 

The Trailer

[Jeff W]

:drool :drool :drool

[kelley]

:drool :drool :drool

 

you forgot a few

 

:drool :drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

 

I'm so there.

[Romier S]

I hadn't realized this, but the music in the trailer is from Resident Evil. Ironic to say the least.

[Angry the Clown]

I spotted that too. Is that him being funny though, or just the moronic decision of those in studio marketing because the trailer really is so utterly generic it merely echoes all of the shallow big studio funded zombie films we've had recently... but again it could all be an intentional in-joke. I quite like what I am seeing in the trailer, just not the trailer itself, though I still have confidence Romero will show a lot of his copycats how it's done.

 

Daniel

[iainl]

Bugger, it's streaming in pop-up only. I'll wait for the direct link in a few days.

[Jordan_E]

And this shows why Mr. Romero freaking PWNS this genre! :rock

[ChoiceStriker]

Cool, I was just thinking about this movie the other day and wondering where the publicity for it was if they were still planning a June release. Here's my answer.

[Whooter]

"Zombies, man...they creep me out."

 

 

:rock

[Romier S]

New site for the movie is up. This has the trailer but with full on gore, more footage, and just a helluvalot better editing. SOOOOO freaking crazy to see this right now...

 

http://www.lotdunseen.com/trailer_l.html

[kelley]

I'm going to make a prediction:

 

Best movie of the summer!

[Jeff W]

I've kind of grown accustomed to running zombies, going to be strange seeing them shamble again.

[Romier S]

I've kind of grown accustomed to running zombies, going to be strange seeing them shamble again.

Judging from the trailer, they'll be wielding automatic weaponry and thinking now. I don't think you'll be seeing many mindless shambling zombies anymore.

[foogledricks]

I don't get it. It's another Zombie movie. Doesn't look like a total spoof. Doesn't look like a serious take like 28 Days Later. If it weren't for the hype surrounding the director, would this even be talked about?

[Romier S]

I don't get it

What exactly are you trying to get Keith? The reason people are excited? The name George Romero puts this at a different level of zombie film. Romero has been trying to get this film made for years, and it's finally happened. Fans of have every reason to be excited. If you are not a fan of Romero, or the genre in general, you pretty much won't "get it" Keith.

 

It's another Zombie movie.

 

If it weren't for the hype surrounding the director, would this even be talked about?

If they released a new Halo game without Bungie working on it, would it be worth talking about? If Tecmo released a new Ninja Gaiden without Team Ninja developing, would it be worth talking about? It's the talent behind those games that makes them worth talking about. So I guess I have to ask, why should that be any different for this film?

 

Though of course, Halo could just be another FPS, and Ninja Gaiden is just another action game afterall.

[kelley]

I love it when the zombie is eating the other zombie's insides by pulling them out through its mouth.

[Romier S]

Variety review:

 

By JUSTIN CHANG

 

'Land of the Dead'

Asia Argento and Simon Baker find themselves at war with humans and zombies in ''George A Romero's Land of the Dead.''

 

George A. Romero shows 'em how it's done in "Land of the Dead," resurrecting his legendary franchise with top-flight visuals, terrific genre smarts and tantalizing layers of implication. Nerve-shredding fourth installment may not fully reclaim the visceral or satirical impact of the writer-director's 1978 masterpiece "Dawn of the Dead," but it's still a satisfyingly splattery feast of guts and ideas. Though Universal isn't flogging it half as aggressively as last year's "Dawn" remake, pic should grope its way to killer B.O. with no small help from Romero cultists, whose devotion will be nothing short of zombielike.

 

The horror maestro has come a long way since the third film in the cycle, 1985's "Day of the Dead," and an even longer way since his seminal 1968 classic "Night of the Living Dead." This time around, Romero is playing with bigger stars and a higher (though still modest) budget of about $15 million, as well as a new shooting location (Toronto, instead of his native Pittsburgh).

 

That said, "Land" is a tour de force of not only independent filmmaking but independent thinking, rigorously worked out on all craft and technical levels yet enlivened by its twisted engagement with the real world.

 

Romero's apocalyptic vision of an earth beset by endlessly self-perpetuating flesh-eaters remains as relevant and resonant as ever, and this time he's even injected some not-so-subtle political invective into the proceedings. At one point Kaufman, a corrupt, gray-haired city official, declares, "We don't negotiate with terrorists," making this the second actioner in recent months, after "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," to lob a grenade in the direction of the White House.

 

The city in question is one of humankind's last remaining holdouts, an island metropolis surrounded by water and electric fences that keep out the walking undead. Perched in a high tower that dominates the skyline, Kaufman (Dennis Hopper, his brow furrowed with self-entitlement) owns everything and everyone in the exclusive community of Fiddler's Green, advertised as the place "where life goes on," and where upper-class citizens are admitted only via waiting list. Those still outside on the streets, meanwhile, are in the early stages of revolution.

 

Cholo, one of several soldiers sent out on rescue missions to bring back food and supplies, sets things in motion when Kaufman refuses to let him move into Fiddler's Green. The disgruntled mercenary (a hot-headed John Leguizamo) promptly hijacks Dead Reckoning, an armored military vehicle that holds enough firepower to bomb out the city, which he threatens to do unless Kaufman meets his demands.

 

In response, Kaufman commissions Cholo's superior Riley (Simon Baker) to recover the stolen tank, accompanied by sharpshooter sidekick Charlie (Robert Joy) and gold-hearted hooker Slack (Asia Argento, putting a tough-talking spin on a familiar role).

 

Tension between Riley and Cholo, effectively fleshed out by Baker and especially Leguizamo, reps only one of the story's intriguing contrasts. Both guys want out of a nightmare situation, but where Riley hopes to start over away from civilization, social-climbing Cholo wants to retreat inside, into the ranks of the city's elite.

 

Romero clearly has a lot on his mind, working through issues of class, segregation, individualism and personal responsibility. As always, the scenario eerily and amusingly mirrors the times: Astute viewers will laugh at how the undead phenomenon has already become commercial fodder in the form of theme-park-style attractions and bloodsports. More chillingly, the gleaming facade of Fiddler's Green implies an entire nation struggling and failing to lead normal lives in a war zone, turning against itself in the process.

 

Most suggestive of all are the zombies themselves, who have become frighteningly resourceful and smart, having learned to communicate as well as use tools and weapons. Unlike the trendy, fast-moving denizens of the recent "Dawn" redux and "28 Days Later," Romero's walkers still shamble along slowly, yet with an increasingly purposeful gait that makes them seem all the more human. They also look more realistically undead than ever, thanks to pic's ace makeup team (led by Greg Nicotero) and special contact lenses that lend their eyes a bluish, otherworldly glaze.

 

Pic's ideas about continual evolution and advancement extend equally to the carnage, which for most auds will be "Land's" ultimate test. And Romero rises to the occasion with a mastery, discipline and gleeful sense of invention that shows just how far a slim budget can go given the right sensibility. Fans of the trademark spewing, sausage-like intestines will be quite appeased; few will be prepared for the semi-decapitated zombie (emphasis on semi) or the ugly disadvantages of having a pierced navel (you've been warned).

 

Romero has a way of at once honoring and updating modern horror-pic conventions, relying more here on shock cuts (with super-sharp editing by Michael Doherty) and surprise zombie ambushes than the queasy claustrophobia that pervaded "Night" and "Dawn." The upshot, happily, is a similarly blissful sense of unease.

 

Miroslaw Baszak's nuanced lensing, finding endless varieties in a predominantly gray palette, accentuates Arvinder Grewal's chilly production design at every turn. Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek's score is serviceably grim, with repeated patterns that evoke the restless walk of the damned.

 

Hollywood Reporter review:

 

By Michael Rechtshaffen

 

Bottom line: With George A. Romero taking back the reins, his "Dead" walk again to chillingly thoughtful effect.

 

After having to sit back and watch others remake his zombie classics -- minus any of the trademark sociopolitical subtext -- George A. Romero has returned to the land of the dead for the first time in two decades, and it's quite evident the godfather of the modern horror film still has much on his mind.

 

Receiving its world premiere at the CineVegas Film Festival, "Land of the Dead" is the fourth movie in what was originally a trilogy, beginning with 1968's seminal "Night of the Living Dead," the movie that has inspired a couple of generations of filmmakers.

 

The latest installment could well be Romero's masterpiece. Taking full advantage of state-of-the-art makeup and visual effects, he has a more vivid canvas at his disposal, not to mention two decades worth of pent-up observations about American society.

 

Even those walking dead have learned a thing or two in the interim.

 

Romero's legion of fans as well as those who like an allegory with the emphasis on the gory will likely show their appreciation by stalking the theaters in droves, giving Universal a very lively opening weekend, while enthusiastic word-of-mouth could give those zombies some legs.

 

Having staggered their way through "Dawn of the Dead" and "Day of the Dead," it's apparent those ever-growing masses of "walkers" have started to develop an appetite for more than just fresh flesh.

 

Following the grunting lead of Big Daddy (Eugene Clark), an imposing gas station attendant, the living dead have begun to sort of re-enact their once-normal lives prior to their affliction.

 

Meanwhile, the remaining affluent and powerful among the living have fortified themselves in an ivory tower -- a luxury complex called Fiddler's Green, which effectively looks down upon the less fortunate of the city's inhabitants who struggle to survive in the dangerous streets.

 

It's all the domain of the powerful Kaufman (Dennis Hopper), a slick CEO who keeps himself sequestered in the Green while hiring a group of mercenaries, led by Riley (Simon Baker) and his second-in-command, Cholo (John Leguizamo), to run retrieval missions beyond the electrified fences for luxury items.

 

But even as they plow their way through the armies of "stenches" in a massive armored vehicle called Dead Reckoning, there's an unstoppable unrest brewing among the dead and the living alike that's about to reach a boiling point.

 

Although Romero ventured outside his native Pittsburgh to shoot this one in Toronto, it's very clear, from the flag-waving vigilantes to the anti-terrorist rhetoric spewed by Hopper's big-money operator, that most criticisms are being leveled due south of the border.

 

But those familiar with Romero's work know that doesn't mean they're in for a Michael Moore diatribe. The horror show is still the main attraction, and "Land of the Dead" delivers the goods in harrowing, visceral heaps.

 

Bolstered by a talented cast that also includes Asia Argento as a tough cookie ex-hooker who joins Baker's entourage, the film never skimps on atmosphere, which at times verges on the horrifically poetic.

 

Adding to the uncompromising effect is Miroslaw Baszak's night-drenched cinematography, Michael Doherty's tight edit and a pulse-pounding score by Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek.

[Angry the Clown]

Well that certainly makes the UK wait 'til September even harder.

 

Daniel

[foogledricks]

If they released a new Halo game without Bungie working on it, would it be worth talking about? If Tecmo released a new Ninja Gaiden without Team Ninja developing, would it be worth talking about?

I think a better comparison is to Tomb Raider. NG and Halo are coming off HUGE successes. Tomb Raider in contrast is not, and like the zombie genre, is very played out...

 

...The currently developed sequel is being developed by Crystal Dynamics, which has some people gaining greater faith in the series, simply because of the developer. But you know what, it will take a lot more than a fresh developer to overcome the mediocre stigma attached to this series. Likewise, Zombie movies are a dime a dozen, and it takes more than a respected director to win me over.

 

I like a good movie, and the trailer didn't look good to me. If positive reviews keep flowing in, I am not stubborn, I will see it if I think I'll enjoy watching it.

[Romier S]

I think a better comparison is to Tomb Raider.

No, I think the comparison I put forth illustrates my point about how important the creators behind those BIG game successes you noted can make all the difference in the world. Without them at the helm, those BIG name titles wouldn't be quite as worth getting excited about.

 

Tomb Raider in contrast is not, and like the zombie genre, is very played out...

Interesting. I can't say I've seen this overflow of zombie films hitting theaters in the past 10-15 years. In truth, the zombie genre has only recently seen a resurgence of interest thanks to 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead, and the Dawn of the Dead remake. Aside from those films (and I'd also include the first Resident Evil as well), there hasn't been a substantially popular zombie film domestically released since Day of the Dead (in '85 no less) that I can think of off the top of my head. I can't say I'm feeling this genre is anywhere near "played out". To each thier own in that regard but I'm always ready for a good zombie related film if it's well done.

 

Zombie movies are a dime a dozen, and it takes more than a respected director to win me over.

Action games are a dime a dozen, but Itagaki/Team Ninja working on a Ninja Gaiden sequel is enough to get you all hot in the trousers isn't it? It's the same type of situation here for those that enjoy Romero's work, but for some oddball reason you seem to think it should be treated differently. That's where I disagree.

 

If the trailer didn't do it for you, then skip it. If you like the reviews, then see it. It doesn't make a hill of beans difference to me whether you see it or not Keith (or whether a zombie eats you piece by piece for that matter....). That's not the point really. I just feel it's unfair to make comments about Land of the Dead being "just another zombie movie" without ever actually seeing the film itself. Much less asking if the film would be worth conversation if it wasn't for Romero directing it, knowing full well his involvement is what automatically makes it more than just another zombie movie hitting theaters.

 

EDIT: ...and yes the zombie eating Keith is a joke. We both have an mutual understanding that I will wish terrible things upon him without the use of a smilie, and he is free to do the same. It's a good deal really.

[Jeff W]

I've got the Movie poster set as my desktop wallpaper, I can spot Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, & Tom Savini, all in full zombie gear in the poster :rock

[foogledricks]

I don't think someone with a smaller penis than me should disagree with me.

 

I can't say I've seen this overflow of zombie films hitting theaters in the past 10-15 years.

 

From my perspective I don't think there really is a Zombie genre. People identify them as "Zombie Movies" because of an overused plot device (bio epidemic where infected people turn into murdurous monsters). This plot can be used in various genres including Horror, Action, sci-fi, and comedy. So saying this plot device is a genre on the scale of "Drama" or "Comedy" to illustrate that in contrast there have been relatively few "Zombie Genre Movies " really isn't a fair argument.

 

Did any of you catch "Return of the Living Dead"? I saw part I+II. I think Part II was very funny. A comedy. Ever see "Night of the Comet"? Sci-Fi/Drama. Most recently the show "Alias" had a zombie plotline. I'd classify that show as "Action" I think.

Action games are a dime a dozen, but Itagaki/Team Ninja working on a Ninja Gaiden sequel is enough to get you all hot in the trousers

 

I am always hot in the trousers, as you learned last Friday, but since I don't consider the Zombie plot device to be its own genre, I don't think it is fair to compare it to the entire "Action" genre (for Videogames or Movies). It would be more appropriate to rag on "Ninja Action Games" but not the entire "Action" genre.

 

I'm not saying that you're penis is small, just smaller than mine.

[Romier S]

I don't think someone with a smaller penis than me should disagree with me.

So everyone should disagree with you then. Got it.

 

From my perspective I don't think there really is a Zombie genre.

Agreed. However, from my perspective there is a "sub-genre" of films classified as such.

 

Did any of you catch "Return of the Living Dead"? I saw part I+II. I think Part II was very funny. A comedy. Ever see "Night of the Comet"? Sci-Fi/Drama. Most recently the show "Alias" had a zombie plotline. I'd classify that show as "Action" I think.

So everytime you see a zombie you call it overused and played out? You know, every time I see a naked woman I could do the same, but then again like Zombies, I never get tired of seeing those.

 

I am always hot in the trousers, as you learned last Friday

Yeah, I told you to unplug the iron before actually putting on pants, but you know that saying about pets learning new tricks.

 

but since I don't consider the Zombie plot device to be its own genre, I don't think it is fair to compare it to the entire "Action" genre (for Videogames or Movies). It would be more appropriate to rag on "Ninja Action Games" but not the entire "Action" genre.

You keep on fighting the good fight. You keep on splitting those hairs. :tu

 

I'm not saying that you're penis is small, just smaller than mine.

You weren't complaining.....last Friday. :lmfao

[Jeff W]

Saw it first showing today, I really wanted to love it but couldn't. Don't get me wrong, it didn't suck but just didn't live up to the hype I had going in. I'd give it about a 7.5 out of 10, the weakest of the 4 to me but still a good flick.

[Romier S]

It'll be Sunday for me. Matinee showing to be exact. Can you go into a little more detail as to the issues you had with the film Bug?