24 hours later, I write a review (28 Days Later (DVD))

Member Name: eggerman

Product:	28 Days Later (DVD)
Date:	25/04/06 (886 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exciting, different, enticing

Disadvantages: Limited audience, sceptical of camera work

Animal testing has reached its limit. Apes are injected with an unknown virus in an attempt to study its effect. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with animal testing, and several activists release the infected primates without knowing of their condition. Their carniverous attitude is devastating.....

Now do not be alarmed, this is not a movie about killer apes, this is just the background story. We open to Jim (Cillian Murphy) waking in a London hospital bed. He removes himself from the ward, only to find no other human being anywhere in sight. After leaving the hospital, Jim is discovers the wreckage that is London. The virus has spread, infecting most and killing the frail.
From then on, Jim adventures upon searching for an answer to London's dreadful state, meeting a couple who help him fight the infected, and a father and his daughter stranded in their flat.

I'm not quite sure what made the action in this film so exciting, but it sure was. Whether it was the constant use of contrasting red and black imagery, or the orchestral raging soundtrack pressuring it's characters and audience alike, this film has you compelled.

It's not for all I'm afraid. My younger sister left within the first 10 minutes, but then the Sci-Fi/Horror genre would not appeal to her. Also the shooting of the movie is conducted with a variety of purposefully messy techniques. I think this worked rather well, as it felt more realistic and the action was a little grittier, but not everyone agreed. Some say its unprofessional and lacks proper direction, while I see it as new and enthralling; this is not your average scary movie.

Dinotopia's Naomie Harris gives an excellent performance as Jim's protector. She carries her emotions well, from scared to angry, from devastated to bitter, and it is her unpredictability that results in much of the ensuing action.

What you make of the ending is up to you. Had I seen it at the cinema, I would not have been too disappointed. It is not overly simple, yet possibly leaves a bit too much to the imagination. I would not agree where some say that this is amateur amd off-putting, but perhaps its placement in such a high-paced film is somewhat questionable.

Summary: Great action, not suitable for all