The latest chapter in George A. Romero's epic 'Dead' series doesn't replace either NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and DAWN OF THE DEAD as the best in the series, and it's easily comparable even to the lesser entries like the much-maligned DAY OF THE DEAD. And yet despite the bad rap it's been getting amongst fans, DIARY OF THE DEAD wasn't all that bad. Sure, the pacing was slow despite a trim 95 minute-running time, and none of the (living) characters are particularly interesting or likable. But for the effort, DIARY OF THE DEAD does get the job done.
Using the the same style employed by THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and CLOVERFIELD, the hand-held camera approach does add to what might not amount to much more than another "dead walk the earth" story. In giving us a "you were there" feeling, Romero manages to make this familiar story work. The opening news footage is surprisingly scary and there are a number of creepy moments. And since the film only focuses on the point-of-view of one or two cameras, sometimes there are a number of jump-in-your-seat moments that don't have to make use of some loud music or slick editing as most bad horror movies these days do. Throw in some bits of dark humor, some bloody violence, and the satirical bite of the previous entries and you've got a film worthy of Romero's series.
However, this 5th chapter is not free from it's flaws. It's distinct lack of any likable characters keeps us from focusing on anyone particularly involving. The narrations provided by its main character just slows down the story. The acting is nothing special either. Another is that while the movie is rather gripping and scary during the first act, it begins to feel padded out on the second. It runs on a sufficient 95 minutes, yet it still feels like it's longer than it is supposed to.
DIARY OF THE DEAD is a passable but rather uneven chapter in Romero's reigning series. Whatever promise the opening shots hold is not completely delivered throughout the movie. Nevertheless, it's nice to see an old-fashioned zombie movie and how it still works in capable hands. Just for proving himself that he can still make them like they used to, DIARY OF THE DEAD is worth watching.
Rating: ***1/2 out of 5.
Using the the same style employed by THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and CLOVERFIELD, the hand-held camera approach does add to what might not amount to much more than another "dead walk the earth" story. In giving us a "you were there" feeling, Romero manages to make this familiar story work. The opening news footage is surprisingly scary and there are a number of creepy moments. And since the film only focuses on the point-of-view of one or two cameras, sometimes there are a number of jump-in-your-seat moments that don't have to make use of some loud music or slick editing as most bad horror movies these days do. Throw in some bits of dark humor, some bloody violence, and the satirical bite of the previous entries and you've got a film worthy of Romero's series.
However, this 5th chapter is not free from it's flaws. It's distinct lack of any likable characters keeps us from focusing on anyone particularly involving. The narrations provided by its main character just slows down the story. The acting is nothing special either. Another is that while the movie is rather gripping and scary during the first act, it begins to feel padded out on the second. It runs on a sufficient 95 minutes, yet it still feels like it's longer than it is supposed to.
DIARY OF THE DEAD is a passable but rather uneven chapter in Romero's reigning series. Whatever promise the opening shots hold is not completely delivered throughout the movie. Nevertheless, it's nice to see an old-fashioned zombie movie and how it still works in capable hands. Just for proving himself that he can still make them like they used to, DIARY OF THE DEAD is worth watching.
Rating: ***1/2 out of 5.