Film Review: Zombieland: Double Tap, Responsibility, But Still Funny

Zombieland (2009) is one of the zombie films that are quite essential in the last 2000s. By picking up a line of Hollywood A-list actors, the combination of horror and comedy created succeeded in achieving both commercially and critically. After a decade, the iconic quartet of Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock finally returned to the sequel to the film titled Zombieland: Double Tap (2019).

In the first film, the story focuses on the four characters who are trying to defend their lives when a zombie virus outbreak attacks the United States. Starting with strangers, the situation eventually forced them to look after each other. Then, how about the sequel? The following review or review of Zombieland: Double Tap.

In the second film, the story focuses more on how the quartet has become a dysfunctional family that has its own dynamics.


Not many new things that can be offered in this film. After ten years, character development is not so obvious. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is still the narrator of the film, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) still maintains his eccentric character, even with the character of Wichita (Emma Stone) who is still struggling with his fear of commitment. The only thing that has changed is Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), now grown up with all kinds of defiance.

Four people who have been through the bitter acid attacked by zombies are blindly trying to step for something new. Trapped in a playground, these four people are looking for something new. Something that left a new problem.

Returning to meet hungry zombies is just one of them. Then, how would it be if these zombies then evolved? Can these four people survive? Will they meet other survivors who are still alive?

Zombie Evolution Becomes a Difference

The opening of this film is very sweet. Just like the first film. The song 'Master of Puppets' belonging to the Metallica rock band carries the spirit that this film will be the same as the first film.

Plus the premise featured in this film is still about how humans survive from zombie bites. However, Zombieland: Double Tap unwittingly leads the audience to the film plot with a strong drama touch. Unfortunately, this drama just disappears, like being swept away by a tidal wave. Even though they have lived together for almost the last ten years. However, precisely there are no emotions flowing there.

Maybe, just maybe, this film still puts comedy as its main weapon. Care about Satan with the drama of the life stories of Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock for the past ten years. After all, Columbus was still ritual as in his first film. Woody Harrelson was still consistent with his performance, he still managed to revive the Tallahassee character who was so iconic in the previous film.

Of course, as has revealed before, Litte Rock's character evolved into an adult. In this section, Zombieland: Double Tap clearly offers something fresh.

For some parts of this film feels immovable compared to the first film. It's too much. However, what is encouraging about this film is how the images of zombies that have evolved in the last ten years.

Unlike humans who are still like that, that's all, zombies that appear in this film are divided into several categories. At least, there are four types thatch must then fight with humans.

But this aspect of the story finally seemed to be in vain, because in the end, the zombie was no longer a major problem. But rather the dynamics of the family living in a post-apocalyptic world.

Zoey Deutch Steals Attention

When the four senior characters have not changed much, the presence of a new character that actually steals the attention. New characters that emerge, just add to the crazy four main characters in this film. They revive the humor that is always attached to the four main characters.

One of the characters who stole the attention is Madison, played by Zoey Deutch. The presence of a character who carries the stereotype of 'dumb blonde' with the characteristics of this thick Valley Girl indeed seems unnecessary. His acting in each scene is so neat, to exceed the appearance of the main characters. For those who have watched the first film, the presence of Zoey as Madison becomes an entertainment in itself.

The silliness he did throughout the film provided a 'fresh breeze' when Jesse Eisenberg or Woody Harrelson were already stuck. The point is, the twistedness in this film is able to entertain the audience. No less than the first film.

Broadly speaking, this film is quite entertaining. Despite all its shortcomings, this film still managed to invite audience laughter. But the existence of a sequel that is 'all-bear' seems to be nothing more than a fan service effort to reap huge profits like ten years ago.