28 Weeks Later (2007)

Movie

Rating: R (strong violence and gore, language and some sexuality/nudity)
Length: 100 minutes

Video

Widescreen 1.85:1 Color (Anamorphic)

Audio

ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
FRENCH: Dolby Digital 2.0
SPANISH: Dolby Digital 2.0

Captions

English, Spanish

Purchase

Plot

It's been 28 weeks since the original outbreak of the "Rage" wiped out most of the population of Britain. With the help of American NATO troops, a safe zone has been secured in London, the cleanup of the country has begun and people are being flown in to help repatriate the country. Of course, if all was really well, why would they make this film?

Pros

If you were upset that the first film, 28 Days Later, didn't have enough blood and gore for you, this will more than make up for it. It's as much of an action film as it is a horror film; think of Land of the Dead meets Dawn of the Dead (2004). The main focal point is one family and how this disease has effected them from the opening scene to the finale.

Cons

I really wish people would stop spending so much time shaking the $%*@& camera for effect. The first attack scene almost gave me a headache. And I sincerely hope if something like this was to happen, and heavily armed US military forces was protecting me and other survivors, those armed forces would have at least one half as much brain power as they do fire power. Their definition of security is weak to say the least. I'm sure European viewers got a kick out of it; then the director and most (if not all) of the people responsible for making/writing this film appear to be European.

Extras

Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and Producer/Co-Writer Enrique López Levigne
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and Enrique López Levigne
"Code Red: The Making of 28 Weeks Later" Featurette
"The Infected" Featurette
"Getting Into the Action" Featurette
"28 Days Later - The Aftermath" - Stage 1 "Development" Animated Graphic Novel
"28 Days Later - The Aftermath" - Stage 3 "Decimation" Animated Graphic Novel
Theatrical Trailer

Recommendation

If you're into fast-paced action films filled with tons of action and gore (and a surprisingly complete lack of nudity) this is a fun ride; this isn't quite as thought-provoking and desolate as the first film. Following one family from start to finish was a good idea; speaking of finished, this film yells sequel. Portraying US soldiers as incompetent (security) and then simply heartless was a bit much, especially today when our troops get enough grief from other parts of the world.