FRIGHT FEST: ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP IS A BLAST TO THE PAST

the first Zombieland is a certified horror classic. It's sequel definitely has decent sized shoes to fill...is it up to the task?

In Zombieland: Double Tap we return to the United States of Zombieland ten years after the first film. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) and Wichita (Emma Stone) are somewhat happily in a relationship and Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is enjoying being a bad-ass while doubling as a flawed father figure to Little Rock (Abigal Breslin), who is more than ready to leave the nest. Long story short: Little Rock ends up hooking up with Berkely (Avan Jogia), a pretentious wanna-be musician, and together they run away. Furious and concerned, our group gives chase across Zombieland.

The first thing that was pretty great about Double Tap, was the zombies. It's been ten years,and the zombies have evolved. Now we have dumb zombies named Homers, stealthy zombies named Ninjas, and smart zombies named Hawkings. These new zombie types are nothing compared to the newest threat, a super-enhanced and evolved zombie that is alarmingly difficult to kill (They can take several head shots, dodge bullets, and just keep on coming pretty much no matter what). These baddies are called T-800s. All the new zombie types give the film a bit of a Left 4 Dead feel, one of the better zombie video games out there. It's a vibe that is both cool and appreciated. The zombie action, kills, and gore are still top notch and super groovy as well.

The talent both behind and in front of the camera is back. Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese are back writing Double Tap(They also wrote Deadpool and Deadpool 2. You can tell they have gotten better at writing since the first Zombieland). Ruben Fleischer returns as well to the directing chair after his middling Venom film. The script still sizzles most of the time, and the directing continues to be pretty darn good. This sequel still definitely feels like Zombieland.

 Of course, our four main leads are back in the saddle too, and their characters are pretty much exactly the same as we remember them. Tallahassee is still a hyper-aggressive male (and is obsessed with Elvis now instead of twinkies), Columbus is still faithfully following his rules and continues to be socially awkward (no worries, he is still a boss at kicking zombie ass), and Wichita is still deathly afraid of commitment. Watching this sequel and getting to spend more quality time with our group feels like coming home in a weird way.

Joining our leads is Zoey Deutch as Madison, a super hot, super dumb, and super sweet college girl who might prove to be trouble for Columbus' and Wichita's relationship. She easily steals some of the scenes in the film, and is consistently hilarious. It's kind of hard not to fall in love with her. Along for the chaos are Luke Wilson as Albuquerque and Thomas Middleditch  as Flagstaff, odd mirrors of Tallahassee and Columbus, respectively. They are essentially glorified cameos, but damned if their screen time isn't super entertaining and funny (They also star is one of the most memorable sequences in the film. You'll know it when you see it). Rosario Dawson appears as a love interest for Tallahassee, although she really acts as more of a deus ex machina in the film.

Zombieland: Double Tap feels very much like the first film, in a good way. That said, it does repeat a few things from Zombieland. Tallahassee has an obsession, Little rock and Wichita run away with the group's car, Wichita leaves a poor excuse of a note, there is a celebrity cameo, and there's a few set pieces throughout plus a big one at the end (although Double Tap doesn't quite nail the ending. Zombieland's ending was so cool and perfect, that it would be almost impossible to beat, but you can't fault Double Tap for trying).

Zombieland: Double Tap doesn't do much different from it's predecessor.  Unlike it's zombie antagonists...it hasn't exactly evolved. It's a film that takes us all back to 2009, a simpler time. Honestly, it's not a negative in any way. Sometimes it's nice to see a film that knows what it is, knows what works, and knows what doesn't work. It's the rare film that is completely comfortable in its own skin. The talent in front of and behind the camera is still strong, the film is still knee-slappingly hilarious most of the time (Very few of the jokes fall flat), and it still has a good heart at its core. Zombieland: Double Tap is a film about family, and finding home in the family you choose. It's a sweet message that resonates surprisingly well. Zombieland: Double Tap is the rare sequel that is every bit as good as the original. Buy a ticket and buckle your seat belt, because it's time to nut up or shut up. This is Springs, signing off from Zombieland.

3.5 STARS

Make sure you stay for the mid-credits scene!!!!