Horror movie number two had to be a zombie film because of this week’s Top Five Movie topic. I decided to give Maggie a chance after hear a few different opinions on it. I didn’t expect to like Arnold Schwarzenegger as much as I did. This movie was a different take on the zombie genre that really worked for me. I give Maggie the Decent Watch rating.
Maggie explore some interesting elements of the zombie genre
Maggie (Abigail Breslin) has become infected by an disease that slowly turns people into cannibalistic zombies. Her father, Wade (Arnold Schwarzenegger), stays by her side as she slowly begins to take on the characteristics of the disease.
Maggie stands out when compared to the other zombie films because it’s time frame of the disease. Most films feature an infection that is often spread via a bite from an infected individual. However, we often join the world of the film while this is beginning. In Maggie, it appears that the disease has been around long enough that it has a name, necroambulist, and doctors give out pamphlets like they do common diseases in our world. The world of the film seems to have come to terms with the disease like we have with aids, cancer, and others. It’s a sad part of existence and if they aren’t careful an epidemic could occur. It’s a really interesting world that turns Maggie into a drama far more than a horror film.
The performances are pretty great
That’s where concern should set in for Schwarzenegger’s casting. He isn’t notorious for his dramatic skills, but he impressed me in this film. He is a father who knows what the inevitable end will be. Despite that, he’s trying to be strong for his daughter’s sake. There are some really touching moments where the pain on his face weighs more than anything that could have been said. He nails those moments and I was impressed. Breslin is great as well, which is what I expect from her, and definitely plays the role as one might expect. She’s young and scared, but also extremely brave.
Maggie isn’t the best film ever made or anything. However, it gives some great performances. It also uses an interesting color style and explores a different zombie world than I recall seeing before. Director Henry Hobson and writer Jon Scott 3, definitely did something worth seeing for fans of the zombie genre. I watched it for free on Amazon Prime, but I think I’ll be looking to add this film to my collection at some point.
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