28 Weeks Later DVD, 2007

Sequel to the hit revisionist zombie film, 28 Days Later. This film picks up 6 months after the initial outbreak of the deadly Rage virus. Order has been restored, London is being repopulated, and the US military are in charge. What could possibly go wrong?

I saw this last night at the West End Apollo at the end of a Sci Fi season there. For some reason everyone looked like the geek who runs the comic book store in The Si... more >

I saw this last night at the West End Apollo at the end of a Sci Fi season there. For some reason everyone looked like the geek who runs the comic book store in The Simpsons. I was worried I wasn't going to allowed in without glasses, a ponytail, black clothes and suspect facial hair. I did manage to get in but the people who work in IT during the day still spoiled the film for me by guffawing at the films London geographical confusion and predictable(?) ending.
I thought it funny that mobiles were taken from people on the way in but then most of them proceeded to talk through the film anyway. I expected better of Sci Fi spods at the worlds first public screening. That said it made a change from 15 year olds conducting drug deals which is what I normally have to put up with.
Anyway enough Meldrewesque moaning onto the film (BTW the Apollo is a lovely cinema. Modern, clean. Huge comfy seats that recline slightly and Virgin Atlantic size legroom. There is a bar and I you can bring your drinks in. English speaking staff was the biggest novelty though.)
I am not going to say much about the film. I expected it to be the film 28 days later always wanted to be but didn't have the budget and in some ways I am right. More money has been spent.More outside scenes and more aerial shots than an episode of the Apprentice. Lots of choppers(who uses that word any more?!), hummers and people but its lost some of what the first film had.
I realise after seeing 28 weeks later I preferred the first film. A smaller cast gave a stronger feeling of isolation. The shots of London although fewer are stronger in impact and more convincing and make you think how did they do that?
28 days later is a sci fi film. 28 weeks later is a zombie film. more jumping out of your seat and more gore and I suspect it will do all the better at the box office for it. therefore 28 days later continues as the cult film it already is. Sort of Mad Max vs the road warrior. The Sci fi geeks know Mad max I is better than II.
That doesn't mean dont see it. Do. Mandatory viewing if you live in London and certainly if you work in Canary Wharf. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your office blown up :-)
Americans will probably just see this as another friendly fire saga though.
The other thing with 28 weeks later is it lacks any message. Those of you who know the first film will understand the message towards the end of the film that we all contain rage. We don't have to be infected with a virus for it to be released and how scary that thought is.
Anyway I notice I may have written a review along the lines that you would expect to see from the geeks I lambasted earlier. Enjoy 28 weeks later and then go and watch 28 days later and you'll realise how great a film it is. < less