107 minutes, Romance Drama/Horror, MA15+

Undoubtedly, one of the coolest movie titles to hit our screens this year is PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES. Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith that parodies the 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the first thing you need to know about this ROM-COM-ZOM flick is that there is not as much of the COM part that you may be expecting. Set in 19^th century England, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES is very much the PRIDE AND PREJUDICE you already know, just add zombies! Oh, and specialised zombie combat skills that are well-trained into each of the five Sisters. The next detail you need to know of? Those Sisters, whom are – Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James – TV Series “Downton Abbey”, Cinderella in 2015’s CINDERELLA), Jane (the Australian Bella Heathcote – DARK SHADOWS, TV Series “Neighbours”), Lydia (Ellie Bamber), Mary (Millie Brady) and Kitty (Suki Waterhouse), each of whom face pressure to wed, whilst “slaying” on top of their zombie game. Something that becomes more difficult to do, once Mr Darcy (Sam Riley – MALEFICENT) and Mr Bingley (Douglas Booth – ROMEO & JULIET, JUPITER ASCENDING) make their appearances.

The third piece of information worth mentioning is for those who have seen any rendition of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, ought to have a little more fun with this over others (like myself, ashamedly!) that have not. Director Burr Steers (IGBY GOES DOWN, 17 AGAIN) exhibits a nifty edge in the choreography and filming of some early set-piece sequences, during an exciting opening sequence and solid first half. But it wears off. This romantic drama isn’t only missing some comedic strings it needed to pull, it also isn’t as bloodthirsty or gothic in its action/horror sequences as the majority of its audience would be anticipating. That was the fourth thing you needed to know. Now here is the fifth and final word I’ll leave you with – despite PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES being prohibited from reaching the level SHAUN OF THE DEAD OR SLEEPY HOLLOW are at, it does remain an entertainingly rendered period piece which does do enough to earn itself a viewing, and maybe even a cheeky sequel (hint – don’t leave your seat until after the credits have rolled!).

3 out of 5

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
Rated MA15+ for strong comedic violence. Advised to keep it 15 and over, and not for those who are too easily frightened by zombie films or have a weak stomach of strong violence of any kind.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Jesse from Roadshow Films, Roadshow Films and Village Cinemas Jam Factory for the invitation to the media screening of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES.

Review by Moviedoc
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