Zombieland (2009)

Detailed Summary

The Opening Scene: Rules for Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

The film kicks off with Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a socially awkward college student who’s managed to survive the zombie apocalypse by sticking to a strict set of survival rules. These rules—like “Cardio,” “Double Tap,” and “Beware of Bathrooms”—are humorously displayed as the movie sets its irreverent tone.

Meeting Tallahassee and the Quest for Twinkies

Columbus soon meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a gun-slinging, Twinkie-obsessed survivor who has a deep-seated hatred for zombies. They team up, despite their differences, and embark on a road trip to find a safe haven, although Tallahassee is more interested in finding the last Twinkies on Earth.

Wichita and Little Rock: Con Artists in a Zombie World

The duo soon encounter two sisters, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), who are just as skilled at surviving the apocalypse—through clever cons. The sisters trick Columbus and Tallahassee, stealing their weapons and car. However, they later reunite and reluctantly decide to travel together.

Hollywood Dreams: The Bill Murray Cameo

The group ends up in Hollywood and takes refuge in Bill Murray’s mansion, leading to one of the film’s most iconic and hilarious moments. Murray, playing himself, pretends to be a zombie to blend in, but things go hilariously wrong when Columbus accidentally shoots him, thinking he’s a real zombie.

The Final Battle at the Amusement Park

Wichita and Little Rock head to Pacific Playland, a supposedly zombie-free amusement park. However, their fun triggers all the lights and sounds, attracting a massive horde of zombies. In an epic showdown, Columbus, Tallahassee, and the sisters fight for their lives, with Tallahassee showing off his zombie-killing skills in style.

The Resolution: Finding Family Amidst the Chaos

The movie ends on a heartwarming note as Columbus realizes that his “family” has become the group he’s been traveling with, and they all head off together into the uncertain future, leaving room for more zombie-slaying adventures.

Movie Ending

The climax at Pacific Playland is both action-packed and emotionally satisfying. After defeating the zombies, Columbus finally gathers the courage to break his own rule of “not getting attached” and kisses Wichita. The group leaves together, forming a makeshift family in a world overrun by chaos.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, there is a post-credits scene where Bill Murray hilariously relives his famous lines from Ghostbusters with Woody Harrelson’s Tallahassee. It’s a short but funny moment for fans who stuck around.

Type of Movie

Zombieland is a zombie comedy, or “zom-com,” blending horror, humor, and action with a touch of heartwarming friendship.

Cast

• Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus
• Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee
• Emma Stone as Wichita
• Abigail Breslin as Little Rock
• Bill Murray as Himself (cameo)

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by David Sardy, featuring a mix of rock tracks and original compositions that fit the film’s irreverent tone. Memorable tracks include Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and The Black Keys’ “Your Touch.”

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: Most of the film’s Hollywood scenes were shot here, including Bill Murray’s mansion.
• Valencia, California: The amusement park scenes were filmed at the Six Flags Magic Mountain park, providing the perfect setting for the movie’s climactic showdown.

The locations are crucial in giving the film a classic “road trip” feel through post-apocalyptic America.

Awards and Nominations

Although Zombieland wasn’t a major contender at prestigious awards ceremonies, it was well-received by critics and audiences, earning several nominations at genre-specific awards like the Scream Awards, where it won Best Horror Movie and Best Cameo for Bill Murray.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The Twinkie Tallahassee obsessively searches for in the movie was actually a vegan substitute since Woody Harrelson is vegan.
• Bill Murray wasn’t the original choice for his cameo role; it was initially offered to Patrick Swayze, but he was unable to participate due to illness.
• The writers originally pitched Zombieland as a TV show, which explains the recurring rules and “Zombie Kill of the Week” segments.

Inspirations and References

• Pop Culture: The film is packed with references to classic zombie movies like Dawn of the Dead and modern hits like Shaun of the Dead.
• Road Movies: The film’s structure and tone draw from classic American road trip movies, mixing comedy and adventure in a zombie-filled setting.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The original ending featured the group discovering a human settlement, but it was cut to maintain the film’s tone. The deleted scenes focus on extended character interactions and a few extra zombie kills but don’t add much to the plot.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While not based on a book, Zombieland has inspired a graphic novel and a follow-up movie (Zombieland: Double Tap), continuing the franchise’s blend of humor and horror.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Columbus’s Rule Explanation Montage: The film opens with Columbus explaining his survival rules, setting the tone for the rest of the movie.
• Bill Murray’s Cameo: The encounter with Bill Murray in his mansion is one of the most beloved scenes.
• The Clown Zombie: Columbus faces his fear of clowns during the climactic battle, providing both tension and comedy.

Iconic Quotes

• “Time to nut up or shut up!” – Tallahassee
• “You’re like a giant cock-blocking robot, like developed in a secret fucking government lab.” – Wichita
• “Enjoy the little things.” – Columbus

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Columbus’s rules frequently pop up as on-screen text, sometimes humorously interacting with the environment.
• The film contains nods to classic zombie films, with subtle homages to George A. Romero’s works.
• The “Zombie Kill of the Week” segment was a leftover from the original idea of the movie being a TV series.

Trivia

• The character names are based on the characters’ hometowns: Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock.
• Woody Harrelson was arrested for marijuana possession during filming but reportedly took it in stride.
• The amusement park scenes were filmed overnight, which added an extra layer of eeriness.

Why Watch?

Zombieland is perfect for anyone who enjoys dark humor, witty dialogue, and over-the-top zombie action. The movie balances comedy, horror, and heart, making it a fun watch whether you’re a fan of the genre or not.

Director’s Other Movies

• Venom (2018)
• Gangster Squad (2013)
• 30 Minutes or Less (2011)
• Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
• Shaun of the Dead (2004)
• Hot Fuzz (2007)
• The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
• Warm Bodies (2013)
• Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)