Movie: Cooties
My Rating: 3 stars
This is just another zombie movie. It’s pretty fun, but it’s not really breaking any new ground. This movie tries to distinguish itself from others by making all of the zombies little kids. They get infected after being served tainted chicken nuggets in the school cafeteria. And, the disease only takes hold in bodies that haven’t gone through puberty. The teachers have to figure out how to escape the school since the kids have it surrounded. (They’re cornered in the teacher’s lounge). But, they also have to find a way to signal to others that the school is dangerous. Their biggest concern is the parents who will be coming to pick up their children in a few hours, and who have no idea that they’re walking into a death trap.
This movie is a horror comedy. It’s got plenty of zombie gore and guts. But, it’s first mission is really just to land a few jokes. And, it’s fine. The makeup is good, the writing is decent, the actors are charming. It stars Elijah Wood, Alison Pill, Rainn Wilson, and Jack McBrayer. But, there’s nothing very remarkable about the movie. I actually can’t remember any specific jokes or anything but the broadest plot outline. It’s that middle-of-the-road. However, the movie isn’t completely without its charms. Viewers are offered the perverse pleasure of watching teachers bashing in the heads of obnoxious pre-teens with shovels. I’m sure there are a few educators out there who might get a little thrill watching this movie after a hard day in the trenches. It’s always fun to watch something a little subversive. But, it might not be enough to save the film.
The movie is fine, and I don’t think you’d regret watching it. But, I still don’t think I’d go to the level of recommending it. It’s just not brining anything all that new or interesting to the table. It’s just another zombie movie, and we’ve all seen plenty of those. Still, I feel bad for not endorsing the film since there really is nothing wrong with it. But, I just couldn’t get excited about it.