“Zombieland: Double Tap” (also known as Zombieland 2: Double Tap) is a 2019 American zombie comedy film and the sequel to the 2009 film Zombieland. Directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and David Callaham, the film features the return of the original cast and continues the story of a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world.
Plot Summary
Set ten years after the events of the first film, Zombieland: Double Tap follows the four survivors—Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin)—as they navigate their way through the now-destroyed United States, fighting off zombies and dealing with personal issues.
The group has settled into the White House, where they live relatively comfortably, but tensions arise when Little Rock decides to leave, seeking companionship with people her own age. She heads to a safe haven in the Pacific Northwest, and Wichita, along with Columbus and Tallahassee, sets off to find her. Along the way, they encounter new characters, including Madison (Zoey Deutch), a bubbly and naïve survivor, and a more seasoned, aggressive survivor named Nevada (Rosario Dawson).
As the group navigates a new breed of more dangerous zombies, they confront their personal struggles and relationships, with a focus on the evolving dynamics between Columbus and Wichita, and Tallahassee’s ever-present longing for more purpose in a world devoid of it.
Cast and Characters
- Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus: The neurotic, bookish survivor who narrates the events of the film, offering “rules” for surviving in a zombie apocalypse.
- Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee: The tough, gun-loving survivor who is obsessed with finding the perfect Twinkie and protecting his newfound family.
- Emma Stone as Wichita: The resourceful, independent woman who has a complicated relationship with Columbus and a protective nature towards her sister, Little Rock.
- Abigail Breslin as Little Rock: The younger member of the group, who yearns for independence and to find a place to belong.
- Zoey Deutch as Madison: A cheerful but somewhat ditzy survivor who joins the group, providing comic relief and a contrast to the more serious survivors.
- Rosario Dawson as Nevada: A no-nonsense survivor who teams up with the group after their paths cross.
- Luke Wilson as Albuquerque: A charismatic and confident survivor who shares many traits with Tallahassee, leading to comedic rivalry between the two.
Themes and Tone
Zombieland: Double Tap blends action, comedy, and horror in the signature style of the original film, with an emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and survival. The film explores themes of personal growth, the idea of “family” in a post-apocalyptic world, and the desire for connection in a broken society. The dynamic between the characters has evolved, with Columbus and Wichita grappling with their relationship and Tallahassee showing a more vulnerable side as he searches for meaning in a world overrun by zombies.
The tone of the film is fast-paced and irreverent, full of comedic moments that contrast with the dangers of the zombie world. The humor is darker, and there’s a strong focus on character-driven comedy, which keeps the film engaging as it balances thrilling action sequences with the personal stakes of the characters.
Visual and Cinematic Style
The film continues the visual style established in the first Zombieland, using quick cuts, stylized action sequences, and slow-motion shots to heighten the action and comedy. The zombie designs are varied, with the film introducing new classes of zombies, including the “Homer” (dumber, slower zombies) and the “T-800” (smarter, faster, and more dangerous zombies). The special effects and practical makeup are used to create exaggerated, grotesque, and often humorous zombie appearances.
The cinematography and editing are designed to keep the pacing fast, with plenty of visual gags, quick one-liners, and action-packed sequences.
Reception
Zombieland: Double Tap received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. While it was not as widely praised as its predecessor, the film was noted for its ability to deliver what fans loved about the first film—sharp humor, memorable characters, and an action-packed zombie adventure. The performances of the main cast were widely praised, especially Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Tallahassee, which remains a fan favorite.
The film’s humor, which combines witty dialogue, physical comedy, and references to pop culture, received particular acclaim, though some critics felt the sequel did not bring anything particularly fresh to the table. Despite these critiques, the film was seen as a successful continuation of the Zombieland franchise, appealing to fans of the original film as well as newcomers.
Legacy and Impact
While Zombieland: Double Tap didn’t set the box office on fire, it succeeded in reviving interest in the Zombieland franchise, and it is often regarded as a strong sequel that lived up to the expectations of fans. The film also bolstered the cult status of the first movie, proving that there’s still an appetite for zombie comedies.
In summary, Zombieland: Double Tap is a fun, action-packed sequel that delivers more of the witty banter, chaotic action, and irreverent humor that made the original film a cult classic. The character dynamics, especially between the returning cast, and the addition of new quirky survivors, ensure that the film remains entertaining, even as it expands the world of Zombieland
