Tye Sheridan, known for his roles in profound films like The Tree of Life and Mud, took a surprising turn into comedy with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. While Sheridan’s early career choices showcased his dramatic talent, this foray into the zom-com genre unfortunately lands with a thud, failing to capture the cleverness or comedic timing of its genre predecessors. This movie attempts to blend teen comedy with zombie horror, but ultimately stumbles into a pit of tired tropes and uninspired humor.
Drawing comparisons to successful zom-coms such as Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and even Cooties, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse struggles to find its own footing. Instead of sharp wit and inventive scenarios, the film relies heavily on juvenile humor, often missing the target audience with its misplaced R-rating. The plot revolves around Boy Scouts Ben (Tye Sheridan), Carter (Logan Miller), and Augie (Joey Morgan) – stereotypically portrayed as the smart, the horny, and the chubby one respectively – who find themselves in the midst of a zombie outbreak. Add to this mix a tough cocktail waitress, Denise (Sarah Dumont), who is surprisingly adept with weaponry, a quirky cat lady played by Cloris Leachman, and a clueless Scout leader (David Koechner), and you have a chaotic ensemble struggling against a predictable zombie apocalypse caused by a lab experiment gone awry.
While the cast delivers commendable performances given the shallow character development, they are ultimately let down by the script. The zombie effects are standard fare, offering nothing new to the already saturated zombie movie landscape. Even the supposed highlight, David Koechner, though entertaining, feels underutilized and deserving of better projects, as evidenced by his compelling performance in Cheap Thrills.
Christopher Landon, known for his work in horror franchises like Paranormal Activity, attempts to transition into comedy with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. However, this directorial effort falls flat, revealing a weakness in comedic timing and delivery. The humor feels dated and predictable, often resorting to base-level gags that seem aimed at a much younger audience than the R-rating suggests. This disconnect between the film’s humor and its rating creates a baffling viewing experience, leaving one to question who the intended audience truly is.
In conclusion, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse fails to earn its merit badge in the zom-com genre. While it boasts a recognizable cast and enthusiastic zombie hordes, the film is ultimately weighed down by its reliance on tired clichés, juvenile humor, and a lack of originality. For those seeking a genuinely funny and clever zombie comedy, it’s best to look elsewhere and perhaps revisit classics like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland. This scout’s guide leads viewers astray in a predictable and underwhelming apocalypse.
