Tye Sheridan, known for his roles in profound dramas like The Tree of Life and coming-of-age stories such as Mud, took a sharp turn in his career with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. This 2015 film attempts to blend the raunchy humor of teen comedies with the gore and mayhem of zombie flicks. But does this scout troop earn a merit badge, or is this apocalypse guide a complete disaster?
While the concept of a zom-com – a comedic take on the zombie genre – isn’t inherently flawed (think Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland), Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse struggles to find its footing. The film throws us into the world of Boy Scouts Ben (Sheridan), Carter (Logan Miller), and Augie (Joey Morgan), quickly establishing them as stereotypical teen archetypes: the smart one, the horny one, and the chubby one. When a zombie outbreak hits their town, this unlikely trio, along with a tough cocktail waitress named Denise (Sarah Dumont), must navigate the undead chaos.
The performances themselves are not the issue. The cast, including David Koechner as the well-meaning but oblivious Scout leader, delivers what’s asked of them. Koechner, in particular, provides some genuinely funny moments, showcasing his comedic talent, even if the material is weak. However, they are working with paper-thin characters and a plot that feels stitched together from tired tropes. The zombie effects, while present, offer nothing new to the genre, relying on predictable gore and jump scares. Even the supposed humor, often leaning heavily on gross-out gags and juvenile jokes, feels dated and uninspired.
Director Christopher Landon, known for his work in horror franchises like Paranormal Activity, attempts to inject comedy into his repertoire with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. However, the comedic timing and set pieces fall flat. The humor seems aimed at a young adolescent audience with its reliance on toilet humor and crude jokes, yet the film carries an R rating, creating a confusing tonal mismatch. This disconnect suggests a film unsure of its target audience, leaving viewers in a comedic no-man’s-land.
Ultimately, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse fails to capitalize on its promising premise. It’s a film that throws together scouts, zombies, and raunchy comedy but forgets to bring originality or genuine laughs to the mix. While the actors try their best, the weak script and uninspired direction leave this scouts guide to the apocalypse lost in the wilderness of forgettable films. Perhaps it’s best to save your time and seek out genuinely funny and scary zom-coms instead.
