Tye Sheridan, a young actor who garnered attention for his roles in Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life and the coming-of-age film Mud, takes a surprising turn into the realm of zombie comedy with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. Following critically acclaimed performances in Joe and The Stanford Prison Experiment, Sheridan’s venture into this genre mashup, described as a blend of Porky’s and Dawn of the Dead, raises eyebrows and expectations. However, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse unfortunately stumbles, failing to deliver the comedic or horrific thrills that zom-com fans crave.
Fans of the zombie comedy, or “zom-com,” genre often point to films like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and Cooties as benchmarks. These movies successfully balance humor with the inherent horror of a zombie apocalypse. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, however, struggles to find this equilibrium, leaning heavily into lowbrow humor that ultimately detracts from any potential scares or witty social commentary. The studio’s decision to embargo reviews until the film’s release day speaks volumes about their confidence, or lack thereof, in this cinematic endeavor.
The narrative, thin as it may be, revolves around three Boy Scout best friends: Ben (Tye Sheridan), Carter (Logan Miller), and Augie (Joey Morgan). Stereotypically portrayed as “The Smart One,” “The Horny One,” and “The Chubby One” respectively, they navigate a zombie outbreak in their hometown. Adding to the mix is a tough-talking cocktail waitress, Denise (Sarah Dumont), skilled with a shotgun, a quirky cat lady (Cloris Leachman), and a well-meaning but clueless Scout leader (David Koechner). This ensemble cast is thrown into chaos when a local laboratory experiment goes awry, unleashing a zombie horde upon their unsuspecting town.
Despite the shortcomings of the script, the actors deliver commendable performances, striving to breathe life into their archetypal characters. The zombie makeup and effects are standard fare, offering little innovation to the genre. While the zombie hordes exhibit a certain enthusiastic energy in their pursuit of brains – epitomized by the amusing “YOLO zombie” – it’s not enough to elevate the film beyond mediocrity. David Koechner stands out as the highlight, injecting much-needed comedic energy into his role. His performance serves as a reminder of his acting talent, leaving one to wish he were offered more substantial and nuanced roles, as evidenced by his compelling work in Cheap Thrills.
Christopher Landon, known for his background in horror and suspense, with writing credits including Blood and Chocolate, Disturbia, and several Paranormal Activity sequels, takes his first stab at comedy with Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. Regrettably, this directorial attempt suggests that comedy may not be his forte. The humor feels dated, predictable, and often resorts to juvenile gags centered on bodily functions and crude sexual innuendo. The baffling aspect is the film’s R-rating, given that the humor seems tailored to a much younger, pre-teen audience who might find fart jokes and toilet humor endlessly amusing. Perhaps the studio is targeting the Video On Demand market, but even for home viewing, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is likely to leave viewers feeling underwhelmed and wishing they had spent their time and money elsewhere.
Ultimately, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse fails to earn a merit badge in the zom-com genre. It’s a forgettable entry that lacks originality, wit, and genuine scares.
1 Hour 33 Minutes Rated: R
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SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE Review
