The preview intrigued me, and I am happy to report that the movie is even better than I expected.  I’m talking about Warm Bodies, the zombie-themed romantic comedy scripted and directed by Jonathan Levine.  It posits that the apocalypse has come and gone, with scattered humans being hunted by voracious zombies.  But some zombies are better than others, and one in particular, who calls himself “R” because he cannot remember his full name (Nicholas Hoult), still has the remnants of a personality, which is re-ignited when he sees a girl named Julie (Teresa Palmer). R saves Julie from a grisly fate, essentially holding her captive while he battles his zombie nature, tries to persuade her that he means her no harm, and gradually recaptures his humanity.  For Julie sparks something in him which may change the world.

It’s a silly premise, but it works wonderfully well.  The narration spoken throughout the narrative by R is entertaining and insightful.  The situation is unique, considering the wide-ranging zombie genre, and it sustains interest and even suspense all the way to the end.  The setting, an unnamed airport and nearby walled-up city, are smartly rendered and used to excellent advantage.  The young-vs.-old dynamic is certainly not new, but it is effective and reinforces an important antiauthoritarian stance thematically, and Nicholas Hoult is a remarkably charming zombie.  All of these elements work together to create something fresh, original and surprisingly satisfying.

And then there is the ending.  Many movies have a lot of trouble finding the right time and tone to close things down.  Warm Bodies is a little clumsy in this regard as well, yet the larger thematic picture is handled perfectly.  I love where the script leads, and am thrilled with what it all means.  As I left the theatre I couldn’t help thinking that John Lennon and Paul McCartney would appreciate the movie’s message — all you need is love.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  5 February 2013.