As a filmmaker, I have been anxious to see 28 Days Later simply because it was shot on digital video. But I also happen to like the horror genre. I really enjoyed this movie.

As you may know by now, a fierce virus known as Rage is released on an unsuspecting world by two activists trying to save monkeys from a testing facility. Then, 28 Days Later, our hero Jim wakes up from a coma to find himself the only human alive. This isn't the case, but uninfected human are few and far between.

I can't recall in recent years a horror film that allows you to connect with the characters to the point where you feel bad once you learn they will die. I was actually moved when Mr. Bridges got infected.

The digital video medium served this movie well. Although there are several shots where the image is not nearly as sharp as 35mm, this didn't bother me in the least. I especially liked the strobing effect when the Infected are attacking a victim.

This film is reported as being budgeted at $5,000,000. At that budget, digital video must have been a creative choice rather than a budgetary constraint.

Something else that amazed me: how did they get the streets to look so desolate? Was most of the five million spent on securing locations? I mean, there were huge wide shots that were amazing because there was NO ONE around for miles! This I feel was the most effective element of the movie.

As I was watching 28 Days Later, i felt this is the movie Resident Evil should have been. And the ending is very reminiscent of the old Land That Time Forgot, or People That Time Forgot.



Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older