Dawn of the Dead

Though it's better known today for its somewhat legendary scenes of gore, the 1978 cult horror film "Dawn of the Dead" was also one of the more clever, savvy horror satires to skewer our consumer-driven society. So, given the bigger-is-better mentality so pervasive in Hollywood today, it was obvious that a modern-day remake would try to up the gore quotient and downplay the comic elements.

Yet as bloody as the new version is, it's still surprisingly subversive — even funny in places. And it's also one of the scarier horror films to come along in quite some time.

That said, this film is definitely not for all tastes. In fact, it's one of the most over-the-top gory and horrifically violent films this side of . . . well, "The Passion of the Christ."

Those who enjoy this type of thing, however, will likely love it. And they're advised to stay through the film's final credits for a pay-off scene.

As promised by the title, the movie does feature hordes of the undead — all brought back to life by some sort of "infection," which has also left them with a hunger for the flesh of the living.

In the fictional Everett, Wis., there are a handful of survivors. Among them are a nurse (Sarah Polley), a cop (Ving Rhames) and a family man (Jake Weber) who have barricaded themselves in a mall, where they're hoping to wait out the nightmarish carnage going on outside.

They're also hoping for a rescue of some sort. But as the days roll on, it becomes clear that no help is coming, so they hatch a desperate escape plan. Where they'll go is the big question, though, since the "infection" is clearly spreading.

Director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn wisely show the human toll here by stressing the friendships and relationships that are established between the survivors, which only adds more horror to what happens to them. It also helps that most of the characters are likable. Though Rhames' part is a man of few words, he's at his most magnetic. And indie actress Polley is solid as a character who serves as the film's conscience. (She also does an effective job of selling the developing relationship with Weber's character.)

"Dawn of the Dead" is rated R for strong scenes of horror, violence (including zombie attacks, shootings and explosive mayhem), graphic gore, occasional use of strong sexual profanity and crude sexual slang, simulated sex and brief female nudity. Running time: 100 minutes.

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