Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a good documentary, action movie, kids film, indie drama, comedy or what have you as much as the next guy.

For example, my favorite movies of the year so far include the PG-rated, digitally animated feature "Up," the PG-13 romantic comedy "(500) Days of Summer" and the R-rated Iraq war thriller "The Hurt Locker."

(In case you're wondering, all of those movies got four-star ratings from me, which is a rarity these days.)

That being said, I really enjoyed the new horror-comedy "Zombieland."

In fact, I even paid to see it again on its opening weekend, thereby contributing to the $25 million it made in its first three days of release. (With that box-office "take," the modestly budgeted film has also recouped its production costs.)

Now I'll admit that the movie's graphic violence and gore, and often strong language, ensures that it won't be seen by a wide audience. It does earn its R rating,

But it's still goofy, bloody fun. Not just because it's filled with pop-culture references, though. It also has characters that we grow to root for and love.

(Woody Harrelson should get down on his knees and thank the filmmakers for salvaging his flagging career with this movie and this role.)

Of course, it may be the time of year that made me so receptive to the movie.

I did, after all, follow up "Zombieland" by watching "Ghost Busters," the beloved 1984 supernatural comedy. That movie has only gotten funnier over the years, if you can believe it.

BY THE WAY… There's a final scene in "Zombieland," just after the closing credits.

I won't say anything more — because I don't want to be one of those movie-reviewer types who spoil the celebrity-centric bit that almost makes the movie. (I'm looking at you, Roger Ebert!)

YOU WANT TO SEE SOMETHING REALLY SCARY? While there have been quite a few horror stinkers this year, there have been a couple of winners as well.

This summer "Spider-Man" director Sam Raimi returned to his horror roots with "Drag Me to Hell."

The PG-13 supernatural thriller is definitely not for everyone. It's heavy on over-the-top, slapstick style horror humor featured in Raimi's earlier "Evil Dead" movies.

It's also got quite a few jolt moments and a generally spooky atmosphere.

It's especially true in those moments where it's clear that Raimi is paying tribute to "Night of the Demon," the 1957 horror classic.

The new DVD release of "Drag Me to Hell" (Universal, $29.98) also features an unrated director's cut of the movie.

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com