Watch CBS News

Movie Review: World War Z

World War Z is the latest movie in a long line of films featuring the zombie genre. It's based on the apocalyptic horror novel by Max Brooks called "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War."

The movie revolves around a former United Nations investigator named Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), who is forced out of retirement to help stop a pandemic.

Some sort of virus is causing hordes of people to viciously attack each other, the lethal virus spread by a single bite.

It is Pitt's job to help find out who patient zero is and where the virus originated.

The infected begin to overwhelm the world's armies and topple governments.

World War Z Official Movie Trailer by Paramount Pictures on YouTube

If you're a fan of zombie flicks, then I think you're going to like World War Z. I don't think you're going to absolutely love it though.

As a big zombie genre fan I found myself wanting more from the movie. If you're going to make a zombie movie, you need to go out and make a zombie movie. The movie is rated PG-13, but could it have been better if it was rated R? I think the answer is yes.

As a big fan of TV shows like "The Walking Dead" on AMC, I expected to see more violence from a zombie film.

That being said the movie was pretty scary in parts, and did leave quite a few people (myself included) jumping from their seats.

The CGI used in the movie was a little over the top for sure, but then again it's a movie about zombies, what do you expect?

There were some parts of the movie that were a little over the top. I don't want to give away in spoilers, but there's a particular plane scene that leaves you thinking, "really?"

World War Z is not just a movie about zombies - it's also a movie about a global apocalypse that happens to be spread by zombies.

You feel not only for the featured actors but for the millions of people who are being affected by the virus.

One great thing about the film is: there is never a dull moment. The film starts off with a bang, and keeps you on your toes until the credits.

Overall I give the movie a solid B. Like I said before, if you're a fan of zombie movies you're going to be entertained. Also - don't spend the extra money to see it in 3D, it's not worth it. There are some movies where 3D really adds to experience - this is not one of those movies.

Full disclosure, I haven't read the book that this movie was based on. I've heard from quite a few people who have seen the movie, that the book was better.

World War Z opens in the U.S. on June 21st.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.