A global viral epidemic was turning its victims into cannibalistic zombies. Marguerite "Maggie" Vogel was recently diagnosed with this dreaded disease. Against all odds, her father Wade brought her home, stood by her and protected her as the virus gradually and cruelly takes over her body and mind.
Just because Arnold Schwarzenegger is headlining this, zombie fans may be expecting something exciting and grand scale like "World War Z" here. Quite the contrary though, "Maggie" takes a languidly-paced and low-key approach to this genre. While it may have some gruesome images, "Maggie" is not a horror film by intention. It is driven not by scenes of mass mayhem and explosive war, but by the relationship of its two main characters, an intimate family drama about the father and daughter bond.
Ever since he hit the Hollywood big time as "Conan the Barbarian" back in 1982, Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been known as an action star - brash, loud, invincible. "Maggie" is remarkable because we see a totally different Schwarzenegger. He is quiet and sensitive here, almost contemplative. His best scene here did not even have a single word, punch nor gunshot. Schwarzenegger shows that he does have a wider acting range than what we give him credit for. Who would have known he had subtlety in him before this?
For her part, Abigail Breslin has been impressive since she debuted as Mel Gibson's daughter in "Signs" (2002). Her young career was already rewarded with an Oscar nomination for her sparkling performance in "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006). Here in "Maggie," under all her grim zombie makeup, Breslin was able to effectively convey the conflicting emotions of a young teenager facing a certain deadly fate, keeping a brave front outside while screaming from the inside.
As a whole though, the film itself may be too slow and depressing for the mainstream audience. In his feature film directorial debut, Henry Hobson opted for a relentlessly maudlin mood as all color had seemingly been washed out in favor of greys. Despite the heavy and potentially oppressive gloom, the project still remains watchable mainly because of the commendable acting performances of Schwarzenegger and Breslin. Their powerfully restrained climactic scene together in itself makes the whole film worth watching. 6/10.
That's interesting. I'm curious to see what Arnold can do in a very slow paced depressing movie like this. I'd love to see the subtle acting you spoke of.
ReplyDeleteAnother side of Arnold's personality that showed the deepest love for a family. Action films are for him and portraying this kind of movie - it rocks! I'll try to watch this Fred.
ReplyDeleteWe're going to see another side of Arnold in this movie! I wonder when it'll shown here.. :) It's gonna be a nice one!
ReplyDeleteMe and my wife had watched this film last night. and we are in unison to say, this film is quite boring. We are used to seeing Arnold in action film,. Yun siguro ang reason. But yes, the acting job of both Wade and Maggie were commendable.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I am forewarned. I tend to avoid these types of movies. Not that I don't appreciate the acting but because I easily get emotionally carried away. And I want to avoid that for now. :D and yes, you rated 6/10, something tells me not to watch it. :D
ReplyDeleteBased on the poster, I had a gut feel that this would be a boring movie. It looks more dramatic (as you've mentioned) than suspense though it's good to see Arnold doing something else than always shooting guns and throwing bombs.
ReplyDeleteBar Kindergarten Cop, I've never really been a fan of Schwarzenegger films, so will be steering clear of this but a fantastic review as always! Sim
ReplyDeleteI like that it gives a different and more emotional twist to being a zombie. I always wanted to watch one where they don't focus on zombies being mindless and out of control.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of zombie movies, but this sounds interesting. I like Schwarzenegger and I would love to see him portray a different role.
ReplyDeleteThe world's kinda depressing enough for me to NOT try to watch this. Haha. But yes, it is nice to watch the action hero try something different!
ReplyDeletewhen you mentioned slow, i always end up falling asleep during these type of films. ill pass
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot about Maggie and Abigail Breslin is quite talented so I bet it's still worth the watch! :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen an Arnold movie in while and Maggie sounds intriguing. Seeing him in a different kind of role from the usual action hero ones he goes for might just be what I need. Can't wait to see the film!
ReplyDeleteZombie movie isn't my cup of tea. Anyway, thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeleteSo this film is somehow an action plus drama scene? I'm not a fan if zombie films though
ReplyDeleteOoh.. This is a very interesting film. I also initially thought this would be comparable to World War Z, since they had a similar setting. However, I'm more intrigued on Schwarzenegger's acting. I might actually watch this just for his performance!
ReplyDeleteThis must be quite interesting watching Arnold in a different kind of a role.Surely he will do the He is a fine actor and will do justice to this role as well.
ReplyDeleteNice, I like how Schwarzenegger was able to pull off a non-violent character. Another movie title to add to my already long list of to-watch :P
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