Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Movie Review

Pride and Prejudice is one of those books. Everyone knows something about the book and the characters, regardless of whether or not they have actually read the novel.

In 2009, Seth Grahame-Smith released Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a mashup of the 19th century novel  and the horror genre.

This weekend, the film version of the book was released in theaters. This time around, Lily James and Sam Riley play the iconic would be lovers, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy (now Colonel Darcy). Backing up Lizzy and Darcy is Bella Heathcote (Jane Bennet), Douglas Booth (Mr. Bingley), Matt Smith (Mr. Collins) and Lena Headey (Lady Catherine de Bourgh). Instead of the traditional Pride and Prejudice re-telling, zombies have invaded England and the Bennet sisters must do their part to destroy the unmentionables.

Anyone who knows me knows that Pride and Prejudice ranks as one of my all time favorite books. Like many Janeites, I did buy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies when the novel hit the stores in 2009. I found the book to be a non traditional re-telling of Pride and Prejudice that I enjoyed at the time. Like many film adaptations of novels, certain scenes or characters are cut for any number of reasons. Austen fans who cling to the cannon might not like the movie, but I enjoyed it.

Elizabeth Bennet was always a badass in my mind, she just needed the martial arts training to become that badass. It was refreshing to see women on-screen who can defend themselves and not wait to be rescued. My favorite scenes in the movie were scenes with Mr. Collins. While Mr. Collins  has always been a cringe worthy character, Matt Smith made him buffoon like and very funny.

In a brief nod to the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, there is a Darcy diving into the lake wearing nothing more than a white shirt and underpants scene. Anglophiles and Downton Abbey fans, if your on the hunt for other Downton Abbey actors, there is another actor who had a brief role, especially during series 5. His character was unlikable and was one of the reasons for the broken engagement of one the older female characters. Who that actor is and what role he played, you will have to watch the movie.

I also recommend to stay past the initial closing credits. There is a brief scene that asks the question if we will see a sequel in the next few years.

I am the first to admit that I do not see horror movies,  but I found this movie enjoyable and entertaining.

Do I recommend it? Of course.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is presently in theaters. 

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Wonder Of Wonders Book Review

Fiddler On The Roof is many things. It is a classic Broadway musical. It is a story of a world and a generation that no longer exists. It is a story of a man and a family facing change, internally and externally.

Wonder Of Wonders: A Cultural History Of Fiddler Of The Roof is the story of how Fiddler On The Roof transformed from a series of short stories by Sholem Aleichem to a Broadway musical that premiered over 50 years ago and has since become part of the American and entertainment cultural landscape. Author Alisa Solomon takes the reader back in time to the original stories of Tevye the Milkman and his daughters. She follows the history of the stories as they were shaped and edited for the Broadway stage and beyond.

I’ve been a fan of Fiddler On The Roof for many years. Not just because it is the history of my people, but also because of the universal themes that anyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background can relate to. I was surprised when I finished the book and I felt like I just read a college textbook. While the story itself is interesting, I found the book to be a little on dry side.

Do I recommend it? If you’re a fan of the show, a fan of Broadway or a history buff, I would say yes. Otherwise, I would recommend to skip it all together.