Diary of a Fangirl: World War Z

This evening I went to a screening of "World War Z," sponsored by B96 and Paramount pictures.

My expectations for the event itself were not high, but I was definitely intrigued with the film from what I'd seen in the trailers.  Well, I dare say my expectations were exceeded thrice fold on both accounts.

The premier started with an assembly line--first you check in with your ticket, then you get a color coded wristband, then a t-shirt, a card giving Twitter instructions, and a voucher for free popcorn and drink.  There were all of these "fancy" security guards--all in suits, and some with bow ties (a guy with a pink one stood out to me).  The B96 people were set up on the main floor, passing out cups and more shirts, playing trivia games.

They had a green screen set up by the theatre doors.  I got this nifty pic to add to my selection of souvenirs (well, the picture made it plural).

And then there was a lot of waiting.  As I looked around, I took in the suits and the lights set up and the camera man that was next to me initially.  I thought, "Someone is coming."  And then I thought, "Nah, they wouldn't bring Brad for this...must be some studio head or some B96 personality I don't care about."  But then--it happened.

I SAW BRAD PITT.  IN HIS FLESH.  I BREATHED HIS AIR.  JEEBUS HE WAS BEAUTIFUL.

He came running into the room, slightly out of breath, and GORGEOUS.

Crappy cell phone pics are crappy.

Brad Pitt: The Holy Grail of Celeb Sightings

Hetero-guy shaped person next to me: "Huh. I guess he is kind of beautiful."

I still get chills just thinking about it.

Okay, so the film itself:

It was as Brad promised--damn near non-stop action.  Well done action at that.  The film is PG-13, but I think they could have gone for R.  That being said, I think it was still very well done.

I didn't read the books, and I know how people can be so sensitive about adaptations (although, they fail to realize it is in fact an adaptation), but coming in cold, I have to say that I loved this film.  I'd watch it again.  Zombies are "in," and this film is right up there.  And with Brad Pitt's star power behind it...I'm sure it's going to be a summer slam dunk.

That being said, I've heard that the reason why he was there (and a few other premiers) is that the studio heads think the film will be a flop, and want to push it as hard as they can.  It's a shame they don't believe in their product, because it's fabulous.  It has action, pulls at the heart strings, looks realistic, and adds to the zombie genre.

To top off the night, I got interviewed by Channel 7 News.  My heart was still pounding--it was an exhilarating evening.  Unfortunately, I don't have video, but here are a couple of pics:

Next Up: A review of "The Heat."