This big-budget Korean blockbuster about an outbreak of avian flu is far more entertaining than its clammy title might suggest. The sheer relish with which Kim Sung-Su tackles his subject rekindles memories of the best 1970s US disaster movies.
Frequent spluttering montages provide silly fun, but this sort of doomsday projection surely ought to be terrifying.
The result? Not so much World War Z as World War Zzzz.
The plot contrivances are laughable, but the action is executed slickly enough for the film to fulfill its duty as straight-up blockbuster thriller.
The lack of irony is refreshing, but the fact of the matter is, this is really not very good.
Returning to the director's chair after a 10-year hiatus, Kim Sung-su rallies the crowd and action scenes with ease, although the intertwining strands of the overcooked narrative occasionally threaten to unravel.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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