Doomsday

Doomsday seems to be one of those films that has everything you can possibly want in an action flick (explosions, guns, hand-to-hand combat, mobs, eye candy) and yet seem be missing something at its core. The premise is even somewhat plausible. A killer virus has surfaced in Scotland, spreading through skin contact. With no cure in sight, a giant wall is built to quarantine off the entire Scotland area, with residents inside left to fend for themselves. After about 25 years, the virus is found outside of the wall, prompting the desperate UK government to send in a team of experts to find a cure from survivors on the other side of the wall.

This introduction kept me readily engaged but the plausibility ends as soon as the team led by Major Eden Sinclair (played by Rhona Mitra) enters the wall. They encounter a large group of organized punks that seem to do nothing but glorify violence. What defies the realm of possibility is that there are so many survivors who have seemingly no means of sustaining themselves. The excellent premise is further destroyed when this group somehow has vehicles and electricity.

However, Doomsday is an enjoyable adventure. Perhaps it might be more accurate to describe the film as pulling together so many different genres that the experience becomes enjoyable. For instance, the infected mobs act like zombies but in other parts the Major has a solo duel sequence that has a definite Gladiator feel. Sometimes these elements are so over-the-top that the scenes become ludicrously amusing. Throw in crazy car chase sequences, medieval knights, and an amoral politician, then shake them all up in a bag and out comes Doomsday. Best served hot.

Pros: Fascination idea with pretty slick action sequences
Cons: Doesn’t go far enough into seriously exploring the limits of human nature
Conclusion: If you’re familiar with the “suspension of disbelief” concept, then you’re going to have a great time.
Score: 4/5

IMDB