Issue date: 9/29/04 Section: Arts

Shaun is just like you. Shaun doesn't like his job. Shaun doesn't get along with his stepfather. Shaun's girlfriend is bored with him and has broken his heart. Shaun's hometown is being attacked by zombies. Shaun is almost just like you.

Billed as a love story, with zombies, "Shaun of the Dead" is one of the most inventive, original, creative and hysterical movies to come along this year.

The import stars co-writer Simon Pegg as Shaun. His partner in crime, Edgar Wright wears two hats as director and co-writer.

As fart jokes collide with the undead, "Shaun of the Dead" rises above as the new British darling of independent film.

With a nod to "Dawn of the Dead" and the genre's brainchild, George A. Romero, "Shaun of the Dead" emerges in the wake of flailing zombie films as the new face in zombie gore. This summer's remake of the classic "Dawn of the Dead" met mixed reviews and satisfied few. While the "Resident Evil" franchise offers star Milla Jovovich as eye candy, it fails to deliver much else. The British delight "28 Days Later" broke with tradition and horror of all horrors - gave zombies the ability to run.

"Shaun of the Dead" shuffles to the head of the pack with a smart wit and heart rarely seen in modern cinema. The flick embraces the silliness of the undead and then creates and emotionally resonant story.

In his late 20's, Shaun's life lacks direction. As the assistant manager of an appliance store he regularly takes guff from fellow teenage employees. He shares a flat with his loser, drug-dealing roommate Ed (Nick Frost).

Frost brilliantly fills out the role of comic relief with remarkable comic timing and delivery. In an attempt to fight off two backyard zombies, Ed and Shaun tear through different records.

"Purple Rain?"

"No."

"The Batman soundtrack?"

"Throw it."

Realizing that vinyl isn't enough to stop the undead, Shaun and Ed arm themselves with a cricket bat and shovel, respectively.

The two spur into action, rescuing Shaun's mother, stepfather, girlfriend and her roommates.

In search of a secure location the group moves towards their favorite pub, the Winchester. Naturally, all goes awry in the climatic showdown. As Shaun attempts to fight off a torrent of zombies, the jukebox plays "Don't Stop Me Know."

Shaun shouts, "Kill the Queen!"

Wright and Pegg have concocted a wickedly funny script with surprising depth.

Poignant scenes between Shaun and his loved ones balance quirkier scenes featuring flesh-eating horrors.

With gut-busting laughs, teary-eyed moments and a couple of jumps, "Shaun of the Dead" is the best movie to reach these shores in quite sometime. And maybe, the best movie this year, period.

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