The sequel ten years in the making features on-brand humor and over-the-top zombie kills

Full of self-awareness and gruesome-yet-satisfying zombie kills, 2019s Zombieland: Double Tap is a solid film that recaptures the charm of its predecessor.

A decade after 2009s hit horror-comedy Zombieland earned over $100 million box office worldwide on a budget of $23 million, director Ruben Fleischers sequel saw a wide release on Oct. 18, 2019, just in time for Halloween.

Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin each reprise their roles as Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita and Little Rock respectively. Joining the cast are Rosario Dawson as Nevada, Zoey Deutch as Madison and Luke Wilson as Albuquerque.

Double Tap opens with voiceover exposition, delivered by Eisenberg, feeding the audience information about the worlds developments over the past ten years. We learn of new developments with the group, including their recent coup in the White House. We are also introduced to the worlds new breeds of zombies: Homers, Hawkings and T-800s.

The original cast maintains the chemistry it established in the original, with significant plot lines developing the relationship between Columbus and Wichita, as well as Tallahassee and Little Rock.

The casts R-rated banter contribute to most of the films excellent scenes. The originals brand of humor established it as a cult classic comedy, and Zombieland: Double Tap does not miss a beat.

The film, although suffering from a few tropes and a thin plot, excels in every area one would expect: gory zombie kills, heartfelt family dynamics and satisfying character development.

In a sequel, callbacks and fanservice are expected. Double Tap features a handful of callbacks to iconic parts of the original. Columbus survival rules are expanded upon, and Tallahassee utters a catchphrase that is quickly mocked as outdated.

Double Tap takes a swipe at The Walking Dead early in the movie, and it lands well. Although, it is hard to ignore the cultural zeitgeist of zombies is seemingly on its way out.

One of the only negative aspects about Double Tap was its use of Zoey Deutchs character. Deutch stars as Madison, and uses a dated dumb blonde trope that feels grating very quickly. Deutchs performance is hilarious, but her characters trope seems more suited to a film from early 2010.

Zombieland: Double Tap is not a perfect film, but ultimately a satisfying sequel for fans of the original. It renews the charm and unique humor of its predecessor while giving its beloved charactersand their post-apocalyptic worldmeaningful development.

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Zombieland: Double Tap is equal parts enjoyable and endearing - IU Southeast Horizon