OK for kids 14+
Despite violence, book-based zombie romance is OK for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, given the current popularity of zombie apocalypse stories, Warm Bodies should appeal to plenty of teens. With its Romeo and Juliet romance and appealing leads -- not to mention a popular young adult book as its source material -- the movie is aimed squarely at adolescent viewers. There's a notable amount of violence, including a considerable body count (zombies kill humans and eat their brains). Although the zombies barely speak, there's some strong language (one "f--k," several uses of "s--t," "a--hole," etc.), and a sweet romance that builds up to a passionate kiss (as well as some making out shown in flashbacks). But overall, there's less sexual content here than in the book. Despite the violence, this is a funny love story at heart.
- Families can talk about what R and Julie's story has in common with Romeo and Juliet. What are the similarities (and differences) between them and Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers?
- Some have criticized Warm Bodies for breaking established "zombie rules" the way that Twilight breaks vampire rules. Do you think it matters whether a zombie has ever been able to heal himself in a story before?
- For those familiar with the book, what do you think about the changes the filmmaker made? Which changes did you appreciate, and which aspects of the book did you miss?
- If you haven't read Isaac Marion's book, does the movie make you want to?
The good stuff
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Messages: A central message is that all it takes to spark humanity in others is the expression of humanity -- and that even just a couple of optimists can make a huge difference. Although the story is Romeo and Juliet-esque in that the central romantic couple is from antagonistic sides, unlike Shakespeare's tragedy, love conquers the greatest of differences in Warm Bodies -- in this case, the bridge between life and death.
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Role models: R is self-aware enough to feel conflicted about his "new hunger" to eat humans; he's willing to sacrifice himself to save Julie, who in turn puts herself in danger to be with R. R and Julie challenge others to see a way for the future that doesn't revolve around a cycle of killing and closing people off from the rest of the world.
What to watch for
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Violence: There's zombie vs. human and zombie vs. zombie violence. The Boneys are skeleton zombies who no longer have any flesh, and they're ruthless and freaky looking. In a couple of scenes, zombies are shown attacking humans, but the quick editing doesn't focus on the gore. The main character and his zombie pals kill a bunch of young adults, and R eats a particular man's brains for a big part of the movie. Human militias shoot and kill zombies.
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Sex: Unlike the book -- which features some explicit references to sex, zombie genitalia, and skin-to-skin contact -- the movie is tamer, with a couple of kissing scenes (in flashback), plus flirting, hand-holding, and eventual kissing between R and Julie. In one scene, Julie is so cold in her wet clothes that she strips down to her bra and panties in order to get dry.
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Language: Several uses of "s--t," plus "a--hole," one memorable "f--k," "hell," "ass," "crap," "oh my God," and a couple of "bitches."
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Consumerism: Even after the zombie apocalypse, there are brands that have survived. Some of the ones featured or mentioned include BMW, USA Today, Corona beer, iPod, Prozac, Cream of Wheat, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: It's unclear how old Julie is, but she does drink a Corona beer that R offers her.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
WARM BODIES--SEE IT!! by reiterjazz
I LOVED THIS MOVIE! I am long past my teen years, and I found it to be clever, creative, warm-hearted, inspiring, witty, inventive. This is great for teens and older.
4
I loved this movie! by hopevw02
Expect all that you hoped from the trailer and more! It is a witty, cute take on the zombie Apocalypse that I think anyone would enjoy! The only downside to it was the huge group that was sitting behind me and my friend that laughed hysterically at EVERYTHING, even if it wasn't supposed to be funny. I only hope that you don't get stuck next to a similar group. Nonetheless, Warm Bodies was a great movie! Definately go see it!
5
Zombie Romeo & Juliet by juju7771
This movie was actually a great movie! Had some definite funny moments. I did not think I would like a zombie movie but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the movie.
4
Warm Bodies by movielover2b
This movie was quite a surprise and I only went because I was a lousy day weatherwise and I wanted to spend it inside. The actors in this movie did an excellent job. It was well scripted. Nicholas Hoult did this entire movie without blinking which I think was an incredible feat. Of course I realize that it was shot in short segments but he still was in character the entire time. There were funny moments and also very tender moments with Julie. I think this was a nice little movie and would recomment it.
5
Fun and Entertaining by Dad_in_Denver
I was intrigued by the trailer. My daughter (18) and I saw it and I highly recommend this movie. Even though it is about the zombie apocalypse it was done with the minimal amount of gore. I also appreciate that the movie didn't get smutty. The comedic elements were very enjoyable; this was one of the funniest movies I seen recently. The casting & acting was very appropriate for the movie. I really enjoyed the main character "R" narrating the movie from the zombie's point of view.
5
Warm Heart = Warm Body by Geeky_Cheeky_Chick
It's been a while since I reviewed a movie and this one is perfect to start up again. I saw this with my fiance on Saturday and we both absolutely loved it! The main character is R, a zombie who wants to be human again and falls in love with a human girl. It's sort of like the Beauty and the Beast except he's a zombie. The girl, Julie, is at first hesitant to trust R because...well, he's a zombie. But (without giving too much away) they grow to understand and trust one another as their bond helps to create a ripple effect. The acting is very well done, especially for the zombies. The zombie makeup is impressive and realistic and we really liked that the zombies are not just moving things. The story was written to show the zombies' point of view and that zombies are capable of thought and feeling, or at least put an effort towards it. The rating is PG-13 and since it's not too gory or bloody, I would recommend it for 14+. A definite must-see! Two thumbs up!
4
cute and funny in a bloodthirsty kind of way... by nelzmom
about what you would expect in a general kind of way. the relationship between the two characters is fun to watch develop. the zombie bits are creepy enough not to be too kitchy. fun to watch - go!
5
Amazing by teaganE
This movie was an accident. i originally was planning on seeing mama with my boyfriend, but i showed up late and he suggested we see this instead. when he mentioned it was a zombie movie, i was automatically in. the second this movie started i knew i was in for something good. this movie is a mixture of comedy, romance, and horror. amazing. a must go for me. ill definitely be buying it first thing when it comes out on dvd c: seriously its really creative go watch it c:
5
Amazing by misslam57
An incredible original movie. its set from the point of view of the zombie and its hilarious. typical love story, but the originality of it makes up for some of the cheesiness.
4
Pleasantly surprised... by mbritton888
Although some are too far gone, many are savable. The walking dead can come back to life. The answer is grace, not guns. That'll preach, brother! Or if you prefer: Make love, not war. All told in a funny and entertaining way.
Our local movie meetup group host said, "Who knew that there were still fresh ideas for the overdone zombie movie genre? 'Warm Bodies' exceeded my expectations. Told from the perspective of a zombie, the movie had a good message with some heart. This is not your average zombie flick!