Maggie (2015) #415

The 2015 movie "Maggie" is a delightful surprise that finds a careful balance in being part family drama and part post-zombie apocalypse. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger (in perhaps his best role to date since returning to his acting career) as Wade Vogel, a loving father and family man who only wants to take care of his daughter Maggie. Unfortunately, Maggie has been infected by a zombie, and knowing that she is now contagious and will eventually "turn", she runs away to the city. She is caught breaking curfew and is brought to the hospital will Wade picks her from and brings her back home. Over the course of the next several days, the two are forced to deal with the realization of what's occurring to Maggie, as well as Wade's neighbors and Maggie's crush. The ending is inevitable but is filled with emotion and is very satisfying.

Several factors make this film amazing. First of all is Arnold; this is the most emotional that I have ever seen him in a movie and so he is completely believable as Wade. Although another actor may have been better suited for the emotional side of the role, Arnold is still emotionally and physically imposing for the moments of the movie that call it, such as dealing with the neighbors. Second is the restraint that director Henry Hobson shows by keeping the violence and gore to a minimum. Just because this movie is about zombies, they appear briefly and not over used, so their few appearances make a larger impact and justify the story line. Finally, Abigail Breslin's performance as Maggie is to be applauded. Again, not the best performance I've seen in this kind of role but still it's good, believable, and moving.

"Maggie" should be on the should list for any fan of zombie films.