For me, this is one of those movies that turns “ratings” on it’s head.
I have to give this four stars on the basis that it, in my eyes, it does everything just right. It does exactly what it sets out to do, it’s tight (in terms of economy and timing), it looks good, the dialogue is good. It also sticks steadfastly to it’s own “rules”.
People will draw comparisons with Zombieland but that’s pretty lazy in my opinion. The lead characters are polar opposites in two main ways: aptitude and likeability. I think a lot of people will also see Michael Rooker’s character as some sort of budget Tallahassee and that, also, would be an incredibly superficial comparison. And, this is not a comedy being played for laughs.
This is, comparatively, a solid three star movie. It doesn’t have the budget (for effects and cast) to elevate it above that. It doesn’t have a “worthy” cause or lesson that it wants to bring to your attention. In fact it is pretty devoid of gravitas. It’s not going to enlighten you.
But for what it is compared to what it wants to be, I can’t fault it.