Doomsday

What can I say about this film that won't ruin my credibility as a serious film reviewer/critic? The trouble is, it is the one of the most implausible films I've seen in quite a while filled with loads of violence and some truly ridiculous plot stories and devices that don't stand up to much scrutiny. But despite all that it is hugely entertaining piece of post-apocalyptic sci-fi – and British to boot. And it's great to see epic, action-packed Brit sci-fi film that isn't ashamed to revisit all the genre's clichés.

Writer/director Neil Marshall, whose two previous films (DOG SOLDIERS and THE DESCENT) attracted good reviews and even better box office action, has unashamedly brought together the concepts of some of the genre's classic films (MAD MAX, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, 28 DAYS LATER, EXCALIBUR, HIGHLANDER) and ramped up the action and the violence.

In a nutshell the story goes something like this: a deadly virus called Reaper breaks out in Scotland in 2008. In order to contain the virus a huge steel wall is built the whole way around the country, leaving the population to die or be killed by the remote sentries mounted along the wall. Fast forward 30 years and the disease returns, only this time in London. At the same time a passing satellite picks up movement within the no man's land, which means survivors and possibly a cure. A team of soldiers and doctors is sent beyond the wall to find the survivors and a cure before it is too late for the capital.

And what they discover is a feral community with a penchant for punk dress and theatrics, and a taste for human flesh. And another group, led by the irrepressible Malcolm McDowell, living the life of a medieval court in an old castle in the country, complete sword-wielding knights in shining armour. Meanwhile, back in London, there are all sorts of political intrigues happening.

If it does sound like hokum then it probably is, but sometimes you just want to a film with that does not require you to engage your mind, and it is definitely advisable not to engage brain before seeing this because you will spend the whole film questioning the logic and that will distract from the humour and the visceral action on the screen. Best to just go along for the high-paced ride and enjoy it for what it is – escapist nonsense with a tough but sexy female lead. If post-apocalyptic, dystopian action films are your thing then DOOMSDAY will keep you entertained for its whole 105 minutes.

DOOMSDAY is out on May 9. Rated 18.

(Watch the trailer here)

Watch our interview with Neil Marshall as he answers all those nagging questions you might have when you see the film.

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