Dvd/150: SHAUN OF THE DEAD (Edgar Wright, 2004)

Shaun's having a bad day: nagged by his stepfather not to forget his mum's birthday, ordered by his housemate to throw out their lazy mate Ed, and dumped by his exasperated girlfriend Liz for forgetting to book a table for their anniversary.

It could be worse... there might also be a zombie apocalypse.  Oh...

Edgar Wright delivered an instant classic comedy-horror film which works on all levels; he whip-pans and crash-edits his way through it, but also finds time for quiet, sad moments which rewards repeated viewings.

Wright and co-writer Simon Pegg picked the perfect cast: Penelope Wilton as Shaun's mum Barbara and Bill Nighy as stepfather Philip, Kate Ashfield as long-suffering Liz, Nick Frost as the slobbish Ed, Dylan Moran and Lucy Davis as Liz's flatmates, and above all, Pegg is wonderful as Shaun.

A recognizable London and thumping soundtrack all contribute too.

Shelf or charity shop?  Armed with cricket bats and and shovels, Shaun and co. are holed up on the shelf forever