Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Despite violence, book-based zombie romance is OK for teens.
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Warm Bodies
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a fun mix of romance and zombie thrills, featuring strong comedic elements, good acting, and a few suspenseful moments. While it includes mild violence and some light language, it generally maintains a family-friendly appeal, though younger viewers might find some scenes a bit scary.
- fun mix
- good acting
- mild violence
- family-friendly
- comedic elements
- emotional messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In a post-apocalyptic universe, "R" (Nicholas Hoult) is an airport-dwelling zombie who's still newly dead enough to feel conflicted about his ravenous need for human brains. On a hunting expedition to the city with his grunting BFF "M" (Rob Corddry), R and his zombie clique attack a group of heavily armed young adults who are out on a scouting mission. R kills the group's leader, Perry (Dave Franco), and grows immediately smitten with his victim's girlfriend, the comely blond Julie (Teresa Palmer). With Perry's memories fresh on his undead mind, R grabs Julie and takes her back to the airport. As R and Julie get to know each other, their flirting stirs something in R's heart and allows him to recapture part of his humanity. Unfortunately, Julie is the daughter of General Grigio (John Malkovich), who would never condone Julie's fondness for a "corpse."
Is It Any Good?
Move over, vampires, the zombies are upon us, and they're hilarious. These aren't the mindless savage zombies of George Romero or The Walking Dead, and this isn't an origin story like 28 Days Later. Based on author Isaac Marion's clever young adult novel, WARM BODIES is part Romeo and Juliet love story, part Shaun of the Dead biting comedy. It's funny, contemplative, and sweetly romantic. The leads have an authentic chemistry that makes for a perfect date movie for both teens and adults (thanks to the soundtrack featuring '80s classics like Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart," Guns N' Roses' "Patience," and John Waite's "Missing You").
Hoult is clearly one of England's most talented young imports. The former star of the edgy U.K. series Skins, he's transformed from the dorky young star of About a Boy into a handsome leading man with a knack for comedy, drama, action, you name it. The same goes for his Aussie leading lady, who can play tough and tender with equal flair. The small supporting cast is great (Corddry is a laugh, Analeigh Tipton is lovely as Julie's best friend, and Malkovich is Malkovich), the script is witty, and overall Warm Bodies is a well-edited, well-acted adaptation of a memorable book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : June 4, 2013
- Cast : John Malkovich , Nicholas Hoult , Teresa Palmer
- Director : Jonathan Levine
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Fantasy
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : zombie violence and some language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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