There are zombies in this film. George A. Romero, the man who practically created the zombie genre, has his name attached as director. So why does this film seem irrelevant and non compelling?

It would appear that over the years, Romero has lost his sense of telling a truly compelling horror story. "Land of the Dead", his last zombie effort, was greeted with little to no fanfare. This film came and went so far under the radar, it's obvious that someone knew it was awful.

In what he calls "returning to his roots" of low budget gore fests, Romero spins a yarn based on film students from the University of Pittsburgh (PITT for short) and their attempts to capture everything that is the zombie apocalypse. Unfortunately, it would appear the low budget was spent on equipment and effects, as the severely unknown cast puts forth remarkably bad performances. Unless of course, Romero has gained a sick and twisted sense of humor over the years. This may be pay back for those that shunned the last two films in the zombie saga (i.e. "Land" and "Day of the Dead"). Well, Mr. Romero, I apologize. "Day of the Dead" is a masterful work of art in comparison to this drivel.

Then again, perhaps this is just his way of trying to dish out his version of "Shaun of the Dead." Perhaps, even he can poke fun at his life's work. That's not so bad, but this film is. The execution, and perhaps even the idea of people shooting dead people with video cameras isn't believable, film student or not. Cinema verities and zombie-ville obviously don't mix. It also doesn't help to have a script that demands the characters act as unnatural as the living dead.

What makes the film that much worse is the usually more discreet social commentary, which finds its way into every scene in "Diary." Is YouTube the monster or the weapon? The camera doesn't lie, and apparently neither do mirrors. Bottom line is, Romero wants you to look inward to see the true violent society we humans have created for ourselves. Too bad most of us already knew that, George. We do watch the news.

Here's to hoping that Romero gives the "Dead" a rest. Maybe then, assuming he stays among the living long enough, he will devise a decent idea and go where no other zombie film has gone before. More importantly, regain the relevancy that "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead" had. Until then, let the genre and its fan base rest in peace.

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