Movie review: World War Z 3D

I like Brad Pitt. I have enjoyed a lot of his movies and watched him climb to mega stardom after stealing scenes as a sexy, rogue cowboy in the 1991 blockbuster Thelma and Louise.

It's hard to believe that was 22 years ago - the roles he has taken on since have been equally impressive and earned him industry accolades.

A River Runs Through It, Ocean's Eleven, Troy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button spring to mind.

He has cleverly transcended from the most attractive man on Earth to someone who is passionate about his craft and can project that over the big screen.

But I was dubious about his latest offering, World War Z, as the previews said it was a zombie/horror/end-of-the-human race flick and somehow I couldn't imagine Pitt in it.

The story is loosely based on Max Brooks' cult novel and while the plot is simple enough - an epidemic has broken out globally and if you are bitten by an infected person you turn into a zombie - the execution isn't.

This movie clunks along as Pitt plays Gerry, a retired UN official who lives in Philadelphia with his wife (Mireille Enos) and two daughters. He is persuaded to help out the government who have promised to protect his loved ones.

The deal involves Gerry trying to find where the epidemic started and subsequently look for a cure or solution.

He jumps on a military plane and it's downhill from there.

Designed to be a trilogy, Pitt's performance is solid but unremarkable and you'd hope his skills as the producer will improve dramatically before the sequel.

On the upside I was taken aback by the zombie's teeth chattering and gnawing, which will most probably feature in my nightmares.

World War Z 3D

(M) 130 minutes