Welcome to Movie Mondays, a weekly blog series that takes you on a cinematic odyssey through the world of film! Each week, we’ll dive into a list of my 100 least favorite movies, exploring what makes them fall short and discussing the lessons we can learn from their missteps. Remember that these low-ranking films are only that way based on my personal opinion. Something I hate may be something you love and no offense is intended. Wherever these movies fall for you, I invite you to grab some popcorn and join in on the debate over these films’ merits!

28 Weeks Later

2007

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Today, we’re diving into the 2007 post-apocalyptic horror flick, 28 Weeks Later. As a standalone film, it’s not terrible, but as a sequel to the groundbreaking 28 Days Later? Well, let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired.

First off, let’s talk about the plot. Set 28 weeks after the initial outbreak of the Rage virus, the U.S. Army has stepped in to help rebuild London. But when a couple of rebellious kids break protocol and inadvertently reintroduce the virus, all hell breaks loose. Again. It’s a premise that had potential, but the execution falls flat.

Now, let’s talk about the cast. Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, and Idris Elba all do their best with what they’re given, but the characters are so thinly written that it’s hard to care about any of them. And don’t even get me started on the decision to focus on a new group of survivors instead of bringing back the original cast. What a missed opportunity!

Behind the scenes, director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (who took over from Danny Boyle) tries his best to recreate the gritty, intense atmosphere of the first film, but it just doesn’t work. The script, co-written by Rowan Joffé, Enrique López Lavigne, and Jesus Olmo, lacks the depth and emotional resonance of the original.

But hey, at least the special effects are decent, right? The infected are as terrifying as ever, and the scenes of London in ruins are appropriately haunting. Too bad the rest of the film can’t live up to those visuals.

Look, I know I’m being harsh, but as a huge fan of 28 Days Later, I can’t help but feel disappointed by this sequel. It’s not unwatchable by any means, but it’s a far cry from the masterpiece that came before it.

But hey, that’s just my opinion. What did you think of 28 Weeks Later? Did it live up to your expectations, or were you as underwhelmed as I was? Let me know in the comments below!