Addison and Zed (center) are back in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires - dancing, singing, bridging vampire rivalries and passing the torch to a new generation of stars. (Photo illustration: Annelise Capossela for Yahoo News; photos: Matt Klitscher/Disney+/Courtesy of Everett Collection)This post contains spoilers. Don't say we didn't warn ya.
Hello, Yahoo readers, zombies, vampires and aliens. I'm Suzy Byrne, and I've been covering entertainment in this space for over a decade.I'll be the first to tell you I'm no hardcore cinema buff. Since I had a child, though, I've made it a point to see as many kid-friendly movies as possible. Maybe it's because I'm a big kid ✔ and love a cheerful ending ✔. But also, as a busy working parent, is there greater joy than getting two hours to turn off your phone and put up your feet while your child is fully entertained?!AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSo that's what this is - one entertainment reporter + her 10-year-old child + friends seeing family-friendly fare, indulging in film-themed treats and replying all to you about the experience. Welcome to kids' movie club.
Now playing: 'Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires'Sometimes the best movie dates are cozy ones at home with family - though my daughter, who was trying to watch Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires with zero interruptions, may disagree.
Oh, to be a tween trying to get your Addison and Zed fix while your parents are asking annoying questions. I thought - but didn't dare say for fear of being shushed - "Someday, someday," you'll get to watch in silence, kiddo.
Addison and Zed, center, make way for a new generation as vampires Victor (far left) and Nova (far right) take the story in a new direction. (Matt Klitscher/Disney+/Courtesy of Everett Collection)There was a lot of tween anticipation over Zombies 4, the latest installment in the Disney Channel juggernaut that began in 2018, back when its stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim were teens themselves. Now in their mid-20s and serving as executive producers on this movie, the duo, who play Addison and Zed, passes the torch to two new star-crossed vampires from rival factions: Nova (Freya Skye), the sharp, budding leader of the vampire/human hybrid daywalkers, and Victor (Malachi Barton), the charming nephew of the Vampire Eldress. The franchise's signature blend of singing, dancing, supernatural powers, romantic tension and heartfelt messaging continues.
The plot 🎬The story starts with Zed and Addison wrapping up their first year at Mountain College. They're still in a relationship but on different paths - he's chasing football glory, while she's hoping to be cheer captain. Before going to their respective summer camps, they go on a road trip, along with friends Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney). Their car flips - blame a force field - and when they strike out to find help, they find themselves caught between two feuding groups: the daywalkers of Sunnyside and vampires of Shadyside."Do they remind you of anyone?" Addison asked Zed as Victor and Nova took center stage. (Matt Klitscher/ Disney+/Courtesy of Everett Collection)Zed bonds with daywalker Nova, after she initially takes him to the ground with an aerobatic flip-kick. Addison wins over Victor - ("I'm not a daywalker... I'm a cheerleader!" the blonde tells him.) - and he uses his powers to free her from the windstorm the vampires put her in. With Zed coaching one side and Addison the other, they work to unite the sworn enemies - and their "lightstone" and "darkstone" moonstones (aka crystals that connect all monsters).
Our viewing party 🍿It was a vacation house viewing party. My daughter and I commandeered the only TV, smack in the middle of the living room, to watch. Joining us on the couch was my mostly disinterested husband, who looked up from his phone from time to time, my brother-in-law passing through the room to laugh at us and two very disinterested cats.
The dancing, including this scene with fellow original cast members Chandler Kinney as Willa (far left) and Kylee Russell as Eliza (far right) will make you fight the urge to dance along. (Matt Klitscher/Disney+/Courtesy of Everett Collection)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOur film recap in emojis🧟♂️🧟♀️🐺👱🏻♀️/👽🎶🚗💥🏖️🌌🤺😑🎶➡️👱🏻♀️/🧛♀️➕🧛🏻🟰👎🏻❤️🥭😑➡️👱🏻♀️/🧛♀️🧛🏻👱🏻♀️/👽🧟♂️🤲🏻🎶🧩💎☀️➕💎🌙⚡️➡️🕊️🎶🥭💗The familiar 🔁The original Seabrook crew - zombies, an alien/human hybrid and a werewolf - who are loved by young audiences, are back to help transition the long-running story to the new, younger cast. Also returning is Zed's comedic flair, heroine Addison's optimism and her A-plus hair game. The Zombies signature song and dance mix, ranging from rap to tap, including a sentimental reprise of franchise fave "Someday," comes at a pivotal moment. The messaging of the importance of two opposing groups uniting for the greater good is also a through line.
Yes, it's a bit saccharine sweet and a little on the nose, but it's never a ba