“Zombieland,” directed by Michael Bay, is a near picture-perfect marriage of good old-fashioned zombie mayhem and comedy.

Some zombie films try too hard to push the envelope and end up being more parodies of themselves than actual scary flicks. It doesn’t matter how realistic that exploding head looked – if it’s backed with unconvincing actors and a weak plot, you can kiss your audience goodbye.

“Zombieland” goes above and beyond the call of entertainment, bringing both engaging suspense and comedic elements.

In the post-apocalyptic world, a virus has, once again, turned nearly all the human beings on the planet into ravenous, mindless zombies. Thankfully, the writers did not attempt to rationalize the zombie epidemic with real science. Zombie plagues are all the same; everyone gets sick, no explanation needed.

The plot revolves around the main character and narrator, Columbus (Jessie Eisenburg, “Adventureland”) who sets the tone of the film by telling the viewers some of the rules of living in a post-catastrophic landscape.

The first rule: cardio. People need to be able to outrun the zombies because, as Columbus explains, the obese portion of the population were the first to go. Another rule is called the “double tap.” If you think the zombie is dead, another shot makes sure.

These rules are two of several funny guidelines to survival that are cleverly incorporated as the plot moves along.

Columbus (named from where he lives in Columbus, Ohio) had been attending college when the plague hit. He created the rules as a way to survive and attributes his continued survival not only to his strict adherence to the rules, but his generally antisocial nature. Columbus now attempts to get back home to see if there is anything left of his former life.

While on his journey, he runs into Tallahasee (Woody Harrelson, “Kingpin” and “No Country For Old Men”). The two reluctantly decide to join forces.

While on their journey east, they are caught unaware by two con-artist sisters, Wichita (Emma Stone, “Superbad) as Little Rock (Abigail Breslin, “Little Miss Sunshine”). The foursome develops trust issues Little Rock and Wichita attempt to leave Columbus and Tallahassee behind on more than one occasion. The sisters are heading for a theme park in an attempt to allow Little Rock to feel like a normal little girl again. They drag the unwilling men along with them.

The movie lived up to the hype. It drew in audiences from the opening credits until the last second of footage. The actors were cast perfectly in conjunction with excellent writing. Eisenburg is quirky and awkward as Columbus, yet completely believable.

Harrelson, as Talahassee, is a never-ending source of dry one-liners and random outbursts.

Stone and Breslin portray the schemers Wichita and Little Rock with expert ability, giving the characters realistic depth in the brief time.

“Zombieland” draws viewers in with its mixture of comedy, juxtaposed with suspense and danger. There is no shortage of laughs or action typical of a Michael Bay film. A surprise cameo midway through the film is a treat for audiences.

Critics have reacted favorably toward the movie. “Zombieland” is rated 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes review site.

The movie is a decent action flick worthy of the price of a ticket. The casting is excellent, the acting is superb and the pacing is perfect. It’s a movie to die for.

MOVIE: Zombieland | VERDICT: 4.5 Stars out of 5