In this creative, post-apocalyptic take on Romeo and Juliet, director Jonathan Levine spins a tale of love, awkwardness and an adorable (un)dead boy.

Based on the novel of the same name, “Warm Bodies” follows the journey of R (Nicholas Hoult), a “corpse” who finds himself intrigued by the lovely Julie (Teresa Palmer). He decides to protect her and through their growing romance regains his humanity.

The film seamlessly flows from action to romance to awkward teen comedy, and the corniness of these star-crossed lovers is offset by R’s self-aware internal commentary on the events. Hoult gives a wonderful performance portraying R as an average, awkward teenager trying to find his place in the world all while enjoying a diet of humans.

Meanwhile, Julie is an independent teenager who longs to escape the constant fight for survival and her overprotective father. Palmer realistically shifts from paranoia to trust to – eventually – love toward her zombie protector.

The supporting cast is also quite strong, especially with actor Rob Corddry’s crowning moments of hilarity which made him my personal favorite. Corddry portrays R’s best friend, M.

With plenty of laughs, “Warm Bodies” is a great spin on the paranormal romance genre. It brings something new to an otherwise exhausted theme.