I don't understand the big deal about it, I like the ultra violence IF it's done with a good story line. I came of age in the late 80s, early 90s. I choose to watch films that don't have the 50s style wholesome storylines with and woefully predictable endings. The 90s were chuck full of Disney films and family movies that had those elements - and they were rewarded in boxoffice revenue for producing them. If people like family movies, they should be allowed to watch them. Likewise, If I want to see Shawn of the Dead - I should be able to watch it in its all its immoral glory without some moralistic pinhead trying to tamper with it before it gets a chance to hit the screen. Let the market make the decisions.
"Shawn of the Dead" is a cute, micro-budget, cult movie that no one would miss if it hadn't been made. Unlike "Ben-Hur", "Last of the Mohicans" or "The Wizard of Oz".