Release Date: 16 Aug 1985
Run Time: 91 minutes
Origin: USA
Mimi's Rating: 4 1/2 nuclear strikes out of 5
It's vulgar, it's gross and man do I love it.
This movie's descent into chaos begins when warehouse (Uneeda Medical, great name) foreman Frank (James Karen) tries to impress the new guy Freddy (Thom Matthews). He decides to do this by showing off military drums of the toxic gas Trioxin. Freddy is nervous about the safety of the drums, but Burt declares that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would never make a defective product. Of course, when he slaps the drum to prove his point, it instantly leaks a poisonous fog. Further comedic errors occur when the warehouse boss, Burt (Clu Gulager) arrives; this leads to the creation of a toxic rainfall which leads to the titular return of the living dead.
Meanwhile, Freddy's girlfriend Tina (Beverly Randolph) and his crust punk friends are waiting outside for him to finish work. Thanks to the creation of the toxic rainfall, they too are dragged into the havoc unfolding. Will our characters find a way to escape the undead mayhem? Find out in: The Return of the Living Dead!
The zombie concept in this movie is fantastic, and in my opinion, it's one of the more frightening. An undead creature that can think? Terrifying. And they reveal that they feel the pain of that undeath? Bone-chilling. Balancing out these ideas is the movie's comedic side which is wonderfully implemented by the cast. Then practical effects tie it all together perfectly. Oh, and don't forget that wicked 80's soundtrack. Do you wanna party? It's party time!
Why you should watch:
You're looking for a movie with great style, a fun cast, a sprinkle of satire, and a rocking soundtrack.
You're tired of the same old zombie flicks.
You wanna party.
Why you shouldn't watch:
You don't like zombie movies.
You don't like downer endings.
You don't like movies with a lot of yelling.
You don't think it's party time.