“Ghouls. This is undead, reanimated, full on flesh-eating zombie shit, no question.”
Hermit Bob- The Dead Don’t Die
Zombie movies are as American as apple pie. Night of the Living Dead is an all-time classic film, not just a classic horror film. While there have been several sequels, television shows, and spin-offs within the genre, nothing has come close to capturing the pure ridiculousness of zombies as Return of the Living Dead.
John Russo, who worked with the legend of zombie films George A. Romero on Night of the Living Dead, wrote the novel on which Return is based. Dan O’Bannon would write the script and eventually direct the film. O’Bannon gives Return not only its punk aesthetic but also its humor.
James Karen and Thom Mathews play two warehouse workers who accidentally release the brain munching zombies. Karen is a comedy genius in this film, and Mathews isn’t far behind. Karen plays hysterical as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. Mathews’s character has a brooding sense of dread.
The comedy aspect mixed with the horror has been done a lot, but I’m not sure both have been done this well in the same film. The practical effects are top-notch, and even the goofiest looking zombies seem menacing. The scene in the warehouse fighting the first zombie is some amazing filmmaking.
My only issue with the film is some of the set pieces don’t feel tight enough. The camera work isn’t great, and even though the soundtrack is awesome, the music cues are off. I also feel there are a few too many characters and not enough screen time as well. But none of that makes the film any less fun.
Return of the Living Dead isn’t a masterpiece, but it is a classic. Dan O’Bannon’s clever script and James Karen’s comedic timing are a match made in cinema heaven. Return popularized the notion that zombies are after your brains, but you won’t have to worry about them coming for you if you don’t like this film.
