This movie reminded me how fast I would die in a zombie flick. Not because I'm particularly dumb but because these zombies are smart. classic zombies are able to slowly drag themselves about and moan and groan, but that's about it. This version is able to think, talk, and formulate plans to lure in more chow. The worst part? They don't do it out of malice. Earing brains is the only thing that brings them peace from their painful existence. When Tarman first appears, his movements are slow and sluggish, and I thought, "Oh yeah, I could outrun a zombie." WRONG!! I guess it depends on the level of decomposition but these fuckers can run. My slow asthmatic ass would be on tye dinner plate. While I appreciate that this film really broke the mold when it comes to what a zombie does and can do, the rest of the film is quite silly. It seemed like half the actions done by the characters had me shaking my head in disbelief. Sure the charcaters were being as self awere as they could given how much zombie material they had back in the 80s but some decsions were still so horribly dumb.The film ending in particular had me rolling because of its ubruptness. The costume design was really nice for the delinquents and they reminded me a lot of my own friends when we would hang out in the local cematary on late nights and party. However, none of us ever stripped naked. I was also impressed by the zombie makeup and prosthetics, especially for the time period. It's absolutely gruesome in the best way. Tarman is peak zombie design with his slimey grossness. The only thing I really had any quams with is I wish they expanded more on the acid rain bit. I would have loved to see someone turn into a zombie from rain exposure alone.
Your yearly reminder that while the Fourth of July is a bullshite holiday, watching Return of the Living Dead is the perfect way to spend it.
[ed.'s note: risuko would happily recommend watching RotLD any ol' day, but it is a July 4th movie. Well, a July 3rd movie wiv very particular July 4th fireworks]
today years old when i learned that trioxin is one of the brand names for benzocaine? yes in chemistry it's a substance in the formaldehyde "family" but