31 Days of Horror Day 13 Return of the Living Dead part 2

TITLE-Return of the Living Dead Part II
SOURCE-Laserdisc rip on a DVD-R

Return of the Living Dead is one of my top 5 horror films. It was the perfect blending of horror and comedy. So when Part 2 was announced I was really excited. My Uncle and I went opening night. After the film was over we were both very disappointed.

The Trioxin gas once again escapes in Louisville,and I am guessing with the way the first film ended this movie is not connected to it outside of the title. And of course with the gas escaping that means the dead are coming back. With a thirst for brains.

The other big clue that this film isn't really a sequel to the original is two of the main cast from the original return. But in this film they are playing totally different characters. James Karen and Thom Matthews are the ones that return. But instead of being dopey but fun guys who work in a medical warehouse they are now grave robbers.

The main thing that caused this film to be so disappointing is the comedy is too heavy. Were as the first film was really good and having comedic and horrific moments,part II is mostly played for laughs.

After establishing in the first film that the only way to kill these zombies is to destroy their entire body,in part 2 we learn you can kill them by electrocuting them.  Which seems to be in the film so at the end they can do a really lame Michael Jackson joke.

The FX work is pretty good.The soundtrack isn't nearly as good as the first film. The music in this isn't bad,but that first film has one of the best soundtracks ever in a horror film.  From what I can find this film bombed pretty hard. And that is the major reason why it was a long time before we got part 3 in this cult series of films.

Return of the Living Dead part 2 gets a F.