On R List of Movie Reviews
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The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
11/03, 10/07
10/07:
While watching The Return of the Living Dead, I wondered why I rated it a '7' the last time since I thought it was
great until the ill-advised ending told me why.
For the first half, the movie is filled with comedy and then transitions to gore and horror. While the plot is clever and
ingenious, the cast is great as I love the inclusion of Thom Matthews, Clu Gulager, Don Calfa, and James Karen. They all work
together seamlessly. One of the best parts is when Frank told Freddy about the true case of the living dead, validating what
happened in the original.
However, when the end comes, it's a letdown, if not a major disappointment. Although there was a social commentary during the
conclusion of Night of the Living Dead, it doesn't necessarily mean it should
be repeated. Perhaps the producers ran out of either money or time and had to make do. My other complaint is how sophisticated
the zombies are. In regard to the term "living dead," shouldn't they be unable to think for themselves or even speak?
All in all, The Return of the Living Dead is a decent sequel to prolong the franchise, but the ending needs work.