A.V. Opinions: RotLD is one of my favorite holiday movies
“Return of the Living Dead" is a horror comedy classic that's perfect for the July 4th weekend. The movie takes place on July 3rd and 4th, and it's become a family ritual for me to watch it every year.
The movie tells the story of how a warehouse owner, accompanied by his two employees, mortician friend, and a group of teenage punks, deal with the accidental release of a horde of brain-hungry zombies onto an unsuspecting town over the Fourth of July weekend. Chaos ensues as the group tries to survive the night and find a way to stop the undead.
Warning! The movie you're about to read about is based on real events. At least, that's what I was convinced of as a wide-eyed kid. I was scared shitless, utterly terrified and fascinated by the idea of a zombie outbreak. The disclaimer at the beginning had me fully convinced that the events that were about to unfold actually happened. To this day, this traumatized man-child still gets a thrill from watching it.
Here's a bit of trivia for you: did you know that "Return of the Living Dead" was born out of a creative dispute between John Russo and George A. Romero, the masterminds behind the 1968 cult classic "Night of the Living Dead"? Russo and Romero had different visions for the sequel, leading them to go their separate ways. Russo retained the rights to the original title and went on to create "Return of the Living Dead", while Romero made "Dawn of the Dead" (1978). The rest, as they say, is horror history! Russo's film took a more comedic approach, adding a dash of dark humor to the undead mayhem. The result was a campy, over-the-top classic that has become a staple of 80s horror. To this day, I don't know which one I like better: “Dawn of the Dead” or “Return of the Living Dead.” While I can't decide which one I like better overall, “Return of the Living Dead” is my go-to holiday movie.
Let’s talk about the brilliant cast. Thom Matthews and James Karen deliver standout performances. I also have a special connection to this movie, as Leanna Quigley was one of my first crushes. Her iconic cemetery scene made a lasting impression on me as a young kid. And who can forget the terrifying Tarman? He's one of the scariest movie zombies I've ever seen, and the effects still sends chills down my spine. As a matter of fact, all the effects send chills down my spine.
The music is equally unsettling, featuring a haunting score and punk tracks from The Cramps, 45 Grave, The Flesh Eaters, The Damned, Roky Erickson, The Jet Black Berries, T.S.O.L., and SSQ, which perfectly capture the eerie balance of dread and fun. This movie is a celebration of punk rock and the punk lifestyle, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 80s. The punk aesthetic is on full display, with the characters' fashion, hairstyles, and attitude embodying the era's rebellious and nonconformist vibe.
In short, "Return of the Living Dead" is a horror comedy classic that's a must-watch for punk rock fans and horror enthusiasts alike. Its unique blend of humor, style, and terror has made it a staple of 80s horror, and I can't imagine the July 4th weekend without it.
-Brad McBoom