Return of the Living Dead 2: A Gory and Hilarious Cult Classic

Prepare yourself for a gruesome yet hilarious ride with Return of the Living Dead 2, a cult classic that has thrilled and horrified audiences for decades. This 1988 sequel to the original Return of the Living Dead takes the zombie genre to new heights of campy fun.

An Incendiary Setting

The film follows a group of employees at a medical supply warehouse who accidentally unleash a deadly chemical known as "Trioxin 245." This substance reanimates the dead, creating a horde of flesh-eating zombies. The hapless workers must now fight for survival while dealing with a variety of grotesque and comical characters.

Gore and Humor in Abundance

Return of the Living Dead 2 is notorious for its excessive gore and black humor. Director Ken Wiederhorn spares no expense in depicting the gruesome effects of Trioxin 245, with zombies exploding, melting, and dismembering in gruesome detail. However, the film also infuses these scenes with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, preventing it from becoming a mere exercise in gore.

Unforgettable Characters

Beyond its gruesome visuals, Return of the Living Dead 2 features a cast of unforgettable characters. Thom Mathews shines as the hapless hero, Otis, who becomes the hapless victim of numerous zombie attacks. James Karen steals the show as Colonel Glover, a military officer who believes the zombies are a threat to national security. Brigitta Stenberg and Suzanne Snyder add unforgettable performances as the over-eager reporter and the ditzy employee, respectively.

Cultural Impact

Return of the Living Dead 2 has become a cult classic, inspiring numerous sequels, spin-offs, and comic books. It has also earned a reputation for its quotable lines, such as "They're coming to get you, Barbara!" and "Send more paramedics!" The film has been praised for its originality, its ability to balance gore with humor, and its exploration of social issues related to death and the military.

The Importance of Context

To fully appreciate Return of the Living Dead 2, it's important to understand the context in which it was made. The 1980s was a time of great social and political upheaval, and the film reflects the anxieties of the era. The zombie horde represents the threat of a mindless and uncontrollable force, while the military's response reflects the government's perceived need for extreme measures to quell civil unrest.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

• The film's budget was a mere $600,000, but it went on to gross over $14 million at the box office.
• The filmmakers originally intended to use real body parts for the gore effects, but they were denied permission by the medical examiner's office.
• The "Brain Smoothie" scene, in which a zombie's head is liquefied and slurped up through a straw, was inspired by a scene in George Romero's Dawn of the Dead.
• James Karen's character, Colonel Glover, was based on real-life military commanders who advocated for the use of nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

4 Tips for Surviving a Zombie Outbreak

While Return of the Living Dead 2 is a work of fiction, it can provide some valuable insights into how to survive a real-life zombie outbreak. Here are 4 tips:

1. Stay away from bite wounds. Zombie bites are deadly, so do everything you can to avoid being bitten.
2. Kill the brain. Zombies can only be killed by destroying their brains, so aim for the head with every attack.
3. Find a safe place to hide. A zombie outbreak will quickly overwhelm cities, so find a secluded place to hide where you will not be easily found.
4. Stock up on supplies. Water, food, and weapons will be essential for survival during a zombie outbreak.

Pros and Cons of Return of the Living Dead 2

Pros:

• Excessive gore and black humor
• Unforgettable characters
• Cultural impact
• Low budget, high impact

Cons:

• Dated special effects
• Some scenes may be too gory for some viewers
• Lacks the social commentary of the original film

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main theme of Return of the Living Dead 2?
A: The main theme of the film is the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of individual responsibility.

Q: Who directed Return of the Living Dead 2?
A: Return of the Living Dead 2 was directed by Ken Wiederhorn.

Q: Who wrote the screenplay for Return of the Living Dead 2?
A: The screenplay for Return of the Living Dead 2 was written by Rubin A. Carter Jr. and John A. Russo.

Q: What is the name of the toxic chemical that reanimates the dead in the film?
A: The name of the toxic chemical is Trioxin 245.

Q: What is the name of the actor who plays Otis in the film?
A: The actor who plays Otis in the film is Thom Mathews.

Q: Is Return of the Living Dead 2 a sequel to the original Return of the Living Dead film?
A: Yes, Return of the Living Dead 2 is a sequel to the original Return of the Living Dead film.

Q: What is the name of the military officer who believes the zombies are a threat to national security?
A: The name of the military officer is Colonel Glover.

Q: What is the name of the over-eager reporter in the film?
A: The name of the over-eager reporter is Francine.