Written by Pearle Mcclary
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
The movie Return of the Living Dead Part II is a classic horror-comedy that has captured the hearts of movie lovers around the world. Released in 1988, this cult favorite is a sequel to the original film Return of the Living Dead. Packed with thrilling moments, hilarious dialogue, and memorable characters, Return of the Living Dead Part II is a must-watch for any fan of the zombie genre.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Return of the Living Dead Part II and uncover 43 intriguing facts about the film. From behind-the-scenes secrets to interesting trivia, you’ll discover details that will enhance your viewing experience or make you want to watch it for the first time.
So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into the undead-infested world of Return of the Living Dead Part II!
Key Takeaways:
- Return of the Living Dead Part II is a fun and humorous sequel to the cult classic, featuring iconic brain-eating zombies, memorable one-liners, and a perfect blend of horror and comedy.
- The movie offers thrilling chase scenes, gory zombie kills, and explores themes of friendship and survival, making it a must-watch for horror movie fans and zombie enthusiasts.
The sequel to the cult classic
Return of the Living Dead Part II is the sequel to the popular cult classic, Return of the Living Dead.
Directed by Ken Wiederhorn
The movie was directed by Ken Wiederhorn, who also directed other horror films such as Shock Waves and Eyes of a Stranger.
Release date
The film was released on January 15, 1988.
The comedy-horror genre
Return of the Living Dead Part II is a comedy-horror film, blending elements of both genres to create a unique and entertaining experience.
The return of the iconic brain-eating zombies
In this sequel, the iconic brain-eating zombies from the original movie make a comeback, delighting fans of the franchise.
The story takes place in a small town
The film is set in a small town, where a group of teenagers find themselves in the midst of a zombie outbreak.
A different tone than the original
While the first film had a darker and more serious tone, Return of the Living Dead Part II takes a more lighthearted and comedic approach.
The return of writer Dan O’Bannon
Writer Dan O’Bannon, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, returned to write the script for the sequel.
A bigger budget
Return of the Living Dead Part II had a significantly larger budget than its predecessor, allowing for more elaborate special effects and set designs.
The zombie apocalypse spreads
In this film, the zombie apocalypse spreads beyond the confines of the graveyard and infects the entire town.
The cast
The movie stars James Karen, Thom Mathews, Dana Ashbrook, and Suzanne Snyder, among others.
The iconic Tarman makes a return
Tarman, one of the most memorable zombies from the original film, makes a return in Return of the Living Dead Part II.
The comedic chemistry between the characters
The film features great comedic chemistry between the characters, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the zombie-filled plot.
The use of practical effects
Return of the Living Dead Part II relies heavily on practical effects to bring its zombies to life, resulting in a more realistic and engaging viewing experience.
The memorable one-liners
The movie is filled with memorable one-liners that have become fan favorites and are often quoted by enthusiasts of the genre.
The zombie makeup
The zombie makeup in Return of the Living Dead Part II is exceptionally well-done, showcasing the decay and grotesqueness of the undead.
The soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack features a mix of 80s rock and punk music, adding to the overall atmosphere and energy of the movie.
The comedic timing
The comedic timing in Return of the Living Dead Part II is spot-on, delivering laughs alongside the horror elements.
The homage to Romero’s films
The film pays homage to George A. Romero’s zombie films, with subtle references and nods throughout the story.
The memorable poster
The movie’s poster, featuring a hand bursting out of the ground, has become an iconic image associated with the Return of the Living Dead franchise.
The memorable tagline
The tagline for the film, “Just when you thought it was safe to be dead,” has become synonymous with the Return of the Living Dead series.
The zombie humor
Return of the Living Dead Part II injects humor into the zombie genre, offering a refreshing take on the undead.
The memorable opening sequence
The movie opens with a memorable sequence that sets the tone for the humorous and action-packed adventure that follows.
The iconic yellow barrel
The yellow barrel that contains the toxic gas responsible for reanimating the dead becomes a focal point of the plot.
The suspenseful chase scenes
The film includes thrilling chase scenes, as the characters try to outrun and outsmart the relentless zombies.
The gory zombie kills
Return of the Living Dead Part II doesn’t shy away from gore, delivering memorable and creative zombie kills throughout the movie.
The comedic side characters
The film features a cast of quirky and memorable side characters that add depth and humor to the story.
The dynamic between the main characters
The dynamic between the main characters is engaging, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity as they face the zombie apocalypse together.
The exploration of ethical dilemmas
The movie raises interesting ethical dilemmas, as the characters are faced with tough decisions in their fight against the undead.
The humorous references to pop culture
Return of the Living Dead Part II includes humorous references to pop culture, adding a touch of nostalgia for viewers.
The blend of horror and comedy
The film strikes a balance between horror and comedy, appealing to both fans of the zombie genre and those looking for a good laugh.
The memorable zombie designs
Each zombie in the movie has its own unique and memorable design, adding to the visual appeal of the film.
The thrilling climactic showdown
The movie builds up to a thrilling climactic showdown between the surviving characters and the hoard of zombies.
The exploration of friendship and loyalty
Return of the Living Dead Part II explores themes of friendship and loyalty in the midst of chaos and danger.
The witty and clever dialogue
The movie is filled with witty and clever dialogue that keeps viewers engaged and entertained.
The memorable zombie dance sequence
Return of the Living Dead Part II features a memorable zombie dance sequence that showcases the creative and fun elements of the film.
The legacy of the franchise
The Return of the Living Dead franchise has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years, with this sequel contributing to its enduring legacy.
The social commentary
The film subtly incorporates social commentary, touching on topics such as consumerism and the consequences of human actions.
The suspenseful and tense moments
Return of the Living Dead Part II keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with suspenseful and tense sequences.
The behind-the-scenes trivia
There are numerous behind-the-scenes trivia and anecdotes associated with the making of the film, providing interesting insights into its production.
The exploration of fear and survival
The movie delves into the themes of fear and survival, as the characters are forced to confront their deepest fears in order to stay alive.
The legacy of the original film
Return of the Living Dead Part II carries on the legacy of the original film, paying homage to its predecessor while adding its own unique elements.
The enduring popularity
Over the years, Return of the Living Dead Part II has developed a cult following, maintaining its popularity among horror movie enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Return of the Living Dead Part II is a must-watch for horror movie enthusiasts with its thrilling storyline, iconic cast, and memorable scenes. From the zombie-infested town to the heart-pounding chase sequences, this film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its incredible special effects and dark humor, it is no wonder that it has become a cult favorite over the years.
Whether you are a fan of the original Return of the Living Dead or just love a good zombie flick, this movie is sure to deliver. So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
FAQs
Q: Is Return of the Living Dead Part II a sequel?
A: Yes, Return of the Living Dead Part II is the sequel to the 1985 film Return of the Living Dead. It continues the story of a group of people battling against a horde of brain-eating zombies.
Q: Who are some of the notable cast members in the movie?
A: The movie features notable actors such as James Karen, Thom Mathews, and Dana Ashbrook, who deliver memorable performances that add to the overall enjoyment of the film.
Q: Is Return of the Living Dead Part II suitable for children?
A: This movie is rated R for its violence, gore, and strong language, so it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parents should exercise caution and consider the content before allowing their children to watch it.
Q: What makes Return of the Living Dead Part II stand out from other zombie movies?
A: Return of the Living Dead Part II stands out with its unique blend of horror and comedy. It combines intense and thrilling moments with dark humor, creating an entertaining and memorable viewing experience.
Q: Can I watch Return of the Living Dead Part II without seeing the first film?
A: While it is beneficial to watch the first film to fully understand the story, Return of the Living Dead Part II can be enjoyed as a standalone movie. However, watching the original will provide additional context and enhance your overall viewing experience.
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