Sunday Night at the Movies: Return of the Living Dead Part 2

Sunday Night at the Movies is a tradition from my youth. Growing up, most of the local TV stations had a Sunday Night at the Movies feature every week, broadcasting everything from old James Bond flicks to the TV debuts of big theatrical releases.

Sunday Night at the Movies is how I came to love the Bond and Clint Eastwood movies, and first saw classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was fucking awesome, and I got to stay up late!

When The Basement went on hiatus, I caught myself revisiting several of my old favourites, and some flicks I'd never seen before, on Sunday nights. This became my preferred way to put a cap in the weekend and ready myself for the week ahead. Now that we're back, I figure it wouldn't hurt to jot down a few thoughts on whatever movie I kicked back with on Sunday night.

Tonight's feature presentation was Return of the Living Dead Part 2, and -- surprise! -- I'd never seen it until tonight. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Why? Stick with me!

OK, this flick was made in the heyday of 80s horror movies. Meaning it's a lot of fun. None of these flicks took themselves too seriously. There's as much to laugh at in Return of the Living Dead Part 2 as there is to get grossed out about. The practical effects are plentiful, and among the best I've ever seen. Wanna see a zombie get blown in half by a shotgun and then watch the legs walk around? This is the movie for you!

Also, I was reminded how much I loved the jean miniskirt. Suzanne Snyder, I thank you!

I'm also reminded how much 80s horror was kid focused. Filmmakers knew their target audience, and catered to it. A dude couldn't make a movie like this now, because young children are put in jeopardy throughout Return of the Living Dead Part 2. Try it today, and you might as well shoot a lion. Back in the 80s, everyone knew kids were sneaking into these movies and cast accordingly. It's a refreshing change of pace, and adds a level of excitement to the finished product.

Return of the Living Dead Part 2 isn't a classic, but I had a blast watching it. This is the kind of entertainment you set your brain to stun for, crack a couple of cold ones, and enjoy. There's far worse ways to cap off a weekend. Check it out if you haven't already.

And yes, there's even a great Michael Jackson gag tossed in for good measure.

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