Curious kids unearth the barrels that previously helped revive the dead, which proves the second time's an undead charm.

Director:

Ken Wiederhorn

Writer:

Ken Wiederhorn
3 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

Photos

Edit

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Kenworthy Michael Kenworthy ... Jesse Wilson
Thor Van Lingen ... Billy
Jason Hogan Jason Hogan ... Johnny
James Karen ... Ed
Thom Mathews ... Joey
Suzanne Snyder ... Brenda
Marsha Dietlein ... Lucy Wilson
Hanala Sagal ... Aerobics Instructor (as Suzan Stadner)
Jonathan Terry ... Colonel (as Jonathon Terry)
Dana Ashbrook ... Tom Essex
Sally Smythe Sally Smythe ... Billy's Mom
Allan Trautman ... Tarman
Don Maxwell ... Billy's Dad
Reynold Cindrich Reynold Cindrich ... Soldier
Philip Bruns ... Doc Mandel
Edit

Storyline

In this first sequel to The Return of the Living Dead, a group of kids discover one of the drums containing a rotting corpse and release the 2-4-5 Trioxen gas into the air, causing the dead to once again rise from the grave and seek out brains. Written by Todd A. Bobenrieth <TAB146@PSUVM.EDU>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Got an appetite for horror? This is your dish. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Sci-Fi

Certificate:

See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Did You Know?

Trivia

Near the very end of the electrocution scene, a Michael Jackson impersonator zombie can be seen - a direct reference to his Michael Jackson: Thriller (1983) music video. See more »

Goofs

When Jesse Lucy and Tom are talking about going to look around town you can see Doc Mandel in the background examining Joey and Ed still wearing his red sweater. After the others leave and the shot returns to Doc his sweater is gone has been replaced by a white lab coat. See more »

Quotes

Jesse Wilson: Make my night.
See more »

Alternate Versions

Although the original video and laserdisc releases are the same as the cinema version most DVD copies of the film feature alternate music for many of the scenes, most notably the rising of the zombies. Director Ken Wiederhorn mentions in the DVD commentary that there was a problem with the rights to the original films score for US distribution of the DVD, he admits the newer soundtrack is not the intended soundtrack for the film. However, the films original score as composed by J. Peter Robinson can be heard of the films french Audio track. The score currently heard in the DVD release of the film was performed by a composer hired by producer Tom Fox, when the film was completed and submitted for distribution the studio, Lorimar, a division of Warner Brothers, hired J. Peter Robinson to re-score the film. The original score was finally made available again when Shout Factory released the film on DVD/Blu-Ray in 2017 See more »

Connections

References Dawn of the Dead (1978) See more »

Soundtracks

Bad Case of Lovin You
Performed and Produced by Robert Palmer
Written by John Moon Martin
Rockslam Music
Recording courtesy of Island Records
See more »

User Reviews

 
A Little on the Shrill Side
3 October 2020 | by juliamaconSee all my reviews

In what's essentially a loose remake of the original, a barrel with a zombie inside falls out of a truck and is discovered by some kids. They open it, toxic fumes are unleashed, they get sick, and start craving brains. Soon enough, zombies are coming out of the ground with the same cravings for brains.

Return of the Living Dead Part II is a much sillier film than the original, which is saying a lot because the original could get pretty silly at times, too. James Karen and Thom Matthews return as different characters, but these characters are far more shrill, whiny, and annoying than the ones they played in the original. Even worse, there's a girlfriend character who only adds to the shrillness.

There are a couple of funny gags throughout the film, but it can't hold a candle to the original.


5 of 5 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
Review this title | See all 132 user reviews »

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
Edit

Details

Official Sites:

MySpace

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 January 1988 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

El regreso de los muertos vivientes II See more »

Edit

Box Office

Budget:

$6,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,647,254, 17 January 1988

Gross USA:

$9,205,924

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,205,924
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »

Contribute to This Page



Recently Viewed