Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (1985) seems to pick up where Dawn of the Dead left off - the first shot opens with a small group of survivors flying a helicopter over the zombie apocalypse.  As with the rest of the Living Dead series, however, the plot and characters are unconnected to any of the other movies.  These survivors are a dwindling band of scientists and soldiers working in an underground bunker.  At some point (presumably early on in the apocalypse), the U.S. government assigned them the task of researching the undead to come up with a way to save humanity.  The group is quickly running out of supplies, manpower, and patience, and the undead are just waiting for the shit to hit the fan.

BR:  This is a strange one, although I can't quite nail down why.  Maybe it's just that the 80s were a really gay time for zombies (although I loved that Bert & Ernie couple living at "The Ritz").  Or maybe it's because this is the midway point for Romero.  Marking the end of his genius and the start of his douchebaggery, Day of the Dead has elements of both eras.  All in all, though, I think I liked it.  Its flaws and shortcomings were generally countered by some smart moves.

RB:  Disagree.  This is exactly my speed.  I say, lose the plot early on and gimme the goods, and crazy assholes locked in an underground bunker with the undead is perfect.  So many things can go wrong!  Add in some Labyrinth synth sounds and I'm pretty much hooked.  My biggest complaint is probably only that I can think of so many more fucked up things that could have been taken advantage of.  That said, I can kind of see why Romero's zombie genius could only sour from here.  As far as balance goes, Dawn of the Dead is where he really hit his stride.  After this I can see where someone who thinks they're really fucking smart would double down on lacing the bloodbath with some kind of message.  Yer smart, buddy, but not THAT smart.

BR:  Our disagreements about plot aside, I agree that this is the beginning of the end.  There's an apparent struggle to develop characters, and it's really not his forte.  I also feel like when Romero tries to get heady, his ideas come across as half-baked and melodramatic.  Day of the Dead saves itself by simply ditching out on the plot in exchange for a truly gratuitous and fun zombie snack time - I just wish his later films could have done the same.  Also, please please PLEASE don't let your main character get whiny or bitchy.  I loved the gay couple's philosophy (fuck that noise, focus on home decor and sweaters), and leave it to them to clean up the mess and go on a vacation.  Why couldn't we focus on them the whole time?   Also, Ballerina Zombie is still en pointe!

RB:  Extra special shout out to Bridal Zombie and Newsies Zombie.  We <3 you!  Oh, here's a weird thing - I am 100% against zombies who  a) learn  b) use tools  c) remember their human life  d) communicate - but I have to say that Bub had me at "Hello, Aunt Alicia."  So weird.

BR:  I wasn't totally sold on Bub, until he pulled some John Wayne shit and stole my heart completely.  In general, I feel like the myriad of zombie characters out-shined the living characters.  I mean, there was a clown zombie.  And a Sunday-shopper zombie.  And one with her curlers still in.  Just goes to show, the apocalypse could strike at any time.  Overall, a clearly flawed but very enjoyable experience, Mr. Romero.