MisterWhispy

Jess Franco bashers would have you believe that this is one of the worst films ever made. Well, it isn't. Not by a long shot...

In fact, this minor zombie gem is very much a blood relative to the likes of D'Amato's EROTIC NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD and Fulci's ZOMBIE. They all share the same unsettling atmosphere/hypnotic dread and they all have settings in truly creepy locales.

As for the gore, it is kept to a minimum. However, the organic effects are quite excellent. These zombies truly look like grotesque dead/rotting corpses.

And as for the storyline, this is one of the few times Franco employs a traditional narrative structure. It works perfectly fine, keeping the plot simple, yet engaging. And for the naysayers, he even keeps his trademark "zooms" to a bare minimum.

Bottom line: Jess Franco may be an acquired taste, but this genre film is not.

Contrary to some of the other comments, Crispin Glover actually does have a big role here, so much so that he should have been listed 2nd or 3rd in the credits. And yes, he does steal the show. Also the chemistry he has with Fox is excellent, and makes for a great double feature with Back To The Future. It is a shame the two didn't make more films together.

Anyways, this is one of the best films of the 80's, TV or otherwise. And its one of the best high-school oriented films as well. The cast is perfect and the story is cute and funny. Also expect some major star-gazing from a who's-who of vintage TV, along with many now-famous movie stars. And above all, for those who lived through this era, it will be a slice of nostalgia heaven.

So give this neglected classic some love! Pronto!

For his third attempt at writing, Shiban once again proves he hasn't a clue as to what he's doing (Teso dos Bichos should have gotten him fired immediately and ranks as one of very worst, if not THE WORST). Of course, for those who have seen the entire series, this is no great surprise. Ironically, or rather as a result of his future (and inexplicable) promotion to co-producer/producer, he almost single-handedly helped to ruin the show. Just wait till you get to garbage like Tavelers, S. R. 819, and the odious Jump The Shark. Thanks John, I hope you're happy. All, I know is, somewhere Glen Morgan and James Wong are laughing their tails off.