An infected, reanimated corpse spreads the infection and mutates its victims, creating even more human monsters.
Directed by David Irving, this very loose sequel to C. H. U. D. often feels more like a Return of the Living Dead sequel, and probably could have made a good one with a few tweaks, a proper night-time setting and more convincing zombie effects. As it stands, it shares little with its grounded, grimy 1984 predecessor - there are no sewer dwellers here.
Tricia Leigh Fisher is memorable as Katie, alongside Brian Robbins as Steve Williams and Bill Calvert as Kevin. Robert Englund also makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo. Gerrit Graham is solid and reliable in the lead role of Bud, while Robert Vaughn knows exactly what kind of film he is in. But you know something is up when a mutant zombie dog steals the show.
The night scenes are far too well lit, while the abundance of daytime sequences strips away much of the creepy atmosphere. Instead, it often plays like The Cannonball Run crossed with an episode of The A-Team, with a hint of Return of the Living Dead Part II, Dead Heat and Re-Animator thrown into the mix.
It is more of an infected-zombie film than a true toxic mutant C. H. U. D. follow-up, even referring to its creatures as zombies and the living dead.
Sadly, it really jumps the shark in the closing moments with a tacked on ending, although you do get a left-field cameo from Bianca Jagger, and the soundtrack is pretty good throughout.
Overall, as a sequel, it fails miserably. As a zombie film, it falls short of Return of the Living Dead Part II. However, some enjoyment can still be found if viewed as a standalone film, thanks largely to its likeable leads and 80s nostalgia.
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