LAPD detectives Roger Mortis (Treat Williams) and Doug Bigelow (Joe Piscopo) investigate a wave of violent armed robberies carried out by reanimated corpses; when Mortis is killed in the line of duty he is briefly brought back to life and given a short window before decomposition sets in to solve his own murder and shut down the scheme.
Directed by Mark Goldblatt. Riding the coat-tails of fish-out-of-water buddy-cop hits such as Lethal Weapon (1987) and its near-namesake Red Heat (1988), Goldblatt's film delivers charmingly practical 1980s special effects and excellent make-up work. It never pulls its punches on the stunts or the gore, while the on-location shooting around Los Angeles with cinematography by Robert D. Yeoman gives the undead antics a gritty, atmospheric lift along with Ernest Troost's score.
Terry Black's script is hokey at times, yet several one-liners land cleanly and in amongst the shootouts, the central idea remains intriguing from the outset. The mortality theme hits harder than expected.
The cast is a real strength, with several familiar supporting faces including prolific actor Darren McGavin. The late great Treat Williams brings his customary straight-faced likeability as the determined Mortis; Joe Piscopo (a mini-Schwarzenegger in attitude if not quite in stature) is good fun as the wisecracking partner; Lindsay Frost is memorable and does solid work with the material she is given; and Clare Kirkconnell steals every scene she appears in with natural presence and believability as Dr Rebecca Smythers. Star Trek's Robert Picardo and Gremlins' Keye Luke also feature, alongside a welcome cameo from acting legend Vincent Price. Return of the Living Dead's Linnea Quigleyappears as an uncredited Go-go dancer along with writer director Shane Black as a motorcycle patrol man.
Overall, a bumpy but enjoyable lively buddy-cop zombie comedy ride thanks to the entertaining concept, 80s charm and special effects.
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