Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2005)

Dir: Ellory Elkayem

Unexpectedly superb masterclass in how to make a no-nonsense, hi-octane zombie flick comes from the director of "Eight-Legged Freaks". "Necropolis" sees the trioxin barrels from the first three films causing havoc once more as a shady pharmaceuticals company unleashes the zombie gas on all and sundry, in the name of world domination. A group of (surprisingly) likeable teens get caught in the splattery crossfire and have to save the day against the undead hordes. We get everything that's good here; bio-zombies with gatling gun arms, chewy bouncing brains, spraying headwounds galore, big tanks, children with flamethrowers and ubercute Aimee-lynn Chadwick running around in pigtails. It's fast-paced, often very funny and, at times, even a little tense. It's nice to see an old-fashioned, reasonable budget approach to zombies and this is the most fun I've had in front of a TV for awhile now. Dare I say, I even found myself screaming things like, "Stick 'im, Becky!" at the screen? ***1/2