Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2: A Troma Masterpiece
In the annals of cult cinema, few films have achieved the notoriety and affection of Troma Entertainment’s Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2. This campy, satirical, and delightfully bizarre masterpiece has become a staple of midnight movie marathons and a beloved favorite among horror hounds.
As the title suggests, the film is a sequel to Troma’s original 1985 cult classic Return of the Living Dead. However, all semblance of narrative continuity is gleefully thrown out the window, creating a standalone adventure that is both utterly ridiculous and strangely compelling.
The Tromaverse Returns
Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High takes us back to the infamous Tromaville High School, where the students are once again infected with radioactive waste, transforming them into flesh-eating ghouls. This time around, the chaos is led by a group of misfit outcasts, including a punk rocker, a jock, and a cheerleader.
The film’s plot is intentionally absurd, filled with over-the-top gore, gratuitous nudity, and a barrage of deliberately bad puns. It’s a gleefully anarchic assault on the senses, with no regard for logic or decorum. Yet, amidst the madness, there’s a strange and twisted charm that keeps viewers hooked.
A Troma Legacy
Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 is a quintessential Troma film, embodying the studio’s signature style of low-budget, independent filmmaking. Troma’s founder, Lloyd Kaufman, is heavily involved, both as director and as the sleazy host of the film’s wraparound segments.
The film’s cast is a mix of cult favorites and Troma regulars, including Claudio Fragasso, Debbie Rochon, and A. Michael Baldwin. They all embrace the film’s over-the-top absurdity, delivering performances that are as unintentionally hilarious as they are blood-soaked.
Modern Relevance and Legacy
Despite its age, Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 remains a relevant and entertaining film. Its themes of social commentary, environmentalism, and the perils of conformity continue to resonate with audiences today.
The film has also had a major impact on pop culture, being referenced in everything from The Simpsons to the video game Saints Row. Its unique brand of campy horror and social satire has made it a cult classic that continues to fascinate and disgust audiences.
Tips for Appreciating Troma’s Masterpiece
Watching Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 requires a certain level of open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace its unique charms. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of this cinematic oddity:
– **Lower your expectations:** Don’t go into the film expecting a masterpiece of filmmaking. It’s intentionally bad, and that’s part of its appeal.
– **Turn off your brain:** Stop overanalyzing the plot and just enjoy the ride. It’s a nonsensical, chaotic mess, but that’s what makes it so much fun.
– **Embrace the gore:** Troma films are known for their over-the-top violence, and Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 is no exception. Prepare for a bloody, messy spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the “AKA Vol. 2” in the film’s title?
A: The title is a reference to the fact that Troma originally intended for the film to be a sequel to the unrelated 1987 film Class of Nuke ‘Em High.
Q: Is the film a parody of Return of the Living Dead?
A: While the film shares some similarities with Return of the Living Dead, including the radioactive waste theme, it is not a direct parody. Troma intended it to be a standalone story.
Q: Is the film available on streaming services?
A: Yes, Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Shudder.
Conclusion
Return to Return to Nuke ‘Em High AKA Vol. 2 is a cinematic abomination that somehow manages to be both hilarious and endearing. It’s a film that defies categorization, a perfect blend of camp, horror, and social commentary. So, are you brave enough to venture into Tromaville and witness the madness firsthand?
