Bride of Re-Animator

Bride of Re-Animator

(1990)

It is often said (and rightly so) that the Re-Animator series really isn't Lovecraft, which is true. This particular film owes more to Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein"more than anything else, and I'm betting that Ms. Shelly's rests easily in her grave knowing that her name is not associated with this movie.

The basic idea is unchanged from the first movie. Herbert West and his companion Dan Cain, are trying to perfect West's re-agent. This time though, things get really strange as West begins piecing things together and

bringing them to life. This change in West changes the fundamental feel of the character.

In the original film, West is a man who is driven in his quest to overcome death. In this entry into the series, West comes off more like a demented fratboy given the power over life and death. He creates creatures, such as an arm and leg joined together and alive, with childlike glee. Not exactly what one would expect from our Dr. West.

Overall, this is the worst entry into a less than shining series. The original Re-Animator is a fun movie, but not a good one. In Bride of Re-Animator, the fun is pretty scarce and saved for the end. Of course, this movie does put forth the most unintentionally hilarious film moment of all time (Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na) "Bat-Head!"

Sadly, this movie seems to be trying to take itself a bit more seriously than the first did. It ends up coming off as forced and stale. Combs is still entertaining as Herbert West, but we don't get to really see West as the character we remember, until the end of the movie. Until then, the entire thing just plods along distractedly.

The UK release of the DVD seems to have some extras (Star and director filmographies. Original theatrical trailer. Brian Yuzna production notes. Tartan Terror trailer reel) but the one available in the US has nothing in the way of extras, and that is pretty disappointing.

-Bob Brinkman

Special thanks to Bob Brinkman for allowing me to use this review.