Dead Heat / Shudder/Joe Bob's Drive-In *edit

 I recall borrowing a VHS tape from my uncle for a completely different movie, and Dead Heat (1988) was on it. I was watching it when I was delighted to see Vincent Price a part of this wacky hybrid of cop action and zombie comedy. While I can't dispute its critical infamy -- I think this is one of the most critically ridiculed films from the 80s due to its high budget and mainstream availability -- I would be lying to you if I told you I didn't enjoy it. Because I find it imminently watchable. I have an absolute love for Dead Rising (1998), and Treat taking Berenger's place in Substitute sequels was a hoot for me. When Treat Williams shows up on television or in film I "yay" inside. He's one of those actors I will stop everything I'm doing and watch when he shows up on screen. That translates to Dead Heat for me. When his hair gets some of that Bride of Frankenstein treatment and his skin is burned one side while decaying on the other side, packing a machine gun, riding into Price's scientific facility, flying off a motorcycle when crashing into a locked gate, popping off rounds into security guards, busting up Price's gathering of elderly elites offered his special machine granting "eternal life", honed-in on his adversary, a scummy doctor played by an especially loathsome Darren McGavin, I can't help but applaud. This entire film is bonkers. Joe Piscopo's volunteered lame quips and one-liners were downright offensive to the ears and minds of critics and plenty of viewers, but there is this cult following that find his brand of comedy silly but charming. I guess I found him harmless even as I acknowledge his brand of comedy just didn't work for so many who watched this. The director just threw a lot of action scenes at us. Lots of zombie robbers sent at jewelry stores and such by Price and McGavin, with almost as many law enforcement shot dead in this film as Lustig's Maniac Cop series. Poor Treat resurrected by Price's machine thanks to coroner, Claire Kirkconnell, given only half a day at most to live as the reanimation doesn't stop decay, must go after those responsible for his death -- closed in a chamber meant for animals to be "put down" while his partner, Piscopo, was dealing with an obese zombie -- before he will "melt into goo". Speaking of melting into goo, there is a showstopping body melt, complete with head falling off the torso, dissolving in graphic detail. Lindsay Frost, a very high profile television actress, was just a beautiful 26 year old soap opera actress at the time with this film her first big film role...she certainly departs the film in memorable fashion. Price has one big dialogue scene at the very end, but what he's given to say isn't exactly the richest of his career...it isn't for a lack of trying. But McGavin trying to take away Treat's revenge by doing in himself, only for Treat and Piscopo to resurrect the slime so they can explode his body in an epic body blast. I think I have a good time early on in the film because Treat and Piscopo is a ying and yang partnership with comfortable chemistry. I don't want to fail to mention Keye Luke of "Gremlins" fame and former wrestler and action heavy, Professor Toru Tanaka, as associates of Price's. Their Chinatown restaurant has animal meats (such as hog husks, duck heads, among other food choices) that are reanimated, attacking our heroes! The Casablanca ending as the two accept their upcoming death is just so fucking perfect for this absurd exercise in guns and gore. 2.5/5

Joe Bob Briggs' descriptions of the film, taking it apart as only he can so we really understand how zany the film is. The plotting and dialogue leaves much to be desired. I can't make excuses for all the wrongs Joe Bob details with his spot-on observations. It goes by fast, doesn't bore me, and Treat makes the most of what he's got. His serious approach and Piscopo's direct opposite standup comedian approach complement each other even if the material tasks their efforts.