The Resurrected (1991)**

I recorded this during one of DirecTV's free previews for MGM HD.

 Dan O'Bannon didn't direct much which you'd think would be a surprise considering Return of the Living Dead (1985) has endured as such a cult juggernaut, highly regarded as an all-time zombie comedy classick. Granted, he didn't always have the rosiest reputation. He was certainly opinionated about those who adapted his writing. He lived until 2009, so knowing he didn't direct much after his 1985 and 1991 films seems like such a disappointment. In 2008 I REALLY liked The Resurrected (1991), a film based on Lovecraft about the development of a resurrection formula, used to bring a dead descendant back to life, who, in turn, takes the place of his ancestor. If I had a problem in 2021, it isn't the story or developments as much as the television movie blandness. It lacks a certain atmosphere, even as the detective (Terry) and wife (Sibbett) of a scientist (and his information source, played by Romanus) descend into the catacombs of Joseph Kerwin's castle, finding "rejects" left in a pit to wiggle and move, the remains of others in urns on wall shelves inside a laboratory. The catacombs are designed impressively, yes, but the photography doesn't quite get the most out of them. I think that stylish flair missing doesn't mean the film isn't a potential gem for folks who haven't ever seen it. Some of the makeup was effective for its time, particularly resurrections and body pull-aparts. The abominations created from Kerwin's work are a grisly sight, especially when popping up from the dark or moving ineffectively on the ground. Sarandon as Kerwin, with rot-teeth, speaking, as Terry calls it, "in antiquated language", makes his usual impression with what little screen time is given him. O'Bannon (or the studio, as there were claims of interference) makes sure to keep Sarandon's dual characters of Charles Dexter Ward and Joseph Kerwin mysterious and often enigmatic. The film very much behaves like a detective story, with Terry, Sibbett, and Romanus getting to the bottom of why Ward has been so secretive and hidden himself away in an ancestor's castle. 

I gave the film an IMDb rating back in 2009 a 9/10. I think I'll drop that slightly to 4/5. I really still think it is quite well made, with the rather bland look and failure to really enhance the story with that Gothic touch I felt would really make it work.