I Was a Teenage Zombie

I Was a Teenage Zombie is a 1987 American horror-comedy film directed by John Elias Michalakis. Starring Michael Rubin, Steve McCoy, and George Seminara, the film earns its cult status by blending the coming-of-age genre with the campy horror of 80s B-movies.

The movie takes off when Dan Blanchard, played by Steve McCoy, his nerdy friend Earl, portrayed by George Seminara, and high school jock Big Chuck, played by Michael Rubin, stumble into an arduous situation. Trying to procure marijuana for their senior party, the three friends cross paths with a comically nefarious drug dealer named Mussolini (named so because of his foreboding personality), and the events that follow spiral into a world of unimaginable horror.

In a moment of confrontation, the drug dealer Mussolini is killed and thrown into a toxic river which is polluted due to local industrial waste. This sets the stage for a unique twist on the traditional zombie story. The water's contamination transforms Mussolini into a brain-craving zombie, who stalks the teenagers while maintaining his side hustle of dealing weed, creating a bizarre and humorous plotline.

The friends had wanted to make their senior party unforgettable, but the zombie-vendetta was not on their list. The friends, along with their other schoolmates, now must cope with the unimaginable reality that a deceased drug dealer, who was killed by one of their own, is now a zombie out for revenge. The lighthearted teenage fun quickly becomes a fight for survival.

The film utilizes the varying character types to deliver a blend of comedy and suspense. As an audience, we see the jock, the nerd, the popular girl, the best friend, and the loner all in one setting, echoing a high school societal hierarchy. This creates many amusing and often relatable dynamics as they navigate the typical teenage drama alongside surviving a zombie apocalypse.

Starring Michael Rubin as Big Chuck, the high school popular guy, we see a character seldom projected in horror films. His bravado, while endearing, often leads to complicated situations, making for the occasional comedic relief. Steve McCoy portrays the nerdy character brilliantly. His character, Dan, tries to keep the group grounded and often acts as the voice of reason, adding a sprinkle of realism in this otherwise completely fantastical setting.

George Seminara plays the interesting role of Earl, Dan's best friend. Despite being socially awkward and regularly picked on, Earl churns out some of the funniest lines and scenes in the movie, maintaining the comedic tone throughout the film.

The director, John Elias Michalakis, presents a narrative that captures the essence of 80s horror, using over-the-top gore and effects, compounded with a moralistically simple plotline of good versus evil. Furthermore, the eerie music by Jed Weintrob adds a commendable level of suspense and thrill to the film. The rock and roll score provides a tongue-in-cheek bounce to the narrative adding to the film’s distinct 1980s flavor.

Despite staying within the realms of a classic B-movie, I Was a Teenage Zombie incorporates clever stylistic choices, creating a distinct identity for itself. The visuals transport us back to the era of neon lights, denim jackets, and groovy hairstyles, truly setting the fun and carefree vibe of the 80s.

However, it's not all about the gore and laughs. The narrative cleverly infuses a commentary on teen life, bullying, and the societal pressures of high school. It delves into the journey of growing up, the mishaps, misadventures, and the bonds forged through these shared experiences.

The end-product is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet delivers a unique blend of comedy and horror that effectively unites two vastly different genres. It remains an interesting entry into horror-comedy, proving that outrageous scenarios can allow for a break from reality, even if just for a short while. I Was a Teenage Zombie could easily be pegged as a Halloween-time guilty pleasure, making it well worth the watch for any fan of 80s horror or zany, campy cinema.