My Boyfriend's Back

My Boyfriend's Back is a quirky comedy-horror film from the early '90s that doesn't play by usual genre rules or expectations. This film stands out due to its original plot line, revolving around an unusual form of love, which the viewers may find both hilarious and enduring.

Andrew Lowery stars as Johnny Dingle, a teenager in the throes of his first love. Johnny is your typical, love-struck high school student; the only issue being that his love interest, Missy McCloud, is way out of his league. Traci Lind lends a sincere charm to the character of Missy, the beautiful, popular girl who seemingly has it all. Despite all appearances, Johnny only grows more smitten with Missy and finds himself willing to do anything to win her heart - even if it means risking his own life.

Danny Zorn delivers a stirring performance as Eddie, Johnny's best friend. With the duo's antics leading the plot, Johnny's quest for love takes a bizarre turn of events that sees this movie veer into the realm of the supernatural. During a botched fake-robbing attempt to play the hero and win over Missy, Johnny finds himself shot and dead. However, his determination to take Missy to the prom and win her heart is so strong that he comes back from the dead.

His return is met with a range of reactions by his small town folk. Some of them are horrified at seeing a zombie amidst them, while others seem to accept Johnny's resurrection as casually as if he had just returned from a lengthy vacation. Unfazed by his zombie state, Johnny is determined to accomplish his mission, to express his love for Missy and take her to the prom. Here lies the unique framing of the movie, Johnny's zombification isn't as much about death as it is about love.

However, being a zombie teenager in high school isn't easy. Johnny has to contend not just with problems that your average teenager faces like acing tests in school, avoiding bullies and trying to appear cool but he also has to hold himself together - literally! Apart from trying not to fall apart, Johnny also has to deal with some unexpected cravings for human flesh. And yet, despite all the odds, Johnny manages to keep his head high and his heart set on Missy.

The film has a unique charm despite its dark premise. It's part horror, part comedy, part romance, with a balance of all the elements to create a truly unique story line. The director, Bob Balaban, does a phenomenal job of placing his dark humor against seemingly mundane, small-town life. This juxtaposition creates clever, comedic moments that keeps the audience hooked.

Andrew Lowery shines in this film; his portrayal of the endearing and hopelessly romantic Johnny is heartwarming despite his decaying physical state. Traci Lind's character, Missy, evolves from a clueless damsel to a young lady with progressive insights, especially about love and acceptance. Danny Zorn injects much-needed humor into the plot, serving as an excellent foil to Johnny’s serious character.

One of the central themes that run through this movie is the meaning of true love. Despite being a comedy-horror, at its heart, My Boyfriend's Back tells a poignant tale about the unbreakable nature of true love, emphasizing that true love knows no boundaries - not even death.

Overall, My Boyfriend's Back is a cult classic from the 90s, which doesn't fail to entertain. With its nonsensical humor, campiness, and a love story that's dead serious, this film has a unique place in cinema history. It can be termed as a light-hearted rom-zom-com, where the protagonist's gory condition doesn't deter from his determined pursuit to woo his dream girl, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a cocktail of romance, horror, and comedy.