Having to follow in the footsteps of two of the most high regarded zombie movies in history (Night Of The Living Dead and Dawn Of The Dead respectively) isn't an easy task and perhaps that's why this third entry in Romero's "Living Dead" series never really got the respect (or kudos) it deserved. Which is too bad as it ranks right up there with the other two movies and actually is the most intelligently written of the three.

Starting with what's still one of the greatest "shock" openings ever, this continues the story of a World overrun by the dead as a handful of survivors (one half scientists, the other half Military soldiers) are trapped in an underground bunker that's surrounded by thousands of the undead. The scientists, led by the nutty Dr. Logan (Richard Liberty), are trying to figure out ways of controlling the zombies; but the Army men just want to try and escape.

Tensions start to run high when commanding officer Joe Pilato (who plays his role of being a complete asshole perfectly) doesn't agree with the methods being used by Logan (especially one involving a zombie dubbed "Bub" who's been chained up and being taught to act "normally" - despite being fed pieces of Pilato's men) and it eventually leads to zombies invading the base and female lead Lori Cardille and her two hellicopter pilot friends (Terry Alexander and Jarlath Conroy) having to make their way through some zombie infested caves.

Given a claustrophobic setting, strongly acted by all, and containing some of effects maestro Tom Savini's greatest gore moments (including a nasty "gut spill" and various other gruesome events) this is everything a zombie movie fan could want, but it will also appeal to those who like a story amongst the gut munching as Romero has made a film that explores themes about humanizing the undead (Howard Sherman is superb as Bub) and looks at the relationships between realistic characters when put into events they have no control over.

The movie is pretty uneventful for the first hour, but the script build-up is excellent and when the blood-spilling does commence it leads up to one of the most exciting finales in zombie movie history. Rediscover Day Of The Dead, you might be surprised. (Chris Hartley, 3/17/05)

Directed By: George A. Romero.
Written By: George A. Romero.

Starring: Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joe Pilato, Jarlath Conroy.