Released in 1986, Class of Nuke ‘Em High was another major hit for Troma Entertainment, still vying for mainstream status. Unfortunately, following the disastrous release of Troma’s War, Troma had to majorly restructure themselves to try and stay afloat. One attempt they made to try and appeal to mainstream audiences was Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D., but that was a failure. While working on that film, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz noticed wrestler-turned-actor Jeffrey Beltzner under the pseudonym Brick Bronsky. They liked him so much that they offered him the lead role in an upcoming sequel to their ’86 hit. They hired Eric Louzil, who previously directed Lust for Freedom and Fortress of Amerikkka and produced Sizzle Beach USA. However, rather than being a direct sequel, Louzil decided to make his own standalone film separate from the original. In 1991, Class of Nuke ‘Em High 2: Subhumanoid Meltdown was released.
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Synopsis
The Tromaville nuclear reactor has been rebuilt by the Nukamama Corporation, who’ve incorporated it into a new college. Dubbed the Tromaville Institute of Technology (T.I.T.), student Roger Smith (Brick Bronsky) is an aspiring reporter for the college paper. Unbeknownst to him, the science teacher Professor Holt (Lisa Gaye) is creating an army of subhumanoids for the Nukamama Corporation. While she has noble intentions, Dean Okra (Scott Resnick) wants to use the subhumanoids for the corporation’s nefarious deeds. During a sexual experiment, Roger meets and falls in love with Victoria (Leesa Rowland), who turns out is a subhumanoid. Also, it turns out the subhumanoids are melting down, meaning that Victoria will meet the same fate. With time running out and the school in chaos, Roger must find a way to save his new girlfriend. It’s a subhumanoid meltdown coming on through, and we’re dead anyway, so let’s fall to a goo!
Review
Class of Nuke ‘Em High 2: Subhumanoid Meltdown is a bit of a disjointed mess, but it’s a fun mess. Even though it wasn’t directed by Lloyd Kaufman, this still feels like a typical Troma film in style and tone. There’s plenty of nudity, gore, and overall craziness to satisfy the most hardcore Troma fans, but at a cost. The film’s biggest problem is the pacing, as it takes a good 30-40 minutes for the plot to kick in. Many scenes in the film feel like isolated skits that have nothing to do with the overall movie. Granted, Troma films aren’t really known for having deep, intricate plots, but it’s hard to stay interested when it drags. Also, with some exceptions, none of the characters are particularly memorable, including The Squirrels, this movie’s version of The Cretins. Aside from their wacky appearances, they don’t do much.
That said, there are some bright spots in the cast, particularly Brick Bronsky, Lisa Gaye, Leesa Rowland, and Scott Resnick. Bronsky acts as the film’s straight man, and he works thanks to his charisma, humor, and impressive physique. It’s easy to see how Kaufman and Herz saw potential in Bronsky to become a star in his own right. Returning from The Toxic Avenger Part II, Lisa Gaye is once again hamming up her role with glee. Scott Resnick is pretty fun as the corrupt yet unusually high-pitched dean, and Leesa Rowland has solid chemistry with Bronsky. The finale is easily the best part of the movie, as there’s tons of destruction, chaos, and mayhem. Plus, we get the introduction of the fan-favorite character Tromie the Radioactive Squirrel, though it only slightly validates the film. Overall, Class of Nuke ‘Em High 2: Subhumanoid Meltdown is an enjoyable if disjointed mess.
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