After producing Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid, Troma announced a fourth film. Entitled Battle of the Bikini Subhumanoids, they held a contest where fans could submit pages for a potential screenplay. While they had a completed script in 2000, the film never made it past pre-production and was ultimately shelved. In 2011, Troma started working on a potential fourth film in Spain with Mushnik’s Entertainment and Chaparra Entertainment as collaborators. Around this time, Anchor Bay expressed interest in remaking Troma’s movies, starting with 2010’s Mother Day. They decided to also collaborate with Troma over a sequel/reboot to their Class of Nuke ‘Em High series. Filming began in 2012, and at some point, Lloyd Kaufman decided to split the film in half. As a result, Troma released Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 in fall 2013.
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Synopsis
After the destruction of the Tromaville Nuclear Power Plant, the Tromorganic Foodstuffs Conglomerate has risen in its place. Young blogger Chrissy (Asta Paredes) investigates its shady practices while the company promotes its healthy and organic food, young blogger Chrissy (Asta Paredes) investigates their deceptive practices. Her personal life isn’t so great, particularly with her horned-up boyfriend Eugene (Clay von Carlowitz) obsessed with finally getting laid. Meanwhile, new student Lauren (Catherine Corcoran) isn’t making too many friends, given her wealthy upbringing. Chrissy, in particular, bullies her for it, but as they spend more time together, they begin realizing something about themselves. One day, the school serves “organic” tacos with radioactive meat, transforming the Glee Club into a new batch of Cretins. As they begin terrorizing the school, Chrissy and Lauren must fend off The Cretins while also dealing with their romance. School’s in session, and it’s one hell of a semester!
Review
I couldn’t help but notice the numerous similarities between this and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV. Both are the fourth installment, both ignore the previous films’ events, and Stan Lee narrates both. Also, both cover similar taboo issues, particularly school shootings, which makes me concerned about our society. There are also some similarities with Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead, namely how no one is free from ridicule. There’s the stereotypically evil corporation, the self-righteous liberal blogger, and the school’s blase nature towards mass shootings. Not to mention that all subtlety is thrown entirely out the window when it comes to satire. All of this is mixed with Troma’s bread and butter: blood, nudity, gore, sex, slime, viscera, and lack of taste. It’s a winning formula that’s helped Troma survive for more than 40 years, and it more than works here.
Troma is typically known for, among other things, exaggeratedly over-the-top performances, but some of the ones here are annoying. Clay von Carlowitz comes off particularly grating, but to be fair, he’s not playing a likable character. By comparison, Asta Paredes and Catherine Corcoran play their roles straight, ironic given their characters’ arc. They have solid chemistry with each other, and it’s fun contrasting Asta’s sarcastic demeanor against Catherin’s more naive personality. The Cretins are similar to the original ones, but they’re entertaining, especially the Cretin who uses a wheelchair. While there are some pretty solid practical effects, some less-than-stellar digital shots pop up here and there, though that’s forgivable. At roughly 90 minutes, the film gets in and out relatively quickly, and the cliffhanger leaves you wanting more. Overall, Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 is a fun follow-up to the original cult classic.
Buy Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1 from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BGoh4Q.
