Return of the Killer Tomatoes

Return of the Killer Tomatoes is an American comedy-horror film directed by John De Bello and released in 1988. It's a sequel to the 1978 cult classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and is among the earliest film credits of renowned actor George Clooney.

In this uproarious sequel, Anthony Starke plays the lead role of Chad Finletter, an affable pizza delivery boy. Laboring under the watchful eye of his Uncle Wilbur, Chad is every bit the ordinary man that you'd expect in a world gone mad. However, his life changes when he falls for Tara Boumdeay, a beautiful woman with a secret-soaked past, portrayed by Karen M. Waldron.

George Clooney plays the quintessential charisma bomb Matt Stevens, Chad's roommate, and all-around best friend whose primary occupation is his never-ending search for girls and new money-making schemes. Clooney's performance in this film is a light-hearted reflection of his undeniable charismatic talent that echoes in his later roles.

Artfully positioned at the crossroads of absolute absurdity and ingenious comedy, Return of the Killer Tomatoes revolves around yet another horrifying outbreak of murderous fruits - yes, tomatoes. This time, the creator of the Killer Tomatoes, Professor Mortimer Gangreen (portrayed by John Astin), has developed a more sophisticated approach. He discovers a way to transform tomatoes into replicate human forms, creating an army of vegetable-human zombies with monstrous intent.

The film's plotline cleverly parodies the established norms of numerous movie genres such as horror, sci-fi, and war, often in unexpected ways. Every so often, the fourth wall is enthusiastically broken, drawing the audience into the frenzy of this offbeat universe. There's also scrutiny and spoofing of the consumerist culture and the dynamics of brand advertising, adding layers to the narrative beyond the primary plot.

John De Bello's direction deserves applause for making something as mundane as a tomato, the sinister underpinning of this cinematic piece, while also filling the narrative with absurd humor and over-the-top performances. Return of the Killer Tomatoes thrives on its intentional kitsch factor and excessive gore, presenting an ambitious tonal mix of slapstick comedy, satire, and low-budget horror.

Complementing the unique premise are some memorable performances. Anthony Starke's portrayal of Chad is endearing and entertaining. He skillfully embodies the wide-eyed bemusement required to face the hilariously ridiculous tomato nightmare that ensues. Karen M. Waldron's character Tara adds to the absurdity— a 'tomato woman' who shifts into a tomato whenever music plays. Her sincere performance adds charm to the film. George Clooney is impressive as Matt, showcasing his early talents in comedy. His fast-talking, smooth character provides loads of laughs and perfectly complements the film's zany tone.

One of the film's other strengths is its self-awareness. Characters openly acknowledge their roles, budgets are discussed, and even the camera crew gets a fleeting moment in the limelight. This use of meta-humor elevates the schlocky sequences and makes for an engaging watch.

The film's playful score by Gordon Goodwin perfectly captures its overall mood, be it during chaotic tomato attacks or more breezy moments lending a melodious facet to the comic spectacle.

In summary, Return of the Killer Tomatoes is a riotous romp that reinterprets the conventional horror-comedy genre with outrageous storylines and eccentric characters. At its heart, it's an unabashed, silly, meta-humor-soaked, laugh-a-minute sequel that proudly proclaims its love for the very genre it spoofs. With its audacious premise and self-aware humor, it's sure to tickle the funny bone of those who appreciate humour on the wacky side. Don't expect logical explanations or any sort of seriousness in this film—it's a full-blown fun ride, where tomatoes reign and silliness is king.