Return to Nuke 'Em High

Return to Nuke 'Em High (Volume 1) is a 2013 American sci-fi horror comedy film directed by cult filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma Entertainment. This is a re-imagination, rather than a direct sequel, of the original film, Class of Nuke 'Em High (1986), following the trend of recent reboots in Hollywood. The film stars Asta Paredes, Catherine Corcoran, and Vito Trigo, representing a mix of both newcomers and Troma regulars.

The film is set in Tromaville High School, a place where strange and bizarre events often occur. The old nuclear power plant that once caused strange mutations on the student body and turned it into a mutant gang named "Cretins" has been shut down. However, its place has been taken by the unscrupulous conglomerate, Tromorganic Foodstuffs Inc., led by the wicked Lee Harvey Herzkauf (Vito Trigo). Unbeknownst to the citizens of Tromaville, Herzkauf's company has been disposing its toxic waste into the town's water supply, repeating the history of nuclear accidents and hazardous pollution that echoes the narrative of the original film.

The audience is then introduced to characters Lauren (Catherine Corcoran), the rich and popular high-school girl, and Chrissy (Asta Paredes), a socially conscious blogger. The interaction between these two opposites imparts a contemporary twist to the storyline, injecting themes of social diversity and sexual fluidity that illuminates in a twisted love story between them. Their relationship takes a dark turn when Tromorganic's toxic tacos served in the school cafeteria initiate a wave of mutations which make their way into the student bodies and local ducks, thus emphasizing the film's underlying commentary on the GMO foods controversy.

Kaufman plays straight into the heart of his fans, as the film is filled with deliberately over-the-top violence, wit, and gratuitous nudity in a way that only a creator with a legacy like Kaufman's can master. Those who are fond of his style will understand that beneath its artful chaos, the film satirically critiques pressing socio-political issues, resonating with many of the themes that we see played out on the news.

Return to Nuke 'Em High (Volume 1) showcases the distinctly zany and unique elements that the Troma universe is well known for, alongside the iconic B-movie aesthetics that the production company revels in. Scripted to reflect the signature Troma style of funny dialogues, excessive gore, and social satire, the film delivers a campy, absurdist mash-up of pop culture parody and outrageous visual gags.

The film operates as a commentary on contemporary issues relating to environmental destruction, corrupt corporate greed, and the dangers of genetically modified foods, while retaining the franchise’s inheritance of high school drama, teen angst, and scientific horror. This mixture of themes is undoubtedly part of the appeal and charm of the Troma franchise, creating a blend of horror and comedy that has been successfully employed in previous Kaufman films.

Despite its budget limitations, the film features a creative use of practical effects, visual gags, and lurid technicolor palettes. It's a feast for the senses that celebrates its low-budget roots. The sound design and David Chirico's independent rock-driven music score elevate the boundaries of the visual experience, inducing the sensation of dangerous unpredictability amid the half-human, half-monster chaos.

In the performance department, Asta Paredes and Catherine Corcoran both effortlessly glide through the bizarre story with a sense of charm and conviction. The pair displays an interesting dynamic as the terror unfolds, and their acting prowess is a key factor that holds the viewer’s interest throughout the chaos.

To sum up, Return To Nuke 'Em High (Volume 1) is easily accessible for viewers new to Kaufman's world while managing to cater to dedicated Troma fans. The film echoes the campy, gross-out humor and absurd satire of its predecessors, creating a wild style that only a Troma movie can truly accomplish. And above all, it all spills out amid a riotous celebration of offbeat humour, political incorrectness, and slapstick savagery that will have you gasping for air.