Cast: Andrew Lowery, Traci Lind, Danny Zorn, Edward Herrmann, Mary Beth Hurt
Director: Bob Balaban
Producer: Sean S. Cunningham
Screenplay: Dean Lorey
Cinematography: Mac Ahlberg
Music: Harry Manfredini
U.S. Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
For twelve years, Johnny Dingle (Andrew Lowery) has been hopelessly in love with Missy McCloud (Traci Lind). Now, with the approach of the Senior Prom, Johnny finally gets up the courage to ask Missy out. Unfortunately, before he has the opportunity, he's killed in a convenience store robbery. But never fear! Not even death can hold Johnny back, and, despite the annoying tendency of several of his body parts to fall off, he returns from the grave to go to the prom with Missy. Surprisingly enough, she's a lot more attracted to him now that he's dead than she ever was while he was alive (I guess he gets points for being unusual).
Those expecting this to be an unapologetically silly movie are right on the money. However, as idiotic as it is, My Boyfriend's Back actually has a few redeeming qualities. Much like last year's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are enough clever touches for the film to be a shade better than unwatchable.
One of the primary problems is that, while My Boyfriend's Back has a lighthearted tone, it isn't nearly funny enough. Far too many jokes fall flat, and those that do succeed are more likely to provoke an amused smirk than any genuine laughter. The premise is underused, at least as far as humor goes. My Boyfriend's Back is pretty good at self-parody, though. The nonchalant way that everyone treats Johnny's return is clever. Nothing that happens seems to shock anyone; they take it all in stride. In fact, Missy is flattered that a guy would do something like come back from the dead for her.
Johnny's mother (Mary Beth Hurt) and father (Edward Herrmann) are especially farcical. They are proud of their son's achievement, but determined to do everything necessary to keep things normal. When it turns out that Johnny needs to eat living flesh to keep him from decaying, his mother goes to the store and picks up a stray kid in case he wants a snack. When the neighbors threaten to burn Johnny, Mom pulls out a gun and aims it in their direction.
There is an anti-racist, anti-prejudice message that doesn't work. I recognize that the people behind My Boyfriend's Back are trying to do something positive, but comparing the plight of the undead -- a truly ridiculous situation to begin with -- to the bigotry faced by many minorities is more than just a bad idea; it's insensitive.
It's surprising how good the cast is. They do their jobs in the right spirit, giving deadpan performances that keep this film from going into cardiac arrest. It's hard to figure how fine actors like Mary Beth Hurt and Edward Herrmann can keep straight faces through these proceedings. Andrew Lowery's Johnny may be the star of the show, but they steal the spotlight.
One inventive touch in the movie emphasizes the comic-book quality. Many of the scenes are started with cartoon panels that turn into live-action sequences. Director Bob Balaban has fun blending fantasy, comedy, and parody, and does a surprisingly smooth job of it. If his script had more bite, this could have been a worthwhile film.
As it is, My Boyfriend's Back is as mindless as a movie can get. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it certainly isn't a heartfelt endorsement. Maybe when it comes on cable, it will be worth a look -- that's about the right medium for something of this sort. My Boyfriend's Back has its moments, just not enough of them.
© 1993 James Berardinelli