High schooler Johnny Dingle (Andrew Lowery) has been in love with Missy (Traci Lind) since childhood. He stages a robbery at her job to win her heart and ask her to the prom, but instead ends up shot and killed when he takes a real bullet meant for Missy. When Johnny resurfaces as a zombie, he’s still determined to take Missy to prom – but his decaying body proves to be an obstacle, and he’s told that he needs to eat fresh flesh to remain intact in order to make it to prom.
I did not have high expectations for My Boyfriend’s Back, but honestly, I found it to be pretty entertaining! It’s a ridiculous movie, but it leans into its ridiculousness, which is the only way this movie works. When Johnny returns as a zombie, everyone just accepts it – it’s a little weird, sure, but hey, it is what it is. That’s when I knew this movie had the potential to be a lot of fun.
My Boyfriend’s Back reminded me quite a bit of Better Off Dead, solely in its humor and how it’s used. Especially the sharp one-liners – Okay, well, you’re dead. Which is unusual, because we don’t normally see this much activity in a dead person – and flighty, barely present parents – indeed, Johnny’s mother is so supportive of her now undead son that she brings him home a live child to eat, and shoves a dead man in their fridge later on in case he wants a snack.
There’s also the cast, which is quite impressive. My Boyfriend’s Back featured the film debuts of Matthew Fox (Lost, Party of Five), as Missy’s jock boyfriend, Buck, and Matthew McConaughey, as sadly, Guy #2. But you’ll also spot Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cloris Leachman! None of them are used very well, but it’s still nice to see their faces.
At the heart of the movie is Johnny’s love for Missy. He literally returned from the dead to be with her. And even though Johnny is quite literally falling apart, Missy begins to return his affection, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend, Buck, and her father, who happens to be the Sheriff. I wouldn’t say Andrew Lowery and Traci Lind have sizzling chemistry, but they’re cute enough that it doesn’t completely derail the movie’s romance.
I do think Lowery was the weak link of the entire film. Don’t get me wrong, he’s fine, but maybe with a more charismatic actor, Johnny could have been a more interesting character/zombie. As it is, he’s rather average, and I think that keeps My Boyfriend’s Back from being a really good zombie rom-com. Maybe McConaughey would have succeeded in the role instead of a theatergoer with two lines. Hindsight is 20/20, of course.
Ultimately, My Boyfriend’s Back is a comedy engaging enough to keep your attention. I found the humor to be the most memorable part of the movie, though I don’t imagine I will revisit it. If you like your spooky movies with a light-hearted tone, or you just need a break from the jump scares and gore, I suggest giving this one a watch.
Watched: 10/09/2024
Notable Song: The One I Love by The Sextants
