It's no secret that I have a fondness for the low-budget indie horror of Chicago-based Steve Hermann's Acrostar Films. Utilizing largely regional casts and crews, Hermann has created an almost Sandleresque village of indie horror devotees gifted at working within the confines of a low-budget while still manifesting quality, and sometimes even meaningful, horror flicks. 

Released by indie distributor BayView Entertainment, Return of the Corn Zombies is a follow-up to one of Hermann's more successful flicks - Attack of the Corn Zombies. This film plops itself down in a world ravaged by a corn virus and follows a band of survivors as they embark on a perilous journey toward Homestead, a reported sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world. 

The film is co-directed by Hermann with Mia Katz, an Acrostar regular who was Anna May in the original film. If you've ever seen an Acrostar, you know exactly what to expect here - cheeky humor, low-budget gore, a fun ensemble, and a sliver of human spirit. This is what I appreciate about Hermann's films. Hermann originally turned to filmmaking as a way of bringing his own storytelling even more to life. He's a longtime anti-bullying advocate who infuses his characters with a sense of humanity that is fun to watch. This doesn't mean that his films are bogged down by messaging - they're not. However, Hermann makes sure there are characters here with whom we identify and enough gore with which we can have a blast.  

As is seemingly always true for Acrostar, there are both familiar faces and newbies here. Angel Nichole Bradford is a blast as Janice, Mel Heflin shines as Betty, and I'm quite fond of Delilah Hefner's Robin. Other stars to shine include Samantha Hupp, Christopher Kahler, and Beth Metcalf. One of my absolute favorites here is Chanda Rawlings as Edith with the kind of performance you'll likely remember for quite awhile. 

Edward Grant's original music for the film seems an inspired match for an Acrostar flick. Ashley Hefner, who co-directed the original film, serves up the film's lensing and I must say this is one of Acrostar's best shot films. 

Again, if you're expecting some big budget zombie flick you should think again. This ain't it. Return of the Corn Zombies is a fun little flick with a terrific ensemble, a solid if rather straightforward story, and talent that far exceeds the film's existence as a low-budget effort. This is yet another film that reminds me why I always look forward to an Acrostar film crossing my desk ready for review. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic