Dead Heat (1988) ***1/2

Dead Heat (1988) is a total over the top ‘80s romp. How many other films can claim to be a buddy cop zombie comedy? Mark Goldblatt's (whose editing career includes some serious hits) directorial debut is fast and lean, the visual effects are a blast, and there's plenty of goofy but fun dialogue. DH is not concerned with deep character or story development—it deals in tropes and playfully pokes fun of them without being overly cutesy or meta about it. Treat Williams is, well, a treat, Joe Piscopo is obnoxious but in a lovable way, and Vincent Price is wonderful, as always, in a small but memorable role (one of his last).