Bad Taste (1987) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Bad Taste (1987) is a splatter-comedy film that marked the directorial debut of Peter Jackson, who would later gain global fame for directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy. A far cry from the grand landscapes of Middle-earth, Bad Taste is a low-budget, over-the-top gore-fest filled with campy humor and an outrageous plot. Despite its humble beginnings, the film has developed a cult following and is revered for its ingenuity, absurdity, and boundary-pushing special effects.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, Jackson’s unique directorial style, the use of practical effects, and where to stream or rent Bad Taste online in the U.S.
Plot Summary
Set in the small coastal town of Kaihoro, New Zealand, Bad Taste follows a group of government agents known as “The Boys,” who are tasked with investigating strange occurrences. They soon discover that the town’s inhabitants have been replaced by grotesque aliens who are harvesting humans for their intergalactic fast food chain.
The film focuses on Derek (played by Peter Jackson himself) and his fellow agents—Barry, Frank, and Ozzy—as they attempt to stop the aliens and prevent them from turning humanity into snack food. The plot is intentionally ridiculous, filled with gruesome battles, absurd weaponry, and nonsensical dialogue. Jackson leans into the absurdity, creating a film that is both violent and comedic.
Peter Jackson’s Directorial Debut
Peter Jackson’s directorial vision in Bad Taste is one of unbridled creativity and DIY filmmaking. With a shoestring budget (reportedly just around $25,000 NZD), Jackson not only directed but also wrote, produced, edited, and acted in the film. His ability to balance extreme gore with humor is what makes Bad Taste stand out as a splatter-comedy gem.
Jackson’s resourcefulness shines in every frame. He used his parents’ backyard as a filming location, created most of the special effects himself, and even designed the alien costumes. The film took four years to complete, mostly due to its low budget and Jackson’s decision to shoot it on weekends. Despite these limitations, Bad Taste is packed with innovative camera work, creative action sequences, and larger-than-life characters.
Comedy and Splatter: The Heart of the Film
What separates Bad Taste from traditional horror films is its use of humor to complement the gore. The film’s title alone is an indicator of the kind of comedy it offers—it’s filled with gross-out humor, absurd violence, and intentionally bad dialogue. The aliens, for example, are clumsy and often hilariously ineffective, which adds to the ridiculousness of their mission to harvest humans for food.
Much of the film’s humor also comes from the main characters, especially Derek (played by Jackson), whose escalating injuries throughout the film add to the comedy. Jackson’s deadpan delivery and physical humor make Derek one of the film’s standout characters. His interactions with the aliens and his often nonsensical approach to fighting them provide some of the film’s funniest moments.
Practical Effects and Gore
One of the most impressive aspects of Bad Taste is its use of practical effects. Jackson, having no formal training in special effects, created the film’s many gory moments with handmade props, homemade prosthetics, and gallons of fake blood. The film’s special effects are intentionally over-the-top, with scenes featuring heads exploding, brains being scooped out, and bodies being mutilated in ridiculous ways.
Despite the film’s low budget, the practical effects are surprisingly effective and have a unique charm that adds to the film’s campy appeal. Jackson’s talent for visual storytelling is evident, and his commitment to making the gore as entertaining as possible paid off in creating an unforgettable visual experience.
Cult Following and Legacy
Upon its release, Bad Taste was a hit among fans of underground cinema and quickly developed a cult following. It was praised for its creativity, humor, and Jackson’s ability to pull off an ambitious project with minimal resources. Over the years, the film has become a staple of midnight movie screenings and has influenced countless filmmakers within the splatter and horror-comedy genres.
For many, Bad Taste serves as a testament to the power of low-budget, independent filmmaking. Peter Jackson’s success with the film launched his career and paved the way for future projects, including the critically acclaimed Heavenly Creatures (1994) and the eventual global success of The Lord of the Rings.
Where to Watch Bad Taste (1987) Online
If you’re interested in watching Bad Taste, here are some of the available options for streaming and renting in the U.S.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers Bad Taste for rent or purchase. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, and the film can be purchased for around $9.99. Amazon’s platform allows for easy streaming across multiple devices, from smart TVs to mobile phones.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV also has Bad Taste available for rental or purchase. Prices are similar to Amazon, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchase options at $9.99. If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, this platform offers seamless streaming on iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
3. Google Play Movies & YouTube
You can rent or buy Bad Taste on both Google Play Movies and YouTube. Rentals start at $3.99, and you can purchase the film for $9.99. These platforms are widely accessible on Android devices and web browsers, making it easy to watch the film on a variety of devices.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers Bad Taste for both rental and purchase. You can rent the film for $3.99 or buy it for $9.99. Vudu’s reliable streaming service and high-definition options make it a popular choice for movie fans.
Conclusion: Is Bad Taste Worth Watching?
Bad Taste is not for everyone, but for fans of splatter-comedies, cult cinema, or those curious about Peter Jackson’s early work, it is an absolute must-see. The film’s outrageous gore, irreverent humor, and low-budget ingenuity make it a unique viewing experience that showcases Jackson’s raw talent and creativity.
Whether you’re looking for a bizarre, laugh-out-loud movie or want to see where Peter Jackson’s career began, Bad Taste is an unforgettable, chaotic ride. With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to dive into this cult classic and experience the hilarity and horror firsthand.
