Troll 2 (1990) Movie Review: The Pinnacle of So-Bad-It’s-Good Cinema
Introduction
“Troll 2” (1990), directed by Claudio Fragasso, is often cited as one of the worst films ever made, yet it has achieved cult status for its sheer ineptitude and unintentional hilarity. Starring Michael Stephenson, George Hardy, and Margo Prey, this horror-fantasy film is infamous for its bizarre plot, wooden performances, and laughable dialogue. Despite—or perhaps because of—its many flaws, “Troll 2” has become a beloved piece of cult cinema. This review examines the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, while also providing information on where to stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The film centers on the Waits family, who are spending their vacation in the small town of Nilbog. Young Joshua (Michael Stephenson) is warned by the ghost of his deceased grandfather, Seth (Robert Ormsby), that the town is inhabited by goblins who intend to transform the family into plants and consume them. The goblins, disguised as humans, use a green substance in food to carry out their nefarious plans.
Joshua’s parents, Michael (George Hardy) and Diana (Margo Prey), along with his sister Holly (Connie McFarland), dismiss his warnings. As the vacation progresses, Joshua’s fears are realized, and he must convince his family to escape the town before they fall victim to the goblins’ sinister plot.
Performances
The performances in “Troll 2” are a significant part of its charm, characterized by over-the-top acting and unnatural dialogue delivery. Michael Stephenson, as the young protagonist Joshua, does his best with the material but often falls into exaggerated expressions and reactions. George Hardy, a dentist by profession, plays Michael with earnest enthusiasm, contributing to the film’s unintentional humor.
Margo Prey and Connie McFarland, as Diana and Holly, respectively, deliver performances that are equally stilted and awkward. The supporting cast, including the townspeople and goblins, add to the film’s bizarre atmosphere with their strange and sometimes inexplicable actions.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Claudio Fragasso, working under the pseudonym Drake Floyd, helms the film with a lack of coherence and finesse. The direction is marked by peculiar choices, such as erratic pacing, inexplicable plot twists, and an overall disjointed narrative. Fragasso’s inability to create suspense or logical progression results in a film that is unintentionally comedic.
Cinematographer Giancarlo Ferrando’s work on the film does little to elevate its quality. The visuals are often bland and poorly composed, with the special effects and makeup for the goblins being particularly crude and unconvincing. The production values are low, contributing to the film’s reputation as a cinematic train wreck.
Themes and Analysis
“Troll 2” attempts to explore themes of trust, family, and the dangers of naivety, but these themes are overshadowed by the film’s numerous shortcomings. The plot’s illogical nature and the bizarre script hinder any meaningful exploration of these themes. Instead, the film’s true appeal lies in its status as an example of so-bad-it’s-good cinema.
The film’s unintentional humor comes from its earnest attempt to be taken seriously, despite its ridiculous premise and execution. This earnestness is what endears “Troll 2” to its fans, as it provides an endless source of entertainment and unintentional comedy.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in experiencing “Troll 2,” it is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. You can stream the movie on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on services like Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. These options provide flexibility for viewers to access the film on their preferred platform.
Conclusion
“Troll 2” (1990) is a film that has transcended its initial reception to become a beloved cult classic, celebrated for its ineptitude and unintentional comedy. The performances, direction, and overall production quality are riddled with flaws, but these very flaws have endeared the film to audiences seeking an entertainingly bad movie experience. For those curious about this infamous piece of cinema, “Troll 2” offers a viewing experience unlike any other. The film is available on various streaming and rental platforms, allowing new audiences to discover its unique brand of so-bad-it’s-good charm.
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