Best Worst Movie

Anyone who has seen Troll 2 (1990) will understand why it perennially appears on lists of "worst films ever." Saddled with a low budget, a nonsensical script, amateur actors, and a veteran Italian film director, Claudio Fragasso, who could not communicate with his American cast, this straight-to-VHS horror debacle is neither a sequel to Troll (1986) nor does it include any trolls. In this highly entertaining documentary, Stephenson, who made his acting debut in that legendary horror show, reunites with fellow Troll 2 actor George Hardy, and the two set out to find former castmates and connect with bad-movie fanatics who have made Troll 2 an international cult phenomenon. By joining up with ex-castmates and meeting fans from Austin to Austria, the two discover the impact this disastrous movie has had on those involved in its making and those who relish its wretchedness. There is an entertaining mix of humor and poignancy here that should appeal to general audiences, not just genre fans. Stephenson shows just enough clips of the original film to convince those who have not seen it that, yes, it is as bad as the actors say it is. Generous bonus features include interview outtakes and deleted scenes. This celebration of shoddy moviemaking is highly recommended for fans and students and scholars of cinema and pop culture.—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia