Review of Bad Taste (1987) by Matthew R — 04 Jan 2008

"What are you doodyhooers doin' on my planet?" Peter Jackson's cracking shoestring indie debut is riotous, hilarious and gloriously violent in equal measure. Aliens invade earth intent on using human beings as fast food fodder for their home planet.

Shot over a phase of approximately four years, Bad Taste is undeniably muddled. The plot is pacey but puzzling and even absent at times and as for the continuity... cock up buffs will have a field day.

But surprisingly, none of this matters. Bad Taste is a privileged early glimpse at a tremendously imaginative and resourceful director simply making up his own rules as he goes. The film is endlessly creative, amusing and refreshing.

Jackson shows an unrelenting passion and rare dedication, wearing almost all the absent crew's hats to launch his despicably ace vision obstinately onto the screen. "The bastards have landed!".