Review of Best Worst Movie (2009) by Sol H — 31 Mar 2011

This has gone straight up there as one of my favourite documentaries. It follows the cast and director of the magnificent Troll 2 a few decades on after it gained its cult following for being so hilariously bad and after it became universally known as a runner for "worst movie ever" along with the likes of Plan 9 From Outer Space.

The reason that this documentary works so well is that its brimming full with incredible and hilarious characters. The lead of the doc is the man who played the father in Troll 2 - he's the glue of the film as it were, going to fan screenings, conventions and meeting with other actors. He seems like a genuinely lovely man who you're happy to follow around. But then, you meet the others.

There's a man who is reminiscent of Jimmie Saville in that Louis Theroux documentary who played a shopkeeper. He's mental.

Then there's the actress who played the mother in the film. She has literally gone insane. She talks of the noises that the neighbours make at night (in a seemingly nice neighbourhood) before performing screams as an example for the camera. She cares for her sick old mother. It's a bit like Carrie in reverse. Somewhat tragic, but hilariously so.

And then there's the best thing about it all. The director of Troll 2 and his wife, the writer of Troll 2. They are adamant that Troll 2 is a good film and that they have talent -it's just that people don't get them. The director is honestly one of the most fascinating individuals I have ever stumbled upon in the vast world of documentaries and he's constantly (unintentionally) hilarious.

As it stands, Best Worst Movie is the perfect companion piece to Troll 2 and if you get the chance, I'd recommend watching it first like I did as it doesn't have many clips, doesn't really spoil anything and builds your anticipation for Troll!

8/10.