Review of Troll (1986) by Liam U — 27 May 2011

Family-friendly horror films are few and far between - an odd subgenre that has seen something of a retrospective resurgence lately. This could partly be due to those who have grown up with these films harbouring fond memories, but remove the nostalgia factor and ignore the cult following, and what we have here is actually an interesting stab at filmmaking. The horror elements are combined with a strong sense of fantasy, which allows for some very interesting themes to develop while never pushing the fear too far. This film most readily draws comparisons to offerings such as 'Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural (Blackburn, 1973)' - if indeed we are to count this as a family horror film - or even 'Gremlins (Dante, 1984)'. Utilising an extremely heavy dose of 1980s charm, this is cult cinema that won't appeal to the majority, but will tickle those who retain their childlike sensibilities.

The plot to 'Troll (Buechler, 1986)' revolves around Harry Potter Jr. (Noah Hathaway) - his family have just moved into a new apartment, and his sister Wendy Anne Potter (Jenny Beck) is seemingly having trouble adapting. Little do the family know that she's actually trapped in the emerald ring of a troll named Torok, who has taken up her identity in a quest to transform the entire apartment building into a magical fantasy land.

The other inhabitants of the building mostly succumb to Torok's trickery, which results in Peter Dickinson (Sonny Bono) getting turned into a strange plant-like being, and Jeanette Cooper (a remarkably young Julia Louis-Dreyfus) becoming a strange sensual leaf-covered nymph. The highlight of these tenants, however, has to be Malcolm Mallory (Phil Fondacarom who also portrays Torok). He's a dwarf, although Wendy Anne mistakes him as an elf when they strike up an odd friendship, and his presence is simply bizarre but wonderful.

It's down to Harry Potter Jr. to save his family, with the help of Eunice St. Clair (primarily played by June Lockhart, although when things really kick off she takes on the form of blonde bombshell Anne Lockhart) - she's a princess and she knows all about Torok and his evil-doings. A special mention must also go to Harry Potter Sr. (Michael Moriarty) and Anne Potter (Shelley Hack), the oblivious parents who try to reason their daughter's strange change in behaviour.

It should go without saying that a film like 'Troll' is not the most technically adept creation, but there is a certain charm to the mystical creatures portrayed here, with some good puppetry and great costumes at work. Jenny Beck also does a marvellous job with her character, displaying quite an impressive range for someone her age. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Noah Hathaway, who seriously struggles to emote and has quite a dire presence.

Thankfully there is enough support around to help distract from this weak performance, particularly Michael Moriarty who pitches his character with a decent amount of humour - emobodied in a fantastic dance scene that is simply dazzling. Phil Fondacarom also steals the film whenever present, sharing a tender moment with Jenny Beck whilst retaining great comic timing. His inclusion aids in blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, and is easily the most interesting addition to the cast.

Ignoring the finger-pointing and accusation of plagiarism aimed at J.K. Rowling, it's clear that 'Troll' was trying to do something fascinating. It's not completely successful, and 'Troll' is by no means a great movie, but those who are into their quirky off-beat entertainment will definitely find something intriguing here.