Review of Troll 2 (1990) by Troy F — 18 Jan 2015

Troll 2 is the infamous sequel to the first, known far more than the first film for being greatly unrelated to the first film. No matter how you look at it, the film is terrible. I can never quite say this film is abysmal though, because logistically the people who made the film knew how to shoot and make films.

Its not like it was shot on a shitty camera or has shoddy special effects, it clearly looks like a film and has the technicals down well. What makes this film as bad as it is is the script, direction, and acting.

The script is littered with confusion and incoherence, and the actors just seem lost, all performing awfully and barely having any depth. Its a head scratcher and full of scenes that wouldn't make sense no matter what you try to make up about them.

Its one thing for a film to have an awful script, a dull pace, stale performances etc. that make for the kind of bad film that is better to forget. What Troll 2 is, however, is a terrible film that has a script so bizarre and confusing that its fascinating, and performances so awful that they're funny, and dialogue that's so unnatural that it will have you rolling in laughter.

and scenes so removed from reality that they can't be unseen. Its those reasons that make Troll 2 a terrible film that's likeable and unforgettable, thus succeeding at being entertaining in ways that were totally unintentional.

Because you have to ask: does it matter really if the original intentions are met when the film still finds its audience and succeeds in other ways? I don't think so. Troll 2 is famous because it makes for an incredible analysis of just how bizarre a film can be under many bizarre circumstances, which are strongly outlined in the documentary Best Worst Movie, which I recommend watching to understand the film better, and may even give you a sort of appreciation for the film, whether you love it or hate it.

Troll 2 may no doubt be off-putting the first time through and you'll fail to see how any cult following for this film is possible, but upon repeat viewings, I can ensure you that its a different film.

Different as in experience, but of course, never different in form: a beautifully terrible film that's fun and watchable for being a unique oddity in film history. For that, I say it deserves my 3 stars.