Best Worst Movie (Michael Paul Stevenson, 2009): USA

Reviewed by Conner Emery. Viewed at AFI Fest 2009.

Of all the films I’ve reviewed, this has been the hardest one to start. Best Worst Movie is one of the few movies I went in having an idea as of what to expect, but then being blown away by how much I actually enjoyed the film. Once again, it was playing in my home away from home, Mann’s Theater 1, and I couldn’t think of a better place for it to be shown. The thing you have to know about Mann’s is that it feels like any other theater, albeit slightly larger. Not a place you’d think about showing your movie, especially considering the immaculate theater right downstairs. But for a movie about Troll 2, there really wasn’t a better place… except maybe the streets.

The documentary follows the cast of Troll 2 as they all slowly realize that 17 years down the line, a movie they hoped no one would remember is becoming a huge cult hit. Reuniting the cast, a feeling of acceptance and fame that they had long given up on starts to seep back in, even if it is for being absolutely awful. And that’s the direction of the film, simple and straightforward.

So before I explain why this movie is so great and worked so well, I think it’s only fair that you should at least get a bit of a taste of the monster that is Troll 2. The random dance sequence and the amazing line delivery, are two of the most popular scenes, though they’re far from the only ones that catapulted the movie into the cult icon it is now. And to even better understand this mess, here’s a quote from imdb.com, “Although this movie was titled “Troll 2” to capitalize on the minor success of Troll (1986), this movie has no connection with the plot or production of the earlier one and in fact contains no trolls.”

Now that you can have a slight grasp on what Troll 2 was, I can better explain Best Worst Movie. Most of the cast went on to lead normal lives, and stayed as far away from acting as they could. In fact, a lot of them had even forgotten that they had even done that film, as it was something that they did not want to relive. But when the cast eventually reunites, they all find this sense of belonging that really makes this documentary special. There’s an undeniable bond between the cast and this bond somehow flows straight out of the movie and into the audience. Never have I had so much fun just watching people interact with, not only each other, but their fans as well.

The highlight of the movie is Margo Prey, who played the mother in the movie. She’s been living with her ill mother, and is locked up inside her house. This made her hard to find, but when they do, she’s more than happy to let them in. Apparently, Margo Prey has been hiding from the world, and though you may think the movie destroyed her self-esteem, instead she gives one of the documentaries best lines: “You know, this movie is a real actor’s movie. Whenever I see it I can’t help but put it right up there with Gone with the Wind and Casablanca.” Delusional? Maybe, but her innocence is a refreshing take from all criticism.

Throughout Best Worst Movie, they re-enact scenes and get together with friends to show them what they did before settling down. It’s an experience that once the credits roll, you’re not likely to forget. This is without a doubt a movie to watch.

You can view the trailer here.