“Troll 2,” directed by Claudio Fragasso (credited as Drake Floyd), has become infamous as one of the quintessential examples of unintentional cinematic comedy. Released in 1990, this low-budget horror film is often cited as one of the worst movies ever made. Despite its misleading title, “Troll 2” has no connection to the original “Troll” film and is celebrated for its nonsensical plot, questionable acting, and unintentional humor.
Plot Summary:
The plot of “Troll 2” centers around the Waits family – father Michael (George Hardy), mother Diana (Margo Prey), teenage daughter Holly (Connie McFarland), and young son Joshua (Michael Stephenson). In a seemingly idyllic small town, the family decides to swap homes with another family for a vacation. Little do they know, the town of Nilbog (which is “goblin” spelled backward) is not what it seems.
The bizarre events begin when Joshua encounters his deceased grandfather, who warns him of the dangers of Nilbog and its vegetarian goblins who aim to transform unsuspecting visitors into plant matter to consume. Meanwhile, the rest of the Waits family is blissfully unaware of the impending danger and is charmed by the hospitality of the town’s peculiar residents.
As the goblins’ plan unfolds, Joshua desperately tries to convince his family of the impending danger, but they dismiss his claims. The family’s encounter with the supernatural and the goblins’ bizarre rituals lead to a climax of absurdity and unintentional hilarity.
Review:
“Troll 2” is a cinematic anomaly that has achieved cult status not for its intended horror but for its unintentional comedy and ineptitude. Almost every aspect of the film, from the wooden acting to the nonsensical dialogue, contributes to its reputation as a so-bad-it’s-good classic.
The performances in “Troll 2” are uniformly stilted, with amateur actors delivering lines in a way that defies traditional standards of good acting. George Hardy, who plays the father, became an unwitting icon of the film’s cult status due to his earnest performance and later embraced the film’s notoriety.
The dialogue in “Troll 2” is a treasure trove of unintentional humor, filled with awkward exchanges and lines that have become meme-worthy among fans of bad cinema. The script, written by Fragasso and his wife Rossella Drudi, exhibits a fundamental misunderstanding of the English language, leading to some truly baffling moments.
The film’s production values are equally laughable, with cheap costumes, low-budget special effects, and sets that often look like they were crafted from cardboard. The goblins themselves, portrayed by actors in unconvincing rubber masks, add to the film’s unintentional hilarity.
While “Troll 2” is undeniably terrible from a traditional filmmaking standpoint, its charm lies in its ability to entertain audiences through sheer incompetence. The film has gained a dedicated following, with fans organizing screenings and events to revel in its unintentional humor.
“Troll 2” stands as a monument to the unintentional comedy that can arise from filmmaking gone awry. Its status as a cult classic is a testament to the enduring appeal of so-bad-it’s-good cinema. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, “Troll 2” has carved out its place in the pantheon of cult films, offering audiences a bizarre and laugh-out-loud experience that defies all expectations.
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