As part of our studies into film production we watch several documentaries – such as Lost in La Mancha and American Movie. A new addition to our collection was released this year, and it serves as a great close-up look at what makes a small independent film, that mainstream audiences have avoided, such a fondly loved, cult hit.

The documentary is Best Worst Movie, and it’s made by one of the stars of the film it examines – Troll 2.

Troll 2 is a bemusing, sincere, but very flawed 80s comedy horror hybrid – with an Italian director and writer, American cast of unknown ‘actors’ and originally released on home video with little fanfare.

It has a nonsensical plot, clunky dialogue, and very low production values – it was filmed in 3 weeks, in Utah.

It has since found a huge worldwide cult following, mainly young adults who discovered the film in their teens and childhood years. It is now a popular movie on the convention and midnight screening circuit.

The trailer can be viewed here:

The documentary was made in 2009 by by Michael Stephenson, who starred in Troll 2. It’s a heartfelt and honest look at behind the scenes of the film, as well as the legion of fans that love it. It’s also a great example of a film making documentary, and has a 94% rating on RT. It portrays the film makers as sincere and passionate, and is never too judgmental of the failures of Troll 2.

Much has been written and discussed online about Troll 2 – this article by syfy.com examines the same themes and is well worth a read:

https://www.syfy.com/node/214835

Red Letter Media have also taken a good like at Troll 2: