SXSW Film Preview: Best Worst Movie

It doesn't seem right that Troll 2 has gained a reputation as the worst film of all time. But, it's not really "bad" in the traditional sense of the word. Bad movies are usually boring or pretentious or heartless or indulgent—but Troll 2 is none of those things. In fact, it's one of the most addictively watchable and undeniably fun movies you'll ever see. So why, then, did this 18-year-old low-budget horror flick spend so much time atop IMDB's "Bottom 100" list? (It's since slipped down to #82) Could it be the bizarre dialogue? The less-than-professional acting? The low-tech special effects?

Whatever the reason for its initial failure, Troll 2 has gone on to become a bona fide cult phenomenon, riding a wave of grassroots word-of-mouth popularity that most Hollywood marketers would trade a kidney for. Over the past few years, the film has sold out screenings across the country, spawned countless fan clubs and garnered legions of devoted admirers for its erstwhile stars.

In Best Worst Movie, actor/filmmaker Michael Paul Stephenson (along with actor-turned-dentist George Hardy) revisits the cast and crew of Troll 2, chronicling the varied reactions to the film’s new found success. Through interviews with fans, conversations with the stars, and road-trip video diaries, Stephenson explores the strange and exciting new world that has popped up around this rediscovered gem.

Featuring appearances by Austinites Zack Carlson and Tim League (of the Alamo Drafthouse crew), Best Worst Movie is a candid and hilarious exploration of the roots of fandom, the shifting definition of success and the intoxicating nature of fame. We highly recommend this one.

Best Worst Movie will have its world premiere at the SXSW film festival as part of the Spotlight Premieres program on Saturday, March 14th, Monday, March 16th and Friday, March 20th. Several members of the cast are in town for the premiere, and the Saturday screening will be followed by a midnight presentation of Troll 2 at the Alamo South Lamar. For more information, check out the SXSW Film Festival schedule.