Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Bad Taste (1987)
"Bad Taste," a low-budget comedy gore fest released in 1987, has earned a cult following due to its innovative special effects, gleefully juvenile humor, and do-it-yourself ethos.
The film distinguishes itself through its unabashed embrace of gore and grotesque visuals, all achieved on a shoestring budget. The ingenious use of practical effects, homemade props, and creative camera work by Peter Jackson results in a uniquely visceral viewing experience. Its humor is equally unconventional, blending slapstick, dark comedy, and satire, thereby making it a pioneer in the comedy-horror genre.
This film was Peter Jackson's first, filmed on a minimal budget over the course of four years, primarily on weekends, with an initial cost of around $25,000. Jackson himself played two key roles, while his friends filled the remaining roles.
Most of the firearms used as props were made by Peter Jackson and his friends from recycled aluminum and wood. To simulate recoil, the actors shook them, and a flash and sound effect were added later during post-production.
Interestingly, all the alien masks used in the film were baked in Peter Jackson's mother's oven. The Aliens have flat foreheads because the oven wasn't large enough for rounded foreheads.
The unique and unconventional nature of this film always made me wonder... Did the producers, the ones who eventually funded Jackson to create three "Lord of the Rings" movies back to back, did they see "Bad Taste" prior to giving Jackson $300 million dollars? I don't think so. They couldn't possibly have seen this movie and thought it was a good idea to give this director $300 million dollars. Perhaps they watched "Bad Taste" immediately after signing away $300 million dollars for "Lord of the Rings." And in "Bad Taste" they saw Peter Jackson losing a rather realistic piece of brain from a rather realistic skull injury, in a movie that appears to have been directed by someone who suffered a rather traumatic brain injury. And then perhaps they started calling lawyers, to see if there was any way to get out of that $300 million dollar contract. Or perhaps they decided to watch Peter Jackson's second movie before panicking. The aptly named "Braindead," which was renamed to "Dead Alive" for the US markets. Because for Peter Jackson's second movie, he actually was given a budget of $3 million dollars, which allowed him to fully explore his gore fetish, and earn a total box office of less than $250,000...
"I'm a Derek and Dereks don't run!"
- You are under the age of 18. This movie is rated R.
- You don't enjoy graphic violence or gore.
- Alien invasion plots aren't your thing.
- Low-budget production or special effects bother you.
- You prefer high-brow humor to low-brow or sophomoric humor.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Bad Taste" (1987)? I mean, aliens coming to Earth to turn humans into fast food? They don't have a McDonald's?
And these aliens, they've got such bad table manners. I've seen cleaner eating at a 3-year-old's birthday party.
And why do aliens always pick on us? Is there not a single chicken nugget in the entire galaxy?
And, where are the space health inspectors when you need them? I mean, come on, this has got to violate at least a few intergalactic health codes.
Braindead (1992):
If you enjoyed "Bad Taste," I’d highly suggest "Braindead". The movie is directed by the same person, Peter Jackson, before he ventured into the realms of Middle Earth. It's as off-beat and outlandishly gory as "Bad Taste," and is hailed as a cult classic in the horror-comedy genre. The wild, over-the-top plot paired with hilarious characters ensures a great watch for any fan of "Bad Taste".
Re-Animator (1985):You might also enjoy "Re-Animator", a classic horror-comedy based on an H.P. Lovecraft story. Directed by Stuart Gordon, this movie brings a perfect mix of gruesome scenes and dark comedy, similar to the vibe of "Bad Taste". The unique storyline revolving around a medical student and his experiments will keep you entertained and laughing uncomfortably throughout.
The Evil Dead (1981):If you love "Bad Taste" for its blend of horror and humor, "The Evil Dead" directed by Sam Raimi should be next on your list. This movie holds an iconic status in the horror genre and has a certain charm that has managed to captivate audiences and create a dedicated fanbase. Though the first movie of the series leans more to the horror side, it still has elements of quirky and occasionally absurd humor that you'd certainly appreciate given your liking for "Bad Taste".
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978):Last but not least, consider exploring "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". Much like "Bad Taste", this movie is a masterclass in B-grade horror and ludicrous plot premises. It's filled with bad puns, silly songs and, as you might have guessed, killer tomatoes! Particularly for those who appreciate the kitschy, humorous side of horror, this movie is an absolute blast.
Like this? Then click here to see more comedy movies