Best Worst Movie (2009)

A look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.

Director:

Michael Paul Stephenson

Stars:

George Hardy, Lily Hardy, Pita Ray

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Hardy	...	Himself / Interviewee - Actor
Lily Hardy	...	Herself / Interviewee
Pita Ray	...	Herself / Interviewee
Micki Knox	...	Herself / Interviewee
Tommy Bice	...	Himself / Interviewee - Superintendent, Alexander City Schools
Lila Graves	...	Herself / Interviewee - George's Friend
Laura Gulledge	...	Herself / Interviewee - George's Friend
Merry Hardy	...	Herself / Interviewee - George's Ex-Wife
Barbara H. Young	...	Herself / Interviewee - Mayor of Alexander City
Mary Ann Hardy	...	Herself / Interviewee - George's Mother
Wade Jones	...	Himself / Interviewee - Convenience Store Owner
Bill Hardy	...	Himself / Interviewee - George's Father
Mollie Barrett	...	Herself / Interviewee - George's Sister
Michael Paul Stephenson	...	Himself - Actor, Director
Jason Steadman	...	Himself / Interviewee - Actor

Storyline

In 1989, unwitting Utah actors starred in the undisputed Worst Movie in History: TROLL 2. Two decades later, the legendarily inept film's child star unravels the improbable, heartfelt story of an Alabama dentist-turned-cult movie icon and an Italian filmmaker who come to terms with this genuine, internationally revered cinematic failure.

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Plot Keywords:

making of | fandom | midnight movie | actor | actress | 

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Taglines:

The Story Behind The Worst Movie Ever Made - "Troll 2"

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

14 March 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Najbolji loš film

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,503, 25 April 2010, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$103,194, 12 September 2010

Company Credits

Production Co:

OJO Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The documentary took 3 years to film.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
George Hardy: I was in a movie called Troll 2.

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Connections

References Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)

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Soundtracks

Carol of the Bells
(uncredited)
Composed by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych

User Reviews

How to Embrace a horrible experience and turn it into a positive one.

I enjoyed watching this documentary. I think this was a good example of a situation where the original cast overcame a negative experience (endured 18 years ago). Described as embarrassing, depressing etc... which isn't a stretch I could imagine it must have been crushing to be cast in a movie you thought was going to be a legit movie, to than watch it and find out that it's not only a bad movie or a bomb it's so bad there isn't a category for it, other than a college film making 101 project. I could also imagine it must have been rough for the younger actors going to school after this aired (especially the girl… the dancing in the mirror scene, should I say anymore?). Thanks to the making of this documentary (the kid from Troll 2)… the movie resurfaced for the actors involved and they learned to embrace it and have fun with it. There's no better example of this then Dr. George Hardy (the father in Troll 2). He makes all of the various personalities of those involved comfortable, including the viewer. He is just an all around good guy. This guy is destined for something big... I don't know whether it's acting or what, spokesperson for something maybe, who knows? So it's no coincidence and definitely a smart move to have focused most of the attention on this guy. A few of the original cast members have continued to pursue acting. The sister from Troll explains, she would never put this on her resume… if it's found out she was in this movie, any chance of getting a call back is gone. I really think this documentary will change things for her if she learns how to embrace it. Think about it, if she tries out for a role, interview or whatever and embraces that experience… there isn't a better conversation piece or way to be remembered than that. I mean who else can say they were in the worst movie ever made? Do you think many of the various regularly seen actors on TV Shows , Movies, commercials etc. got to that point on talent alone? Probably not, at least not in the beginning… I'm sure something stood out or was remembered about them in those initial casting calls.

So how does one create the worst movie ever? This question is answered upon watching the director in this movie. Not speaking English (very little), having a big ego and possessing very little reasoning skills probably had a lot to do with it. So for me Troll 2 became even funnier upon learning that this wasn't an intentional dud or recognized as bad by the director even 18 years later. He doesn't understand the joke of the whole thing. It took him a while to catch on, that the reason everyone liked the movie so much was because it was so bad. I liked the part where the original cast was speaking in an auditorium about their experience when making the movie. I would have liked to have heard a little more about the movie making experience. Unfortunately we miss out on what some of them said because the director gets mad and throws a little tantrum.

By the way, I'm one of those people who thought Troll 2 was hilarious and entertaining. Basically because the movie is so poorly done and horribly acted. So the title of this documentary is perfectly fitted… "Best Worst Movie". One exception, the store owner in Troll 2 did a great acting job, plus he looked the part. It was the only moment where one may find a hint of eeriness in this movie. It's unfortunate this guy was never cast in another horror movie. There's still time… I can see him fitting well in some minor roles, since he would give the movie an eerie edge.