When is a film so bad it’s good? Many notoriously terrible films have even gained cult followings and loyal fans. This year Keele Media and Film staff and students will be exploring the world of bad films as part of a season of questionable cinema.
We are kicking off with Troll 2 (1990), a horror film so bad it was the subject of the 2009 documentary Best Worst Movie. Despite the title, the film is neither a sequel nor is it about trolls.
The film has received academic attention in a 2013 article by Whitney Phillips where she explains that ‘in addition to being extraordinarily bad, the film has also proven to be extraordinarily beloved, as evidenced by nationwide Troll 2 parties, sold-out midnight theater screenings, and extravagant fan art… One fan remarks almost reverently that it is “perfectly bad,” another notes that the film is a “glorious failure”.
We are looking forward to exploring the world of ‘perfectly bad’ films further with students this year. The first screening takes place on Tuesday 1st November in MB0.16. Each screening will be accompanied by a short introduction and discussion, and of course popcorn will be provided!