Best Worst Movie
Dir: Michael Stephenson
2009
***
Michael Stephenson woke one morning and realised that he was the child star of what is without a doubt, the worst film ever made. There is something quite cool about that and it made him happy and it gave him an idea. In his Best Worst Movie, we discover that there are many people out there that actually love and embrace Troll 2 and think of it as a work of art. These people are relatively normal too, although their enthusiasm is a little nauseating and I'd hate to be stuck in an elevator with any of them. Stephenson visits each one of his former co-stars and sees what they're up to now and tries to coax them all to join him in several Q&A screenings of the film. This proves successful when he visits his screen dad turned dentist, George Hardy. It's fair to say Hardy steals the show as he, like many of the viewers, don't know what all the fuss is about but is happy to be part of it. Hardy wanted to be an actor but went into dentistry as a safe option. He accompanies Stephenson on his Q&A sessions and screenings and is blown away by the popularity of the film and it's now cult status. He also helps Stephenson recruit former co-stars to join them which leads to one of the most uncomfortable scenes I've ever witnessed as they visit Stephenson's former screen Mum and Hardy's screen Wife, Margo Prey. While visiting Prey they coax her into re-enacting several scenes, all is good until it becomes clear that she has had certain mental health issues since 1989. As an attendee to many sci-fi and film conventions, it was interesting to see the actor's reaction upon entering the circuit. Momentum is lost somewhat when absolutely no one is interested in their autographs or merchandise. Settling what I've always said about the film; It's not the Best Worst Movie, it is just the worst movie that a very select few enjoy. It's a very likable documentary though, a masterpiece compared to Troll 2 anyway.