CANNIBAL THE MUSICAL
Troma
1996Ê

review by Beth Kattelman

What do you get when you combine a love story between a boy and his horse with cannibalism, comedy, gore, and very catchy songs? -- Cannibal the Musical, of course! Created by those same crazy guys that bring you South Park each week, Cannibal is a rip-roaring, turn-your-brain-off good time! Cannibal is based upon the true story of Alferd Packer, (yes, it's spelled "Alferd") who holds the dubious distinction of being the only person in the United States ever convicted of cannibalism. In 1874 Packer and five others ventured into the Colorado Rockies on a gold-seeking expedition. Two months later, only Packer was still alive. The others were found at their encampment in the mountains dead and partially eaten. Packer was convicted of murder and cannibalism and sentenced to death. He eventually "beat the rap"--but that's another story.

Trey Parker stars as Alferd Packer, the naive minor who is just a victim of circumstance. He's adorable, impish, and great in the role. Parker has the ability to deliver even the most ludicrous lines with deadpan sincerity and his "takes" to the camera are priceless. Toddy Walters also does a great job as Polly Pry, the reporter who tries to uncover the true story and eventually falls for Packer. She's got a beautiful singing voice and has a great chemistry with Parker. (They actually ended up dating for several years after this film.) The film also features Matt Stone as the goofy James Humphrey and Dian Bachar (who also appears in Parker and Stone's Baseketball) as the perpetually horny George Noon.

This film is filled with inane humor, great cinematography and some surprisingly good special effects, considering that it was made on a miniscule budget. The songs were all written by Trey Parker and they are hilarious. You just can't go wrong with titles like "Shpadoinkle Day," "Let's Build a Snowman," and "Hang the Bastard." They've all got clever lyrics and very catchy tunes. You can't get the *$!@ things out of your head!

In true Troma style, the DVD is loaded with extras. There is behind-the-scenes footage, an interview with Stone, Parker and Jason McHugh, scenes from the stage production (!) of Cannibal, several Troma Studios features and a full-length commentary track--and believe me, this commentary is one of the most outrageous ever recorded. Parker and Stone invited some friends from the film over to help record it. At the beginning of the movie they announce their intention to get drunk--and that's just what they proceed to do! There's even a long silent stretch in the commentary due to some "technical glitch" created by their inebriated state.

So, if you're a fan of wacky, juvenile, somewhat gross humor (think South Park) pick up a copy of this DVD. With it's offbeat subject matter, great songs and loads of extras it's well worth it. Sing along with Cannibal the Musical and you too can have a shpadoinkle day.

FEAR FACTOR: Not scary. Just funny, funny, funny!---

BLOOD & GORE GAUGE: Some gory moments, presented in great slapstick style.---

COOLEST THING ABOUT THE DVD: If you're a real South Park fan, you'll notice some things that you now find in the series.---

TRIVIA TIDBIT: The name of Packer's horse, Lianne, is a reference to Parker's ex-girlfriend who had jilted him a few months prior to the making of this film---

BEST "OW, THAT'S GOTTA HURT" MOMENT: Jaw broken and tongue pulled out---

BEST QUOTE: Fudge, Packer?---

Official Website:
http://www.troma.com

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