By Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com
‘Best Worst Movie’
Directed by Michael Stephenson
Unrated, 93 minutes
“Troll 2” is considered one of the worst films of all time. It has nothing to do with the original “Troll” film, as the plot involves vegetarian goblins that turn people into plants so they can eat them. “Best Worst Movie” is a documentary — directed by Michael Stephenson who played Joshua, the boy trying to stop the goblins — that follows the cult phenomenon that has grown around “Troll 2.” We follow George Hardy, a dentist who on a whim auditions for the film, as he interacts with the crowds at sold-out screenings. As the film progresses, cast members become amazed at their cult status including Italian director Claudio Fragasso, who at first is honored by the praise but turns bitter after realizing the fans love it as a crappy film. “Best Movie Ever” is an engaging and extremely entertaining look an awful film; just remember, “You can’t piss on hospitality.” CV
‘American Movie’
Directed by Chris Smith
1999, Rated R, 107 minutes
“American Movie” follows the trials and tribulations of Mark Borchardt, a filmmaker who still lives with his parents. He plans on finishing his latest horror film “Coven,” with hopes it’ll become a success. The entire film is a struggle for Mark, from finding suitable actors, to filming locations, to financing. But even as the debt piles up, Mark only cares about making movies. We meet a number of interesting people, but the most intriguing are his uncle Bill, an elderly man who Mark talks into financing his disastrous projects and his best friend Mike, a burnout who can barely speak coherent sentences (although he does provide the instrumental score to the film). “American Movie” will make you laugh at and feel pity for Mark and his ragtag cast and crew, but the guy has plenty of passion and heart, which is exactly why this film works. CV
