Hooptober XII: 6/32

“Goopy Gore Gags Galore!”

I didn’t think an Academy Award winning Best Director would be turning up on my Hooptober list, and with that acclaim, one might think we were in for one of the more artistically merited entries to the horror genre. Nope. Instead we get the warm comfort of a silly 80’s splatter comedy, with a meandering plot and absurd premise. For those who weren’t aware, Peter Jackson’s early works -this one being his debut- register some of the splat-stick subgenre’s more over the top movie moments, and in Bad Taste, the future industry shaker basically shows his youthful admiration for special effects pioneer Tom Savini for 90 mins. And that’s not a bad thing for an SFX nerd. 

Acting wise, things definitely fit within the low budget, effects first approach, and it actually lends a decent touch. I wouldn’t say character development is exactly Bad Taste’s prime objective, but at least Peter Jackson’s brain leaking portrayal of Derek gives us a welcome, and unexpected hero’s moment. If pressed to pick one adjective to describe the cast’s chemistry, I would say… fun. 

Bad Taste’s score and music is as bonkers as its premise, acting and effects as well. Definitely a worthy entry for fans of practical effects, and horror history nerds, and one I’m happy to check off the watchlist. 
🧠🩸🔫👽🛸💥