Taking inspiration from a real-life story, jack-of-all-trades Trey Parker made a pretty engrossing movie here, a combination of black comedy and musical, all set in an imposing wintry atmosphere. Parker plays Alferd Packer, recruited to be the guide for a group of potential gold prospectors. They ultimately get lost, and when things are at their worst, they must contemplate the macabre possibility of cannibalism. This is all related, in flashback, by Packer while he is on trial for the murder of his traveling companions.
Starring in this, writing and directing it, and coming up with the catchy songs mostly by himself, Parker proved to be a real talent to watch. His future 'South Park' compatriot Matt Stone co-stars, as the nerdy James Humphrey, and made uncredited contributions to the screenplay. Interestingly, this cult favorite isn't JUST a succession of gags, and actually doesn't feature THAT much gore. Instead, Parker actually concentrates on telling a story, albeit one with an irreverent tone about it. Some of the lines are pretty funny, and the tunes are very easy to listen to, especially "Shpadoinkle" and "That's All I'm Asking For". "Let's Build a Snowman" comes out of nowhere, and is downright hysterical.
Funny touches abound: a judge building a house of cards while the prosecutor makes his case, a one-eyed Confederate giant, a horse who "will let anybody ride her" (named after Parkers' fiancee who had cheated on him), and a wacky tribe of "Indians" who teach Packer some all-important moves. This has even got a horror film-type antagonist whose virtual indestructibility is milked right up to the final freeze frame. The whole cast is great: Dian Bachar as the sex-crazed George Noon, Jason McHugh as the argumentative Frank Miller, Masao Maki as the "Indian" chief, etc.
This enjoyably warped film creates some pretty good vibes, all the way to the end.
Seven out of 10.
Starring in this, writing and directing it, and coming up with the catchy songs mostly by himself, Parker proved to be a real talent to watch. His future 'South Park' compatriot Matt Stone co-stars, as the nerdy James Humphrey, and made uncredited contributions to the screenplay. Interestingly, this cult favorite isn't JUST a succession of gags, and actually doesn't feature THAT much gore. Instead, Parker actually concentrates on telling a story, albeit one with an irreverent tone about it. Some of the lines are pretty funny, and the tunes are very easy to listen to, especially "Shpadoinkle" and "That's All I'm Asking For". "Let's Build a Snowman" comes out of nowhere, and is downright hysterical.
Funny touches abound: a judge building a house of cards while the prosecutor makes his case, a one-eyed Confederate giant, a horse who "will let anybody ride her" (named after Parkers' fiancee who had cheated on him), and a wacky tribe of "Indians" who teach Packer some all-important moves. This has even got a horror film-type antagonist whose virtual indestructibility is milked right up to the final freeze frame. The whole cast is great: Dian Bachar as the sex-crazed George Noon, Jason McHugh as the argumentative Frank Miller, Masao Maki as the "Indian" chief, etc.
This enjoyably warped film creates some pretty good vibes, all the way to the end.
Seven out of 10.