Like most people, I hate musicals with a passion. That is, all but one. A musical which not only manages to not be annoying, but is also quite hilarious. Dare I say the musical aspect makes that even more true. The songs are actually catchy. Stupid but catchy. But musical or not, this would be our first glimpse of the genius humor of Trey Parker that would not only make him millions in the long run, but make this little student film that started it all, the most beloved Troma movie of the 1990's. Although, this film is in desperate need of a new trailer. Just sayin'.

Cannibal! The Musical is the true story of alleged Colorado cannibal, Alferd Packer. At least his version of the story. Packer, a somewhat dim-witted Utah miner in the 1870s, who is coaxed into leading a gold-mining expedition into Colorado. Not wanting to let down the nice Mormon fellows, Alferd leaves out the fact that he has no Idea where Colorado (or anything) is. And that settles it! Now, an extreme horse-lover, a horse, a grumpy butcher, a chronic-liar, two mormons, and a little gipper pussy would then embark on a comically hopeless journey which could only end with frozen starvation, or cannibalism, with a soundtrack that would become legendary within the Troma universe.

Each character is hilarious in his own way, especially Dian Bachar, as the eager little virgin gipper who is convinced this trip will somehow earn him some sweet poon. The ridiculously positive Mormon is also a riot! So many hilarious one-liners. They just keep coming. Regardless of how low budget or unpolished a film is, one this funny and witty cannot be ignored. And many of the jokes would years later be recycled into South Park. Little things about this movie, I find funny. Like the fact that very few of the characters attempt to act like they're in living in the 1800s. In many ways, this one of those "so bad, it's good" type films.



When watching Cannibal! The Musical for the first time, I didn't realize exactly how true of a story this is. Minus a few obvious jokes (Chinamen portraying Native Americans), and of course the songs (I sssume), and this is one helluvan accurate portrayal of the story. Originally titled Alferd Packer The Musical, the title was changed by Troma mainly because such a title would only mean something to those who live in the area in which it all happened. That, and the fact that Cannibal! The Musical is a sweet fuckin' title!

Watching this trash epic, and another Parker film, Orgazmo, really makes me want him to ditch South Park, and start making movies again. Movies which don't include animation or puppets. Of the hundreds upon hundreds of Troma movies out there, there are quite a few good ones. But only a select few that are Must see. And as you could guess, this here is damn sure one of them. And the fact that this film can only be found within the Troma catalogue, pretty much ensures that regardless of whatever future success he stumbles upon. Cannibal! The Musical will forever remain Trey Parker's best kept secret. 9/10