Well before meeting and working with Charles Band, special effects designer John Carl Buechler got his start with Roger Corman. He’s worked on the special and makeup effects for Corman on films like Forbidden World, Sorceress, Love Letters, and Deathstalker. While working on 1982’s Android, Buechler presented Corman a treatment for a film about an evil troll running amok. Corman passed on the idea, so Buechler held onto it for years until he started working for Band years later. Buechler presented the treatment to Band, saying he wanted to direct, and Band agreed to finance the project. However, Buechler found himself busy working on the effects for other Band productions, including Trancers, From Beyond, and Ghoulies. As such, he handed off scriptwriting duties to journalist/screenwriter Ed Naha, who coincidentally had also worked with Corman. Finally, after so many years, Buechler got to direct the 1986 fantasy horror film Troll.
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Synopsis
The Potter family has recently moved into their new San Francisco apartment, and things seem normal at first. While exploring the building, young Wendy (Jenny Beck) is attacked by an evil troll wielding a magic ring. The troll, known as Torok (Phil Fondacaro), uses the ring to disguise himself as Wendy and blend in. While parents Harry Sr. (Michael Moriarty) and Anne (Shelley Hack) are duped, Harry Jr. (Noah Hathaway) is suspicious. Soon, Torok sets his plan in motion, using his ring to turn the tenants into pods that sprout various creatures. Harry Jr. seeks advice from neighbor Eunice St. Clair (June Lockhart), who reveals she’s a witch who fought Torok. Eventually, Torok’s influence starts turning the apartment into a fantasy world that threatens to consume humanity and take control. Harry Jr. must venture into the fantasy world, save his sister, and stop Torok before it’s too late.
Review
Much like the titular character, Troll is an odd little thing, yet that’s what makes it so interesting. For one, this has one of the most eclectic casts you could ever imagine, especially for the relatively low budget. There’s The NeverEnding Story‘s Noah Hathaway, classic actress June Lockhart, character actor Michael Moriarty, Sonny Bono, and even Julia Louis-Dreyfus! Indeed, years before she appeared in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus was turned into a forest nymph. In fairness, everyone in the cast does do a great job, particularly Hathaway, Lockhart, and Phil Fondacaro in dual roles. He plays the titular Torok, as well as a human character named Malcolm Mallory, an English teacher suffering from leukemia. To his credit, Fondacora does an amazing job showing a real depth you wouldn’t expect in this kind of movie. Plus, it must’ve been tough working in that troll costume.
For a first-time director, Buechler does a surprisingly good job behind the camera, thanks in part to cinematographer Romano Albani. Once Torok’s influence starts spreading, there’s tons of fog and moody lighting that creates a creepy and foreboding atmosphere. The creature effects are also top-notch, Torok’s design, in particular, is a highlight, and there’s some stop motion animation. I’d say my only problem is that Troll doesn’t seem to know what audience it’s made for. It’s too dark for kids, but it’s also too ridiculous for adults, so the somewhat inconsistent tone makes it confusing. Still, the weird tone, the out there creatures, and the eclectic cast makes this stand out all the more. It may not appeal to everyone, but it’s such a weird oddity that it’s worth discovering, preferably with drinks. Overall, Troll is an enjoyably strange film with plenty of charm to be found.
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