Bad Taste Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of Kiwi blokes discover aliens are turning people into intergalactic burgers, so they grab chainsaws and rocket launchers to serve up some justice, with extra gore.

🍿 Bad Taste: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Disappearance of Kaihoro

The New Zealand Astro Investigation and Defence Service (AIDS) sends agents Derek, Frank, Ozzy, and Barry to the small town of Kaihoro, North Island, to investigate the disappearance of its entire population. The team quickly discovers that the town has been overrun by aliens disguised as humans. These aliens are not friendly, leading to immediate and violent confrontations.

Captured and Tortured

After an initial skirmish, Barry kills one of the disguised aliens, which leads to him being attacked by other aliens wielding sledgehammers. Meanwhile, Derek captures an alien named Robert and begins torturing him for information. The torture attracts more aliens to their location, resulting in another intense fight. During this encounter, Derek falls over a cliff, and is presumed dead.

The Charity Collector

A charity bill collector, Giles, unknowingly passes through Kaihoro. He’s attacked by Robert, who has been consuming the brains of the alien killed earlier. Giles manages to escape but seeks help at a nearby house, only to be captured by an alien disguised as a chef. He awakens to find himself about to become the aliens’ next meal, setting the stage for a rescue attempt.

The Alien Plan Revealed

Frank, Ozzy, and Barry infiltrate the aliens’ base, discovering a room filled with bloody cardboard boxes. They learn that the residents of Kaihoro have been harvested to become fast food for an intergalactic chain called ‘Crum’s Country Delights.’ Frank even has to participate in an alien feast, where they consume a bowl of vomit. Disgusted, he manages to escape and inform his team of the aliens’ gruesome plan.

The Final Confrontation

As the team attempts to rescue Giles, a massive gun battle erupts at sunrise. The team, armed with AK-47s and other automatic weapons, face off against the alien horde. Miraculously, Derek reappears, having survived his fall. With his brain exposed and held together by a belt, he unleashes a chainsaw upon the aliens.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Derek (Peter Jackson): A member of the AIDS team and a main protagonist, Derek is a resourceful and determined fighter against the alien invasion, even after suffering a severe head injury.
• Frank (Mike Minett): A member of the AIDS team, Frank is a key player in infiltrating the alien’s hideout and discovering their sinister plan.
• Ozzy (Terry Potter): A member of the AIDS team, Ozzy provides heavy firepower and support in the fight against the aliens.
• Barry (Pete O’Herne): A member of the AIDS team, Barry is involved in the initial investigation and confronts the aliens early on.
• Lord Crumb (Doug Wren): The leader of the aliens, Lord Crumb orchestrates the harvesting of humans for his intergalactic fast-food chain.
• Giles (Craig Smith): A charity worker who stumbles upon the alien plot and becomes a captive, later rescued by the AIDS team.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Derek: “I’m a Derek, Dereks don’t run!” – Derek proclaims this line after falling off a cliff and surviving, solidifying his determined and somewhat insane character.
• Frank: “The old magic is still there.” – Frank says this casually after ripping an alien’s head off with his bare hands and throwing it out a window.

💰Box Office

• Budget: NZ$200,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Bad Taste Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘Bad Taste’ knowing it was gonna be…well, bad. But in the best way possible! The gore is so over-the-top, it’s hilarious. That scene with the vomit? I almost lost it! The sheer absurdity of the plot, combined with the low-budget effects, makes it pure entertainment. It’s like Jackson was just having fun, and it shows. I can’t believe this is the same guy who did ‘Lord of the Rings’ – it is a must-see film!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of splatter comedy”
  • “Those who appreciate low-budget filmmaking”
  • “Peter Jackson enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy cult films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Crude humor”

Professional Reviews

• Schlock Film Society: “A glorious mess of low-budget mayhem, ‘Bad Taste’ showcases Jackson’s early talent for splatter and dark humor. While rough around the edges, the sheer audacity and inventiveness make it a must-see for cult film fans.
• Horror Haven: “Campy, gory, and undeniably bizarre, ‘Bad Taste’ is a splatter-fest that’s not for everyone. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Peter Jackson’s early filmmaking, but the humor can be hit-or-miss, and the low budget is always evident.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top gore is so ridiculous it loops back around to hilarious!: Viewers love the sheer audacity and inventiveness of the low-budget special effects.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic that’s celebrated for its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and Peter Jackson’s early filmmaking ingenuity, it might be too gross and bizarre for some to fully enjoy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Peter Jackson made all the alien latex masks in his mother’s kitchen, using her oven to harden the latex. This led to his family frequently having sausages for dinner.”
• “The film was shot sporadically over four years on weekends, due to budget constraints and the cast and crew having other jobs. This resulted in noticeable continuity errors, such as changing hairstyles and sock colors.”
• “Jackson created his own camera equipment, including a steadicam and crane, to give the film a more professional look despite the low budget.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bad Taste?

As a cult classic, “Bad Taste” may be available to stream on various platforms depending on your region. Check streaming services like Shudder, Tubi, or Screambox which often feature independent horror films. You can also find purchase or rental options on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bad Taste, you might like these similar films:

• Braindead (1992): Another extremely gory and comedic film by Peter Jackson, showcasing his signature blend of horror and slapstick.
• Evil Dead 2 (1987): Shares the over-the-top gore and comedic horror elements, with a protagonist battling supernatural forces in increasingly absurd ways.
• They Live (1988): Aliens are hiding in plain sight, the hero must battle them to save mankind.
• Attack the Block (2011): A modern take on alien invasion with a comedic edge, featuring a group of unlikely heroes defending their territory.

🛒 Bad Taste Related Products

• Bad Taste (Limited Edition Blu-ray): This limited edition Blu-ray features a newly remastered version of the film, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for die-hard fans of Peter Jackson’s early work.
• Bad Taste Alien Mask: Own a piece of the movie with a high-quality replica of one of the iconic alien masks from ‘Bad Taste.’ Perfect for display or cosplay, this mask is sure to turn heads and spark conversations.
• Bad Taste T-Shirt – ‘Dereks Don’t Run!’: Show your love for ‘Bad Taste’ with this hilarious t-shirt featuring Derek’s iconic line. Made from comfortable, high-quality cotton, it’s perfect for everyday wear or as a conversation starter at your next movie night.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bad Taste features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rock Lies” – performed by Madlight

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Peter Jackson Made a Splatter Masterpiece

Ever wonder how Peter Jackson started his career? This video dives into the making of ‘Bad Taste’ and how he pulled off those crazy effects on a shoestring budget. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come!

Bad Taste: The Cult Classic that Led to Lord of the Rings

Before ‘Lord of the Rings’, Peter Jackson was making crazy splatter films! This review of ‘Bad Taste’ is hilarious and insightful, showing how his early work paved the way for his later success. You won’t believe how gory it is!

ALL Peter Jackson Movie Cameos

Did you know Peter Jackson loves to pop up in his own movies? This video shows all his cameos, including a glimpse of him in ‘Bad Taste’. It’s fun to spot him!

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