Cannibal! The Musical Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A musical about a dude who really, *really* needed a snack, so he made some new friends…permanently.

🍿 Cannibal! The Musical: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Trial of Alferd Packer

The film opens with Alferd Packer on trial for the murder and cannibalism of his companions during a mining expedition. He pleads his innocence to a skeptical court and audience. Only a reporter named Polly Pry shows any interest in hearing his side of the story. She believes there may be more to the case than meets the eye.

The Ill-Fated Expedition

Packer recounts his journey, initially hired as a guide for a group of gold prospectors heading to Breckenridge. They encounter various obstacles, including bemused Japanese Indians, unimpressed mountain men, and treacherous winter conditions. Despite the hardships, the group frequently breaks into song, maintaining an absurdly optimistic outlook. The movie embraces grindhouse film elements with a dark, comedic edge.

Descent into Cannibalism

As the expedition becomes increasingly desperate, tensions rise among the members. Starvation and the harsh elements take their toll, leading to infighting and eventually, cannibalism. Packer maintains that he was forced to consume human flesh for survival. The film parodies classic Western and musical tropes, creating a uniquely absurd and gruesome narrative.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alferd Packer (Trey Parker): The hapless mountain guide accused of cannibalism, who recounts his ill-fated expedition in a series of musical flashbacks.
• George Noon (Dian Bachar): A member of Packer’s expedition, known for his optimism and jingling car keys.
• James Humphrey (Matt Stone): A member of the expedition who is forced on the trip by his father.
• Shannon Bell (Ian Hardin): A priest and member of the expedition who succumbs to madness.
• Polly Pry (Toddy Walters): The sympathetic reporter who listens to Alferd Packer’s version of the story.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James Humphrey: “Wait! You’re cutting into his butt!” – Humphrey expresses his disgust at the choice of cuts when the group resorts to cannibalism.
• Frank Miller: “Well, what kind of piece do you want?” – Miller responds sarcastically to Humphrey’s complaint, highlighting the absurdity of their situation.
• James Humphrey: “Well, not butt!” – Humphrey emphasizes his aversion to eating the butt, despite the necessity of cannibalism.
• Alferd Packer: “The sky was a lot more blue…when I was on top of you.” – Lines from the song, ‘When I Was on Top of You’ expresses Packer’s affection for his horse, Liane.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $125,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Cannibal! The Musical Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this expecting something super weird, and it delivered! The songs were unexpectedly catchy – I’ve had ‘Let’s Build a Snowman’ stuck in my head for days. The low budget just adds to the charm, and the whole thing is so ridiculous that it’s hard not to laugh. The part where they meet the Japanese Indians? Comedy gold! I went in expecting gore, but came out with a new favorite weird movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Trey Parker and Matt Stone”
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Fans of B-movies and cult films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate absurd humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Cannibalism”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Troma Films Review: “”Cannibal! The Musical” is a hilariously irreverent take on a dark historical event. Trey Parker’s comedic genius shines through in this low-budget masterpiece. It’s a must-see for fans of the bizarre and the boldly unconventional.
• IndieWire: “Parker’s early work showcases his unique comedic sensibilities. The musical numbers, while absurd, are undeniably catchy. It’s a cult classic for a reason, blending horror and humor in a way that’s both disturbing and hilarious.
• Film Threat: “A gleefully offensive and surprisingly charming indie gem. The low budget adds to the film’s quirky appeal. While not for everyone, “Cannibal!” is a memorable and unique viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

The songs are surprisingly catchy and hilarious.: Viewers love the absurd musical numbers and often find themselves humming them long after the movie ends.

The low-budget charm adds to the film’s unique appeal.: Many appreciate the DIY aesthetic and find it enhances the film’s comedic value.

Overall Consensus: “Cannibal! The Musical” is a cult classic celebrated for its bizarre humor, catchy songs, and low-budget charm. While not for everyone, fans of Trey Parker’s style and Troma films will find it a hilariously unique experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was made for only $125,000, showcasing the resourcefulness of Trey Parker and his college friends.”
• “The film started as a three-minute joke ‘trailer’ shown at Trey Parker’s college, featuring similar scenes and songs found in the final movie.”
• “Trey Parker was kicked out of college for spending too much time working on the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cannibal! The Musical?

Currently, ‘Alferd Packer: The Musical’ (also known as ‘Cannibal! The Musical’) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your preferred streaming service or digital retailer.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cannibal! The Musical, you might like these similar films:

• Ravenous (1999): Shares the theme of cannibalism in a historical setting, but takes a darker, less comedic approach.
• The Book of Mormon (2011): Another musical created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, showcasing their signature humor and musical style.
• Team America: World Police (2004): Features similar crude humor, musical elements, and satirical themes, characteristic of Parker and Stone’s work.
• Cannibal Holocaust (1980): A very controversial exploitation film centered around cannibalism. Significantly more graphic and serious, but a cult classic in its own right within the horror genre.

🛒 Cannibal! The Musical Related Products

• Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray: A limited edition Blu-ray featuring never-before-seen footage, director’s commentary, and behind-the-scenes extras. Perfect for the ultimate Cannibal! The Musical fan.
• “Shpadoinkle” T-Shirt: Show off your love for the movie with this custom-designed t-shirt featuring the iconic “Shpadoinkle” phrase. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Cannibal! The Musical: Sheet Music Collection: Downloadable sheet music for all the iconic songs from the movie. Play along and relive the hilarious moments with friends.
• Cannibal! The Musical: Board Game: Embark on a hilarious and gruesome adventure with the Cannibal! The Musical board game. Navigate the treacherous mountains, avoid the trappers, and try not to get eaten!

🎧 Soundtrack

Cannibal! The Musical features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shpadoinkle” – performed by Trey Parker
• “That’s All I’m Asking For” – performed by Trey Parker
• “When I Was On Top of You” – performed by Trey Parker
• “Let’s Build a Snowman” – performed by Trey Parker

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Trey Parker at college

Ever wondered how Trey Parker got his start? This video shows him in college making ‘Cannibal! The Musical’. It’s amazing to see how his unique style was already developing!

Cannibal! The Musical – You’re Doomed Quote

Need a quick laugh? Check out this classic quote from ‘Cannibal! The Musical’ – ‘They’re doomed!’. It’s short, sweet, and perfectly encapsulates the movie’s dark humor!

✨ Rate