Digest

This podcast episode delves into the 1986 film "Troll," a movie known for its confusing plot, bizarre characters, and unintentional comedic elements. The hosts begin by referencing the film's unusual use of the name "Harry Potter" despite its release before the book series. They then introduce the film's premise, which involves a family moving into an apartment building in San Francisco and their daughter being possessed by an evil troll. The hosts analyze the film's visual elements, particularly Harry Potter Sr.'s bucket hat, and discuss its potential symbolic meaning. They also explore the film's late exposition dump, which reveals the backstory of the trolls and fairies, and criticize its timing for making the previous hour of the film confusing. The hosts express their frustration with the film's lack of clarity regarding the troll transformations and the film's genre ambiguity, questioning whether it's a children's movie or a horror movie. They also discuss the film's portrayal of social issues, particularly its depiction of ableism. The hosts then transition to a segment called "Second Opinions," where they analyze audience reviews of the film, highlighting the bizarre and often contradictory nature of these reviews. They reveal a behind-the-scenes story about the bucket hat and discuss the film's musical number, "Kanto's Profane." The hosts also analyze the film "Troll 2," debating its genre and acknowledging its confusing plot and lack of clear resolution. They express their desire for a sequel that would expand on the film's mythology and provide more clarity. The hosts conclude by announcing upcoming episodes of their podcast, including a discussion of "Troll 2" and other creature movies, and promoting their live shows. They also encourage listeners to join their Discord server, leave reviews, and support Move On.

Outlines

00:00:00

Analyzing the Confusing World of "Troll"

This episode delves into the 1986 film "Troll," exploring its bizarre plot, questionable characters, and unexpected social commentary. The hosts discuss the film's unusual use of the name "Harry Potter" and introduce the premise of a family encountering a troll who possesses their daughter. They analyze the film's visual elements, particularly Harry Potter Sr.'s bucket hat, and discuss its potential symbolic meaning.

00:08:01

The Mystery of the Troll Transformations

The hosts analyze the film's late exposition dump, which reveals the backstory of the trolls and fairies, and criticize its timing for making the previous hour of the film confusing. They express their frustration with the film's lack of clarity regarding the troll transformations and the film's genre ambiguity, questioning whether it's a children's movie or a horror movie.

00:35:17

Social Commentary and Audience Reactions

The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of social issues, particularly its depiction of ableism. They then transition to a segment called "Second Opinions," where they analyze audience reviews of the film, highlighting the bizarre and often contradictory nature of these reviews.

01:03:43

Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Musical Analysis

The hosts reveal a behind-the-scenes story about the bucket hat and discuss the film's musical number, "Kanto's Profane." They also analyze the film "Troll 2," debating its genre and acknowledging its confusing plot and lack of clear resolution.

01:11:27

The Need for a Sequel and Upcoming Projects

The hosts express their desire for a sequel that would expand on the film's mythology and provide more clarity. They conclude by announcing upcoming episodes of their podcast, including a discussion of "Troll 2" and other creature movies, and promoting their live shows.

01:12:12

Supporting the Podcast and Move On

The hosts encourage listeners to join their Discord server, leave reviews, and support Move On. They also remind listeners to subscribe to their podcast and turn on automatic downloads.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main premise of the film "Troll"?

  A family moves into an apartment building in San Francisco, and their daughter is possessed by an evil troll who wants to reclaim his lost fairy world.

• Why is the recurring use of the name "Harry Potter" in the film so unusual?

  The film was released in 1986, long before the Harry Potter book series was published, making the name's prominence seem like a strange coincidence.

• What is the significance of Harry Potter Sr.'s bucket hat in the film?

  The hat is a visually striking element that stands out from the character's otherwise ordinary wardrobe, suggesting a possible symbolic meaning related to his personality or the film's themes.

• How does the film's late exposition dump affect the audience's understanding of the story?

  The late revelation of the trolls' backstory makes the previous hour of the film confusing and inexplicable, as the audience is left to piece together the events without proper context.

• What are some of the social issues addressed in the film?

  The film's portrayal of ableism, particularly in the characters' reactions to Malcolm, a little person, raises concerns about the film's perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

• What is the film's genre, and how does its ambiguity affect the audience's experience?

  The film blends elements of fantasy, horror, and comedy, making it difficult to categorize into a single genre. This ambiguity contributes to the film's confusing and often contradictory nature.

• What is the genre of "Troll 2"?

  The hosts debate whether "Troll 2" is a horror film, a kids' movie, or a campy comedy. They ultimately conclude that it's a mix of all three, with confusing elements that defy easy categorization.

• What are the hosts' thoughts on the ending of "Troll 2"?

  The hosts find the ending to be confusing and unsatisfying, leaving them with unanswered questions about the fate of the characters and the nature of the troll world.

• What are the hosts' hopes for a sequel to "Troll 2"?

  The hosts hope for a sequel that would expand on the film's mythology and provide more clarity about the events of the first film. They are disappointed that the existing sequel did not meet their expectations.

Show Notes