Simply amazing!! Trey Parker's first attempt at a film would turn out to be one of the most hilarious "non-Kaufman's" Troma has to offer, and quite possibly the funniest film of all time. Not too bad for a first-time director. Now days, everyone pretty much realizes Trey Parker is a genius, and with the massive, never-ending success of South Park, you'd think Cannibal: The Muisical would have, at some point, ended up on television. but I guess there's just something about the word "Troma" that just, I don't know, repels people. Or at least the people who decide what gets played on TV. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool that Troma has the rights to this masterpiece.From what I've seen on The History Channel, The story portrayed in this outlandish musical is a whole lot more authentic than one would think. The musical aspect is practically the only thing about this movie that isn't true, and I'm not even completely sure about that. Cannibal: The Musical is about Alfred Packer, a Utah miner, who is coaxed into leading a gold-mining expedition into Colorado. Not wanting to let down the nice mormon fellows, Alfred leaves out the fact that he has no Idea where Colorado is. Now, an extreme horse-lover, a butcher, a chronic-liar, two mormons, and an eager little gipper 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, as well as any real fan of South Park. Each character is hilarious in his own way, especially Dian Bachar, as the little virgin gipper. That guy is probably funnier than he will ever know. And the one mormon who's always in a good mood, makes the Cannibal: The Musical experience all the more shpadoinkle.It doesn't take long to notice the similarities between Cannibal: the Musical and South Park. In fact, it's the same humor, only, This is better than any single episode of South Park, and that's a fact (my opinion). Trey Parker really makes one wish he had more on-screen roles than this, BASEketball, and Orgazmo. Parker's performance as Alfred Packer is simply priceless, this guy has superb comic timing, and clearly knows what's funny. Native Americans portrayed by Japanese guys being just one example. Someday, hopefully in my lifetime, South Park can wrap up, then maybe Trey Parker will put more time into directing and/or acting. As far as ridiculous B-Horror-comedy/musicals go, Cannibal The Musical beats the hell out of Poultrygeist in every way, without trying nearly as hard. As far as the Troma catalogue goes, there's only a select few that absolutely must be seen by anyone who considers themself any kind of a Troma fan. And this one just might be the king of that mountain. This review was written by someone who hates musicals. 10/10

This film was a college project by Trey Parker before he catapulted to fame for co-creating SOUTH PARK. Despite having a very low budget and some amateurish touches here and there, the film is amazingly funny and well made--so much so that it's really hard to imagine that a film student starred, directed, wrote and created the songs for this ultra-bizarre musical. Even if you think the film is just a sick joke, you've got to respect the ability of Parker to make this film with very little experience behind him.As for me, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The songs were terrific, with lyrics that were just great and very, very catchy. Plus there were very liberal doses of humor throughout the film. Sadly, the more horrific and disgusting the humor, the more I seemed to enjoy myself. I particularly liked the one party member who wouldn't die, the important message to parents AFTER the film was already over and the fact that all the Indians were Japanese and spoke Japanese! I also am happy that I read through all the trivia BEFORE seeing the film so I knew to look out for odd little "Easter eggs"--such as the times that aliens popped briefly into the film in a way that many wouldn't even notice! Terribly clever, funny and cute--this has "cult film" written all over it. Interestingly, there is a play version of this film, though it has played mostly in smaller venues. It surely has "Broadway" written all over it and it's better than many of the popular shows there now! Maybe, just maybe, it will one day play there.By the way, since this is a Trey Parker film AND because it's about the joys of cannibalism, this is NOT a film for the kids (duh). Watch this one when the kids are asleep or at a sleepover--and don't let them know you watch funny crap like this!!! If you liked this sick film, try also watching the play "Batboy". It has a very similar style and sensibilities and is probably NOT a film for normal (a.k.a. "dull") people.

Gore, comedy, music, what more could some one ask for? Although this title from one of the South Park creators is more than a little low budget, it is still a good movie. Not meaning that it gives some great insight into Alfred Packer, but that it gives just what it promises, cannibalism and musicals. If you are not accustomed to the humor of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, then this movie may be lost on you, but if you like cheap laughs, then look no further.The trailer for the movie was made before the movie to try and get money for the actual feature. Luckily it was picked up by Troma (makers of the ever popular Toxic Avenger), and the end result is the first feature length movie from Trey Parker. I found the music to be just what I thought it would be, raunchy and unforgettable. The gore is exactly what I expected from a Troma movie, and I'm glad that this movie was shared with me so that I could share it with everyone that I know.

Saw this film while it was making the college circuit in 1999 on 35mm. I was a working with the University of Iowa's Bijou Theater (a premier venue for independent and art house style theater) when this film came in. Cannibal! The Musical is an ingenious effort for Trey Parker and the rest of his cast and crew. Parker leads the way from Provo, UT to Breckenridge, CO which provides the perfect journey for his motley cast to find out who they truly are. This film works on a number of different levels. First it is a send-up of the musical play and film, Oklahoma!, and with it, the entire Western genre. This, combined with a truly morbid plot line makes wonderful juxtaposition. Combine this with a self-assured independent film making style and some of the best and quirky one-liners and sight-gags and you have yourself a work of art.The film opens with a most bloody and comical rendition of 'how it happened' as told by the prosecuting attorney in Mr. Packer's trial. If you can't make it through the opening, you won't enjoy this film. The sequence is self-consciously over-the-top, and it gets better on the second viewing, since you will remember each lovable character. What I appreciate most about this film though, is the way in which the actors are truly encouraged to 'be themselves.' Each character is both a caricature of Western genre archetype intertwined with their modern counterpart, an actor or actress who has dreams and ambitions which may or may not be too far removed from those of the part they are playing. This dichotomy charges each actor as they can shift between the cardboard cut-out and the flesh and blood person that they are. In the end, Cannibal! The Musical, is a story of survival with a good moral lessons which must be delivered with proper doses of; dooming prophets, Nihonjin Indians, cyclops ranchers, villainous trappers, bar fights, public hangings, raging rivers, impenetrable mountains and a most deadly cold winter. Cannibal! The Musical should be seen by anyone interested in the film making business. Created by amateurs, it set the watermark mighty high for up and coming writers, directors, producers, and actors. So what are you waiting for, go order the film on Netflix, buy it at Walmart, or better yet, go get it from your local independent video store... (like Hut Video, or That's Rentertainment if you're in Iowa City).. and sit back and reclaim the little known history of these extraordinary Coloradinians and Americans.