Cannibal! The Musical (1993) User Reviews (148)

Absolutely brilliant, though many will not think so.

[jaysilentbob37 · 8/10 · 24 August 2006]

Yes, I have to say it, I am a South Park fan. I watch the show religiously, and that is the reason why I watched this brilliantly entertaining film. That's probably the only reason anyone ever watches it. This film is one that you either love or hate, and I can't imagine anything in between. It's wildly uneven, poorly paced, poorly acted, and has rather bad sound quality at times. And I love it for all those reasons. It's simply a student project that Trey Parker and his buddies put together over one spring break, and with such a small budget, and limited film-making skills, they created something brilliant, and inspirational.

Alfred Packer (Trey Parker) is a lonely miner who seems to be in love with his horse, Leanne, and has recently been put on trial for murdering his mining crew and eating them. He tells the real story to a reporter named Polly, and it goes like this. One shpadoinkle morning, he is chosen as a replacement guide for a gold mining expedition to Colorado, though he doesn't exactly know the way. With his five crew members, he sets off on the journey. Of course, when his horse runs away, he ends up leading his crew on an agonizing search in the wrong direction, which leads them into the cold, snowy mountains, becoming hopelessly lost. As they fight to survive, they soon realize that they may need to resort to eating each other...

This movie is a hysterical comedy with many big laughs, but I personally think it works better as a musical. A real challenge with this movie is to see it, and then try and get the songs out of your head. The music is so catchy, and if the film was really popular, I wouldn't have to constantly explain to the people around me what I'm whistling/humming. Sometimes, I leave my iPod playlist of the movie's songs running all night as I sleep, as they provide me comfort. Most people won't love the music that much, but you can't say the music isn't wonderfully catchy. "Shpadoinkle Day," That's All I'm Asking For," and Let's Build A Snowman" are my favorites, though I love them all. The first former and the latter would be considered classics if the film had a wide release.

Now, the main problem with the film that most people have is the pacing, which is extremely slow. The thing is, is that Trey Parker had little knowledge of making a film, and with a tiny budget, the film is of poor quality. The acting, sound, and agreeably the pacing, are all bad. But the film's bad quality is one of it's charms. Much of the humor is unintentional, due to some of the funniest, and most obvious errors ever put on film. They are easy to spot if you pay attention, and don't let the pacing get you down. By the way, if you don't like it the first time, try it again with the hilarious, and helpful directors commentary on the DVD in which Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and the rest of the main cast get drunk and watch the film. They point out many things that you probably couldn't care less about the first time, and their insight makes it really funny (not to mention, it helps the pace quite a bit

Cannibal! The Musical is one of my favorite comedies, and everyone should give it a try. It gets an 8/10 in my book.

It is rated R for Comic Gore/Violence and some Language. Sex: 3/10 Violence: 9/10 Swearing: 6/10 Drugs: 1/10

Possibly the strangest comedy (or musical) ever made

[Quinoa1984 · 8/10 · 22 February 2001]

While my statement could be provided because it is a comedy about a cannibal, I think the film is as strange as it is because it's a comedy/musical about a cannibal. I bet that if the South Park movie didn't have songs it wouldn't make much of a difference of it's greatness (despite them being classics), but in Cannibal, the songs make this film even funnier and turn it from being a lame film about a cannibal into a surprisingly funny if really dumb comedy.

Anyway, Trey Parker's first feature film is presented here and while Matt Stone isn't writing he is a co-producer along with Parker. The film focuses on the only cannibal convicted in America named Alfred Packer. It could've become an equally boring and gruesome film about the scarcely known guy, but it is actually lame for the right reasons by having songs at exactly the wrong time (where else are you going to see frontiersmen sing about dead animals and then argue about being in the wrong key). Not the greatest musical or comedy for that matter, however it is a keen, if ludicrous, freshman effort by the guys who would later go on to make a masterpiece with the South Park show and movie.

Brilliant and hilarious `musical'

[HPeep · 10/10 · 6 March 2003]

Cannibal! The Musical is now a small cult classic thanks to DVD. It deserves more because this is simply a great movie, with songs that will leave you laughing for days and some great pop-culture references. Oh yeah, and Japanese Indians. And Confederate solider Cyclopses.

I actually read about the real Alfred Packer on the internet and believe it or not, the movie stays true to what happened. Scary, huh?

Historical background aside, the one-liners and musical numbers (`Let's Build a Snowman' is unbelievably funny) are a good reason to get this movie. If you have a DVD player, get the DVD and listen to the cast/crew's drunk commentary. It's not very informative but it sure is fun. Grade: A.

Rated R for graphic comic violence/gore and strong language. Suggested for ages 14 and up.

Parker and Stones classic

[Zombie79 · 10 December 1999]

Though i count myself a fan of South Park ive never felt that the unique humour of the shows creators has come through in films such as Orgazmo or BASEketball.Here in their first incarnation as filmmakers and purveyors of Monty Python inspired madness,can you see SP's roots."Alferd Packer"or "Cannibal"is a little gem of low/high brow wit mixed with the kind of idiotic banter that makes Cartman so popular.And the songs!to quote :"lets build a snowman/we can make him our best friend" or the Micheal Boltonesque ode to a horse that includes the lines "the sky was a lot more blue/when i was on top of you".Trey Parkers grasp of the essentially idiotic nature of musicals and such will have you hailing him as a Genius even if you hate SP (and some do)and i rate this as a must see.

Showcase for Trey Parker's talents

[Superunknovvn · 7/10 · 11 July 2006]

"Alferd Packer: The Musical" is an early showcase for Trey Parker's various talents: acting, writing, directing, composing and singing. The man is virtually doing it all by himself and with low to no budget. As a movie made by a film student "Alferd Packer: The Musical" (or "Cannibal: The Musical" as the movie is commonly known) is breathtaking and it's almost scary that if it hadn't been for the Christmas Card incident nobody would have recognized Parker and his movie.

From today's point of view, however, "Cannibal: The Musical" isn't among the funniest things Parker and Stone (who's in the movie, too, but wasn't involved as much as in later projects) have ever done. Much like "Orgazmo" and "BASEketball" the two comedy greats can't really convince in real life movies. The jokes are kinda slow and strewn in between and the whole thing just isn't as funny as "South Park" or "Team America".

Still, one must not forget when this movie was made and how. For a student movie this is a great, no, gigantic achievement. The songs are every bit as hilarious as latter day material by Parker and - I'll say it again - they showcase some serious talent for writing melodies. So, yes, "Cannibal: The Musical", this strange mixture of Comedy, Musical, Western and Horror (just a wee bit) can be recommended to every fan of Parker and Stone.

"My father was an elephant, but that's irrelevant..."

[ifionlyhadabrain_25_2000 · 10/10 · 15 January 2005]

This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Maybe I was just in the right mood to watch it, but I found it's casual randomness and altogether ridiculous feel to be more than funny. I do agree that the sets were cheesy, as well as the effects. But it was truly the Shpdoinkle movie of the year. More than once did I burst out with hysterical laughter. I would deem it better than basketball and Orgasmo, and equally the hilarity of Bigger, Longer and Uncut. Love this movie. "That's all I'm asking for!"

Needless to say, after watching it and writing this comment, I am going to go build a snowman...

Quite possibly the best film Troma has ever had

[Agent10 · 6/10 · 16 April 2003]

Cannibal: The Musical is certainly better than most of the tripe that Troma puts onto film, but at least its funny in an unusual way. Light and often times funny, this epic of musicals certainly ranks up there with the recent fare that has been released, like Chicago and Moulin Rouge! While this may not be a well- made movie, at least it doesn't try to take itself seriously. I say bravo to the South Park guys.

Better than all hopes imagined...

[MrNefarious · 10/10 · 4 March 2003]

This is not just a film shot over spring break by a bunch of film students... Well, maybe that did happen , but it was a work of art like no other. It's the best musical I have and probably ever will see. The songs are extremely catchy and stick in your head for days of enjoyment. It is also great because deep down this is a real story about real happenings and a real person. Of course we are not made to believe that everything in history transpired the way it did on the film. However, I think they did it justice. I watched a T.V. documentary on Alfred Packer and Cannibal was much more entertaining. A must see. A must own. An easy 10 !

Interesting postscript

[BadWebDiver · 7/10 · 17 May 2004]

I'd like to quote from "The Return of Heroic Failures" by Stephen Pile, published in 1988 by Penguin Books.

(Quote)THE LEAST SUCCESSFUL MEMORIAL

The building of a new staff canteen in 1977 gave the US Department of Agriculture the opportunity to commemorate a famous nineteenth-century Colorado pioneer.

Amidst a blaze of enthusiastic publicity the Agricultural Secretary, Robert Bergland, opened 'The Alfred Packer Memorial Dining Facility' with the words: "Alfred Packer exemplifies the spirit and fare that this Agriculture Department cafeteria will provide."

Several months later the cafeteria was renamed when it was discovered that Packer had been convicted of murdering and eating five prospectors in 1874. (End quote.)

How's that for an ironic twist to the story?!!! Fits right into the Troma/South Park spirit!

Not a full meal.

[marcslope · 5/10 · 11 December 2000]

The comedy here is the comedy of incongruity: 1) Slacker types in 1870s Colorado going through dude-where's-my-horse locutions, 2) characters bursting into song at inopportune moments (like right after they've buried a hatchet in somebody's face), and 3) over-the-top gore coexisting with "Oklahoma!"-type musical cliches, right down to the Agnes de Mille-style dream ballet. One admires such ambition, especially on so small a budget. And one senses that Parker, who seems here to be doing a warm-up for his "South Park" feature, has a love-hate relationship with musicals. He knows the form is innately ridiculous, but he loves the freedom of expression and openness of emotion it permits. A fun idea for a movie; if only it were funnier. Once the novelty of a cannibal musical wears off, it's pretty thin stuff. Parker is an affable leading man, and there's one appealing lament to a lost horse, "When I Was On Top of You."

Refreshing as a cup of grape juice

[mkw-5 · 8/10 · 5 February 2006]

This film shows that if you have energy, love and the want to do something, it can become something great. Even with only a little money. This feels as much like a Troma movie as it is a Trey Parker movie. Anyway, I would assume Parker has watched Troma movies, who wouldn't? What would be better to, say, a child growing up? And of course to us "adults" also. OK, the film is really hilarious. Acting, cutting, photography, script, MUSIC!, everything. It's perfect. There isn't many boring moments in this film. Parker's Packer is a quite funny character, just as every other character here also. I'm not very enthusiastic of Parker's other work, not that I would hate them either, they just don't mean nothing to me. But here he does good job, and has his film distributed by one of the world's greatest production companies.

For stupid humour, I definitely recommend!

[IdleHands · 7/10 · 28 January 2001]

The movie (from what I've pieced together, little help from the movie) is about man by the name of Alferd Packer. Alferd was head of a mining expedition, who apparently was forced to turn to cannibalism after things for him and his group didn't go exactly to plan. Becoming one of the few people in America to be convicted of cannibalism-before 1950 onwards anyway.

The movie is cheap, in production values, and laughs. But that is why it is so funny. It's just a really stupid movie. Typical "so stupid, you have to laugh" situations are what the 90 minute + movie is all about.

It doesn't say much for me that some of the songs have actually stuck in my head. Or, that I have watched it everyday for the last 3. But it must say something about the movie. Trey Parker (best known for South Park) managed to make a low budget film that easily stands up against multi-million dollar comedies that have good acting but tired plots. This offers bad acting, bad singing, the goofiest songs you'll ever hear, you'll learn some history and see plenty of America.

If you're tired of big Hollywood productions or remake and sequel after remake and sequel and the same old thing, try this. It's goofy. It's dumb. It's something you and a group of friends could probably make yourselves on the weekend. But it did make me laugh, and 3 days in a row. For that I must recommend.

7/10

pants!

[thurman_merman · 1/10 · 16 May 1999]

Just because Trey Parker has made a s*#tload of money with 'Southpark' it seems that someone thinks it appropriate to re-release crap like this. It's not funny, and it's almost unwatchable. Made on a budget of about 5 pence, it has absoloutely no redeeming features apart from that fact that it does eventually end. Don't get me wrong, 'southpark's' a great program. it's just that this is a couple of guys in the desert with a videocamera making a movie for their friends, that just happened to get distribution and 'cult' status.

The perfect independent film!

[jellyneckr · 2 April 2004]

I didn't expect for ALFERD PACKER: THE MUSICAL to be that good since Troma movies are usually pretty bad. Boy, was I wrong. The movie was way better than the anything I had seen in a while. Featuring some of the most outrageous, crude, and funniest scenes in history, ALFERD PACKER: THE MUSICAL is the perfect independent film.

Made in 1993 by Trey Parker while he was still in college, the movie tells the story of Alferd Packer, Colorado's only convicted cannibal. Packer is played brilliantly by Trey Parker in what is his funniest performance to date. The guy is a genius. From ALFERD PACKER: THE MUSICAL to ORGAZMO to SOUTH PARK: BIGGER LONGER & UNCUT, Parker has proved to be one of America's most underrated comedy directors.

10/10

When I say it's a shpadoinkle day......

[jaked_on_green_beers · 10/10 · 21 January 2006]

"Cannibal! The Musical" is a perfect example as to why Trey Parker is one of the most talented comedy writers of our time. Made in 1993, whilst still in college, Trey wrote this movie based upon the true story of Alfred Packer - or at least, this is what Packer said happened (minus the songs.....maybe). Working with longtime producing partner Matt Stone, the movie was made with a bunch of college friends and professors for a next-to-nothing budget. Ironically, despite casting his professors, Trey was kicked out of college for spending too much time on the movie.

But this movie was well worth the honored title of "College Drop-out". The laughs are thick and fast and the songs are pure Parker - funny, catchy and damn right genius. Although the movie can slow down in some parts, the jokes and songs quickly let you forget that. "Cannibal!" is a prime example of what every college movie should be, but never is. But if you truly wish to enjoy this film, buy the DVD, watch it with Director's Commentary and get drunk along with Trey, Matt, Dean and the rest of the cast.

"The sky was a lot more blue...when I was on top of you...." Need I say more?

This movie is not for everyone

[jrmayer-1 · 7/10 · 16 March 2007]

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.

The acting is awful, the effects are cheap, but damn its a great movie!!

[the12inchwonder · 8/10 · 6 February 2004]

When I first heard of this movie and I heard that it was by Trey Parker and Matt Stone I knew that I was going to be impressed and I was. Not by the acting but by the hilarious story and characters. The songs are really funny cause they just take the p*ss, the trapper's song is the best one. Perhaps the funniest moment in the movie is when one of the really happy and optimistic characters builds a snowman and then this bloke just walks up to it and completely destroys it while the happy man just stands there. It might not sound funny, but its just the way its done that cracked me up.

If you are a fan of South Park or anything that Trey Parker and Matt Stone have done, I definitely recommend this one since it is the same kind of humour.

Bizarre, but worth a watch.

[GuyCC · 7/10 · 7 August 1999]

In the first five moments of the movie, Alferd Packer (Trey Parker) gruesomely murders his entire party of fellow miners. After this disturbingly gory scene, the movie shifts over to an "Oklahoma-style" sort of musical based on real-life cannibal Alferd Packer.

This movie is definitely one of the stranger things I've seen in quite a while. Trey Parker depicts Packer as an innocent victim of circumstance who only performed those heinous acts out of survival. Packer in the movie is a likable, slow-witted guy who loves his horse more than anything else in the world.

This is typical Parker/Stone fare. Once again, the guys are so offbeat with everything they do that you can't help but laugh at the blatant absurdity on-screen. The comedic timing is right, and although the lyrics are silly, the songs are quite good (I've been really surprised to find that Trey Parker's singing voice is not only competent, but very good). The dancing for these songs is hilarious, looking like something out of a bad high school musical.

Packer's companions are just as entertaining. Matt Stone (Humprey) and Dian Bachar (Noon) are fun characters, but the eternally-happy Swan (Jon Hegel) steals the show. The "Snowman" song is one of the funniest things I've heard and is an irritatingly catchy song.

Cannibal!: The Musical is not for everyone. The first five minutes may scare away the squeamish, but the gore levels lessen and the focus shifts to some really clever moments with dialogue and physical comedy.

Recommended to those who like Monty Python style humor, musicals with far-fetched lyrics, and people who realize that Trey Parker and Matt Stone can actually do other things besides South Park.

Parker's Best

[Tarantino_Film_Freak · 10/10 · 30 October 1998]

I loved this film! I love Parker and Stone, they have done hysterical work. I love "The Spirit of Christmas" and the Southpark TV show. I have yet to see "Baseketball" and "Orgazmo", but they are definitely on my must see list. I'm going to rent "Baseketball" as soon as possible. And I'm going to try to catch Orgazmo as soon as it comes to rentals. Anyways this film was one of the funniest I've ever seen. The cast was really well done and the music was hysterical. I can't wait for the Southpark movie!

A Schpedoinkal film!

[pearljamie · 6/10 · 13 June 2000]

Watching "Cannibal! The Musical" is sort of like watching a car wreck that you can't take your eyes off. Fortunately I'm one of those people who appreciates the "cheese factor" in all things and I don't need to take a movie seriously to enjoy it. If you're like me, you'll like this movie. If you're a fan of Troma films, you'll have no trouble watching this film and loving it... however, (even still) if you're a fan of Troma films, you may be disappointed by the lack of gratuitous sex and gore in this film! :)

I have to say one thing- the tunes are damn catchy!

Better, had I been younger

[aqua_swing · 5/10 · 30 May 2005]

Alright, Alright. This Troma film done in 1993 when Parker was in College is pretty silly. It's like the movie Ravenous with more dancing and silliness. It's fun for a while, about fifty of it's almost one hundred minutes, but then somewhere it gets caught up with itself and is really hard to laugh at afterwards, kind of like repeated jokes. They make you smile, but you just don't get why it's being told over and over. I did enjoy Trey's subtle acting, and did of course, put it in perspective because most of the Troma films I've seen are kind of in that weird state where you don't really know where to put them. It's a genuine try at a first film by Parker that was probably fun to make, and isn't that terrible to watch. It's the kind of weird film that you don't invest too much in as a watcher, and come out shaking your head as to how silly it all ends up.

The Greatest Musical About Cannibalism Ever Made!

[GathofBaal · 10/10 · 3 December 2002]

God bless Troma for giving us this gem from Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Ultra low budget "True" account of Alferd Packer. Well acted considering, with wonderfully catchy songs. Ludicrous to the extreme, with Asian "Indians" wielding samurai swords, a gang of trappers reminiscent of West Side Story, a confederate Cyclops, tap dancing in the snow, Dian Bachar jiggling his keys, and some of the most ridiculous and unconvincing beards ever put to film. You WILL be using Spadoinkle in every day conversation after you see this. I only wish someone would release the songs on CD. If you even remotely enjoy the film do yourself a favor and pick up the DVD, the commentary is the funniest and most entertaining I've heard, knocking Evil Dead II from the top spot. Sidesplitting.

My heart's as full as a baked potato......

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 1 September 2021]

Taking inspiration from a real-life story, jack-of-all-trades Trey Parker made a pretty engrossing movie here, a combination of black comedy and musical, all set in an imposing wintry atmosphere. Parker plays Alferd Packer, recruited to be the guide for a group of potential gold prospectors. They ultimately get lost, and when things are at their worst, they must contemplate the macabre possibility of cannibalism. This is all related, in flashback, by Packer while he is on trial for the murder of his traveling companions.

Starring in this, writing and directing it, and coming up with the catchy songs mostly by himself, Parker proved to be a real talent to watch. His future 'South Park' compatriot Matt Stone co-stars, as the nerdy James Humphrey, and made uncredited contributions to the screenplay. Interestingly, this cult favorite isn't JUST a succession of gags, and actually doesn't feature THAT much gore. Instead, Parker actually concentrates on telling a story, albeit one with an irreverent tone about it. Some of the lines are pretty funny, and the tunes are very easy to listen to, especially "Shpadoinkle" and "That's All I'm Asking For". "Let's Build a Snowman" comes out of nowhere, and is downright hysterical.

Funny touches abound: a judge building a house of cards while the prosecutor makes his case, a one-eyed Confederate giant, a horse who "will let anybody ride her" (named after Parkers' fiancee who had cheated on him), and a wacky tribe of "Indians" who teach Packer some all-important moves. This has even got a horror film-type antagonist whose virtual indestructibility is milked right up to the final freeze frame. The whole cast is great: Dian Bachar as the sex-crazed George Noon, Jason McHugh as the argumentative Frank Miller, Masao Maki as the "Indian" chief, etc.

This enjoyably warped film creates some pretty good vibes, all the way to the end.

Seven out of 10.

Has some good parts, but is ultimately sophomoric and not as consistent as Trey and Matt's later work

[MovieAddict2016 · 5/10 · 28 July 2006]

"Cannibal! The Musical" is inspired by the true story of Alferd Packer (although his real name was allegedly "Alfred" and "Alferd" came about because he didn't know how to spell his own name correctly). Packer was one of only two men - along with Albert Fish - to ever be convicted of cannibalism in America. (Apparently serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer had enough going against him already that he wasn't tried for cannibalism on top of mass murder).

Packer led a group of five men into Colorado in search of gold. They got lost and were stranded in desolate conditions, and eventually Packer killed his men and ate them. (Although according to Wikipedia recent evidence indicates he never killed them, and in 1981 he was apparently acquitted of crimes long after his death. I guess they figured eating people who are already dead in order to survive doesn't qualify as full-out cannibalism. I'm not really sure about the specifics on how that works.) Trey Parker and Matt Stone made this movie before "South Park." I believe it was actually filmed in 1994 and first screened at the Alferd Packer College (yes, there's a college named after him) which is presumably located in Colorado. It's become a cult film over the years and the title was changed to "Cannibal: The Musical" after Troma producers convinced Trey that not enough people outside of the state were aware of who Alferd Packer actually was. (I certainly wasn't - I thought it was a fictional character before looking up the film on Wikipedia.) First things first - I have so far been largely unimpressed by Trey and Matt's live-action ventures. I've become a huge "South Park" fan within the past year or so, but I bought "Orgazmo" on DVD and thought it was a very juvenile and average comedy, and although I have not seen "BASEketball" yet, even Trey and Matt have acknowledged that it is not a good film, so I don't feel like I'm entirely missing out.

"Cannibal" is a huge cult film and I had heard a lot of good things about it from various people on the Internet, in particular one Troma video fan. Well, this is my first Troma video (if it qualifies as one) and maybe that's part of the reason I couldn't get into it.

Parts of it are very funny, but for the most part it really isn't very humorous at all. It actually develops something of a story and isn't as loud or obvious as some of Parker's other material. "South Park" is very satirical and witty but it's much more obvious than the comedy here, which is tamer and not quite as edgy. Some of the songs are quite funny but a number of them are inferior versions of songs that would appear in the "South Park" movie and "Team America: World Police." Songs from that film like "The End of an Act" (the one that bashes Ben Affleck and Michael Bay) are much cleverer and musically catchy than anything found here.

The cast is generally weak and Trey is visibly awkward throughout - presumably since it was his first real movie. It's very low-budget (filmed for $125,000 - compared to the eventual $1 million they received per episode of "That's My Bush!" in 2001), and part of the reason the film isn't as engrossing at times is due to its budget: it looks like a student movie made by some friends who made up a lot of gags as they went along...and for the most part that's probably a rather accurate summary.

I know the film has a cult following and an impressive rating on this site, but I think if you're not a die-hard Trey Parker fan or a follower of the Troma film series, it'll leave you a bit underwhelmed, especially if you're familiar with the boys' recent work on "South Park" and "Team America." It has its strong points but they are far and few between, and for the most part it's a very amateurish production that isn't up to par with their later stuff.

An interesting note of curiosity for fans of "South Park," but I couldn't really warm up to it.