One of the more “serious” (not really) films in the Troma universe, Cannibal: The Musical is a laugh out loud funny horror musical. The film takes place in 1902 and focuses on the real life character of Alfred Packer, who was freed from jail with the aid of Polly Fry. The story unfolds through flashbacks when Polly visits Alfred in his cell and he begins to tell his side of the story. The first scene is a gory montage of flesh, intestines, and lips being ripped off of a body. Alfred, being accused of the sadistic murder, is on death row and the film does a good job of keeping the audience wondering if he really did commit the crime. But the strength of the film lies in its story telling. Instead of relying on more graphic murder scenes, Trey Parker of South Park fame does a decent job of presenting the events leading up to the murder like a classic western adventure - but funnier and with songs. While working in the gold mines, Alfred meets up with an expedition to Colorado and joins them on the journey. As the group gets closer and closer to their destination, they fall deeper and deeper into trouble. Liane, Alfred's horse, disappears and three suspicious hunters keep turning up out of nowhere during their journey. They cross over mountains and rivers and finally run out of food and supplies. They hit rock bottom when they are forced to grill their boot soles for food. Although the film can take a dark turn, the men constantly break out into song, and one can’t help but laugh out loud. Although a mixed genre, the film stays true to its horror roots and pays homage to Hershell Gordon Lewis’ 2000 Maniac (1964). Cannibal: The Musical takes a place in American cinema history as one of the funniest, if perhaps the only, “horror musicals” ever. (KIM Ji-hoon)