One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

Critically panned movies such as Troll 2, The Room, Plan 9 from Outer Space and Birdemic have gained cult status with movie goers, around the world, being called so bad they are good.  

Although these movies are considered “bad” by many fans and critics, they hold a special place in many people’s hearts. Whether it is a group of friends in a college dorm or in a theatre full of fans, these films are still watched regardless of their quality and reputation.

Some of these films are played at  the Windsor International Film Festival during the festival at midnight, known as Midnight Madness.

Hayden Frecker, a managing director at WIFF, said it is one of the festival’s biggest events.

“Midnight Madness is a night where you can leave your maturity at home,” said Frecker. “It is a two-night event full of interactive screenings that showcase four movies that are great for a late night at the theatre.”

Films such as The Room tour all over the world to millions of fans every year. This year The Room will be shown in 600 theatres for one day in the United States.

Grant Connolly, a megafan of The Room said the best thing about the film is the dedication put into it.

“I love it because of how unintentionally bad it is, yet at the same time so much heart and soul was put into the film,” said Connolly.

These critically despised films have also spanned Oscar nominated bio pictures such as Ed Wood and most recently The Disaster Artist.

Jaz Zanier, a communications, media and film student at University of Windsor, said although “so bad they’re good type” films are very popular within their niche demographics, they have become even more popular due to word of mouth.

“They always start off being recognized at a smaller level first and is the component that eventually spreads the movie to a larger audience,”  said Zanier.

Despite negative comments from critics, there is no doubt these movies have become cult classics to audiences all around the world.