Troll
Tags: fantasy

Plot synopsis:
The film begins with the Potter family moving into a new apartment complex in San Francisco. While unpacking, their young daughter Wendy is attacked by a grotesque little creature, who had long ago been transformed from a powerful wizard into a troll. Using a magic crystal green ring, he captures Wendy and possesses her form. After meeting the other eccentric tenants, the family notices Wendy's unusual behavior (roaring, biting, tossing people across rooms, punching people in the groin), but they attribute her behavior to the stress of the move. The only one that notices something is terribly wrong is Wendy's brother, Harry Potter Jr.
Frightened by his sister's sudden and violent changes, he seeks solace in the company of a mysterious old woman named Eunice St. Clair, who lives upstairs. When he tells her of the strange goings-on, she reveals to him her real profession: a witch. Harry asks Eunice to teach him magic, but she says that there isn't time. She does instruct him as to the ways of a hidden magical world, and tells him of her long history stretching back to a time when she and a powerful wizard named Torok were in love. At that time the world was divided between fairies, which includes trolls, and humans. The realms were equal and independent of each other; however, Torok and some of the fairies challenged this balance resulting in a great war in which the humans prevailed. Torok was transformed into a troll as punishment. Eunice stands guard, as she has for centuries now in her apartment, waiting patiently for Torok to challenge the realms again, which is happening now. The troll wizard has already begun his secret war, going from apartment to apartment, attacking the tenants and transforming them into mythical creatures according to their personalities, such as goblins, nymphs, an elf, and a bugbear, and it transforms their rooms into lush fairy worlds. When every apartment is transformed the world of the fairies will burst forth into the world of the humans.
Harry is told by Eunice that Torok can be stopped by plunging a magic staff into the heart of Torok's world. Eunice tells Harry the heart of the new fairy world will be a large and vicious magical creature. Armed with magic staffs which shoot bolts of energy, Eunice and Harry launch a final attempt to stop Torok's hostile takeover of the world and enter the troll's magical alternate universe. Eunice is attacked by Torok and turned into a tree stump, and Harry finds his sister trapped in a coffin of glass à la Snow White. Suddenly, Torok's great bat monster attacks and disables Harry. When it goes after Wendy, Torok kills it, destroying his carefully constructed fairy realm. As the magic world collapses around them, Harry and his family are given a chance to escape, leaving just as the police arrive. Eunice is restored to normal as well as she bids Harry farewell and departs. As the police investigate the house, one of them is drawn into a remaining fragment of the alternate fairy world.
Torok's arm rises into view, preparing to use his ring on the cop. The door closes while the film goes black. The credits roll.

Review: Throughout the movie the troll disguised as the little girl moves from one apartment to the next turning each room into a seemingly new dimension or something.
Add to that excellent special effects, and solid competent acting (with child stars who are actually bearable to watch without being cloyingly cute) and Troll becomes a highly competent film that unfortunately suffered through its ridiculous classification as "horror" (and subsequent association with dross like Critters).
This movie was bad, but Troll 2 makes this film look like a masterpiece.
Now that I have seen it again I have to say that it was not such a great movie as I thought when I saw it for the first time but it is a nice fantastic movie with some interesting cinematic references and with quite good special effects and the boy is called Harry Potter, a long time before that character was created, what a coincidence!.
It is not so gory as other Empire productions(much less, in fact) but there is a great bloody scene in which a guy is transformed in a kind of tree and a whole forest emerges from him, it is a curious aspect of the movie and the ghoulies appeared here for the first time(You can see them in the forest singing strange songs).So, if you like fantasy movies this is a quite acceptable B fantastic movie.The only pitiful aspect is that the infamous Italian director Joe D'amato made a pretended sequel with the title of "Troll 2" which it seems is bad as hell, and I am sure it has nothing to do with the original although it has been impossible for me to watch it because it has never been edited in Spain, but I will get a copy if I can, even if it is only to burn it.Note: If in the USA you still can find forgotten movies like this in video, you don´t know how lucky you are!, here they are really difficult to find..
Then, last year, I rented Troll on videocassette...and suddenly it wasn't scary or imaginative anymore.Though it was in the horror section and obviously made to cash in on Gremlins, it's not a horror film at all, but a lighthearted family fantasy that looks like cut-rate Jim Henson.
Some very talented actors are wasted--Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall come off best, probably because they don't have much screen time; Michael Moriarty's idiotic dance to Blue Cheer's "Summertime Blues" makes you embarrassed for the accomplished performer; June Lockhart's a long way from Lassie.
Troll is one of the worst movies I have ever seen, but for some reason I continue to watch it because it is so bad that it's funny.Amazingly enough, several celebrities are in this film: Sonny Bono is in it (which gives this film a "seal of quality") and he turns into this disgusting booger-like pod, Julia Louis-Dryfus turns into a nymph, and June Lockhart is the creepy old lady who knows everything.Favorite parts: When the mushroom starts singing and when the midget gets turned into the Troll's "brother" and becomes this puppet that whimpers like a puppy.I think they wrote the plot as they filmed it.
It seemed like something trying to establish the same atmosphere of fantasy by mixing folklore with the 80s the same way that Masters of the Universe tried.In this low-budget fantasy adventure film, the trolls who once co-existed with humans before their kingdom was obliterated, have suddenly turned up in an apartment building.
Only her brother, Harry Potter (Hathaway) realizes that somethings going on (no thanks to his clueless parents) and gets help from a sorceress (June Lockhart) who was once married to the troll but is now posing as an ordinary moody old lady who lives in the building.It seems like an interesting kiddie tale, and probably would've played out better as a cartoon.
Instead, this one carries on with far too much bad acting (was it necessary to see Michael Moriarity acting like an idiot in the scene where we witness his devotion to classic rock?), a poor script (Sonny Bono's character is a comparable kind of creepy to Carl of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force'), and a lame ending.
Wendy's brother Harry (Noah Hathaway) notices her strange behaviour and alerts resident Eunice St. Clair (June Lockhart), who just so happens to be a powerful witch.The story is ludicrous and the execution is generally confused in terms of tone and target audience, but Troll does manage to muster a certain charm through its puppet design, designed by director John Carl Buechler.
Possibly the only interesting fact that comes from Troll is its involvement in a legal battle with J.K. Rowling, due to similarities with the character names (Moriarty and Hathaway are name Harry Potter Sr. and Jr.) and magical aspects, but it seems a bit far-fetched to me.
When Empire Pictures were at the height of their respective producing powers, the conveyor belt was churning out one classic straight after another.If it was 'Zone Troopers', 'Terrorvision' or even 'Eliminators' it was this cool little fantasy yarn directed by their in house special effects maestro John Carl Buechler and ably scripted by Ed Naha(who also penned another Empire great in the shape of 'Dolls'.As with the vast majority of Empire's output, the emphasis is on good old fashioned storytelling, and once again if the budget dictated the time constraints, we were never left scratching our heads in boredom waiting for something decent to happen.From the onset we meet the Potter family, who have just about to settled themselves into their new surroundings, but before you can say 'rat-burgers' the story ratchets up the action.Young Wendy Potter is a curious child, whilst bouncing her ball around the boiler room, her ball disappears into the unknown, she goes to retrieve it but is suddenly accosted by a troll, now suddenly at this part you might just be thinking to yourself, is this going to get ugly now!
well as this movie is all about releasing the child within and embracing the fantasy elements that surround, fear not, as this little scene that unfolds more or less sets up the entire structure of the movie.Plus in doing so, we find ourselves introduced to our on screen hero, young Harry Potter Jnr essayed by Noah Hathaway(who not too long prior to this movie revved up his action chops in the first and best of the series, 'The Neverending Story'.It really is too bad these days, that people seem to think that this movie somehow has some sort of link to J.K. Rowling's fantasy universe, as in truth this movie predates her take on young Harry Potter, of course what's not to say, that Miss Rowling had perhaps just viewed 'Troll' and whilst sitting in that infamous coffee shop she decided to take some poetic license, I guess we will never know.Needless to say, this movie rocks on every level, from some expert direction, lets just be honest for a second here, Mr Buechler's directing career has been somewhat checkered, when he gets the chance, he shines, just check out 'Friday The 13th Part 7 - The New Blood' of course when he has an off day, he sleepwalks through dross like 'Ghoulies 3 - Ghoulies Go To College' but as already mentioned, all the right buttons are pressed here.As for the script, it's bright, it's breezy and more importantly it doesn't hang around, scriptwriter Ed Naha, much like Buechler has found himself involved in some curious projects, none more so than the dire 'C.H.U.D 2 - Bud The Chud' that being said, as he was presented with a story in place, how could he go wrong.When it comes to Empire productions, you can always rely on the casting being nothing short of inspired, the mere presence of Michael Moriarty as Harry Potter Snr is worth the price of admission alone, having already watched the man strut his stuff in numerous Larry Cohen movies, he can always be relied upon to the deliver the goods, no matter how big or small his participation is.If you were to pick your favourite Empire movie, and someone asked you to choose your favourite scene, well every Empire movie has it's highlights and with 'Troll' it just has to be the scene were Sonny Bono mutates into a miniature troll, while his whole apartment manifests itself into a fairy universe.Mr Bono, although you may have departed this world way before your time, this must surely be a screen career highlight, and that I truly mean.Yes Indeed, for a good night in, grab yourself a six pack of your favourite alcoholic beverage, sit back and relax and enjoy this groovy little Empire fun packed yarn.....Oh just one more thing, don't forget the rat-burgers!.Without hesitation, this movie gets 10 out of 10.
As for Sonny Bono's performance as a not-so-suave ladies man, I think he made the right choice going into politics, because his talents in government are well-documented (though I liked him a lot when he performed with Cher and in many other TV appearances).This movie may be a little too scary for young children, but the various monsters still had a cartoonish quality about them.
As for Sonny Bono's performance as a not-so-suave ladies man, I think he made the right choice going into politics, because his talents in government are well-documented (though I liked him a lot when he performed with Cher and in many other TV appearances).This movie may be a little too scary for young children, but the various monsters still had a cartoonish quality about them.
Confused by his little sister's strange behaviour upon moving home, a teenager is shocked to learn that a troll has kidnapped her and has changed his appearance to look like her in this fun horror-comedy blend.
Troll also isn't the only time Beauchler has dabbled in directing, he also directed genre favorites like Ghoulies go to College (1990) and Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood (1988).The film stars a very talented cast.
I'm not even sure if I'd call it a horror film, it's more like a sci-fi comedy with some scary-ish creatures."Troll" gets going with a horrible performance from Michael Moriarty and his family moving into a new apartment in a random building in an unknown city.
Directed by a make-up artist, one can hardly expect in-depth character studies here but what we do get – a typically eccentric turn from Michael Moriarty (energetically dancing around his living room to a revamp of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues”); musician-turned-actor-turned-politician Sonny Bono as a lifelong bachelor/would-be chick magnet (clearly modeled on Dudley Moore’s character in FOUL PLAY [1978]; Hollywood veteran June Lockhart (of SHE-WOLF OF London [1946] notoriety) as another tenant in the condominium which turns out to be the incarnation of the witch now hunting down the troll, who used to be her betrothed in human form(!); Jenny Beck as Moriarty’s little daughter who is transformed into a vengeful creep screaming for “Ratburgers!” when overtaken by the spirit of the troll and who, consequently, likes to beat the crap out of horror film-buff older brother; and diminutive Phil Fondocaro, a dwarf who, in mistaking him for an elf, the troll takes an immediate liking to – are, surprisingly enough, not unentertaining company for some 80-odd minutes or so.The troll is immediately found by the girl in the basement of the apartment house and is soon gruesomely turning the other tenants into shrubbery and many another troll who, alarmingly, have a penchant for bursting into bouts of communal harmonic singing which provokes hysterics in the viewer more than anything else.
Unlike the second more notorious film, this probably isn't trying to be a good movie and failing, it's just a middling horror-comedy with a host of odd celeb (or not-yet celeb) guest star choices from Sonny Bono to Julia Louis-Dreyfus.The main story has the Potter family (yes, Harry Potter Jr and Sr, it's probably a given JK Rowling saw the film many times as a youth) moving into an apartment building where the little girl of the family goes to the basement.
or not.The make-up actually is one of the things that work best for me here; it's so cheesy and slapped together, and yet some of it looks like they put effort into it, and the main troll who transforms from girl to troll and girl again looks convincing, if limited in movement (a pretty useless sub-plot and one of the big frustrations of the movie by the way, why keep screwing around with this family when making the eco-system in the apartment is the goal?) But...
Did you notice that the hero in the movie is a boy named Harry Potter and he is surrounded by a fantasy world of trolls, witches, wizards and magic?
I have certainly never read any of the stories, but I am aware of its subject matter and it seems to be quite a coincidence!This movie was fun when I saw it as a child, but i recommend it only for viewers over 10 (it may scare younger viewers).The late Sonny Bono was in this film as a sleazeball that gets it.
I heard that troll 2 is one of the best so bad ts good movies but where are the people talking about this film
There were scenes that really creeped me out, and I loved that the Troll's smile was sweet and appeared like he came out some kid's film.
Michael Moriarty stars as Harry Potter (!) who moves into an old apartment building with his wife (Shelley Hack) and two kids (Noah Hathaway and Jenny Beck).
The building's dwellers include a family of four headed by Michael Moriarty of LAW & ORDER fame, a doofus bachelor played by Sonny Bono, a hipster played by Gary Sandy of WKRP IN CINCINNATI, a cute young couple played by Julia Louis Dreyfus of SEINFELD and Brad Hall of Saturday NIGHT LIVE, and an actual witch (June Lockhart from the old LASSIE show) who keeps an eye on the troll's comings and goings.
Other than that, Troll is a fun family/horror film with mixed humor and fine special effects and should be recommended if you want to see June Lockhart swear up a storm or see Sonny Bono turned into a plant..
One of the 80s better B-movie horror flicks (another notable inclusion would be 'The Vagrant'),The Trolls subject matter is very simple, the little guy goes around sticking people with his magic ring that has a needle on it, when pricked the victim slowly turns to plant life (a subject covered in the dementedly fun 'The Creepshow', and slowly he attempts to turn an entire housing block into his own evil land, full of goblins and monsters.
Clearly not for the movie fan looking for a serious horror flick ,'The Troll' is silly but enjoyable.That said, do avoid the sequel as it doesn't contain the charm of this little gem, and for some reason is much more widely available, which is a pity, as the original deserves a full DVD release..
Since Harry Potter first appeared in Joane Rowling's books in 1997, this must be the first boy wizard, Harry Potter, Jr., some nine years earlier.Harry Potter (Michael Moriarty) moves his family into an apartment and his daughter Wendy Anne (Jenny Beck) manages to get herself turned into a troll.This troll starts turning everyone else in the building into trolls (Sonny Bono), and fairies (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and elves (Phil Fondacaro), with some spectacular results in special makeup, I might add, and it is up to Harry Potter Jr., to learn from a witch (June Lockhart) who also lives in the building, to use magical powers to save his sister.Not a blockbuster, but interesting from the Harry Potter standpoint..
Troll was really a good project that in My opinion was handled poorly.The cast was really good but they did their best.Poor Noah Hathaway,the great young actor of The Neverending Story had to be a part of this.Michael Moriarty's character was a joke and his character's wife no only looked liked but wanted to be Kay Lenz.Why in the world was Sonny Bono in this?Poor little Phil Fondacaro.You get so attached to his character and then that stupid thing happens to him.Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character was had potential but when she danced and teased the viewer that was enough and what was with not using June Lockhart as the one to stop the troll but then her character is played by her real life daughter and then she suddenly gets defeated?The Troll looked very good though.I hate to bash any film but I just ain't satisfied with this one though most horror fans will!.
The acting is decent with some notable cameos ( Sonny Bono, Julia Louis-Dreyfus from Seinfeld ) OK OK its pretty bad and the troll looks like a turd plus it had very weird sexual undertone to it..
He even brings back some of his old friends for a few surprises!June Lockhart & Anne Lockhart provide an amazing performance as both old and young Eunice St. Clair, as well as other performances from Sonny Bono, Michael Moriarty, Noah Hathaway (Neverending Story), Phil Fondacaro (Willow), and even Julia Louis-Dreyfus.This film is VERY close to alot of the other Empire/Full Moon Entertainment stuff that Charles Band has released through the years.
Troll (1986)* (out of 4)Parents (Michael Moriarty, Shelley Hack) move their children Harry Potter (Noah Hathaway) and Wendy Ann (Jenny Beck) into a new apartment where soon the daughter is taken possession by a troll who then goes on a killing spree turning people into plants.TROLL has become a rather notorious movie over the years, although it still falls well short of its sequel.
The silly nature of the film doesn't help matters and some of the special effects are quite laughable.At the same time the troll creatures do look pretty good and they're at least mildly entertaining.