Bad Taste 1987
“Watch out Aliens... here comes Derek!”
What is Bad Taste?
Bad Taste (1987) is a New Zealand action‑comedy‑horror‑science‑fiction feature about an intergalactic fast‑food chain that invades the small town of Kaihoro to harvest humans for its menu. The alien assault triggers a rescue by the Astro‑Investigation and Defense Service, leading to a chaotic showdown at the extraterrestrials’ headquarters.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1987
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 91 minutes
- Release date
- Dec 11, 1987
- Studios
- WingNut Films, New Zealand Film Commission
- Genres
- Action, Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction
- Updated
Trailer
Overview
Bad Taste (1987) is a New Zealand action‑comedy‑horror‑science‑fiction feature about an intergalactic fast‑food chain that invades the small town of Kaihoro to harvest humans for its menu. The alien assault triggers a rescue by the Astro‑Investigation and Defense Service, leading to a chaotic showdown at the extraterrestrials’ headquarters. Shot over four years in northern Wellington with modest funding, the film showcases early director Peter Jackson’s penchant for inventive practical effects.
Culturally, Bad Taste has become a cult classic, celebrated for its audacious blend of slapstick humor and graphic gore, and it launched Jackson’s career, foreshadowing his later work in genre filmmaking. Its tone is deliberately over‑the‑top, balancing satire with relentless splatter, while the pacing remains fast and relentless, keeping viewers on a roller‑coaster of absurd violence and comedy.
Should you watch it?
“Aliens turn a New Zealand town into a gruesome fast‑food nightmare.”
- Inventive practical effects and over‑the‑top gore for a 1980s low‑budget film.
- A darkly comedic blend of horror, sci‑fi, and satire set in a uniquely New Zealand context.
- Marks early director Peter Jackson’s debut, offering a glimpse of his later style.
- Its extreme gore and rough production values may deter viewers seeking polished cinema.
Watch it if you enjoy outrageous gore, tongue‑in‑cheek humor, and early cult cinema.
The film’s frantic pacing, slapstick horror tone, and graphic violence make it suitable only for mature audiences comfortable with splatter comedy.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream Bad Taste?
TMDB lists the film as currently streaming; check your region’s on‑demand platforms for availability.
Is Bad Taste worth watching?
Fans of cult splatter comedy and early Peter Jackson work often consider it worth watching despite its rough production.
How long will it take to binge?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes, so a single sitting covers the entire film.
Are there essential episodes to watch?
Bad Taste is a single feature film; the entire movie is the essential viewing, with no episodes.
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