Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Cannibal! The Musical'

Written by Scott Edwards

As a male, I do fall into one of the stereotypes that is always shown in popular media, I don’t like to stop and ask for directions. When I was younger, this was a problem as there was no internet or smartphones around to show me the way. These days, this is not as big of an issue as everything is laid out for me with step by step ways of getting to my destination. 

Alfred Packer is a fine hearted man who only wants to go his own way when asked to take a group of miners from Utah to Colorado Territory. He has only been there one time and knows the way and is the only logical choice to guide said group, since their guide has been struck by a bolt of lightning. With it being such a short trip that would last no longer than three weeks, Alfred is ready to become a leader and as long as he has his prized friend, Liane, his horse, everything should be fine.

As it becomes apparent that the trip will take longer than expected, Packer and crew run into a group of trappers that are heading to same place. Finding that he will now have a foe, Packer has to find a way to keep his and the group’s attitudes high as there is a long journey ahead. As the days pass, the group comes together and shares their innermost feelings and plans for when they arrive in Colorado Territory to find their fortunes.

As the group makes it up to the mountains during the winter, they are faced with the decision of a lifetime for survival. For when the first member of the group dies, there is food available for the others to survive, but at what cost. As attitudes start to become negative and not even the best attempts to keep them positive work, it is apparent that something drastic needs to happen for the remaining members to make it to Colorado Territory. 

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​Cannibal! The Musical is a recount of the famous expedition that Alfred Packer and a group of miners took to get to Colorado Territory to become rich following new reports of gold being found. As the trip moves forward, the group encounters many different speed bumps that moves them back, but not willing to give up, they persist, for there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When they are faced with starvation, the group has to decide how far they are willing to go to survive. When one of the group’s members gets blood poisoning, all of the rules change to what will be accepted and things start to go downhill very quickly. 

This movie always brings a smile to my face and will continue to do so in the future as well. South Park fans, you need to make sure that you watch this movie, as the theme song from Cannibal is in the final credits of the show. It is frightening that so many fans have never seen this movie that occurred many years before the ever-popular series that has stolen our hearts. The first work of Trey Parker and Matt Stone is full of laughs and serious thought that never comes to fruition and it is just a great comedy through and through.

If you are looking for something more, it is recommended that you check out the director's commentary. Now, bear in mind that the group moved out to Hollywood shortly after this movie came to DVD for the masses and they seem to be living the life. I am compelled to mention that this is an inebriated commentary as well, one that gives you the true feelings behind the making of this film. It is fantastic, even though there is a dead spot where someone forgot to hit record once again, but don’t take their advice on scotch, unless you give it at least three drops of water.

Not mentioned above is the music that is incorporated in this movie. Once watching this movie, you will find that the songs will be stuck in your head for months to come. Not to give anything away if you have never seen this movie before, I will say that you will come away with several songs that you will love and only a couple that you will not appreciate, but when listening to the director’s commentary track, you will find out that you are far from being alone. Happy Viewing!

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