Is Bad Taste Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Bad Taste is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Bad Taste Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Bad Taste emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A team from the intergalactic fast food chain Crumb's Crunchy Delights descends on Earth, planning to make human flesh the newest taste sensation. Unlike standard genre fare, Bad Taste attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bad Taste features a noteworthy lineup led by Terry Potter . Supported by the likes of Pete O'Herne and Craig Smith , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Bad Taste (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Bad Taste Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Bad Taste is a Action, Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A team from the intergalactic fast food chain Crumb's Crunchy Delights descends on Earth, planning to make human flesh the newest taste sensation. After they wipe out the New Zealand town Kaihoro, the country’s Astro-Investigation and Defense Service (AIaDS) is called in to deal with the problem. Things are complicated due to Giles, an aid worker who comes to Kaihoro the same day to collect change from the residents. He is captured by the aliens, and AIaDS stages a rescue mission that quickly becomes an all-out assault on the aliens’ headquarters. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Bad Taste Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Bad Taste concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bad Taste reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Bad Taste?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Bad Taste Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $150.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Bad Taste Budget
The estimated production budget for Bad Taste is $150.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Bad Taste
- Terry Potter – Ozzy / 3rd Class Alien
- Pete O'Herne – Barry / 3rd Class Alien
- Craig Smith – Giles / 3rd Class Alien
- Mike Minett – Frank / 3rd Class Alien
- Peter Jackson – Derek / Robert
Top Highlights
Terry PotterOzzy / 3rd Class Alien
Pete O'HerneBarry / 3rd Class Alien
Craig SmithGiles / 3rd Class Alien
Mike MinettFrank / 3rd Class Alien
Peter JacksonDerek / Robert
Doug WrenAlien Leader
Peter Vere-JonesAlien Leader (voice)
Ken Hammon3rd Class Alien
Robin Griggs3rd Class Alien
Michael Gooch3rd Class Alien
Where to Watch Bad Taste Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
History Vault
IndieFlix
IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Bad Taste is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Bad Taste stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Taste movie hit or flop?
Bad Taste has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Bad Taste worth watching?
Bad Taste is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Comedy, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Bad Taste online?
Bad Taste is currently available for streaming on History Vault. You can also check for it on platforms like History Vault, IndieFlix, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Bad Taste
How Bad Taste Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Bad Taste
So it begins... Made on a shoestring budget, starring friends and shooting on the weekends, this is how NZ's blockbuster director Peter Jackson got his start. Gross, silly, with terrible masks and effects, weird acting and bad overdubbing, this film is an utter classic in DIY splatter. The sheer passion and ingenuity oozes from every frame. Hasn't dated too well, but it still has serious charm, and I am pleased to have grown up watching it. For fans of late night B films
**The humble (and repulsive) beginnings of Peter Jackson's career.** This film fell into oblivion a long time ago, and it's good to let it be where it is: it has no truly notable qualities and doesn't deserve a recap at a time when there are so many much better films to see. In fact, it's hard to think that the great director Peter Jackson, who is so widely respected today, started out with such bad work. Apparently, Jackson was enchanted by the cheap horror of the 80s and the bad taste comedies that also populated this decade, where it seems that tastes were all changed. The film is completely amateurish and this can be seen in the terrible cinematography full of grain and the clumsy and disconnected editing. There are some effects, but almost everything is cheap and sounds plastic, fake and ugly. Still, considering the modest budget and lack of quality resources, I think Jackson did a decent job. Perhaps the director himself, however, would prefer not to be remembered for this film! The story couldn't be more oily and greasy: we have an alien invasion of a small rural community, in which the aliens are simply looking for a good source of protein, which is obviously us, humans. There is a lot of gore and blood and human flesh everywhere, it is a film where some stomachs may feel upset, and with good reason. It's not a horror film, it's a comedy with a lot of action and scenes that are disgusting and make us lose the desire to eat popcorn or even question the intelligence of some characters, who seem to act randomly instead of using their heads.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
