Samuel LoveIf ever there were an award for the most bizarre premise, Stewart Raffill’s cult classic Tammy and the T-Rex would almost certainly win the top prize. “I was just trying to do a film for people that like wacky movies”, Raffill said, “In other words, you laugh at the experience that I was facing which is, what the hell are you meant to do with this material? I was sticking all this shit in it, just to make it work”.
Written in a week and shot quickly in the director’s local area, the film’s entire production was on a time limit as the animatronic t-rex was due to be shipped to a park in Texas. The resulting film is a rushed and undeniably awful affair filled with dreadful effects, abysmal performances and one of the most ridiculous scripts in cinema history. And yet, against all odds, it works. Reviewing Tammy and the T-Rex as a piece of cinema would almost undoubtedly result in a 0-star verdict and a recommendation that viewers avoid it like the plague. But taken as a piece of trashy entertainment – an approach that the filmmakers were seemingly going for – it is one of the most entertaining films of the 1990s.
The film stars Fast & Furious’ Paul Walker as Michael, who has his brain implanted into the body of a robotic t-rex by a mad scientist following his death. He then goes on a rampage, wreaking vengeance on his high school tormentors, before reuniting with his love Tammy (Denise Richards). It’s one of the most ridiculous and hilarious films you’ll see, if you’re in the right frame of mind for its madness. If you’re not on board with it, you’ll probably hate every second. Thus, Tammy and the T-Rex is a very difficult film to review. Your mileage will vary hugely depending on how funny you find the premise, and how much you can stomach cheap, trashy B-movies. Described by 101 Films, the label behind this sparkling new Blu-ray release, as a “jaw-dropping assault on good taste”, newcomers should probably be prepared for one of the zaniest cinematic experiences of their lives.
This new Blu-ray release from 101 Films is an absolute marvel, boasting a 4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative of the recently restored ‘Gore Cut’ presented as originally conceived with all its gore-filled glory, with over two and a half hours of special features and a limited edition booklet. Fans of the cult classic will be over the moon to see the film so celebrated in the UK home video market, and what better label than the passionate 101 Films to bring it to life.
Tammy and the T-Rex is one of the most bizarre films you’ll ever see, but if you’ve got a sense of humour and a strong stomach for gore, you’ll love every jurassic second.
