GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland

GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland is a unique, outlandish, and bizarre cinematic experience released in 1992 that brings the theatrical music and horror fantasy world of the rock band GWAR to life. The band, known for its unusual heavy metal-punk hybrid sound and gory, erotically charged props, is not only the star but also the foundation of this flamboyant spectacle.

The movie opens in your typical American suburb. Just another day until the sky darkens, and an otherworldly ship descends. From this eerie spaceship, emerge the members of the theatrical rock band GWAR, hailing from outer space. The band includes Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie), Beefcake The Mighty, Balsac the Jaws of Death, among others. With their larger-than-life costumes and grotesque personas, they storm through the neighborhood, thrusting the otherwise humdrum life into chaos.

At the core of the narrative is the quest of the band members to reclaim their phallus, a vital symbol of their power that they lost due to their arch enemies, the Morality Squad. The film revolves around their adventure through a variety of peculiar locales to regain their lost manhood and challenge the "forces of good," which they believe are restraining their freedom to exude their unique kind of obscene theatrics.

As with their stage act, the movie's plot serves as a framework for GWAR's uncompromising, outrageous, and insane humor, visceral imagery, and social satire laden with sexually explicit references. Pulsating heavy metal music performances also feature, with several of the band's songs immersing viewers into their unique intergalactic universe, suiting the chaotic ride the film provides perfectly.

GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland somewhat operates as a musical, with regular live stage performances interspersed through the narrative, footage of the band playing their unique fusion of punk rock and heavy metal, and even a few music videos. Scenes range from the grotesque to the absurd, maintaining a relentless pace that barely gives viewers a chance to get a grasp. From battles with ballerinas to gigantic dinosaur-like creatures and surreal landscapes, each frame of the film is filled with unconventional and grotesque imagery, comically narrated by Sleazy P. Martini, the band's manager, portrayed by Don Drakulich.

Each character is memorable and bizarre in its way. Dave Brockie in the guise of Oderus Urungus, GWAR's frontman, provides an excellent central performance. His purposeful overacting and obliviously egotistical delivery bring a particular charm to the chaotic humor of the film. The other band members also bring their insane and hilariously engaging presence to the screen, fully embodying their characters' grotesque personas while doling out their unique brand of offbeat comedy.

Far from the traditional constraints of narrative cinema, this film, much like the band itself, seems to be more of an act of rebellion against the mainstream and a celebration of deviation and individuality. With a low-budget look reminiscent of grindhouse horror and B-movies, GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland is a visual and auditory marathon that demands viewers enter it with an open mind.

GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland plays like a surrealist fever-dream pumped up with a heavy dose of dark humor. Director Judas Bullhorn, brilliantly transforms GWAR's live stage antics and musical prowess into a full-length feature film, preserving the band's notorious rebellion spirit throughout.

The film exemplifies the band's distinctive broad-strokes satire on religion, politics, and society in general. It's an unrepentant attack against the establishment that has always powered GWAR’s music. From these angles, this cinematic spectacle, despite its crude surface, delivers critical commentary and symphonic delight.

This unique concoction of obscenity-laden humor, heavy metal music, and crazed fantasy manifests a spectacular manifestation of the extreme theatricality that GWAR is known for. Granted, it won't be to everyone's taste, as GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland can be quite overwhelming given its relentless pursuit of chaos and at times graphic imagery. Yet, for the adventurous viewer or die-hard fans of the band's music, it offers a visceral feast.

In a nutshell, GWAR: Phallus In Wonderland is a visual extension of the band’s music and stage shows, an alien invasion movie, a quest narrative, and a mock-heroic epic. It is a film that throws subtlety out the window, creating a universe entirely of its own, where the weird is the norm, and the norm is so far removed it's almost forgotten.