I personally, find this movie so delightfully trashy as to be the epitomy of what "B" films are SUPPOSED to be about: implausible situations, done with the tongue firmly embedded in the cheek, tweeking the audience every chance they get.
54 Reviews
She wants to eat me...
barnthebarn2 June 2008
Truly ridiculous film from one time Full Moon Films Director/Writer J.F. Lawton who has gone on to write numerous more successful, and quite similar, films and series for cinema and television. This film is sometimes credited as launching star Bill Maher to comedy prime time though as the exploration guide to Dr. Margo Hunt (Shannon Tweed) and her assistant Bunny (Karen M. Waldron) he rarely shines in this watchable but mediocre movie. Tweed and co are sent in to the jungle to look for a scary man-eating tribe and to try and secure the future of Avocardos for the USA. There are direct parallels here with the current need for oil and in many ways, because of the current climate, the movie manages to become clever satire when this was probably never the intention. Several digs at the then growing women's movement are thrown in such as Maher's "She wants to eat me, see for yourself what the women's movement is all about" or the suggestion that no Feminist has advocated Feminism since the 1960s. These jokes aside however - and the obvious fact that the women are all 'sexy' and scantily clad - it is the women who are frequently shown to be smart and the men merely void of intelligence and only useful for the reproductive gene they hold. The Carl Dante music (a regular Full Moon composer at the time) is more than suitable and the film easily watchable, though perhaps only once.
Incredibly stupid...and proud of it!
planktonrules15 August 2021
"Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" is an incredibly silly and stupid film. Much like "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes", it never tries to be anything more than that!
Shannon Tweed plays a feminist studies professor who is enlisted by the government to infiltrate the Great Avocado Jungle, which comprises about a third of California. Why do they need to infiltrate this land of cannibalistic ultra-feminists? Because apparently the godless commies have taken over all the other parts of the world where avocados are grown....and the US doesn't want to fall behind in the Avocado Race! And the plan involves getting these women to agree to relocate to a government reservation in Malibu! To help the professor are two idiots. Bunny is a beautiful but mindless woman and Jim (Bill Maher) is a sexist jerk...and you wonder who would want either of these useless folks on their team!
So is it any good? Yes and no. The film is dumb but tries hard to be dumb. So, some folks will be annoyed by it but the film would also make a wonderful addition to a film night with your friends....a great film to laugh at and enjoy on its own ridiculous terms. Overall, this is a hard film to rate because it wants to be a bad film...but it's also occasionally clever and funny. Worth seeing....if you are a lover of oddball cinema.
By the way, despite Shannon Tweed being the star, there's not a lot of nudity in the film and the version I saw on YouTube pixilated out what little there was.
Shannon Tweed plays a feminist studies professor who is enlisted by the government to infiltrate the Great Avocado Jungle, which comprises about a third of California. Why do they need to infiltrate this land of cannibalistic ultra-feminists? Because apparently the godless commies have taken over all the other parts of the world where avocados are grown....and the US doesn't want to fall behind in the Avocado Race! And the plan involves getting these women to agree to relocate to a government reservation in Malibu! To help the professor are two idiots. Bunny is a beautiful but mindless woman and Jim (Bill Maher) is a sexist jerk...and you wonder who would want either of these useless folks on their team!
So is it any good? Yes and no. The film is dumb but tries hard to be dumb. So, some folks will be annoyed by it but the film would also make a wonderful addition to a film night with your friends....a great film to laugh at and enjoy on its own ridiculous terms. Overall, this is a hard film to rate because it wants to be a bad film...but it's also occasionally clever and funny. Worth seeing....if you are a lover of oddball cinema.
By the way, despite Shannon Tweed being the star, there's not a lot of nudity in the film and the version I saw on YouTube pixilated out what little there was.
I didnt laugh once, but I still thought it was great!
MarKus-37112 February 2001
Yeah, this should be a cult classic! I know of some cheap terrible spaghetti westerns that are more well know than this, which is a shame. I didnt laugh out loud once, not at all, its still amusing and has some good action in it. There were some funny scenes, like when she wanted to hire the mercenaries, and when Bill Maher tired to teach the Jungle men how to be "real" men! I suggest it to people who love great cheesy B flicks, like myself! This one is a keeper. I give it a 7/10.
You can watch this one with the sound off
bmalakwa21 August 2021
God awful
targaid12 July 2019
There's nothing redeemable about this. Stupidly pretentious whilst still managing to be dumb as a bag of rocks.
Badly acted, weird sound, totally unfunny. There's a fun concept inside this somewhere but the inept script and amateurish delivery kill any fun. Save yourself the time.
Not as good as its title....and that says something.
gridoon2 July 2002
With a title like that, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely wasn't a low-low-low-grade comedy with endless pseudo-pointed conversations about the battle of the sexes! The humor is very corny and some of the jokes are telegraphed well before they occur! This still gets a generous rating of two stars, if only because it offers some nice eye-candy, and Karen Mistal, as the bubbleheaded student, is simply amazing.
Fun B Movie That Doesn't Take Itself Seriously
claudio64517 October 2012
If you enjoy B movies like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes or just like silly movies that don't take themselves seriously this is the movie for you.
First, you have the two queens of B movies here: Shannon Tweed and Adrienne Barbeau. You name the B movie and chances are one of them is in it (it also has Karen Waldron who was in one of the Tomato sequels is in this as the overly vacuous Bunny).
You also have a young, before-I-got-political Bill Maher. He's perfect as a stereotypical "man's man".
The plot is ridiculously silly and they know it. IF you just need a no-brains-needed laugh, this is for you.
First, you have the two queens of B movies here: Shannon Tweed and Adrienne Barbeau. You name the B movie and chances are one of them is in it (it also has Karen Waldron who was in one of the Tomato sequels is in this as the overly vacuous Bunny).
You also have a young, before-I-got-political Bill Maher. He's perfect as a stereotypical "man's man".
The plot is ridiculously silly and they know it. IF you just need a no-brains-needed laugh, this is for you.
Will someone please make Bill Maher disappear (as the character in this film)...
dsgraham21200230 May 2016
You know, I can stand wretched performances from some actors, but Bill Maher is totally-unwatchable in this stink bomb. He isn't funny even for one moment, and you can't wait for him to die a painful death (in the film). Oh, the pain...the pain (in the immortal words of Dr. Smith of "Lost in Space" fame. I'm watching the Elvira, Mistress of the Dark version and she cannot appear often-enough. She's the sole reason to watch this piece of celluloid dreck. I know she hosts cinematic crud like this one, but jeez...
Yes, I know it's supposed to be campy, but Maher is barely believable as a human being, much less an allegedly-chauvinistic whatever-he-is. This movie launched his comedy career, you say? Really? Who made that determination? I guess he does die in this thing, but I don't know if I'll make it that far. Even if he's supposed to be awful, he's so awful you can't believe how awful he is! Egad!
Yes, I know it's supposed to be campy, but Maher is barely believable as a human being, much less an allegedly-chauvinistic whatever-he-is. This movie launched his comedy career, you say? Really? Who made that determination? I guess he does die in this thing, but I don't know if I'll make it that far. Even if he's supposed to be awful, he's so awful you can't believe how awful he is! Egad!
"Oh, my God, you're marinating me!"
Hey_Sweden29 August 2016
Provided that prospective viewers know what they're in for, "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" can be a fun and reasonably intelligent movie. They should know up front that it goes for a campy approach, not a sleazy one, and it's lightly entertaining, even interesting. Don't expect any nudity (although there are plenty of sexily clad women and men) or on screen violence. Now, if you're still reading, you may actually find yourself laughing on more than one occasion at this fairly pointed script (by writer / director J.F. Lawton, who went on to write "Pretty Woman" and "Under Siege") and the lively, amiable performances.
It basically satirizes gender politics (while also parodying Joseph Conrads' "Heart of Darkness") in a yarn about feminist professor Margo Hunt (blonde bombshell Shannon Tweed), hired by the U.S. government to infiltrate a large section of California "jungle" and deal with a primitive tribe of females known as the Piranha women. These Amazonian type babes are in the habit of eating their male counterparts after having sex with them. Before making her trek into the jungle, Margo brings along an airhead student of hers, Bunny (Karen M. Waldron, "Return of the Killer Tomatoes") and hires a useless, Indiana Jones wannabe named Jim (comedian / political commentator Bill Maher), who it just so happens was a long ago one night stand of hers, as a guide.
Some viewers will likely think that Lawton is simply too focused on making statements instead of making the movie fun, and in truth, the movie is, as I said, fairly light entertainment. But the jibes in the screenplay are regularly amusing, and Lawton makes sure to take shots at both sexes. Maher is very funny as an obnoxious chauvinist who is taken aback by a male tribe that behave in a very non-stereotypical manner for guys. He goes so far as to teach them about beer and hitting on women. Tweed is a very good straight woman here; if anybody is in any doubt about her having actual acting ability, they need only watch her here. Waldron is cute and adorable. Brett Stimely is likable as the studly Jean-Pierre, Barry Primus makes a guest appearance as the conniving Ford Maddox, and Adrienne Barbeau adds further value with her bright performance as the feminist author who's assumed command of the warrior women.
This is, overall, a nice diversion for an hour and a half.
Seven out of 10.
It basically satirizes gender politics (while also parodying Joseph Conrads' "Heart of Darkness") in a yarn about feminist professor Margo Hunt (blonde bombshell Shannon Tweed), hired by the U.S. government to infiltrate a large section of California "jungle" and deal with a primitive tribe of females known as the Piranha women. These Amazonian type babes are in the habit of eating their male counterparts after having sex with them. Before making her trek into the jungle, Margo brings along an airhead student of hers, Bunny (Karen M. Waldron, "Return of the Killer Tomatoes") and hires a useless, Indiana Jones wannabe named Jim (comedian / political commentator Bill Maher), who it just so happens was a long ago one night stand of hers, as a guide.
Some viewers will likely think that Lawton is simply too focused on making statements instead of making the movie fun, and in truth, the movie is, as I said, fairly light entertainment. But the jibes in the screenplay are regularly amusing, and Lawton makes sure to take shots at both sexes. Maher is very funny as an obnoxious chauvinist who is taken aback by a male tribe that behave in a very non-stereotypical manner for guys. He goes so far as to teach them about beer and hitting on women. Tweed is a very good straight woman here; if anybody is in any doubt about her having actual acting ability, they need only watch her here. Waldron is cute and adorable. Brett Stimely is likable as the studly Jean-Pierre, Barry Primus makes a guest appearance as the conniving Ford Maddox, and Adrienne Barbeau adds further value with her bright performance as the feminist author who's assumed command of the warrior women.
This is, overall, a nice diversion for an hour and a half.
Seven out of 10.
Campy and ridiculous
Leofwine_draca17 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
CANNIBAL WOMEN IN THE AVOCADO JUNGLE OF DEATH is a farcical jungle adventure (and it had to be with that title) in which academics venture into the jungle only to discover a tribe of Amazons who have subjugated the male species and also occasionally cannibalise their suitors. It's ridiculous stuff for sure, not helped by a laughable script which makes a big deal about feminism and the like but comes across as nonsensical for the most part. Some B-movie favourites appear here, including Adrienne Barbeau and Shannon Tweed, but mostly this is all about '80s cheese. There's gratuitous nudity at the outset but none elsewhere, and after about half an hour it really drags out. The old campy 1950s jungle adventures were more fun.
Sharp script and honest satire
lancashi12 January 2002
I'm somewhat surprised at the low rating of this film.
Cannibal Women is a low-budget satire, and I thought a very funny and intelligent one. The script is absolutely fantastic. And the only reason I can imagine for the low reviews is that people either expected a (1) sexploitation flick with gratuitous nudity or (2) a polished adventure thriller in the Indiana Jones tradition. This is neither. It is a low-budget mix of "Heart of Darkness" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as transplanted to (of all things) feminist studies in southern California.
But it has genuine and unexpected laughs.
Cannibal Women is a low-budget satire, and I thought a very funny and intelligent one. The script is absolutely fantastic. And the only reason I can imagine for the low reviews is that people either expected a (1) sexploitation flick with gratuitous nudity or (2) a polished adventure thriller in the Indiana Jones tradition. This is neither. It is a low-budget mix of "Heart of Darkness" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as transplanted to (of all things) feminist studies in southern California.
But it has genuine and unexpected laughs.
funny film
christopher-underwood27 September 2013
This is really rather good and much under rated. Unfortunately it gets put amidst the T&A 'bad' B movie category where it just doesn't belong, although ironically it does begin that way with incompetent men and near naked women bathing in a waterfall. Once properly underway, however, this is a funny film with Bill Maher reminding one of early Robin Williams and cutie, Karen Waldron doing a perfect impression of Goldie Hawn. Shannon Tweed is surprisingly good in the main lead and works well with the others thanks to such a very good script. This is not funny like Airplane and the remit, social satire on sexual politics is a bit narrow but it really is enough to keep you smiling. The scantily clad women are something of a bonus but would be a great disappointment for anyone seeking this out for that reason, and hence, I guess , the less than deserved acclaim this film tend to get. Very much worth a watch.
Unexpectedly unentertaining
jaigurudavid26 May 2021
You would think a movie that features both Shannon Tweed and Adrienne Barbeau would have some redeeming value. But you would be wrong. The movie it's very short on action, very long on meaningless dialogue, and virtually devoid of any laughs. Astonishing, Bill Maher's performance isn't the worst thing about this movie. For some reason, the movie tries to make a point about women's rights, which falls as flat as any attempted comedy. A complete waste of time.
Worth viewing just to see Bill Maher's old nose
GothamGal4 August 2003
This movie is very campy and knows it. It tries to make fun of feminists and chauvinists at the same time, and does so quite well. It is very (very) light entertainment.
Bill Maher plays a light-hearted chauvinist who teaches a tribe of sensitive men all about beer and corvettes. Seeing Bill Maher in purple bikini underwear before being put into a pot to stew, and having him discover a carrot in the pot and uttering the words "What's up Doc" is very worth the viewing experience..
Bill Maher plays a light-hearted chauvinist who teaches a tribe of sensitive men all about beer and corvettes. Seeing Bill Maher in purple bikini underwear before being put into a pot to stew, and having him discover a carrot in the pot and uttering the words "What's up Doc" is very worth the viewing experience..
You're marinating me......
FlashCallahan23 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The U.S. government, eager to protect the nation's avacado supplies, recruits feminist professor Margo Hunt.
She is hired to make contact with the Piranha Women, an all-female tribe who believe men are only good as a source of food.
Accompanying Dr. Hunt on her trip are Jim, a guide of questionable competence, and Bunny, a student who wants to start a feminist cookery course.......
Getting straight to the point, the title is the funniest and most entertaining part of the film, a wannabe satire showing that men are the weak minded fools we've always knew they were, whilst at the same time portraying women as literal man eaters.
So in a sense, it can be quite clever at times, but the depiction of men in this film belong in a Zucker Brothers comedy, rather than a wannabe scathing satire on the men are from mars, women are from Venus argument.
The bar scene, where they are trying to hire a guide, just feels like it's from a different film, and takes you away from the narrative, much like the strange tribe scene, where Jim turns the men into real men.
And then there's the never ending references to Apocalypse Now, calling the main antagonist Kurtz is one thing, but you really have to do something other than to have someone say 'the horror, the horror'.
The stunt casting of Shannon Tweed is wonderful though, and it does have that familiar eighties sheen to it, but other than the wonderfully amusing title, it doesn't do much.
She is hired to make contact with the Piranha Women, an all-female tribe who believe men are only good as a source of food.
Accompanying Dr. Hunt on her trip are Jim, a guide of questionable competence, and Bunny, a student who wants to start a feminist cookery course.......
Getting straight to the point, the title is the funniest and most entertaining part of the film, a wannabe satire showing that men are the weak minded fools we've always knew they were, whilst at the same time portraying women as literal man eaters.
So in a sense, it can be quite clever at times, but the depiction of men in this film belong in a Zucker Brothers comedy, rather than a wannabe scathing satire on the men are from mars, women are from Venus argument.
The bar scene, where they are trying to hire a guide, just feels like it's from a different film, and takes you away from the narrative, much like the strange tribe scene, where Jim turns the men into real men.
And then there's the never ending references to Apocalypse Now, calling the main antagonist Kurtz is one thing, but you really have to do something other than to have someone say 'the horror, the horror'.
The stunt casting of Shannon Tweed is wonderful though, and it does have that familiar eighties sheen to it, but other than the wonderfully amusing title, it doesn't do much.
Very stupid film
acetylcholinenjoyer7 October 2010
Okay, I knew that this movie was going to be stupid (Like all those awful films that had the word "Cannibal" on the title) but I was expecting that this was, at least, somewhat funny.
Nope, this wasn't funny at all. It was just...Stupid and silly, and not in a good way.
Personally, I think that this movie was a waste of time: It wasn't so bad as "Cannibal Holocaust" or trash like that, but it still was pretty bad. Pretty bad.
I think that the score of this film is way too high. It should have two or three stars, no more. It is just a bad, forgettable film.
Nope, this wasn't funny at all. It was just...Stupid and silly, and not in a good way.
Personally, I think that this movie was a waste of time: It wasn't so bad as "Cannibal Holocaust" or trash like that, but it still was pretty bad. Pretty bad.
I think that the score of this film is way too high. It should have two or three stars, no more. It is just a bad, forgettable film.
The New Champion
diksum-11 August 2021
Delirious funny
pumaye14 April 2003
This movie is a delirious spoof of Indiana Jones, from the feminist point of view, with a plethora of delicious women and, most of all, Karen Mistal, the sexiest girl in the field in the Eighties. The title say it all, but it is better than you might think. Worth a look.
Weak movie
stefanozucchelli2 January 2022
Fun movie that never gets too serious
zeeroover29 December 2008
Fun to watch movie that revolves around the so-called eternal fight for dominance between men and women that takes it to the extreme. The movie is clearly intended to be funny and includes many fun dialogs and references to other movies. Even includes a reference to the movie 2001 - a space odyssey. All actors play over the top characters and clearly enjoy themselves making the movie. Bill Maher, Shannon Tweed and Adrienne Barbeau really manage to pull of saying their lines believably. I wonder, however, if they did not regularly had trouble keeping their faces straight. It has some weaknesses with some plot elements but this never really detracts from the fun. I am not sure the makers were fans of the Letterman of Donahue talk shows but I leave you to judge that. In all a fun movie to watch with your friends.
Boring but still funny!
RodrigAndrisan24 August 2018
This is a movie that should not be taken too seriously, it's made especially to amuse and that it does, in some scenes. Do not expect an ambitious script and who knows what acting performances. It's just an easy comedy. The girls are almost naked and very sexy.
A great satire on feminism and male/female relations
monicker3 December 1999
"Cannibal Women" is not only a movie that's so bad, it's good, it delivers right-on satirical jabs at feminism, machoism, and male/female relations. Not only do we have a conniving military and warring factions of cannibal women, but a local male tribe, "the Donahues".
The chemistry between Shannon Tweed and Bill Maher is perfect--this is definitely Tweed's best performance anywhere, and Maher is perfect as a chauvinistic, directionally-challenged jungle guide. Karen Mistal, who has the thankless job of playing college student/mindless bimbo/aspiring feminist/aspiring cannibal woman, plays her role without flaw, as well. Only Adrienne Barbeau, in a cameo role, seems stiff. But somehow, even her performance works.
For a low-budget comedy, this film surprisingly packs a lot of laughs and even a message or two. Great fun.
The chemistry between Shannon Tweed and Bill Maher is perfect--this is definitely Tweed's best performance anywhere, and Maher is perfect as a chauvinistic, directionally-challenged jungle guide. Karen Mistal, who has the thankless job of playing college student/mindless bimbo/aspiring feminist/aspiring cannibal woman, plays her role without flaw, as well. Only Adrienne Barbeau, in a cameo role, seems stiff. But somehow, even her performance works.
For a low-budget comedy, this film surprisingly packs a lot of laughs and even a message or two. Great fun.
fun
ahilton7218 April 2007
Totally fun movie. Another one I chose for "bad movie night". You can not take it seriously. Adrian and Sharon are your stereotypical "amazon" ladies from this type of movie. Scantally clad and trying to handle every situation. Acting is overdone and stupid but that is what you would expect. I didn't know Bill Mar was in it till he came on screen. He totally made the movie. His character was actually likable and funny. If you are looking for something wildly entertaining and well done this is not your flick.
If you are looking for some mindless entertainment for an evening, this would be a good choice.
If you are looking for some mindless entertainment for an evening, this would be a good choice.
"This is not the Disneyland Jungle Boat Ride!"
classicsoncall1 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This film doesn't pretend to be anything more than a campy spoof of feminism, it's like the "Airplane" of cannibal movies, so if you go into it with that mindset you won't be disappointed. Personally, I didn't know what to expect, especially after that opening scene in which an explorer named Sam got the shaft. Absurdities abound in the movie, such as Bunny's (Karen M. Waldron) outfit routinely changing from scene to scene, and you'll note that Jim's (Bill Maher) huge backpack goes missing when he steps out of the Piranha Women's Temple. Speaking of which, you have to wonder how Maher escaped the wrath of the #Metoo movement by his participation in this flick, but since I only became aware of the film this morning, I guess it doesn't surprise. Adrienne Barbeau defends her view of radical feminism as Empress of the Avocado Jungle against that of Dr. Margo Hunt (Shannon Tweed), who professes equality between the sexes. As ridiculous as the title of the picture sounds, it doesn't approach 'worst movie ever' status, in fact it's entertaining in it's own way if you go for the type of parody offered on display. I didn't mind watching it, but once was quite enough.
Say, wouldn't it have been neat if they got Dean Stockwell to portray Dean Stockwell?
Say, wouldn't it have been neat if they got Dean Stockwell to portray Dean Stockwell?
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