Okay, I might be a bit premature in saying this, but Mad Heidi is my favorite film I've seen in 2024. Called by filmmakers Johannes Hartmann and Sandro Klopfstein (who directed, and wrote the script with Gregory D. Wilmer) as the first Swissplotation film, it's not just a loving homage to the exploitation films of the 70s and 80s, but a kiss on the cheek of what makes those films so damn much fun. It's a blast for fans of the genre, delivering some over-the-top moments with a game cast and filmmakers.
And if the opening credit of wheels of cheese encircling the Matterhorn, spoofing the opening to films released by Paramount Pictures, don't have you smiling, you need to wait until you're in a better mood to watch this film.
The story involves a Swiss dictator, President Meili (a GLORIOUS scene chewing Casper Van Dien, Stormship Troopers) planning to take over the world with a new, enhanced Swiss cheese. This leads to Goat Peter (Kel Matsena), dressed in his best Blaxploitation Swiss garb, being executed for producing "illegal" dairy products. His girlfriend Heidi (Alice Lucy) fights the troops ineffectively, before running off to her home. Expecting her grandfather to protect her, he is apparently killed, and Heidi is sent to a woman's prison.
How many times have I seen this scene in a Roger Corman movie?
Okay, before I get flagged, Lucy is an adult, and Heidi is 24 years old in the film. So don't go thinking of earlier cinematic versions of the character.
Heidi escapes, finds an old church to hide within, and drinks some absinthe. Soon after, she sees a green fairy, who trains her in the martial arts, aided by two nuns. No, I'm not kidding, this happens. And at this point, I suspect you'll be into it, as I was.
Soon enough, mayhem ensues, and it is AWESOME. To be honest, this film had me grinning through its run time. It has scenes paying homage to most of the exploitation genres, having fun with the troupes while not outright mocking them. It's a glorious, over the top, kiss on the cheek to everything that makes the exploitation film of the 70s and 80s so much fun, and I loved every minute.
Screw neutrality. Heidi's ready to kick ass.
It's obvious everyone involved had a great time working on the film. Like Van Dien (who, again, is perfect), the villains are GLORIOUSLY over the top, while the rest of the cast plays it straight, again, like most exploitation films. And Lucy is great as Heidi, who's meek to start, but becomes the badass she's meant to be at the end of the film.
As I mentioned, the script delivering winks and nods to classic exploitation films (Heidi's friend Klara is Prisoner 701, one of many nice touch for genre fans). And Hartmann and Klopfstein keep the action flowing with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Mad Heidi might be less offensive than the films they're homaging, but just barely. Yet it delivers the goods, and is a great time for fans.
Yeah, we're walking away for a big-ass exploding building. What you gonna do about it?
I hope you heed the filmmaker's advice to Support Independent Films and not view or download it illegally. If you have a region free DVD or Blu-Ray player, you can buy the film (as I did). It's also available to rent on several streaming sites in the US, or just go to the official website. But see it as soon as you can, as it's so much fun.
I know this was a crowdfunded film, but come on, Scream Factory, find a way to release a physical copy in the US. This film is right up your alley.
Just be aware, as I mentioned, Mad Heidi is tamer than exploitation films of the past, but it still has elements that will not be suitable for everyone. But if you're a fan of such fare, you'll have a great time. And the film does tease a sequel. I so want it to happen and will be happy to support it. The filmmakers did it right the first time, and I suspect they'll do it again.
Oh, and we do get a The Sound of Music moment. I'd been disappointed if there wasn't one.
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