Shrunken Heads (film)

Shrunken Heads is a 1989 American comedy horror film directed by Richard Elfman. It stars Martin Short, John Candy, and Ed Begley Jr. The film follows the misadventures of a group of anthropologists who stumble upon a tribe in the Amazon rainforest that practices the ritual of shrinking heads. The comedy arises from the cultural clashes and the increasingly bizarre situations the anthropologists find themselves in as they try to navigate the tribe's customs and escape with their lives. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its comedic elements and others criticizing its uneven tone and reliance on slapstick humor. Despite mixed critical reception, it gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its over-the-top absurdity. The film's plot involves a stolen artifact, a misguided romantic subplot, and plenty of slapstick violence, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant (if somewhat stereotypical) portrayal of Amazonian culture. The cast's comedic chemistry is often cited as a major strength of the film.