The New Class of Midnight Movies

There is a gradual escalation for a movie until it technically becomes "cult." Point markers for a film climbing that ladder to a cult like status include: Frat boys constantly quoting it, t-shirts at Hot Topic and eventually a three day festival in its honor.

A midnight showing of your favorite movie is an experience everyone should partake in. It gives the film an electric excitement that it hasn't had since your very first viewing. Being surrounded by fellow fans who laugh and cheer at the exact right moments and who quote along with the actors gets kinda addicting. These movies, either mainstream or indie, that become the headliners at your favorite cinema dives are usually unpredictable. From Rocky Horror to The Room to Donnie Darko to Office Space the only thing these films have in common is the loyal fan base that love these films to death and that want to share that experience with other people over and over and over again.

So what do you think are going to be the new Midnight Movies? What are going to be the new movies that people will recite lines, bring props and dress up as the characters? Throw away any concrete definition of cult movies you might hold. History shows the diversity of these "cult" films is too far and wide to be too selective. I just want to know what you think will be the next Goonies or Big Lebowski. I have started a short list of films that I think have a good shot of becoming the next Clerks and I would love to hear what you would want to add.
Suggestion: Don't name anything that's already on this list.

In no particular order, here are my picks for the new class of midnight movies:

In Bruges (2008)
This film is one of the most quotable movies that I have seen in a long time. The more this movie gets seen the more steam it picks up. This clip is all the convincing you will need.



Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
Scott Pilgrim was able to combine cinema and video games into one entertaining and visually stunning film. It was pretty funny to boot. Again, it is a very quotable film with a huge cast of characters for people to dress up as. Oh and the music is excellent. People love good music.


Idiocracy (2006)
Mike Judge is like a cult leader. The creator of Beavis and Butthead and Office Space seems to have written the book on how to create a cult hit. And he definitely did it again with Idiocracy. A movie that the studio didn't know what to do with and that didn't fall into any known marketable demographic, is a movie perfect for the midnight masses.




Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
The return of Shane Black did not commence with a big bang. A murder mystery, a strong cast and some great writing didn't get the people in the theaters. But this movie is like wine, or Jon Stewart, it got better with age.





Kick-Ass (2010)
Two things automatically make Kick-Ass a cult movie contender. One: Hit Girl. Two: Nick Cage's acting and mustache. It's also ultra violent and isn't afraid of going way over the top. Like, a child ruthlessly killing dozens of people over-the-top.




The Descent (2005)
One of the best and underappreciated horror films of the last decade The Decent has a loyal following already. If you haven't seen it yet make sure not to see the "American" version (Read: Happy Ending).


Anchorman (2004)
I really shouldn't be telling you how funny this movie is. And I don't know why people aren't dressing up like the Channel 4 news team, roaming the streets of San Diego looking for a fight at this very moment. This movie just needs a little push to reach Lebowski Fest heights, I'm telling you.




The Hangover (2009)
Zach Galifianakis. Nuf said





There are a lot more and I need your help. What other films do you see yourself going to see on a Friday night at midnight with your best friends and throwing rubber snakes at the screen?

A Monday Potluck: Spanish Blondie, Pop Sugar Skulls & Tintin Lovecraft'd

Today dear readers I bring you "a little of this and a little of that" from around the Internet.

First up is a little of this: Illustrated pop culture Sugar Skulls! My favorite is below but you can see more of them here.

If I had a "dia de los muertos" Lego set as a kid...I would have been too scared to play with it. I would have hid it in the freezer. I would love one now of course, but I'm too old. Damn you cruel life (fist shake to the sky)!

You can't go anywhere in the Internet these days without stepping in a big pile of Cthulhu and this blog ain't any different. Mashing up Tintin and H. P. Lovecraft is a brilliant idea and these expertly rendered faux covers are all kinds of fun. Have I read H. P. Lovecraft? Of course I have! I'm American aren't I? Have I read Tintin? Of course not! I'm American aren't I?



Last but not least, here's Blondie's "Call Me" in Spanish. You know, just 'cause.

TV Show Promo: Episodes

I know that The Green Lantern trailer was leaked but seriously you guys, Joey's back! And this time the show doesn't look abysmal. Episodes is a new comedy on Showtime about Matt LeBlanc as Matt LeBlanc trying to get his groove back. Yes, it's the same plot as The Comeback. And yes, I also verbally groan whenever Hollywood decides to make a TV show about making a TV show or a movie about making movies. But this looks like it has some comedy potential. So click that little triangle in the embedded YouTube player and remember how good it feels to ask "How you doin'?"

The History of Stop Motion in Stop Motion

The story of stop motion animation told with stop motion animation. Even if you don't quite get the meaning of the previous sentence you should still watch this video. You will be entertained and learn something at the same time, which is a departure from most videos on the Internet that are usually disgusting and leave you feeling dumber.

I love stop motion from chloe fleury on Vimeo.

The Tron: Legacy Trailer Is Here

I'm going to say this right in the beginning of the post because I want to get it out of the way: The young Jeff Bridges creeps me out. Maybe he's supposed to give you the willies, I don't know. But if Disney wants the digitally reconstructed Jeff to make you uneasy, well Mickey, I got a big "Mission Accomplished" banner for you.

Crazy Heart is in your closet and wants to eat your soul

I got a second nitpick as well. They have been hyping this sequel to Tron for, like, a year now and I keep thinking that the movie has already come out. I keep having a "Tron hasn't come out yet?" moment every time a new trailer or poster is released. Seriously enough already, get this damn movie in the theater.

Anyway, those two minor irritations aside, here's my review for the new Tron: Legacy trailer:

I want to go to there.

Just watch for yourself.



Told ya.

Music Video Monday: Cee Lo Green & Flying Lotus

Music videos are surprisingly not dead despite MTV's relentless effort to do so. They seem to be actually flourishing with creativity. I guess we have the Internet to thank for that. So here are two little gems to help start your week off right. One is text base and funky the other is 8-bit and disturbing. Pick your poison.

First up CeeLo Green and his new single "It's Ok"




Next up is some murderous robot mayhem from Flying Lotus. This track is titled "Kill Your Co-Workers." Coincidentally it is also in the top 10 for best song titles ever.

Flying Lotus - Kill Your Co-Workers from Warp Records on Vimeo.