As a cinephile who has traversed the vast wasteland of films, both post-apocalyptic and otherwise, I must say that “Turbo Kid” is a delightful gem that stands out like a beacon of hope amidst the ruins. Having spent countless hours in my own post-apocalypse –– aka, my college dorm room –– I can certainly relate to the young comic-book enthusiast wandering through his desolate world.
The streaming service known as Peacock has established a unique position within the streaming industry by providing NBC shows such as “The Office” and live TV broadcasts, including sports. Yet, what makes Peacock truly special is its trove of lesser-known treasures and cult favorites tucked away within its extensive collection. This ranges from horror to musicals, dramas, comedies, and more, spanning different time periods. However, if you’re not precisely sure about what you’re searching for, it can be somewhat challenging to discover that elusive gem for your home movie night.
Here are ten diverse films, some of which have earned devoted fanbases (cult classics), while others have been overlooked and not received the recognition they should have. Dive in, explore what appeals to your tastes, and you can be certain that each movie delivers an unforgettable, thrilling viewing experience.
10 Welcome to Me (2014)
A young woman named Alice Klieg (portrayed by Kristen Wiig), who has been living a secluded existence due to a borderline personality disorder, finds comfort in watching reruns of Oprah and playing TV Bingo. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she wins a staggering $86 million. With this newfound wealth, Alice pursues her ambition of having her own television show. As her creative ideas become increasingly outlandish and the funds dwindle, Alice faces conflicts with her family and friends.
Kristen Wiig at Her Best
There is no denying that Kristen Wiig is one of the best comedic actors today. The SNL alumni carved out an impressive career, from Bridesmaids to Ghostbusters, but Welcome to Me has often gone overlooked. It has a dark sense of humor as Alice’s eccentricity plays out in every way, from a horrible cooking show to a week-long special where she offers spade and neutering of pets.
The movie is wonderfully bizarre and suited to Wiig’s ability to play offbeat characters. The best part is it has some heartwarming moments that will also endear you to the oddball.
9 Millennium Actress (2001)
Chiyoko Fujiwara, a former actress, is invited by a film team to share tales about her life and professional journey on camera. As she narrates her birth during turbulent times in Japan, her romantic encounters with a rebel, and how these lost loves influenced her career and ideologies, the documentary crew finds themselves immersed in each narrative, serving as silent witnesses and commentators on the unfolding events.
A Beautiful Celebration of Art and the Human Experience
You really don’t have to be an anime fan to appreciate the profoundly beautiful celebration of life and cinema that is Millennium Actress. While focusing on the career of a fictional actress, the Satoshi Kon movie touches on many universal themes of love, longing, and aging with such grace and beauty it is difficult not to find oneself entirely absorbed. Millennium Actress is also a visual treat, capturing various movie styles in its approach to telling a story by jumping through the many roles of Chiyoko.
8 The Frighteners (1996)
Frank Bannister (played by Michael J. Fox) is a deceptive medium who exploits his supposed ability to communicate with the deceased for personal gain through fraudulent schemes. However, when a malevolent spirit, disguised as the Grim Reaper, begins claiming lives of both townsfolk and spirits within his town, Frank recognizes that he might be the last hope to apprehend this murderous entity. Partnering with Lucy, a recent widow, Frank embarks on an exploration of the town’s ominous past in search of the true identity behind the enigmatic Grim Reaper.
Peter Jackson’s Underrated Horror-Comedy
Although Peter Jackson is well-known today for his work on The Lord of the Rings, before he became famous, he was primarily known for horror films. However, with The Frighteners, Jackson transitioned from low-budget B-movies to a more mainstream Hollywood style. This movie blends elements of both his previous work and his newfound polish, demonstrating his comedic flair from the horror genre and the early stages of his refined style. Despite being a box office failure, The Frighteners has gained a cult following over time.
Setting aside any connections to the well-known filmmaker, The Frighteners provides an entertaining blend of humor and terror, a harmonious mix that’s hard to resist. This is further bolstered by a talented ensemble, featuring Michael J. Fox as the main character, along with veterans like Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace, and John Astin. The ghost effects are remarkable and retain their appeal even after years of review.
7 Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
As a passionate fan of The Ramones, I, a high school student, eagerly awaited the day they would perform in my town. The thought of finally seeing them live was exhilarating, yet the disdain for rock music from both my school and parents made it seem like an impossible dream. But when the opportunity to bring The Ramones to our very own school arises, my friends and I are determined to stage a rebellion against the status quo and make this rock ‘n’ roll fantasy a reality!
Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll High School?
As a devoted fan of punk rock, I must say that nothing beats the thrill of a musical featuring the iconic band The Ramones – even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. For those who share my passion for this genre, “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” is an absolute gem! This college comedy from the era embodies the same crude and irreverent humor you’d expect, but what truly sets it apart are its vibrant characters – youthful rebels with a deep love for music that resonates deeply with audiences. A cult-classic not to be missed, where you can laugh, cheer, and sing your heart out!
6 Faults (2014)
Ansel Roth was previously well-known for his expertise in cults, but now limits his work to minor engagements at specialized gatherings. When confronted by a distressed couple seeking to free their daughter, Claire, from a cult, he initially resists due to financial difficulties, eventually agreeing to the task. As he invests more time with Claire, Ansel begins to question whether the cult she’s part of might possess some genuine powers they claim to have. The deprogramming process evolves into a back-and-forth encounter, with Ansel gradually losing his hold on his own reality.
Join the Cult. The Benefits are Great
This remarkably crafted play, titled “Faults”, plays out during a nerve-wracking, solitary night, with its peak delivering an unexpected turn of events. Despite being filmed within limited spatial boundaries and under financial constraints, the film manages to captivate audiences effectively.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Lance Reddick deliver captivating performances in their recurring conflicts as they deprogram Claire, a dynamic that’s reminiscent of a dance. Faults, which may have been overlooked upon its release, is a concealed treasure for those seeking a thoughtfully crafted and intensely engaging drama.
5 Doppelganger (1993)
Holly Gooding, played by Drew Barrymore, finds herself in a precarious situation following allegations of her involvement in her mother’s death. In Los Angeles, she stumbles upon an unusual friendship and blossoming romance with struggling writer Patrick Highsmith (George Newbern). Yet, Holly is constantly tormented by the specter of a look-alike pursuing her relentlessly. As Patrick delves deeper into this enigma, he uncovers the true identity of Holly.
A Gripping Thriller Starring Drew Barrymore
In one of Drew Barrymore’s early significant roles as an adult, the film “Doppelganger” was a flop at the box office. This could be because the movie had trouble defining its identity; it wasn’t strictly a horror movie, nor an erotic thriller, nor a mystery drama, but more of a blend between these genres. However, if you approach the movie without preconceived expectations about typical genre elements, it offers quite an exhilarating experience. Additionally, this film serves as an early demonstration of Drew Barrymore’s remarkable talent.
The tale is full of unexpected plot developments and turns, and even those who aren’t big fans of ongoing terror might find the latter half of the movie quite unusual, as things become remarkably strange. Although it hasn’t received widespread recognition, the movie deserves another watch; it has garnered a small but dedicated fanbase, but not enough to classify it as a cult film in the truest sense.
4 They Live (1988)
Nada (Roddy Piper) is a wandering man looking for meaning as he journeys from one town to another seeking employment. When he arrives in Los Angeles, his life takes an unexpected turn as he stumbles upon special sunglasses that reveal hidden messages and an extraterrestrial group secretly controlling things. Alongside Frank (Keith David), a colleague, Nada becomes part of a rebellion determined to dethrone the alien rulers.
A Timeless Cult Classic
They Live” is a film that will continue to resonate in capitalist societies, due to its enduring popularity as a cult classic. The primary reason for this longevity lies in its biting critique of advertising and its impact on individuals. Despite this, the movie caters more towards fans of horror and dark comedy rather than those who prefer high-brow cinema.
Roddy Piper is wonderfully over-the-top and delivers many great one-liners, the alien designs are iconic, and the message of “Obey” and “Consume” seen on billboards of LA have emerged into the public lexicon when speaking out against the global elite and their heavy-handed messaging. John Carpenter created an ideal cult-classic worthy of revisiting or checking out for the first time.
3 Let the Right One in (2008)
Set in Blackeberg, a Stockholm suburb during the 1980s’ early years, “Let Me Find the Right One” unfolds the tale of a young, tormented boy named Oskar. His life takes an unusual turn when a new neighbor, Eli, moves in. After shielding Eli from bullies, Oskar develops an intense fascination towards his mysterious neighbor. However, he quickly senses that Eli is not quite what she seems. As Oskar discovers that Eli is a vampire who must feed to live, he grapples with his feelings yet remains drawn to her, yearning for their relationship to deepen.
Coming of Age with a Killer Vampire
This enigmatic, moody Swedish film left an indelible impression on cinema when it debuted and revitalized the vampire genre in the 2000s. It achieved this by skillfully merging themes of adolescence with vampire folklore, creating a unique blend of poignant drama and chilling horror. Essentially, it could be seen as a forerunner to A24, delivering a finely-tuned horror experience that would undoubtedly resonate with fans of the production company today.
As a cinephile with a soft spot for horror, I must say that although the film has taken on a bit of a vintage feel for today’s younger audience, it remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by those who missed its initial wave of popularity. Despite being remade almost frame-by-frame, there’s an undeniable allure to the original that sets it apart. From the captivating performances to the authentic atmosphere, experiencing this classic horror film is like stepping back in time and enjoying a superior cinematic experience.
2 Turbo Kid (2015)
In simple terms, we can describe the character as “a young comic book fan, often referred to as ‘The Kid,’ navigates through a desolate post-apocalyptic landscape. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a captivating cyborg named Apple, and they forge a bond. However, their friendship is tested when Apple gets abducted by a brutal gang headed by the notorious Zeus. In his quest to rescue Apple, The Kid devises a strategy and enlists the aid of a mysterious ally. Together, they engage in a fierce battle against Zeus and his henchmen.
The Most Adorably Violent Post-Apocalyptic Film You Will Find
As a standout sensation on the festival scene, Turbo Kid garnered attention for its distinctive fusion of a touching coming-of-age story set against an apocalyptic backdrop, intertwined with excessive violence. However, over time, the film has slipped somewhat into obscurity and failed to expand much beyond its initial cult following.
It’s unfortunate that this movie is so unique and an amazing blend of genres, as it has been beautifully captured on screen. If you are not fond of graphic violence, I would advise giving it a pass, but its playful style might captivate a wider audience beyond horror enthusiasts, thanks to the heartwarming narrative at its core.
1 Dave Made a Maze (2017)
Over the weekend while his girlfriend was away, Dave (Nick Thune) found himself feeling bored, so he decided to create something – a miniature maze. But once he started working on it, he couldn’t stop and somehow constructed an enormous labyrinth that surpassed the confines of his small apartment. When his girlfriend returned and discovered him trapped inside, she enlisted Dave’s friends for help in finding and rescuing him. However, navigating through this intricate maze was a risky endeavor, as it was filled with hazards such as a colossal minotaur, making their mission treacherous.
A Very Crafty Fantasy Adventure
Dave Made a Maze” is a movie you might have come across through word of mouth rather than mainstream advertising. Despite its modest budget, this indie film showcases what creativity can achieve when money is tight. The intricate set designs, reminiscent of craftsmanship, are marvelous in their execution and give the distinct feeling that one is lost within a handcrafted maze.
This fantasy film incorporates gentle humor and mild frightening moments, which makes it an ideal choice for family viewing. Known comedian Nick Thune plays a key role in the movie, infusing his unique charm into the character, thus making it a must-see for fans who appreciate his stand-up comedy.
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2024-09-21 19:02