Cult Cinema Circle

"Bring us a pitcher of beer every seven minutes until somebody passes out. And then bring one every ten minutes."On today's episode, we're wrapping up our month of Back To School, by covering the literal 80s college comedy starring Rodney Dangerfield, Back to School (1986). This movie came out in the era of the John Hughes teen films, but is ultimately dealing with the pressures that come with wanting to be different than your parents and trying to reinvent yourself in a new place. This film also has an interesting connection to the band Sum 41, which we'll talk more about.. you don't want to miss it :)Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

”You guys have no imagination. It’s like you’re playing checkers, and I’m playing chess”On today’s episode, in honor of its 20th anniversary, we’re covering the teen horror film, Cry_Wolf (2005). Joining me for this episode is Marybeth McAndrews, Editor In Chief of Dread Central and all around cool person!We talk about coming to this movie later in our respective lives and just how bonkers this movie is. We also talk about the bonkers production history of this film, and just how any movie being completed and shown is a feat in itselfIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Marybeth on Instagram or BlueSkyVisit The Dread Central WebsiteFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, we’re heading to the Battle Of The Bands, as we revisit the Jack Black film School Of Rock (2003)Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I ain't no one's trophy, Goose.”On today’s episode, my guest Emily and I are heading back to school and revisiting the absolute camp classic musical that is Grease 2 (1982)Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Pick Up Emily's Book: Amazon or Barnes and NobleFollow Emily on InstagramFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in August 2025.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It’s Armageddon Day. The day the world’s supposed to end”On today’s episode, we’re closing out our coverage of the Gregg Araki’s Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy by covering the final film in that trilogy, Nowhere (1997).Joining me for this episode is my buddy and critic extraordinaire, Rocco T. Thompson. Tune in to hear us talk about this fabulous movie and why it’s still relevant to this day.Article Referenced:Cover Story: Going ‘Nowhere’ Fast With Gregg Araki, Kerosene Jones, Wussy Vol 12, October 13th, 2023CLICK HEREIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Rocco on Instagram, Twitter and LetterboxdRead Articles Written By Rocco at AuthoryFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we dive into Gregg Araki’s The Doom Generation (1995), a neon-soaked, blood-splattered road movie that’s equal parts satire, nightmare, and Gen X fever dream. Following the nihilistic trio of Jordan, Amy, and Xavier as they spiral through a world of violence, sex, and black humor, Araki crafts a brutal portrait of lost youth at the edge of America’s cultural meltdown.We unpack the film’s shocking violence, its biting commentary on consumerism and morality, and how it fits within Araki’s “Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy.” From its campy dialogue to its disturbing finale, we ask: is The Doom Generation pure provocation, or does it reveal something deeper about identity, alienation, and the rage of a generation?If you’re ready to confront a film that MTV once called “the first true Gen X movie,” buckle up—this ride is messy, grotesque, and unforgettable.Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Bobby on InstagramFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into Gregg Araki’s Totally Fucked Up (1993), the raw, DIY cornerstone of his Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy. Blurring the lines between documentary-style confessional and narrative chaos, the film follows a group of queer teens navigating love, alienation, and survival in early ’90s Los Angeles. We unpack its fragmented structure, its unfiltered portrayal of youth on the margins, and the way Araki captures both the aimlessness and urgency of adolescence. From grainy camcorder intimacy to punk-fueled rebellion, we explore how Totally Fucked Up remains a defiant, vulnerable time capsule of Gen X disillusionmentIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we unpack the cult classic Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990), a quirky, melancholic tale of identity, abandonment, and small-town myth-making. We follow the story of Dinky Bossetti, played by a young Winona Ryder, as she navigates her outsider status in anticipation of the return of the town’s elusive hometown hero, Roxy Carmichael. Is Roxy a savior, a symbol, or just a ghost of what never was? We’ll explore how the film blends teenage alienation with adult disillusionment, examine its portrayal of 90s-era femininity and longing, and ask whether Roxy Carmichael ever really needed to come home at all.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in July 2025.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we unravel the haunting psychological labyrinth of Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a film that blends horror, trauma, and existential dread into a singular cinematic experience. Directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Tim Robbins, this cult classic follows Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer as he grapples with disturbing visions, shifting realities, and the unraveling of his own identity.We explore the film’s layered narrative structure, its eerie depiction of PTSD and grief, and its deep spiritual undertones rooted in mysticism, paranoia, and death. From its nightmarish imagery to its lasting influence on psychological horror and pop culture, Jacob’s Ladder is more than a film—it’s a descent into the fragile human psyche.Join us as we dig into the symbolism, production history, and legacy of this unforgettable journey between life and death.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re diving into Loser (2000), the offbeat teen dramedy that tried to flip the college rom-com formula on its head. Directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and starring Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari, Loser tells the story of Paul Tannek — a socially awkward but good-hearted guy navigating life at NYU, unrequited crushes, and toxic roommates. We’ll unpack the film’s portrayal of early 2000s youth culture, discuss its awkward charm and missed opportunities, and explore how it fits into Heckerling’s broader filmography. Was Loser misunderstood at the time, or is it just that — a cinematic misfit that never quite found its crowd? Tune in as we revisit this quirky underdog story and see how it holds up 25 years laterIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we're cutting off our hair and going on the run, but standing for justice, damn it, as we revisit the underseen and IMO underrated 80s classic that is The Legend of Billie Jean (1985).Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we're heading out to the desert and fighting for our lives against a family of bloodthirsty cannibals as we dive into The Hills Have Eyes (1977). This movie was written and directed by the one and only Mr. Wes Craven.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the body-swapping chaos of Freaky Friday (2003), the Disney teen comedy that gave us peak Lindsay Lohan, a guitar-shredding garage band, and Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her most unexpectedly hilarious roles. We unpack the film’s themes of mother-daughter tension, identity, and empathy—plus, why this version of Freaky Friday still resonates over two decades later. From fortune cookies to Freaky Friday’s punk rock attitude, join us as we revisit the movie that turned a family feud into a full-blown identity crisis… with killer soundtrack vibes.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in June 2025.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into Todd Haynes’ underground cult classic Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story—a haunting, avant-garde retelling of Karen Carpenter’s life told entirely through Barbie dolls. Banned shortly after its release due to music rights issues, this 1987 short film remains a powerful and controversial portrait of fame, control, and self-destruction.We’ll unpack the film’s bold aesthetic choices, its unflinching depiction of eating disorders, and how it reimagines the biopic format through subversive storytelling and emotional minimalism. We also discuss the legacy of Karen Carpenter’s voice, the role of media in shaping celebrity identity, and why this film continues to resonate despite its legal exile.Tune in as we explore what makes Superstar both a daring piece of unauthorized art and an unforgettable elegy to a voice silenced too soon.Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s wild ride as me and my returning guest, Elizabeth Teets dive headfirst into the psychedelic madness of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls—Russ Meyer and Roger Ebert’s infamous 1970 cult classic that defies categorization and good taste in equal measure.From its candy-colored visuals to its unhinged plot twists, this film isn’t a sequel but a surreal spiritual cousin to the original Valley of the Dolls. We unpack the film’s gleeful chaos, its satirical stab at Hollywood dreams, and how it juggles sex, violence, and groovy rock with a wink and a smirk.So crank up the Strawberry Alarm Clock, pour a martini, and prepare to say, “This is my happening and it freaks me out!”Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan BoyleFollow Elizabeth on Instagram and visit her WebsiteBuy Isn't She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, me and my homegirl, Donovan Marcotte, pop the cork — and the "dolls" — on one of Hollywood’s most infamous cult classics: Valley of the Dolls (1967). From its glamorous rise to its tragic falls, we explore how this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann's bestselling novel became both a time capsule of 1960s stardom and a cautionary tale about the price of fame. Join us as we dissect the film’s melodrama, its unforgettable performances (yes, we’re talking about Patty Duke’s iconic breakdown), and the real-life scandals that paralleled the on-screen drama. Is it camp? Is it critique? Or is it something in between? Grab your Seconals and settle in — the dolls are calling.Be Kind Rewind Videos:Casting The Women of Valley of the DollsThe Making of Valley of the Dolls | Part 2You Must Remember MansonCLICK HEREIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com----Follow Donovan on InstagramFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we're holding a very important meeting of the Special People Club, and inviting our much older crush to dine on some Hostess snacks, while we cover the pitch black comedy from 1995, Welcome to the Dollhouse. This movie was written and directed by Todd Solondz.We explore how this movie was a huge part of the indie movie boom in the mid-90s, and how this launched the careers of both its director (Todd Solondz), and its star (Heather Matarazzo). We also try to dissect some of the themes that this movie tackles, and why it's been such a beloved classic for the marginalized and the misfits.----Article Referenced:"How we made Welcome to the Dollhouse", The Guardian, Phil Hoad, Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016Click HereIntro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle----Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.