Underrated Favorites

We kick off the "Movies American Needs" Marathon with redneck with a heart of gold classic Joe Dirt. Tune in to hear Roost and Nique's take on this American classic, and let us know if you think it is an Underrated Favorite or a Certified Flop. A Gem.In.Eyes Productions Podcast

It's time to put the spotlight on the dance world as Nique and Roost look back at the 2000s ballet school drama-filled movie Center Stage. Was it an Underrated Favorite or Certified Flop? Tune in and find out! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

We kick off our Back-to-School month-long special with this made up school that challenges the notion of higher education. Where do Nique and Roost land on the legacy of this Justin Long classic? Listen and find out! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

Sigourney Weaver vs. incels? Say less.In this episode, Rooster and Nique crack open the criminally underseen 1995 thriller Copycat, where agoraphobic criminologist Sigourney Weaver teams up with hard-nosed detective Holly Hunter to stop a serial killer who’s remixing the greatest (worst?) hits of American murder history. It’s part Mindhunter, part Scream, and all ahead of its time. The duo dives deep into proto-feminist leads, soft but solid men, and the eternal threat of mediocre white dudes with god complexes. Plus: shoutouts to Zoom before Zoom, a surprising lack of cop-aganda, and why this might be one of the best aging films they’ve reviewed. Is Copycat a copycat—or the original blueprint?Follow on IG @underratedfavoritespod and @gemineyesproducitonsCheckout pod merch at gemineyesproductions.com/shop

This week, we dive into the chaotic, stylish, and weirdly ahead-of-its-time 2005 black comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Rooster and Nique break down the film’s strange mix of neo-noir tropes, sharp dialogue, and morally questionable characters—all while paying homage to Val Kilmer’s scene-stealing turn as Gay Perry. We unpack Robert Downey Jr.’s pre-Iron Man charm, the tangled murder mystery that somehow keeps unfolding, and how this movie helped usher in the era of the “shitty hero.”Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a misunderstood gem or a great bad movie that almost works? We talk about the film’s influence on movies like The Nice Guys, Burn After Reading, and The Other Guys, its surprisingly progressive takes on queerness and gender roles, and why sometimes the lesson is… closure is overrated. Plus, we rank it on the Underrated Favorites scale and give our best pairing picks if you’re planning a double feature.A Gem.In.Eyes Productions Podcast, follow on social @underratedfavoritespod and @gemineyesproductionsLike, subscribe, rate, review, and support the pod by checking out the website and merch gemineyesproductions.com

Join Nique and Rooster as they crow their appreciation for the overlooked animated gem, "Rock-A-Doodle"! In this episode, the hosts break down the whimsical yet dark adventures of Chanticleer, a singing rooster convinced he's responsible for the sunrise, whose fall from grace sends the barnyard into chaos. They explore the film's vibrant animation, surprisingly deep themes of Hollywood exploitation, and hidden commentary on rural America. Plus, they debate character favorites (and frustrations—sorry, Edmund), highlight feminist icon Peepers, and reveal why critics missed the true heart of this psychedelic animated classic.Grab your popcorn, settle in, and find out why "Rock-A-Doodle" deserves another sunrise. Follow Underrated Favorites on social media to join the conversation and never miss an episode!

In this episode of Underrated Favorites, Nique and Roost shine a spotlight on the criminally overlooked dark comedy "Death to Smoochie." Joined by The Homie Chris, they explore how this satirical gem starring Robin Williams, Edward Norton, and Catherine Keener cleverly skewers the world of children's entertainment, corruption, and celebrity culture. Dive deep into the film's biting humor, unforgettable performances, and why it might have been misunderstood upon release. Whether you're revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, find out why "Death to Smoochy" deserves its moment in the spotlight.Follow us on Instagram @underratedfavoritespod to join the conversation, suggest your own underrated favorites, and never miss an update!A Gem.In.Eyes Production, find out more and support the pod at gemineyesproductions.com

Underrated Favorites kicks off the new season with the 2024 UF (pronounced oof) Awards! Even tho these movies just came out last year, get the low down and hot takes on the movies history will surely come to know as Underrated Favorites!Follow us on Instagram @underratedfavoritespod and @gemineyesproductions and support the pod by checking out the merch at gemineyesproductions.com/shopRemember to like, subscribe, rate, and review to help other people find out about Underrated Favorites!

In this episode of Underrated Favorites, we step into the twisted dream world of Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Freddy Krueger is back, and this time he’s haunting a group of teens who won’t go down without a fight. With its blend of horror, surreal 80s effects, and iconic one-liners, Dream Warriors has become a fan favorite in the franchise. But does it truly stand up as a classic, or is it just nostalgic fun? Join us as we discuss the movie’s unique twist on the Elm Street formula, its memorable kills, and why Dream Warriors may be the boldest installment in the series. We’ll explore the film’s legacy, Freddy’s evolving personality, and the impact of its soundtrack, including the infamous Dokken theme song. Is Dream Warriors a true horror masterpiece or simply 80s cheese we can’t resist? Tune in to find out if Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors earns a place in our Underrated Favorites, and be sure to subscribe to stay updated on all our cult classic deep dives! You can buy merch and support the pod by going to gemineyesproductions.com Follow on social media @gemineyesproductions | @underratedfavoritespod

Identity – Mind-Bending Thriller or Forgettable Whodunit? Prepare to have your mind twisted into knots, because this week on Underrated Favorites, we’re diving into the psychological thriller Identity. This 2003 film, starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and Amanda Peet, has all the makings of a tense, classic whodunit: a group of strangers stranded at a motel during a violent storm, mysterious deaths, and a shocking twist. But does Identity stand out as a masterful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end, or does its convoluted plot twist collapse under its own weight? We’ll take a look at how Identity blends psychological horror with classic murder mystery vibes, discussing whether its twist ending delivers a satisfying payoff or leaves too many unanswered questions. With a talented ensemble cast and a script that toys with the very notion of reality, does this movie deserve more recognition, or is it rightfully forgotten in the shuffle of early 2000s thrillers? Plus, we’ll debate Identity’s influence on the genre—did it set a standard for the mind-bending mystery, or does it get lost among better-executed psychological thrillers? And as always, we’ll answer the ultimate question: Is Identity an underrated favorite that deserves a second look, or is it a forgettable flop? Join us for a journey through the twists and turns of Identity, and find out whether this movie leaves you thrilled or just confused. Subscribe to Underrated Favorites on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay updated on what’s coming next. Spoiler alert: we’re tackling another horror classic next week and you won’t want to miss it!

Time to break out the flashlights and face your deepest fears, because this week on Underrated Favorites, we’re plunging into the pitch-black terror of The Descent. This 2005 British horror film isn’t just about claustrophobic caving expeditions; it’s about primal fear, survival, and some seriously nasty cave-dwelling creatures. But here’s the question: does The Descent deserve a spot on your horror movie Mount Rushmore, or is it an anxiety-inducing nightmare better left unexplored? Join us as we delve into what made The Descent such a standout in the horror genre. From its all-female cast of adventurers to the jaw-dropping tension that doesn’t let up, we’ll talk about how this film taps into some of our deepest, most primal fears. But is it all well-earned terror, or does the movie push too far, leaving viewers feeling more uncomfortable than entertained? Plus, we’ll unpack the film’s ending(s)—yes, plural!—and whether they add to its brilliance or just muddy the waters. And as always, we’ll answer the big question: Is The Descent a hidden gem of modern horror, or does it crawl its way into the flop category? Strap in, because this episode is going to take you deep—very deep—into the heart of horror. Don’t forget to subscribe to Underrated Favorites wherever you listen to podcasts! Follow us on Instagram @underratedfavoritespod for updates and a sneak peek into our next episode, where we tackle another questionable cult classic.

Grab your Halloween candy and get ready for a trip down memory lane! In this week’s episode of Underrated Favorites, we’re diving into one of the quirkiest, most bizarre Halloween movies of the 90s: Ernest Scared Stupid. Does this slapstick-fueled, troll-hunting, milk-throwing comedy from the mind of Jim Varney belong in the cult classic section of your spooky season lineup? Or is it just a relic of 90s cheese that’s best left in the bargain bin? We’ll take a deep dive into what worked (or didn’t) in this family-friendly horror flick. From Ernest’s goofball antics to the surprisingly creepy practical effects, we’ll break down how the film’s unique blend of horror and humor hit (or missed) the mark. We’ll also explore the nostalgic factor: was this a movie that shaped childhood Halloweens, or is it a forgotten footnote in Ernest P. Worrell’s cinematic journey? And of course, we’ll answer the big question: Is Ernest Scared Stupid an Underrated Favorite or a Certified Flop? Tune in, grab your wooden doll (maybe leave the milk out), and let’s settle this once and for all! Be sure to subscribe to Underrated Favorites on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram at @underratedfavoritespod for sneak peeks of next week’s episode! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

It's another heated debate of the animated anti-capitalist flick Robots. Where do Nique and Roost land on the issue and why? Tune in to find out! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions Podcast

In another installment of Movies America Needs, Nique and Roost debate the 2003 election comedy Head of State. Will it be voted into office as an Underrated Favorite or defeated as a Certified Flop. Tune in and find out! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

What would America look like in 500 years? The movie Idiocracy attempts to answer that question, and Nique and Roost attempt to answer whether or not it is worth your time. Check out their highly informed and educated opinions on this potential Underrated Favorite on this week's episode! A Gem.In.Eyes Productions Podcast

Shaggy joins Roost and Nique to discuss the 1999 American crime comedy, Go! Stay or go, give it a listen and decided for yourself - Underrated Favorite, or Certified Flop? A Gem.In.Eyes Productions Podcast

Continuing with the summer fun, Nique and Roost go to slasher camp with the 2009 remake of Friday the 13th. Is it an absolutely killer Underrated Favorite, or should it be sleeping with the fishes as a Certified Flop? Tune in to find out! And make sure to follow on IG: @underratedfavoritespod A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

It's getting heavy on this episode - heavy metal that is! Nique and Roost are joined by producer Chibbi as they continue their road-trips-gone-awry mini saga with the 1999 teen comedy Detroit Rock City. Will they sing high praises and crown it an Underrated Favorite, or will it fall flat as a Certified Flop? Tune in to find out! And make sure to follow on IG: @underratedfavoritespod A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

It's about to get unearthly as we embark on a mini road-trips-gone-awry run, starting with the 2011 comedy Paul. Will Nique and Roost deem this close encounter the Underrated Favorite kind or is this space odyssey a Certified Flop? Tune in to find out! And make sure to follow on IG: @underratedfavoritespod A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast

We're invading prehistoric temples in Mexico in this episode as Nique and Roost look back on the 2008 vacation horror The Ruins. It is an undiscovered gem as an Underrated Favorite, or should it stay buried in the sand as a Certified Flop? Tune in to find out! And make sure to follow on IG: @underratedfavoritespod A Gem.In.Eyes Productions podcast