Six Underrated Cult Films: A Deep Dive
Here’s a look at six films that might have flown under your radar but are definitely worth a watch for their unique style and engaging content.
1. Never Back Down
This film is a classic underdog story, full of the kind of grit and determination that makes for a truly inspiring watch. The film embodies a very American spirit, particularly in the way the male and female leads interact. They can disagree on almost everything and still find a connection, which is a refreshing take on relationships. It suggests that love doesn’t require complete agreement.
2. The Stool Pigeon
The climactic scene in the classroom is incredibly tense, and Gwei Lun-mei delivers a stunning performance. Andy Lau’s portrayal of inner turmoil, as he grapples with the decision to have his informant testify and the news of his wife’s death, is nuanced and deeply affecting. The film is emotionally resonant, although the closing song feels a bit out of place.
3. Drive Angry
It’s a straightforward revenge flick, a journey from hell and back, culminating in a satisfying ending. Back in the early 2000s, a film like this would have been the perfect stress reliever. Today, it feels more like a niche interest. While not a standout, it does feel like a product of Nicolas Cage’s decline.
4. All Cheerleaders Die
This is a classic low-budget horror movie, not particularly original, but with a definite cult vibe. The gore is satisfying, and the soundtrack is surprisingly good for a horror film. The music has a youthful, angsty, country-folk feel. The twist at the end is unexpected, and Ber is adorably chubby and strong. It’s a story of a beautiful woman who uses men to take down everyone.
5. The Rum Diary
Initially, it felt like an original story with an interesting perspective, chronicling adventure and resilience. The realization that it’s based on a true story makes it slightly less impactful. It’s one of Depp’s less memorable works, primarily because the narrative is somewhat limited. However, within that confined storyline, the characters are well-developed and emotionally engaging.
6. Machete Kills
With a star-studded cast including Lady Gaga and Elon Musk in cameos, it’s clear that this IP was quite popular back in the day. It maintains its cult status, although the gory scenes are less frequent than in the first film, perhaps due to the increased focus on gunfights. One memorable scene involves Machete using an enemy’s intestines to entangle a helicopter’s rotor blades, causing it to crash, reminiscent of the first film’s use of intestines as an escape rope.
