Have you ever wondered to yourself why a specific film is considered by many to be a “cult film”? Have you ever wondered why a particular film has the fans and legacy that it does?
Join your host, Jesse Krempel, every week as he dives into a different film from a variety of genres, and analyzes how the movie came to be, how it was released and how exactly did it become a cult classic!
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Have you ever wondered to yourself why a specific film is considered by many to be a “cult film”? Have you ever wondered why a particular film has the fans and legacy that it does?
Join your host, Jesse Krempel, every week as he dives into a different film from a variety of genres, and analyzes how the movie came to be, how it was released and how exactly did it become a cult classic!
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
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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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 later
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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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
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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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
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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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
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in June 2025.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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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
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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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 Boyle
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Buy Isn't She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart
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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 Dolls
The Making of Valley of the Dolls | Part 2
You Must Remember Manson
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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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.
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Article Referenced:
"How we made Welcome to the Dollhouse", The Guardian, Phil Hoad, Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in May 2025.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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In this episode, me and my sister hop on our bikes and ride back to the summer of 1970 while we revisit the absolute banger that is Now and Then—a nostalgic coming-of-age classic that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
We explore how this beloved 1995 film captures the complexities of girlhood, friendship, and the sometimes awkward, often magical transition into adulthood. From seances in cemeteries to first kisses and family drama, we dive into the film's powerful themes, standout performances, and why it still resonates decades later.
Plus, we unpack how Now and Then carved out a space for female-driven narratives in a genre so often dominated by boys. Get ready for some major ‘90s feels.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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In this episode, we’re hitting the road—literally—as we take a wild ride back to the year 2000 with Road Trip, the raunchy college comedy that defined an era of gross-out humor and questionable decisions. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, and Amy Smart, this chaotic journey across state lines is packed with bad choices, accidental admissions, and a VHS tape that should’ve never been mailed.
We break down the film’s outrageous moments, its place in the early 2000s teen comedy boom, and whether its jokes still land 25 years later. Is it a cult classic or just a time capsule of early-aughts absurdity? Buckle up—it’s gonna be a bumpy (and hilarious) ride.
🚌💥 Sex, snacks, snakes, and Tom Green—we cover it all.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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In this nostalgic deep-dive, myself and my buddy Mark J. Parker head back to Stoneybrook to revisit The Baby-Sitters Club (1995), the feel-good film based on Ann M. Martin’s beloved book series.
From Claudia’s iconic outfits to Kristy’s summer business dreams, we explore how the movie captured the heart and hustle of a group of young girls balancing friendship, growing pains, and babysitting gigs. We'll unpack the film’s biggest moments, the emotional beats that still hit, and what made this adaptation stand out in a sea of ‘90s tween flicks.
Whether you were a die-hard fan or just rented it from Blockbuster one summer, this one’s for you.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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In this episode, me and my homegirl, Jackson Cooper, dive into the cult classic Equinox (1970), a low-budget horror gem that helped lay the groundwork for independent genre filmmaking.
With its surreal story of college students stumbling upon an ancient book that opens a portal to another dimension, Equinox blends stop-motion monsters, amateur charm, and Lovecraftian terror. We explore the film’s unique production history, its influence on later horror hits like The Evil Dead, and how it earned a place in genre history thanks to the passion of its creators—especially future Star Wars effects artist Dennis Muren.
Whether you're a seasoned horror buff or just discovering this underground favorite, this episode sheds light on why Equinoxremains a fascinating piece of horror history.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in April 2025.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd
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In this episode, we take a prehistoric plunge into The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), the flashy, goofy prequel to the 1994 live-action original. With a brand-new cast and a wild ride through young love, dino-driven limos, and Vegas-style shenanigans, this film aimed to show us how Fred and Wilma—and Barney and Betty—first found love in the Stone Age.
But did this bedrock reboot rock our world or crumble like a fossil in the desert sun? We’re digging into the casting switch-ups, the cartoon-to-live-action challenges, the bizarre creative choices, and why this movie is somehow both a time capsule and a fever dream.
Grab your bronto-burgers and your rockin’ Elvis impersonators—because it's Viva Rock Vegas, baby! 🎰🦕✨
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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This week, we’re stirring the pot with Gossip (2000)—a deliciously chaotic college thriller where one little rumor blows up way bigger than anyone expected. It’s got hot young stars (hello, James Marsden, Lena Headey, Kate Hudson), questionable ethics, and enough plot twists to make your head spin.
We’re breaking down all the wild turns, the early-2000s fashion choices, and the film’s surprisingly sharp take on manipulation and media. Is it a cautionary tale? A cult classic in disguise? Or just an excuse to watch beautiful people make terrible decisions? Let’s find out.
Grab your lattes and your lie detectors—it’s gossip time.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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This week, we’re strapping on our scrunchies and doing synchronized backflips into the gloriously neon world of Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985). Join us as we relive the tale of rebellious Catholic school girls, televised dance-offs, and the eternal struggle against buzzkill parents who just don’t understand the rhythm.
We’re talking Sarah Jessica Parker before Sex and the City, Helen Hunt in peak “my accessories are wild” form, and a plot that screams, “What if Footloose and glitter had a baby?”
It’s cheesy, it’s chaotic, it’s got choreography—and yes, we’re judging every dance move like it’s 1985.
Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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This week, we’re shedding one single, sexy tear for Cry-Baby (1990), John Waters’ delightfully deranged teen musical where bad boys ride motorcycles, good girls lose their minds, and everyone’s got more hair grease than sense.
We’re talking prison chic, awkward tongue kisses, and a world where courtroom scenes turn into doo-wop numbers. Johnny Depp smolders, Ricki Lake twirls, and Traci Lords steals every scene she struts through.
So grab your leather jacket, pout like your life depends on it, and join us for a wild ride into Waters’ world of love, lust, and one seriously committed tear duct.
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Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle
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Show E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.com
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