As a wholesome and cultured team of nerds, we here at The Noobist enjoy all manner of entertainment; from video and board games, to comic books, and anime. We’ve all seen hundreds of movies; from black and white classics to modern Hollywood blockbusters, but as memorable and entertaining as these mainstream movies can be, it’s often cult and indie films that provide some of the most exciting cinematic gems for the ever-insatiable movie connoisseur.
Turbo Kid (2015)
by Jeremy Barnes
I didn’t think that a movie with multiple decapitations and a tower of corpses could ever be called cute or silly, but man was I wrong. Turbo Kid may be violent and messy, but underneath all of that blood is a different kind of heart, the kind that wasn’t cut from some dude’s gaping chest wound.
Turbo Kid takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of 1997, where resources are scarce and bandits have taken control of everything. After The Kid finds the remains of the legendary Turbo Man, a comic book hero who turns out to be real, he takes on the bandit leader Zeus and his army of cronies.
Turbo Kid is heavily influenced by the hyper-violent B-movies of the eighties and late nineties, with its intense violence and gore, but it also captures the campy elements of those films with its lavish use of bright, vibrant colors. The heavily synth-based soundtrack also bares comparison to such movies, like Tron.
While at first glance some may lump this movie in with the other nostalgia-fueled remakes of late, Turbo Kid doesn’t fall into the same traps that they do. Watching movies like the Total Recall (2012) and RoboCop (2014) remakes feels like using a cheap, knock-off iPhone; on the outside, the box looks nice, and for the most part, it looks like the real thing, but once you power it on, and it starts blaring the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers theme song, you start to feel like a real sucker. Movies like that lack substance, something that Turbo Kid has gushing out of its ears.
Even though the flashy blood and violence grabbed my attention initially, what made the movie really stick with me was the care that the filmmakers put into this movie. The sets are gorgeous, the writing is suitably silly and cartoony, and the performances are bizarre, yet extremely captivating.
If you’re faint of heart, and don’t like seeing dudes getting scalped by flying saw blades, then you might want to give this movie a pass. But to anyone who loves irreverent violence, 80s synth soundtracks, and movies that just like to have fun, you’d really be missing out if you passed up Turbo Kid.
Honorable Mention
It Follows (2014) – It Follows is another recent release with a retro 80s vibe that really piqued my interest. It Follows is haunting, genuinely creepy, and doesn’t resort to cheap jump scares like many other recent horror movies. If you desire a refreshingly unconventional horror film, then definitely give It Follows a watch.
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My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
by Laura Fagan
The power of Studio Ghibli should never be underestimated, but equally, nor should the power that Totoro summons! My Neighbor Totoro was created in 1988 by Hayao Miyazaki, and his now legendary Studio Ghibli. The film tells the tale of two young girls who move into a new home, and the adventures that ensue when they encounter a mysterious forest guardian named Totoro.
One of the best summaries I’ve ever read about My Neighbor Totoro is the following excerpt from Robert Ebert:
It would never have won it’s worldwide audience just because of its warm heart. It is also rich with human comedy in the way it observes the two remarkably convincing, lifelike little girls….It is a little sad, a little scary, a little surprising and a little informative, just like life itself. It depends on a situation instead of a plot, and suggests that the wonder of life, and the resources of imagination, supply all the adventure you need.
Totoro and Ghibli’s artful storytelling and magical worlds have found their way into the hearts of millions of people in both the east, and west; so much so that both the film, and the studio’s influence, can be found throughout video games, animation, and film.–
Honorable Mention
Akira (1988) – Released in 1988, this neo-noir anime classic is arguably what comes to mind when people think of Japanese animation. It’s unsurprising why Akira has attained this status; stunning cityscapes, strange post nuclear telepathy, and high action motorbike chases make this an instant cult classic in anyone’s eyes.–
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
by Max Taylor
Andrew Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a visually captivating, emotionally enthralling, and perfectly paced study of celebrity, and both the idolized fantasy and harsh reality that come with it. From the opening notes of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ achingly beautiful score, and the exquisitely written introductory narration, I was wholly enraptured by Jesse James, much like Robert was with the man himself.
For a film that unveils its climactic event in its title, The Assassination of Jesse James demands your undivided attention for its entire 2 hour 40 minute duration, and bewitches the viewer with its unparalleled wit, atmosphere and authenticity. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, along with a stellar supporting cast, deliver Oscar-worthy, career defining performances as Jesse and Robert, respectively. Pitt’s stoic and melancholic portrayal of the American outlaw instills in you the same awe that Robert has for the man, and Affleck stumbles through events and interactions with finesse as the naive young Robert.
Adapted from Ron Hansen’s novel of the same name, The Assassination of Jesse James‘ dialogue displays a command of the English language that is, much like the extraordinary Deadwood, Shakespearian in it’s adroitness. Every aspect of Jesse James is, in my eyes, perfect. Andrew Dominik’s masterful direction, Roger Deakins’ breathtaking cinematography, Pitt and Affleck’s enamoring performances, and Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ horripilation-inducing score all converge to create a modern masterpiece.
Unfortunately, but somewhat understandably, The Assassination of Jesse James got lost in the slew of other excellent films released in 2007 (There Will Be Blood, Zodiac, Gone Baby Gone), and it wasn’t until some years later that I discovered it. I’ve seen the film dozens of times, and it still remains equally as riveting and resonant as the first time I saw it, even unveiling further subtleties and nuance with each subsequent viewing. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is, and forever will be, my favorite film, and one that you would be doing yourself a great disservice of not experiencing.
Honorable Mention
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2011) – Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is both one of the most refreshing horror films, and comedy films, that I’ve seen in recent years. Tucker and Dale takes the classic slasher set up, and turns it on its head, with its kind-hearted, and well-intentioned titular hillbillies being mistaken for deranged killers by a group of clueless teens. The gross misunderstanding soon escalates, with bloody, and hilarious results.
The Room (2009)
by Jacob Gates
The Room tells the mesmerizing tale of a man in love. Set to the beautiful backdrop of San Francisco, you follow Johnny as he’s forced to watch his love, his life, and his friends slowly drift away from him. Behold as one man tries to do the right thing in the wonderful mess that is, The Room.
Tommy Wiseau’s now infamous film is often credited as one of the worst films of all time. Its horrid dialogue, laughably weak story, and poor understanding of emotions are what make The Room possibly one of the greatest cult movies of all time. The hammy, over-the-top acting only helps to amplify these other shoddy aspects. Despite unintentionally becoming a cult comedy classic, The Room really has redeeming features.
Tommy Wiseau is either one of the worst writers/directors of all time, or one of the brightest minds of his generation. Having literally no apparent history aside from “having lived in France a long time ago,” Mr. Wiseau is the writer, director, and star of The Room, and thus the film stands as a monument to either his genius, or his stupidity.
While many will look at The Room as a bumbling attempt to cash in on steamy romance and cheap drama, which is aimed at the lowest common denominator, there are few who, like myself, see the brilliance in the film. It deals with tough subject matters like drug abuse, family tensions, and adultery, in a laughably naive manner, and every aspect of the film is sloppy and awkward; The Room is so bad it’s good, and for that reason you’ll either love it, or hate it. There’s only one way to find out.
Honorable Mention
The Big Lebowski (1998) – The Big Lebowski is a distinctly Coen Brothers tale in which lovable loser The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is thrown into a series of unfortunate events. With his two best friends in tow, and a laid back attitude, there really isn’t much that can stop The Dude as he personifies chill, and shrugs off the multitude of bizarre situations he finds himself in. The Big Lebowski has solidified its status as a cult classic of the highest order.
Have you watched any of these films? What are your favorite cult films? Let us know in the comment section below.