Cult Cinema Circle – Details, episodes & analysis

"Does it hurt to be dead?"

Get ready to dive into the eerie and captivating world of Stir of Echoes (1999) in this spine-chilling episode of Cult Cinema Circle! Join me as we unravel the dark, supernatural thriller that blends psychological intrigue with ghost phenomena. Directed by David Koepp and starring Kevin Bacon in a standout performance, this film explores the unsettling consequences of a simple hypnotic suggestion gone awry.

In this episode, we'll dissect the film's gripping narrative, examine its chilling themes, and discuss the eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. We'll also delve into the standout performances, the film's haunting score, and the meticulous direction that makes this movie a cult classic.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the film, this episode promises to be a fascinating exploration of a movie that has lingered in the minds of viewers for decades. Tune in for a blend of analysis, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the show!

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Book vs Movie Video Referenced:

CLICK HERE

Article Referenced:

'Stir of Echoes’ is an Affecting Ghost Story with an Incredible Kevin Bacon Performance [Formative Fears], Bloody Disgusting, Paul Lê, September 11th, 2020

https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3631468/stir-echoes-affecting-ghost-story-incredible-kevin-bacon-performance-formative-fears/

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Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in August 2024

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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"There are as many ways to live in this world as there are people in this world, and each on deserves a closer look"

On today's episode, we're diving into the colorful world of Harriet The Spy (1996), the first film released as a Nickelodeon Movie, and a nostalgic gem that captured the hearts and imagination of so many young aspiring writers, and maybe just a few spies ;). This movie was written by Douglas Petrie and Theresa Rebeck; based off of the groundbreaking YA novel from 1964, and was directed by Bronwen Hughes.

This movie stars Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Vanessa Lee Chester, and Gregory Smith

Join me and my guest, Pickens Barringer, as we explore the adventures of Harriet M. Welsch, a budding spy whose curiosity and determination has lead her into some wild adventures and along the way, she learns some valuable and important life lessons. We'll discuss how the film came to be, the memorable performances, the themes that are shown throughout the film, and we even compare and contrast the movie and book!

Whether you're revisiting this childhood favorite, or discovering it for the first time, this episode promises to be a great trip down memory lane!

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Article Referenced:

Which Is Why I Am A Spy: An Oral History Of ‘Harriet The Spy’ by Chloe Schildhause, May 11th, 2016

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Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we're heading over to the Dreamland Theater for our all night horror movie marathon, while we have a sick Reggae concert in the middle of it for seemingly no reason, and we're also trying to fight for our lives against a scary man with no face, while we revisit the forgotten early 90s horror gem, Popcorn (1991). This movie was written by Alan Ormsby and directed by Mark Herrier.

This movie stars Jill Schoelen (The Stepfather, When a Stranger Calls Back), Tom Villard (Grease 2, My Girl), Dee Wallace (The Howling, Cujo), Kelly Jo Minter (The People Under The Stairs, A NIghtmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child), and Tony Roberts (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Amityville 3-D).

This movie is such an odd find and definitely marches to the beat of its own drum, and I think is absolutely the definition of a forgotten horror gem. Does the plot make a whole lot of sense? No!! Is some of the imagery in this movie legitimately scary? Yes!! Is Reggae music always the right choice? Absolutely!!! Take a chance and watch this film, and you might get something fun out of it!!

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we're throwing our caps and gowns in the air and heading over to the big party after graduation, cruising in the car while listening to Barry Manilow, and getting locked in the bathroom with our distant childhood friend turned lover, while we revisit the absolutely 90s cult classic teen film, Can't Hardly Wait. This movie was written and directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan.

This movie stars Ethan Embry (Defending Your Life, Empire Records), Jennifer Love Hewitt (I Know What You Did Last Summer, Party of Five), Peter Facinelli (Nurse Jackie, Twilight), Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under, Law and Order), Seth Green (Family Guy, Robot Chicken), and Charlie Korsmo (Hook, Dick Tracy). This movie also includes a bazillion other cameos from up-and-coming stars in Hollywood including Melissa Joan Hart, Jason Segal, and Selma Blair.

This movie screams late 90s to the fullest, and is a true example of doing a lot with a smaller budget. This movie definitely paved the way for other teen films after it, and it's absolutely worth a watch for those who haven't seen it, and it's an enjoyable, quotable, romp for those who are very familiar with it.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we're heading over to homeroom at American Eagle Christian High School, praying for our recently outed friend at Prayer Circle, and maybe perform an exorcism or two with Mandy Moore and her horrible hair, while we cover the religious satire film, Saved (2004). This movie was directed by Brian Dannelly and co-written by Brian Dannelly and Michael Urban

This movie stars Jena Malone (Stepmom, The Neon Demon), Mandy Moore (The Princess Diaries, A Walk To Remember), Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone, Richie Rich), Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous, Gone Girl), Heather Matarazzo (Welcome To The Dollhouse, 54), Eva Amurri (The Banger Sisters, Californication), Martin Donovan (Big Little Lies, Weeds) and Mary Louise-Parker (Fried Green Tomatoes, Angels in America).

This movie is a great example of an entertaining teen film, and if you haven't ever seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and go watch it immediately!!!

You won't regret it!! :)

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we’re heading over to the bowling alley to go steal a trophy and go see our not so favorite Uncle Impie, while we revisit the sleazy late 80s cult classic, Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988). This movie was directed by David DeCoteau and written by Sergei Hasenecz.

This movie stars Linnea Quigley (Graduation Day, Silent Night, Deadly Night), Robin Rochelle (The Slumber Party Massacre, American Ninja 4: The Annihilation), Brinke Stevens (Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity, Nightmare Sisters), and Michelle Bauer (Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, Evil Toons).

For this episode, I'm joined by my absolute favorite hot mess twink, Pickens Barringer. We talk about him meeting the absolute goddess that is Felissa Rose, a brief history on the direct to video movie market of the 80s, and just talking about this stupid, stupid movie! This film is a perfect example of a "so bad it's good" movie, although I don't know how much I'd agree with that. If you're into bad movies and maybe slightly offensive jive-talking puppets, this might be just up your alley.

NOTE: Pickens decided that he needed to show us all how to properly breathe in and out to maintain homeostasis, so you’ll hear him breathing throughout the episode.

If that’s a problem for you, I have plenty of other episodes for you to listen to.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we're going to sneak out from True Directions, and head over to the Cocksucker Bar for a night of uninhibited gay fun while we revisit the sapphic campy glory that is But I'm A Cheerleader (1999). This movie was directed by Jamie Babbit and written by Brian Wayne Peterson with a story credit by Jamie Babbit.

This movie stars Natasha Lyonne (Slums of Beverly Hills, American Pie), Clea Duvall (The Faculty, She's All That), Rupaul (The Brady Bunch Movie, A Very Brady Sequel), and Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, Casper). Other actors in this film include Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures, Yellowjackets), Dante Basco (Hook, Avatar: The Last Airbender), and a small cameo from Michelle Williams (Dawson's Creek).

This movie is such a queer comedic classic, and is an absolute staple for the lesbians and gays in general. It's campy, satirical, over-the-top, but also has some deep things to say about living the gay experience. If you've never seen this film, you should add it to your watchlist immediately, so you can experience this film.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we’re heading out to a Val party and rollin' with the homies on our way out to Sunset, while we revisit the perfect movie that is Clueless (1995). This movie was written and directed by Amy Heckerling.

This movie stars Alicia Silverstone (True Crime, American Woman), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, Romeo+Juliet ), Brittany Murphy (Riding In Cars With Boys, Uptown Girls), and Dan Hedaya (Dick, In & Out).

This film is one of my absolute favorite films ever. Everything from the lexicon to the fashions is utterly amazing, and it really began a sea change over what teen films could be. This movie has had a lasting impact on teen movies as a whole, and I'm so happy to be covering this film with my wonderful sister, Sarah Heidelberg.

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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On today's episode, we’re heading over to The Emporium for a game of pool, cruise around town in our nice ass muscle cars, and get super beer drunk on cheap beer, while we revisit the beautiful 70s period piece, Dazed and Confused (1993). This movie was written and directed by Richard Linklater. 

This movie stars Jason London (To Wong Foo, The Rage: Carrie 2), Ben Affleck (School Ties, Mallrats), Matthew McConaughey (A Time To Kill, Contact), Parker Posey (Party Girl, Clockwatchers), Adam Goldberg (Stay Alive, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), and Rory Cochrane (Empire Records, Oculus). This film oozes 70s style and is such a fun look at a time in history when so much was going on. It's got great music, the plot is pretty simple to follow, and it's so cool to see actors that have hit it big start off early in their careers. This is definitely worth a watch if you've never seen it. I also think it's also great for repeat viewings!!! 

NOTE: You’ll hear us hitting the mic throughout. I take responsibility for placing the mic on a couch, so you can listen to all of our moving around! Just think of it as an added layer of reality. 

Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle

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