Almost Cult Classics

Join cinephiles Ryan and Joe as they dive into the making and history behind some of cinema's forgotten gems. From Hats Off Entertainment.

Movie Catch-up - Favorites of 2024 01/21/2025

Movie Catch-up - Favorites of 2024 On our first movie catch-up of 2025, we discuss some of our favorite pieces of media from the previous year, along with some unrelated recent movies thrown in. As always, SPOILERS are heavy so timecodes to skip what you don't want spoiled are below: 00:00:00 - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 00:10:40 - The Apprentice 00:23:50 - The Penguin (2024) & Batman Forever Revisited 00:40:25 - Anora 00:57:17 - Wicked 01:06:55 - Nosferatu & The Lighthouse 01:16:22 - Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 01:18:39 - The Substance Check us out on Patreon for more awesome content: . You can also find us on X: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34943790

Discussing David Lynch 01/19/2025

Discussing David Lynch Last year we had a discussion on a few David Lynch movies at the end of a Movie Catch-up, including The Elephant Man, Eraserhead, Lost Highway, and Inland Empire. We figured some of you might have missed this conversation and wanted to re-post it in tribute to him. Also included is a discussion we had on Blue Velvet on a later episode. Here's the full episode from April 2024: Song used: Support us on Patreon: . You can also find us on X: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34908615

Patreon Preview: Tango & Cash (1989) 01/14/2025

Patreon Preview: Tango & Cash (1989) Following our Kurt Russell triple-feature, we decided to talk about even more Kurt Russell movies on Patreon! Those movies ended up being Tango & Cash (1989), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), and Bone Tomahawk (2015). Here is a small snippet of our discussion on that first film. You can hear the full episode now only on Patreon at . You can also find us on X: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34851695

Episode 43 - Kurt Russell Triple Feature 01/08/2025

Episode 43 - Kurt Russell Triple Feature It's our first ever triple feature episode! We decided that instead of discussing one movie, we would check out three starring one of our favorite actors - Kurt Russell! We picked three films that couldn't be more different from one another. They are: The Best of Times (1986), Escape from LA (1996), and Breakdown (1997). But we didn't stop there as on Patreon we decided to talk about even more Kurt Russell movies: Tango and Cash (1989), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), and Bone Tomahawk (2015). That bonus episode is available, along with dozens more, exclusively on our Patreon at: . Timecodes: Intro - 00:00:00 The Best of Times (1986) - 00:09:49 Escape from LA (1996) - 00:27:51 Breakdown (1997) - 00:55:15 You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34778240

Patreon Preview: Wag the Dog (1997) 12/24/2024

Patreon Preview: Wag the Dog (1997) For the Patreon after-show following our episode on Bulworth, Ryan suggested we check out another political satire from the year prior called Wag the Dog. This great comedy stars Robert DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman as a political operative and a film producer who orchestrate a fake war to improve the president's approval rating going into the next election. You can hear the full episode now only on Patreon : . You can also find us on X: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: Views expressed on this podcast do not represent the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34600715

Sidetracks - Meeting Alec Baldwin 12/14/2024

Sidetracks - Meeting Alec Baldwin On this random Sidetracks, we discuss attending a Monster Mania horror convention to meet Mr. Alec Baldwin! As this was Ryan's first time at any type of movie/pop-culture convention, we detail every aspect of the experience, including; awkward fans, strange odors, long lines, depressing celebrity encounters, terrible panel questions, and more! There are even more of random episodes available exclusively on our Patreon at: . Use promo code BALDWIN to get yourself 10% off an Almost Cult Classics t-shirt at You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: The views expressed on this podcast do not reflect the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34444520

Episode 42 - Bulworth (1998) 12/05/2024

Episode 42 - Bulworth (1998) For the second time this year, we discuss a Warren Beatty movie! This time for his 1998 political satire: Bulworth. Leading an all-star cast that includes some of our favorite character actors like Oliver Platt, Jack Warden, Wendell Pierce, and Laurie Metcalf, the movie was also directed by Beatty with a script that was worked on by the likes of Aaron Sorkin and James Toback. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we discussed another political satire from the year prior, Wag the Dog. That bonus episode is available, along with dozens more, exclusively on our Patreon at: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: The views expressed on this podcast do not reflect the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34302460

Patreon Preview: Welcome to Marwen (2018) 11/30/2024

Patreon Preview: Welcome to Marwen (2018) For the Patreon after-show following our episode on Miracle Mile earlier this year, we decided to dig into our Patreon mailbag and pick a movie that was sent to us by a listener. Did you know that our supporters on Patreon can send us movies at our PO Box? For just $5 a month you'll also get monthly bonus episodes just like this one, chances to vote in polls that decide our next episodes, and opportunities to have your comments read on the show. You can find this episode in full exclusively on our Patreon at . You can also find us on X: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: Views expressed on this podcast do not represent the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/34209910

Movie Catch-up - The Bombs of 2024 11/18/2024

Movie Catch-up - The Bombs of 2024 On the newest movie catch-up, we discuss some of the big recent theatrical bombs, in addition to some unrelated pleasant surprises both new and old. Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) Revisited 00:07:30 - The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024) 00:09:49 - No One Died: Wing Bowl Documentary (2024) 00:13:58 - Joker: Folie a Deux (2024) 00:21:33 - Kelly's Heroes (1970) 00:26:47 - Horizon - Chapter 1 (2024) 00:39:44 - Megalopolis (2024) 00:57:09 - Casa Bonita: Mi Amor (2024) Check us out on Patreon for more awesome content: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: The views expressed on this podcast do not reflect the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/33974567

Patreon Preview: Bad Lieutenant - Port of Call New Orleans (2009) 11/08/2024

Patreon Preview: Bad Lieutenant - Port of Call New Orleans (2009) For the Patreon after-show following our episode on King of New York, we decided to check out a film that kind of relates to director of Abel Ferrara with Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans from 2009. You can find the episode in full exclusively on our Patreon at . For just $5 a month you'll get monthly bonus episodes just like this one, chances to vote in polls that decide our next episodes, opportunities to have your comments read on the show, and access to our PO Box! You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/33844492

Movie Catch-up - October 2024 11/03/2024

Movie Catch-up - October 2024 On the October movie catch-up, we chat about: 00:00:00 - Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) 00:18:30 - The Bikeriders (2023) 00:24:03 - Chimp Crazy (2024) 00:27:02 - Knox Goes Away (2023) 00:29:42 - In a Violent Nature (2024) 00:32:23 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) 00:52:18 - Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) Check us out on Patreon for more awesome content: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: The views expressed on this podcast do not reflect the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/33764262

Episode 41 - Innocent Blood (1992) 10/30/2024

Episode 41 - Innocent Blood (1992) On this year's Halloween episode, we revisit John Landis' Innocent Blood - a vampire dark comedy that hardly anyone seems to talk about. We also discuss Landis' early career including: Kentucky Fried Movie, Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and An American Werewolf in London. Naturally, we also had to discuss Twilight Zone: The Movie and a few others. Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:30 - The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) 00:12:58 - National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) 00:19:19 - The Blues Brothers (1980) 00:29:25 - An American Werewolf in London (1981) 00:40:45 - Trading Places (1983) 00:41:35 - Twilight Zone: The Movie (1984) 00:53:55 - Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) 00:58:45 - Innocent Blood (1992) Check us out on Patreon for more awesome content: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: The views expressed on this podcast do not reflect the views of Hats Off Entertainment. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/33697092

Episode 40 - King of New York (1990) 10/08/2024

Episode 40 - King of New York (1990) We're back! After a brief summer hiatus, we return to discuss Abel Ferrera's crime thriller King of New York from 1990 starring Christopher Walken. We also check out some of Abel's other films, including: Ms. 45, Bad Lieutenant, Body Snatchers, and The Funeral. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we discuss the sequel/remake to Bad Lieutenant - Warner Herzog's succintly titled Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans. You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/33370257

Sidetracks - Watching Every Adam Sandler Movie 09/04/2024

Sidetracks - Watching Every Adam Sandler Movie For some reason, Joe decided to spend the final weeks of summer watching 16 Adam Sandler "comedy" movies and rank them. Ryan also checked out Uncut Gems for the very first time. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the remaining films will be discussed! Don't forget to join us on Patreon for an exclusive back catalogue of bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/32888942

Patreon Preview: Gigli (2003) 08/20/2024

Patreon Preview: Gigli (2003) For the Patreon after-show following our episode on Ishtar, we decided to check out another notorious film flop that ended the career of a director: Gigli. We also went through the earlier filmography of that director, Martin Brest. Here's a small taste of this episode which is available now, exclusively on Patreon: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/32659967

Movie Catch-up - Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F & Legacy Sequel Talk 08/12/2024

Movie Catch-up - Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F & Legacy Sequel Talk On this month's movie catch-up, we discuss a variety of both new and old movies leading up to our review of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F followed by a discussion on the problem with legacy sequels. 00:00:00 - Joe's Outback Experience 00:03:01 - Waterworld (1995) 00:04:53 - The Original 'Planet of the Apes' Movies 00:09:19 - Blue Velvet (1986) 00:13:20 - The Last Seduction (1994) 00:17:12 - Little Women (2019) 00:19:37 - John Woo Films 00:28:40 - Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) 00:41:22 - Pitching Terrible Legacy Sequels Don't forget to join us on Patreon for an exclusive back catalogue of bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/32545522

Episode 39 - Ishtar (1987) 07/29/2024

Episode 39 - Ishtar (1987) On this episode, we discuss one of the most notorious movie failures of all time - Ishtar! This was mainly an excuse for us to revisit the filmmaking career of director Elaine May and the movies she made leading up to Ishtar (A New Leaf, The Heartbreak Kid, Mikey & Nicky). 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:40 - A New Leaf (1971) 00:15:27 - The Heartbreak Kid (1972) 00:26:56 - Mikey and Nicky (1976) 00:36:14 - Elaine May's Screenwriting Career 00:45:19 - Ishtar (1987) The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about another legendary flop that ended the career of a great director - Gigli (2003). You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/32334082

Movie Catch-up - Furiosa & Australian Cinema 07/07/2024

Movie Catch-up - Furiosa & Australian Cinema On this month's movie catch-up, we discuss Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and also some of the greatest films to come from down under! 0:00:00 - Intro 00:02:47 - Walkabout (1971) 00:06:34 - Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) 00:16:24 - The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) 00:24:11 - The Castle (1997) 00:33:02 - Kenny (2006) 00:36:41 - Welcome to Woop Woop (1997) 00:50:00 - Wake In Fright (1971) 00:55:56 - Chopper (2000) 01:02:17 - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) Don't forget to join us on Patreon for an exclusive back catalogue of bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/32040237

Patreon Preview: The Mad Max Movies 07/01/2024

Patreon Preview: The Mad Max Movies For the Patreon after-show following our episode on Payback, we decided to revisit the four Mad Max movies! Here's a small taste of this episode which is available now, exclusively on Patreon: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/31968337

Episode 38 - Payback (1999) 06/25/2024

Episode 38 - Payback (1999) On this ep, we discuss the 1999 film Payback starring Mel Gibson and directed by Brian Helgeland. We compare the original cut to the Director's Cut that followed in 2006. The movie, an adaptation of Richard Stark's The Hunter, gave us an excuse to talk about the other movies featuring the Parker character as well - Point Blank, The Split, The Outfit, Parker. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about more Mel by revisiting the Mad Max movies! You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/31883667

Movie Catch-up - The Unfrosted Special 06/03/2024

Movie Catch-up - The Unfrosted Special On the May 2024 movie catch-up, we chat about some old and new releases that we watched last month! It all leads up to our special discussion of Jerry Seinfeld's Unfrosted! Get ready for bad dueling Jerry impressions. Timecodes below: 00:00:00 - Joe Met Chevy Chase 00:08:21 - Speedy (1928) 00:16:54 - Bullets Over Broadway (1994) 00:21:13 - Dial of Destiny Revisted 00:30:56 - Ad Astra (2019) 00:35:43 - Hundreds of Beavers (2022) 00:39:32 - Late Night with the Devil (2023) 00:46:25 - Unfrosted (2024) Don't forget to join us on Patreon for an exclusive back catalogue of bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/31588312

Episode 37 - Miracle Mile (1988) 05/21/2024

Episode 37 - Miracle Mile (1988) On episode 37 we discuss Miracle Mile (1988), which was picked by one of our supporters on Patreon! This apocaltypic thriller was written and directed by Steve De Jarnatt. Before getting into the plot of the movie, we discuss two earlier films that Steve was involved in: Strange Brew (1983) and Cherry 2000 (1987). The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about another Patreon movie pick: Welcome to Marwen (2018). You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/31402937

Movie Catch-up - April 2024 05/04/2024

Movie Catch-up - April 2024 On this movie catch-up we dicuss: 00:00:00 - Unfrosted Trailer 00:06:40 - Blackberry (2023) 00:12:48 - Steve Martin Documentary (2024) 00:20:22 - Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) 00:28:28 - David Lynch Movies Don't forget to check us out on Patreon for even more content: You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And our website and merch store: /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/31124403

Episode 36 - Bowfinger (1999) 04/22/2024

Episode 36 - Bowfinger (1999) On this episode, we discuss Frank Oz's Bowfinger! The showbiz comedy stars Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham, Jamie Kennedy, Christine Baranski, and Terence Stamp. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about Frank Oz's other movies - everything from The Dark Crystal up to The Score. You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: https://www.almostcultclassics.com /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/30933143

Sidetracks - We Made a Short Film 04/09/2024

Sidetracks - We Made a Short Film On this random discussion, we talk about our experience making a short film as part of a 37 Hour Film Festival hosted by Kevin Smith's Smodcastle. Don't forget to check us out on Patreon for even more content: You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store, where we are currently offering a special promotion: https://almostcultclassics.com /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/30753763

Movie Catch-up - March 2024 03/29/2024

Movie Catch-up - March 2024 Our latest movie catch-up ended up being a milestone episode for two reasons. One, it's probably the longest and most diverse list of films we've ever discussed on an episode. Two, we probably got the angriest we have ever been discussing a movie on the show, which was a film sent to us by one of our kind Patrons! Did you know our supporters on Patreon have access to a PO Box, where they can send us movies to check out as well as a bunch of other bonus features? Check it out: . You can also find us on Twitter: Joe: Ryan: And don't forget to check out our website and merch store: 00:00:00 - Oscars Recap 00:07:50 - Ricky Stanicky (2024) 00:13:05 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer 00:16:06 - Akagi (2005) 00:18:50 - Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 00:21:24 - The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) 00:23:21 - The Man Who Would Be King (1975) 00:26:15 - Easy Rider (1969) 00:30:53 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) 00:33:29 - Mighty Aphrodite (1995) 00:38:43 - The Palace (2023) 00:43:28 - I Love You Daddy (2017) 00:57:48 - Fool’s Paradise (2023) /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/30598298

Episode 35 - Mystery Men (1999) 03/12/2024

Episode 35 - Mystery Men (1999) On this episode we revisit Kinka Usher's 1999 superhero comedy, Mystery Men! The film stars Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Hank Azaria, Paul Reubens, Janeane Garofalo, Kel Mitchell, Wes Studi, Geoffrey Rush, and Tom Waits. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about a similar themed superhero comedy, Super (2010). You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catalogue of other bonus episodes and discussions: . /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/30343728

Movie Catch-up - January/February 2024 02/24/2024

Movie Catch-up - January/February 2024 On our latest movie catch-up we discuss a very diverse array of movies that we watched over the course of January - some new, some old. As always be prepared for some hot takes and controversial opinions. Also, just a heads up, you can hear the central heat kick on towards the end of the discussion. We usually turn it off but it was freezing the day we recorded so sorry about that. Timecodes below! 00:00:00 - Wonka 00:10:27 - Poor Things 00:20:16 - Withnail & I 00:31:57 - My Dinner with Andre 00:42:36 - Gone with the Wind 00:49:12 - Killers of the Flower Moon /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/30092038

Episode 34 - Wild Wild West (1999) 02/08/2024

Episode 34 - Wild Wild West (1999) On our first episode of 2024 we finally tackle a movie we have been wanting to do since launching this show - Wild Wild West! It's a movie that both of us grew up with yet hadn't seen in 20 years so come join us as we discuss whether the movie has been unfairly maligned or if it's as bad as everyone says it is. We also use this as an opportunity to discuss the ecelctic film career of director Barry Sonnenfeld. The mics kept rolling after this episode as we talked about Sonnenfeld's next movie: Big Trouble (2002). You can find that episode exclusively on our Patreon as well as a back catolog of other bonus episodes and discussions: . Timecodes: Intro & Initial Thoughts - 00:00:00 Barry Sonnenfeld's Cinematography Career - 00:13:29 The Addams Family Movies - 00:20:21 For Love or Money (1993) - 00:31:27 Get Shorty (1995) - 00:33:59 Men in Black (1997) - 00:40:32 Wild Wild West (1999) - 00:43:23 /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/29862048

Sidetracks - Joe's VHS Collection 01/31/2024

Sidetracks - Joe's VHS Collection On this random episode about nothing, Ryan & I go through some bizarre childhood VHS tapes that I had in storage. This inspired a variety of discussions including; Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre, the cinema of Yahoo Serious, the 1960's Three Stooges movies, VHS box sets, Tom Green, Roberto Benigni's Pinocchio, Warriors of Virtue, Jerry Lewis' The Day the Clown Cried, and a bunch more topics that don't relate to anything. /episode/index/show/almostcultclassics/id/29734438

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