Cult Classics Episodes

In our Species 1995 Movie Review, we drop you straight back into the chaotic brilliance of mid-90s cinema, where practical effects, erotic sci-fi horror and unapologetic B-grade madness collided to create something truly unforgettable. In this episode of Born to Watch, Whitey, Gow, and Damo go deep into the 1995 creature flick that defined many a teenage boy's movie-going experience. They unpack the film from top to bottom, celebrating the nostalgia, questioning the logic and laughing at the she...

Whitey and Dan are back in the saddle for another dive into Arnold Schwarzenegger's golden era with their The Running Man (1987) Review, a dystopian action flick that predicted the rise of reality TV and the cult of celebrity with eerie accuracy. It's big, it's loud, it's absurdly 80s, and the boys are here for every neon-lit minute of it. Released in the same year as Predator, The Running Man often sits in Arnie's shadow catalogue, but this week Whitey and Dan make the case that it deserves ...

When the directors of Pulp Fiction and Desperado joined forces in 1996, nobody expected the chaos that followed. From Dusk Till Dawn is part crime thriller, part vampire splatterfest, and entirely unforgettable. This week, the Born to Watch crew sinks their teeth into the film that turned George Clooney from TV doctor to Hollywood icon. Whitey, Damo and Gow hit the road to El Rey, cocked, loaded, and possibly armed with a "dick gun." The boys dive straight into the movie's outrageous tonal sh...

Paul Verhoeven is officially a Born to Watch legend, but this week the boys go deep into his most infamous film to find out if Showgirls (1995) deserves a spot at the top of the Rank Bank or belongs buried under a mountain of glitter and regret. The Showgirls (1995) Review will be a lot of fun. From the moment Nomi Malone hitchhikes into Las Vegas with dreams of stardom and a suitcase full of questionable choices, Verhoeven's neon-soaked disaster invites every kind of reaction. Whitey, G-Man ...

Step back into the Hyborian Age as the Born to Watch team revisits the sword-swinging, snake-worshipping, bass-drum-thumping fantasy epic that turned Arnold Schwarzenegger from a musclebound oddity into a bona fide cinematic icon. In this week’s episode, Matt, Damo, and Will the Worky unsheath their mics and tackle John Milius' 1982 cult classic in our Conan the Barbarian (1982) Review, a film where dialogue is sparse, but biceps and barbarism are abundant. From the first clang of steel to th...

This week on Born to Watch, we dive headfirst into the bug-infested chaos of Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 cult classic, with our Starship Troopers (1997) Review. It’s brutal, brilliant, and batshit insane and we wouldn’t have it any other way. With the Born to Watch crew all lined up in the co-ed showers, Whitey, Damo, Dan, and special guest Matty Beer Geek go deep (but not too deep) on the movie that was mocked at release but has grown into a beloved sci-fi satire. Is this just a brainless space acti...

Grab your whip and avoid the monkey brains—this week on Born to Watch, the crew takes on the franchise's wildest, weirdest, and arguably most chaotic chapter, with their Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Review. Whitey, G-Man, and Damo dust off their fedoras and dive deep into the darker, more divisive entry in the iconic adventure trilogy. Released in 1984 as a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom was Spielberg and Lucas swinging for something different. What we got was a roll...

Is The Howling the best werewolf movie ever made? That’s the big question on this week’s Born to Watch, where the team dives deep into this 1981 horror classic. In The Howling (1981) Movie Review, Whitey and Damo take a nostalgic trip back to one of the most iconic (and unsettling) werewolf films of all time. The crew kicks things off by reminiscing about their first encounters with The Howling. For Damo, it was a forbidden treat at the movie theater as a kid, lured in by schoolyard hype over o...

Few movies blend chaos, comedy, and holiday cheer as seamlessly as Gremlins (1984). This darkly delightful gem from director Joe Dante and producer Steven Spielberg has become a holiday classic for its irreverent tone and unforgettable creatures. Whether you’re drawn in by the fuzzy charm of Gizmo or the anarchic antics of his mischievous offspring, Gremlins offers something unique: a satirical horror-comedy that’s heartwarming and horrifying. We hope you enjoy this Gremlins (1984) movie review ...

Few buddy cop films from the '80s pack the wild, testosterone-fueled fun that Tango & Cash (1989) does. This action-comedy, starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell, has cemented its place as a cult classic. While it may not be the most refined piece of cinema, it’s a wild ride from start to finish, showcasing all the hallmarks of the late '80s action genre – explosions, witty one-liners, and big hair. Plot Breakdown The story is as over-the-top as you'd expect. Ray Tango (Stallone) and G...

Bachelor Party, the 1984 comedy film directed by Neal Israel, is a quintessential representation of 80s excess, raunchy humor, and carefree fun. Starring a young Tom Hanks in one of his earlier comedic roles, the film dives headfirst into the chaotic world of pre-wedding festivities, delivering a non-stop barrage of laughs, absurd situations, and memorable characters. For the latest episode of the Born to Watch podcast, we’re diving deep into this cult classic to explore what makes Bachelor Part...

Napoleon Dynamite, a film that gently meanders through the life of an awkward high schooler in rural Idaho, has remarkably carved itself into the hearts of a cult following since its release in 2004. In the latest episode of the Born to Watch Podcast, hosts Whitey and Damo are joined by none other than "Australia's Best Look Back Actor," Croaksey, to unpack the nuances of this peculiar yet endearing cinematic piece. At first glance, Napoleon Dynamite appears to be a series of loosely connected ...

"Galaxy Quest," a film that transcends the traditional boundaries of sci-fi comedy, cleverly satirises the tropes of classic science fiction television series while simultaneously paying heartfelt homage to them. Directed by Dean Parisot and released in 1999, the movie stars an ensemble cast including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell. It's a film that not only fans of sci-fi can appreciate but also offers plenty of laughs, excitement, and...

"Wayne's World (1992)," a film that transcended its "Saturday Night Live" sketch origins to become a cult classic, encapsulates the early '90s like few other movies do. Directed by Penelope Spheeris and starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar, respectively, the film is a brilliant blend of humour, music, and a touch of innocence, all wrapped up in a storyline that's both engaging and hilariously absurd. At its core, "Wayne's World" is a story about friendship, dr...

The boys are in a new locale and with a special guest in tow it's time to tackle Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece - PULP FICTION (1994) "Pulp Fiction" (1994), directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a film that defies conventional storytelling, blending dark humour, graphic violence, and a disjointed narrative to create a cinematic experience that is as unforgettable as it is controversial. This review aims to dissect the elements that make "Pulp Fiction" a landmark in modern cinema. From the ope...

"The Breakfast Club," directed by John Hughes, is a seminal film of the 1980s that has transcended its era to become a timeless classic. This 1985 masterpiece delves into the lives of five high school students who, on the surface, embody the quintessential teenage stereotypes: the Brain (Anthony Michael Hall as Brian), the Athlete (Emilio Estevez as Andrew), the Basket Case (Ally Sheedy as Allison), the Princess (Molly Ringwald as Claire), and the Criminal (Judd Nelson as Bender). These characte...

"North Shore," released in 1987, is a film that encapsulates the essence of surfing culture and the timeless quest for belonging and self-discovery. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's legendary North Shore, the movie follows the journey of Rick Kane (played by Matt Adler), a young surfer from Arizona, as he navigates the challenging waves and complex social dynamics of the surfing world. The film opens in the arid deserts of Arizona, a stark contrast to the lush landscapes of Hawaii....

"National Lampoon's Vacation," released in 1983, is a classic American road comedy film that has stood the test of time. Directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, based on his own short story, the film presents a hilariously exaggerated portrayal of a family road trip that turns into a series of misadventures. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-intentioned but bumbling father who is determined to take his family on a cross-country trip to the fictional amusement park, Wall...

The Last Starfighter (1984) Whitey and Gow, and are back with another deep dive into a classic, and today we're joined by none other than Will the Plumber – our long-time fan and guest host for this episode. In the heart of the 1980s, a time when arcades reigned supreme and science fiction cinema was shaping itself into a formidable genre, Nick Castle's "The Last Starfighter" made its debut. A lesser-known gem compared to its contemporaries, the film crafts a narrative that is as old as story...

In 1988, Eddie Murphy and director John Landis combined forces to create "Coming to America," a romantic comedy that went on to become an emblematic staple of 80s cinema. On the surface, it's a story about a prince from a fictional African country who travels to America in search of true love. But as we delve deeper, it reveals a myriad of layers that blend humour, cultural commentary, and romance in a unique blend that stands the test of time. The movie embarks on the journey of Prince Akeem o...

In the annals of cinema history, certain films stand out as timeless classics, and "The Karate Kid" (1984) is undeniably one of them. Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, this iconic coming-of-age film has left an indelible mark on generations of moviegoers. With its compelling characters, powerful life lessons, and memorable martial arts sequences, "The Karate Kid" has earned its place as a beloved and enduring piece of American...

Dirty Dancing (1987) is the Born to Watch attempt at getting out of our comfort zone, well for two of us. We will let you decide which team member isn't going to put Baby in a corner. It's rare for a film to capture the essence of a generation, to become a cultural touchstone that transcends time and speaks to audiences across generations. "Dirty Dancing," directed by Emile Ardolino and released in 1987, is one such cinematic gem that has managed to do just that. With its infectious energy, hea...

Released in 1981, "An American Werewolf in London" remains a timeless horror classic that combines elements of comedy, romance, and intense gore to deliver a unique and memorable cinematic experience. Directed by John Landis and featuring ground breaking special effects by Rick Baker, this film revolutionized the werewolf genre and set a new standard for horror-comedy. With its compelling storyline, impressive performances, and stunning practical effects, "An American Werewolf in London" continu...

Released in 1986, "Big Trouble in Little China" remains an iconic cult classic that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, comedy, and martial arts. Directed by the legendary John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell in a charismatic lead role, this film takes viewers on a wild ride through the mystical underbelly of San Francisco's Chinatown. With its larger-than-life characters, mind-blowing fight sequences, and witty dialogue, "Big Trouble in Little China" continues to enter...