Classic American Movies

Mark Jones joins me this week to talk about creating the franchise that made audiences fall in love with a whole new kind of monster. I am of course talking about 1993's "Leprechaun." Jones talks about the research that went into making the cult classic (which sequels are still being made), the experience of first time directing and discovering an actress that would become an icon to the world. Al...

Miriam has never heard of the early 2000’s thriller that made audiences see Robin Williams in a different light. Chris talks about the making of the film, and the nods to famous photographers, while Miriam explores the history of the actors, where it all began for them and what some of them originally wanted to do as a career.

Miriam has never heard of the courtroom comedy and it is up to Chris to make sure she finds out the true meaning to the word, “yute.” Tune in to learn about mud in the tires, grits and what Joe Pesci has been up to ever since he left the business. Also, the planned sequel and novel sequel to the 90’s classic that made Marisa Tomei a star.

A lifelong fan of KISS and a lover of movies, Carl Dupré, created one the the coolest movies of my teenaged years, “Detroit Rock City.” With a killer storyline and amazing soundtrack, Carl crafted a 90’s classic that stands the test of times. The movie was made by KISS fans with so much heart and so much love, that the making of the film is as wonderful as the actual film.

Chris introduces Miriam to the film he saw at the drive-in when he was starting out in college. Miriam discovers the history of DB Cooper, Chris does a deep dive in the history of the crew of the film, and together they discover the true meaning of the film.

Turns out Miriam already knew about this one, but that doesn't stop Chris from showing it to her again. We discuss the history of Wakita (the town where the movie was filmed), Miriam talks about T.O.T.O. (where the idea of Dorothy came from) and Chris ends the internet rumors about rip offs of “Twister.” Together, they discuss the possibility of sequel and the planned remake.

John A. Russo is one of the most iconic names in horror. Back in the 60's with George A. Romero, he co-created one of the most iconic horror films of all time, "Night of the Living Dead." Together, John and George re-defined the zombie genre, inspiring millions of people worldwide and frightening audiences for generations. This is a personal favorite of mine, as I have loved "Night" since I was a...

Miriam was a little skeptical on seeing this 2007 classic that brought improv comedy films back into public eye. However, you can't go wrong with a movie that was almost an instant success, launching many careers and enhancing already established actors. Chris reflects what his college friend thought of the movie, at the time it came out; Miriam does a deep dive in the history of the film and toge...

Chris and Miriam discuss one of their favorite movies of all time. Miriam talks about her love of this movie, and Chris does a deep dive in to the difficult making that brought dancing back in to movies. Together, they have the time of their lives.

Austin Snell joins us this week to discuss the making of his cult film, "Exposure." The movie is a classic tale of a couple going to a cabin in the woods to work on their relationship, only to encounter an evil force that is capable of turning people into monsters. With killer effects in the same vein as "Demon Wind," and "The Evil Dead," Austin made a fantastic film for audiences to enjoy.

Chris gets Miriam to watch the 1999 remake of a 1959 classic, "House on Haunted Hill." We explore the history of the film, what the original opening and ending were supposed to be and Miriam confesses that this horror film was very enjoyable!

Chris has purchased a stack of movies and gives Miriam the option to pick one. She chooses "Get Shorty," and the research has begun! Join us as we discover the history of making the John Travolta comeback movie, who the original players of the film were and mini biographies of some of the major cast members and crew.

Tyler MacIntyre directed and co-wrote with Chris Lee Hill two fantastic movies in recent years: "Patchwork," and "Tragedy Girls." Both films are filled with great dialogue, fun characters and a heck of a lot of blood. Tune in to hear the first hand experiences of the making of a cult classic!

Miriam shares one of her personal favorite movies, "A Knight's Tale," to no objection from Chris. Join us as we do very deep research into the the historical accuracy, and inaccuracy, as well as the real people this 2001 gem is based on. Heads won't roll, but education and laughs are had by all!

Tom McLoughlin sat down this week to chat about two iconic films of his: "Friday the 13th: Jason Lives," and "Sometimes They Come Back." Tom was a heck of nice guy and we talked about his life prior to making movies, when he was a musician in a band called The Sloths (available on Spotify) and knew a soon-to-be musical icon, Vincent Furnier (later Alice Cooper). We chat about movies, music and a n...

Miriam discovers this 2007 over-looked gem that showed a darker side to Kevin Costner; Chris does a deep dive in the history of the film and we discuss the original plans of making this into a trilogy.

Miriam has discovered the 2000 film, "The Way of the Gun." Well, Chris showed it to her and she loves Ryan Phillippe and our discussion of this forgotten crime drama, with a western twist follows! Chris does a deep dive into the original story, and how it changed, almost on the spot, and Miriam discusses one of the few movies about a kidnapped pregnant woman where the ransom is a supporting charac...

Miriam gets to see "Super Troopers." Immediately, she understands why it's a classic and Chris dives deep into the background of the Broken Lizard gang. Hang out with us as we explore the history of the movie and the heart that went into making this amazing comedy that redefined the mustache.

I got a chance to chat with Emmett Malloy of the Malloy Brothers, who directed the 2001 film "Out Cold." Emmett shares fond memories of working on the movie that was the start of Zach Galifianakis' movie career, as well as working with David Koechner prior to becoming a household name and working with industry veterans like Lee Majors and Thomas Lennon. He also talks about directing music videos f...

Chris and Miriam share a love for the 1998 film, "You've Got Mail." Together, they discover the reimagining of the classic Miklós László play, "Parfumerie" for the internet age. Chris calculates how much money the "Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn of the 90's," have made together and Miriam reads a passage that beautifully sums up this romantic comedy.

What do you get when you combine the hardships of being a parent battling with the disproval of your in-laws, a dying wife and a child who never knew you? Add some amazing arm wrestling with rockin' music and you have 1987's "Over the Top." Chris grew up with "Top," and Miriam has never heard of it. Join in on the fun, as the discussion of who the original choice of the antagonist, "The Bull," was...

What happens when a man cuts himself while trying to create a car engine to run on wheatgrass? You get the 2007 cult classic, "Blood Car"! Director and co-writer, Alex Orr and star Mike Brune join Chris this week to discuss the Roger Corman inspired, "Blood Car." The film was made prior to the film industry boom in Atlanta and gained immediate attention from everywhere. Hear the stories of making...

Miriam has come across the novel, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," while looking for a book to read in our building's library. After talking to Chris, she discovers that this Swedish classic novel, and its sequels, were made in to films, edited into a television miniseries as well as an American remake! Join us as we discuss the differences between the novel, the Swedish film and the American re...

Chris shows Miriam one of his all-time favorite movies, "True Romance." Miriam confesses she was introduced to Quentin Tarantino much later in his career, and had never heard of this movie. After watching, she names it "Chris Kelly: The Movie." A whirlwind of deep discussion about the cast and crew ensues!

Welcome to Cult Classics with Chris! This podcast will be a part of "Classic American Movies," where I will be celebrating cult classic films and those who made them. For my premier episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Anne Carlisle, co-writer and star of "Liquid Sky." Anne tells great behind-the-scenes stories, the possibility of a sequel, and the hard work and dedication of those who came...