Our Staff Picks column is a new addition that takes you back to a time when video stores reigned supreme and the "Staff Picks" section was the place to find out what films were worthy of one's time. Of course, our version has a decidedly nude angle, as we suss out which films from a certain genre with great nudity. This week: cult classics!
These films are all considered cult classics for a variety of reasons. They either: initially flopped at the box office and developed critical acclaim and fans years (or even decades) later, they were midnight movies, or they are actually very bad movies that have earned a following of fans who love so-bad-it's-good entertainment. We will get into each of those in a moment!
Mandy
Mandy was wildly popular with the midnight movie crowd upon its release in 2018. Every movie nerd I know was talking about Mandy, but the general public had no idea that this Nicolas Cage film existed. The action-packed film that had Nic tracking down a religious cult leader that is responsible for the death of his beloved includes some eye candy for all of us in the form of Linus Roache's penis.
Cruel Intentions
Roger Kumble directed this sexually-charged 90s thriller that starred all of the hot stars of the day. Rich teens having sex? Yeah, that sounds like a 90s movie to me. Throw in Ryan Phillippe looking delicious with his ass out and you have yourself the makings of a cult classic.
Why is the film a cult classic? It has a bonkers plot that includes gay stuff (but we never see anything good) and it was panned for being a ripoff of all of the other 90s movies like it (Wild Things, I'm looking at you). But the over-the-top plot is part of what makes it memorable. And that ass...oh, that ass.
Super Troopers
A lot of comedies gain a following over time as people slowly talk about how funny the movie is to all of their friends. That was the case for Super Troopers. Sure, now it is a comedy classic. But it was not considered one upon its release! The goofy cop-comedy is filled with over-the-top gags and Steve Lemme makes those bits more beautiful with his booty.
Wet Hot American Summer
This 2001 comedy not only has dedicated and loyal fans, but it went extremely under the radar when it was released. Looking back at the cast in 2022 is astounding. Most of this cast are now major players in the industry. David Wain directed and he's a respected director. Michael Showalter, a very respected director who brought us Search Party and The Eyes of Tammy Faye, also starred. The cast rounds out with Michael Ian Black, Paul Rudd's ass, Christopher Meloni's ass, and one of Bradley Cooper's first-ever roles. The best part? The two of them play a couple who have sex in a shed:
The Room
For the longest time, everyone seemed to agree that Ed Wood's Plan 9 From Outer Space was the worst movie of all time. And then Tommy Wiseau said, "hold my beer" and delivered The Room. I am not offending Mr. Wisseau or anyone who worked on the film when I say that it is bad. However, it is definitely so bad that it is good and it is my personal belief that it is so bad that it should be studied. It's truly a work of art in its own weird way.
The room is legendary and its mythic making was retold in The Disaster Artist. One of the most remarkable things about the movie is its multiple, very long sex scenes that showcase Tommy's tush.
Showgirls
While The Room is now considered the worst movie of all time (again apologies to Plan 9), Showgirls is always up there. It was universally mocked when it was released, but it has grown a small and loyal following of gay men over the years who dig the film's campiness...and its nudity from Kyle MacLachlan. Forget the girls - I love this show-stopping guy.
