Cult Movies 2

Cult Movies 2 is the second volume in Danny Peary's examination of cult cinema, published in 1983. The book analyzes fifty films that have developed dedicated followings, each selected for their unique impact on film culture. Each movie receives a detailed chapter containing a plot overview, production history, and critical reception. The essays include contemporary reviews and Peary's personal analysis, with one guest contribution from Henry Blinder on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The entries appear in alphabetical order and cover films not included in Peary's first volume. The book serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding why certain movies attract passionate audiences despite, or because of, their unconventional nature. Peary's analysis reveals how these films often challenge mainstream conventions and resonate with viewers by exploring taboo subjects or experimental storytelling techniques. The collection demonstrates the cultural significance of movies that find their audience through alternative paths to recognition.

Readers value the deep analysis and personal perspective Peary brings to each film entry, with many highlighting the detailed research and historical context he provides. Multiple reviews note that this second volume focuses on more obscure titles than the first book. Readers appreciate: - Behind-the-scenes production details - Interviews with filmmakers and actors - Cultural impact analysis of each film - Coverage of harder-to-find cult movies Common criticisms: - Some entries feel too brief - Writing can be overly academic at times - A few reviewers found Peary's personal opinions too dominant Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (112 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 reviews) "The historical research alone makes this worth reading" - Goodreads reviewer "More academic than the first volume, but still engaging" - Amazon reviewer "I discovered dozens of fascinating films through this book" - LibraryThing review

Midnight Movies by J. Hoberman, Jonathan Rosenbaum A detailed examination of six underground films that gained cult status through midnight screenings in the 1970s.

Incredibly Strange Films by V. Vale An exploration of exploitation cinema, B-movies, and outsider filmmakers through interviews and archival material.

Shock Value by Jason Zinoman A chronicle of the maverick directors and groundbreaking horror films that transformed American cinema in the 1970s.

Trash: The Graphic Genius of Xploitation Movie Posters by Jacques Boyreau A compilation of exploitation film posters that documents the marketing tactics and visual style of cult cinema's promotional art.

Grindhouse: Cultural Exchange on 42nd Street by David Church An analysis of New York's grindhouse theater culture and the social impact of exploitation cinema from the 1960s through the 1980s.

🎬 The book helped establish the term "cult film" in mainstream film criticism during the 1980s 📽️ Danny Peary pioneered the structured analysis format for cult films, which many subsequent film writers have adopted 🎥 The inclusion of guest writer Henry Blinder's essay marked one of the first times a major film book incorporated outside perspectives on cult cinema 🍿 The book's 1983 publication coincided with the rise of home video, which helped many of these cult films find new audiences 🎪 Several films analyzed in the book, like "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," later transformed from cult classics into mainstream favorites