Why did this movie acheive cult status?
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ncsr11 — 10 years ago(February 22, 2016 09:18 AM)
It bombed, yet went on to become a genuine cult movie, like Buckaroo Bonzai did.
Long trailer for Bonzai BTW:
http://www.imdb.com/board/10086856/?ref_=nv_sr_1 -
ncsr11 — 10 years ago(February 23, 2016 08:46 AM)
I saw it on VHS back in the nineties. I don't get it. Reba McIntyre tried to make a break from acting and that other guy was on that Michael J. Fox show which I didn't watch back in the eighties. That guy would insist on wearing railroad engineers hats any time he was interviewed to prove how deep he was into trains.
I was bored watching it. I heard a rumor that some of it was adlibbed. I really don't get it. -
shiftylee — 10 years ago(February 28, 2016 06:17 AM)
Because of the witty banter between Earl and Val. It was a sci fi horror plot with comedy. It didn't take itself seriously at all. Doesn't it seem like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost movies used Tremors as a guide how to make a great flick? Their subject matter is never comedy it's sci fi horror.
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drunkbear — 10 years ago(March 10, 2016 01:00 PM)
Cult movies generally have fairly disappointing and/or short-string theatre runs, and have a quirkiness of some sort that doesn't appeal to the average moviegoer. Up until cable TV and VCRs became common, cult films would build a following in the second-run theatres and dollar theatres as word of mouth slowly got around to fans of odd and usually-amusing films.
Most 'cult' fans of Tremors that I've communicated with like it for the wit in its dialogue, and the interesting characters.
I just like it for Val and Earl's truck.
"You may have come on no bicycle, but that does not say that you know everything." -
dalton-22403 — 9 years ago(May 25, 2016 09:51 AM)
Here are a few reasons I can think of:
- It's a simple story that is endlessly re-watchable.
- It deftly balances tone with elements of horror, comedy, action all working together perfectly. Nothing seems forced or overplayed.
- Well-written, funny, clever dialogue.
- Good chemistry between the three lead actors. And a few excellent supporting characters as well.
- I think this one is key: The movie treats each of its characters with some respect. They all work together in a way that seems real to confront the monsters. There's no whiff of "agenda" to the movie; it's just good old-fashioned escapist fun.
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CranberriAppl — 9 years ago(May 28, 2016 07:06 PM)
I totally agree with this list. My sib, cousins, and I used to watch this movie over and over growing up.
I recorded it on IFC this week and have already watched it three times.
"Me? Me? You mean ME?!" Insane Rick Grimes
"Anger makes you stupid.Stupid gets you killed" Michonne -
KingCobra686 — 9 years ago(September 02, 2016 07:39 PM)
Heres my list:
- All of the characters felt genuine and interesting, even the random asian grocery store owner and the slacker teenager guy. The cast wasnt a generic horror movie stock of bimbos and jocks and token black guys.
- The premise of the movie was creative and engaging. The monsters were scary, but in a realistic way that encourages you to imagine yourself in the same situation and try and figure out what you would do to survive. The monsters arent evil spirits that could kill the main characters at any time, but just choose to show up times that are conducive to the plot development.
- The characters were making intelligent situations and the danger that they were in didnt feel forced or a result of dumb decisions that they made earlier.
- Lots of interesting dialogue.
- Bright settings. I appreciate when horror movies can be effective without having to resort to having every scene be in barely visible dim spooky houses with jump scares everywhere.
- Fun action with over the top gun nuts blowing up worm monsters.
- All the sequels upped the stakes with more ridiculous monsters, but managed to make them fun rather than just repeats of the first movie.
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Hendry_William_French — 9 years ago(May 29, 2016 05:13 AM)
It's been a really popular movie ever since it came out, not just on video, but anyone who had cable tv in the early 90s will tell you that this movie was on heavy rotation (that's where I first saw it) - people really liked it back then from the get-go it seems.
Motown, get your Detroit jukebox jheri curl ass in this chicken sh!t chop-chop, ASAFP! -
lnoft97 — 9 years ago(January 06, 2017 06:54 PM)
Kevin Bacon was never more edible. He was so darn cute. I think it's a pretty good low-budget campy sci-fi movie, but if it weren't for the delicious young Kevin Bacon, it wouldn't be anything other than a dopey nothing movie. (it's like The Matrix, the beautiful Keanu Reeves in black leather is why we watch. Anyone else, and it would be a curiosity, it wouldn't be special at all.)
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akg96-1 — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 12:00 AM)
It's a race to the bottom of dumb *ucks laughing at dumb *uck doing what macho idiots do. Enough people can relate so it's an instant 'cult classic'. You want proof? Look at U.S. politics, like for President. It's an American movie that's not made for quality by the quantity of money, kind of like food is for profits & not for you, your life, your nutrition. America, you don't know it, yet, but you are set up to be done to & sucked dry, little by little and all with a happy face, suit & tie, etc. You've been servedyour warning. Too late, the crazies have breached the tower wall, so now things will appear OK or even goodfor a while.
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torpedoboy4 — 9 years ago(January 14, 2017 06:59 AM)
An ensemble of colorful characters are trapped in a space together. When the actors can actually act and their's a genuine on-screen chemistry, it's always fun to watch. "12 Angry Men" for example. "Tremors" is almost lampooning this trope by becoming a desert version of "Jaws 2". This time, there's a heavy dose of wit and humor, where "Jaws 2" and many of its' copycat films took themselves way too seriously. I can't believe nobody mentioned this yet, but the special effects are AWESOME! They are much better than they should've been. You really believe there are worms underneath the surface of the desert by the end of the movie. Actually, it's a cross between "Jaws" and the spice worms from "Dune". What a strange combo! And it works!