This week, we dive into the chaotic, stylish, and weirdly ahead-of-its-time 2005 black comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Rooster and Nique break down the film’s strange mix of neo-noir tropes, sharp dialogue, and morally questionable characters—all while paying homage to Val Kilmer’s scene-stealing turn as Gay Perry. We unpack Robert Downey Jr.’s pre-Iron Man charm, the tangled murder mystery that somehow keeps unfolding, and how this movie helped usher in the era of the “shitty hero.”

Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a misunderstood gem or a great bad movie that almost works? We talk about the film’s influence on movies like The Nice Guys, Burn After Reading, and The Other Guys, its surprisingly progressive takes on queerness and gender roles, and why sometimes the lesson is… closure is overrated. Plus, we rank it on the Underrated Favorites scale and give our best pairing picks if you’re planning a double feature.

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Join Nique and Rooster as they crow their appreciation for the overlooked animated gem, "Rock-A-Doodle"! In this episode, the hosts break down the whimsical yet dark adventures of Chanticleer, a singing rooster convinced he's responsible for the sunrise, whose fall from grace sends the barnyard into chaos. They explore the film's vibrant animation, surprisingly deep themes of Hollywood exploitation, and hidden commentary on rural America. Plus, they debate character favorites (and frustrations—sorry, Edmund), highlight feminist icon Peepers, and reveal why critics missed the true heart of this psychedelic animated classic.

Grab your popcorn, settle in, and find out why "Rock-A-Doodle" deserves another sunrise. Follow Underrated Favorites on social media to join the conversation and never miss an episode!

In this episode of Underrated Favorites, Nique and Roost shine a spotlight on the criminally overlooked dark comedy "Death to Smoochie." Joined by The Homie Chris, they explore how this satirical gem starring Robin Williams, Edward Norton, and Catherine Keener cleverly skewers the world of children's entertainment, corruption, and celebrity culture. Dive deep into the film's biting humor, unforgettable performances, and why it might have been misunderstood upon release. Whether you're revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, find out why "Death to Smoochy" deserves its moment in the spotlight.

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Underrated Favorites kicks off the new season with the 2024 UF (pronounced oof) Awards! Even tho these movies just came out last year, get the low down and hot takes on the movies history will surely come to know as Underrated Favorites!

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In this episode of Underrated Favorites, we step into the twisted dream world of Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Freddy Krueger is back, and this time he’s haunting a group of teens who won’t go down without a fight. With its blend of horror, surreal 80s effects, and iconic one-liners, Dream Warriors has become a fan favorite in the franchise. But does it truly stand up as a classic, or is it just nostalgic fun?

Join us as we discuss the movie’s unique twist on the Elm Street formula, its memorable kills, and why Dream Warriors may be the boldest installment in the series. We’ll explore the film’s legacy, Freddy’s evolving personality, and the impact of its soundtrack, including the infamous Dokken theme song. Is Dream Warriors a true horror masterpiece or simply 80s cheese we can’t resist?

Tune in to find out if Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors earns a place in our Underrated Favorites, and be sure to subscribe to stay updated on all our cult classic deep dives!

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Identity – Mind-Bending Thriller or Forgettable Whodunit?

Prepare to have your mind twisted into knots, because this week on Underrated Favorites, we’re diving into the psychological thriller Identity.

This 2003 film, starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and Amanda Peet, has all the makings of a tense, classic whodunit: a group of strangers stranded at a motel during a violent storm, mysterious deaths, and a shocking twist. But does Identity stand out as a masterful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end, or does its convoluted plot twist collapse under its own weight?

We’ll take a look at how Identity blends psychological horror with classic murder mystery vibes, discussing whether its twist ending delivers a satisfying payoff or leaves too many unanswered questions. With a talented ensemble cast and a script that toys with the very notion of reality, does this movie deserve more recognition, or is it rightfully forgotten in the shuffle of early 2000s thrillers?

Plus, we’ll debate Identity’s influence on the genre—did it set a standard for the mind-bending mystery, or does it get lost among better-executed psychological thrillers? And as always, we’ll answer the ultimate question: Is Identity an underrated favorite that deserves a second look, or is it a forgettable flop?

Join us for a journey through the twists and turns of Identity, and find out whether this movie leaves you thrilled or just confused.

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Time to break out the flashlights and face your deepest fears, because this week on Underrated Favorites, we’re plunging into the pitch-black terror of The Descent.

This 2005 British horror film isn’t just about claustrophobic caving expeditions; it’s about primal fear, survival, and some seriously nasty cave-dwelling creatures. But here’s the question: does The Descent deserve a spot on your horror movie Mount Rushmore, or is it an anxiety-inducing nightmare better left unexplored?

Join us as we delve into what made The Descent such a standout in the horror genre. From its all-female cast of adventurers to the jaw-dropping tension that doesn’t let up, we’ll talk about how this film taps into some of our deepest, most primal fears. But is it all well-earned terror, or does the movie push too far, leaving viewers feeling more uncomfortable than entertained?

Plus, we’ll unpack the film’s ending(s)—yes, plural!—and whether they add to its brilliance or just muddy the waters. And as always, we’ll answer the big question: Is The Descent a hidden gem of modern horror, or does it crawl its way into the flop category?

Strap in, because this episode is going to take you deep—very deep—into the heart of horror.

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Grab your Halloween candy and get ready for a trip down memory lane! In this week’s episode of Underrated Favorites, we’re diving into one of the quirkiest, most bizarre Halloween movies of the 90s: Ernest Scared Stupid.

Does this slapstick-fueled, troll-hunting, milk-throwing comedy from the mind of Jim Varney belong in the cult classic section of your spooky season lineup? Or is it just a relic of 90s cheese that’s best left in the bargain bin?

We’ll take a deep dive into what worked (or didn’t) in this family-friendly horror flick. From Ernest’s goofball antics to the surprisingly creepy practical effects, we’ll break down how the film’s unique blend of horror and humor hit (or missed) the mark. We’ll also explore the nostalgic factor: was this a movie that shaped childhood Halloweens, or is it a forgotten footnote in Ernest P. Worrell’s cinematic journey?

And of course, we’ll answer the big question: Is Ernest Scared Stupid an Underrated Favorite or a Certified Flop?

Tune in, grab your wooden doll (maybe leave the milk out), and let’s settle this once and for all!

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