Midnight Movies Express

Ben Barenholtz has been credited with the creation of the midnight movie. The following lists of movies as seen through my eyes are the ones I grew up relishing over and over. Midnight movies are not made; they evolve over time and sometimes unexpectedly come out of nowhere. These are the films which define late night escapades from my point of view. A bit sleepy but full caffeinated, off we go into the darkened rooms of cinematic fulfillment. So, in no particular order, here is the list, my list, of midnight classics.

1. The Song Remains the Same (1976) - The pioneering rock band Led Zeppelin plunges us head first into a world of excess with this excellent live show featuring music which still resonates today. A must see for all fans. Plant's sensuous howls, Page's power riffs, Bonham's thunderous beats, and Jones' ethereal bass tones make this concert an ear-popping treat for anyone. The footage is a bit faded, but the music lives on. 7 of 10 ♫

2. Mad Max (1979) - My first midnight movie was quite memorable for a teenager like me. At the time, plot was not important. Good thing Mad Max has some of the best crash sequences ever filmed. The world has fallen apart and chaos reigns supreme in this futuristic look at a possible world. More car chases ensue. Max's family is killed. More car chases please. Max quits his job. More car chases...roll credits...exit theatre...go have waffles and some hash browns. 8 of 10 Car Chases

3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - Who can forget: "none shall pass", "bring out your dead", and "I blow my nose at you"? Over the top comedy from John Cleese and friends is a perennial favorite at colleges everywhere. Holy Grail is a rite of passage for any movie buff. 10 of 10 Fierce Bunnies

4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) - WOW!!! What a unique experience and a bit messy too. Who would have thought cursing and mocking a film could be so much fun? Rocky only gets better the more you see and participate in it. I actually reinjured my left knee doing the Time Warp. The quintessential midnight movie that has endured three decades of screenings. Remember, it's just a jump to the left and ouch, there goes my left again. Hard to explain that one to the doctor. 8 of 10 Freezer Friendly Eddies

5. Fantasia (1940) - This Disney classic falls into a category of midnight movie all to itself. As a family, this film has become part of our New Years Eve celebration. With the black-eyed peas, ham, collard greens, and cornbread comes a heaping helping of animated splendor. Almost 70 years later and the sight of Mickey and an army of helpful brooms fit seamlessly well with the Sorcerer's Apprentice soundtrack. With the release of Fantasia 2000 on January 1st and only on IMAX screens: one uncle, one friend, one mother, and I made the 200 mile trek to see the much anticipated sequel. I like the original more, but the sequel was good too. 8 of 0 Dancing Hippos

6. Heavy Metal (1981) - A series of short stories thinly linked together featuring a new style of animation accompanied with a hard driving score made this film one of my favorite midnight movies ever. Being in my mid teens probably had a lot to do with it. Nevertheless, I still find Heavy Metal to be an enjoyable viewing experience. 8 of 10 Stern Warriors

7. Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982) - Ok, so do not do hallucinagines and try to watch this film...lesson learned. Mix one of the best concept albums (cds did not exist yet) ever and bring it to life and you get The Wall as a result. Very disturbing theme and incredible visuals made me feel glad to be alive. 8 of 10 Marching Hammers

8. A Clockwork Orange (1971) - All I can say is what was going through Kubrick's mind when he unleashed this visceral film on the public. It is an all out assault on your senses. Alarming commentary on social reconditioning through the use of torture. Malcolm McDowell in one of his marquee performances. 2001: A Space Odyssey it isn't, but rather a delicious romp through a violent and misunderstood landscape. 8 of 10 Ceramic Phalluses

So, there you have it. What do you get when you mix a British rock band, aggressive driving, happy minstrels, transvestites, marching brooms, new style animation, disinterested rock icons, and angry youths wearing bowlers...you get an oddly blended mix of fun and excitement. I hope you have enjoyed reading my list and I will see you late one night at the movies.

For the curious minded. Ben Barenholtz was responsible for creating this bit of Americana known as the midnight movie experience. Because of my age, I was a direct benefactor of his efforts to bring the anti-social, low-budget, underground films to the masses. The most notorious of these films were El Topo (1970), Night of the Living Dead (1968), The Harder They Come (1973), Pink Flamingos (1972), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Eraserhead (1977), Freaks (1932), and ReeferMadness (1936). I have seen most of these titles, the others I will seek and find.