Breaking in the newbies

[Andrew]

I have found that suddenly exposing a b-movie virgin to something like Sextette usually turns them away from the whole idea.  However, there are a couple of films I have found work pretty good at getting new viewers "into the mood."

Flash Gordon
Lots of flashy costumes and overacting, plus the Queen soundtrack.  This is one of my favorites.

The Beast of Yucca Flats
"Progress!"  The film is amazingly inept, there are numerous gags to harp on, and it is short.

Drunken Wutang
Watermelon monster!

Tank Girl
On the right people, this one works wonders.  Weird.

[Neville]

"Adventure of Buckaroo Banzai" maybe also OK for newbies. I mean, it is still quite excentric stuff, but quite accessible, plus its all-star cast is another attractive.

[Vermin Boy]

I've found that Army of Darkness is a good introduction movie; I usually show that to friends before stuff like Dead Alive or even Evil Dead 2. Also, MST3K in general is a good way to cut newbies' teeth before moving on to the REALLY painful stuff.

[Ken Begg]

Can't Stop the Music and The Swarm.  Both are long, but so astounding that you can't take your eyes off them.  Swarm gets bonus points for having a number of the most memorable lines of bad dialog in movie history, as well as for embarrassing so many high profile actors.

Giant Claw is another reliable classic.

[AndyC]

Usually MST3K is good for a beginner. It's got a sugar coating of jokes to make the movie go down easier, and it gives some idea of how the movie is to be viewed.

Aside from that, I usually start a newby off with something like Hercules in New York. The fact that it's Arnie in a cheesy old movie adds to the interest.

[Babydoll]

Where I use to live the theater showed a movie called " Flesh Gordon".  I do know what it was about, but being a kid I thought it is "Flash Gordon".    

Some to think about!

[Gerry]

REPTILICUS!

(though I would recommend the American version over the Danish version for newcomers)

[Tor]

I saw reptilicus! That was a riot! Definately agree that it would be a good flick for the virgins. Same for Hercules in New York - There have been about six occaisions that  I can remember in which I've converted people through that gem. Same with Plan 9 or  any of the other killer Ed Wood movies (except maybe Orgy of the Dead).

Probably the worst  movies that I've show to newbies were John Waters' Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living. Probably scarred them for life, and I don't think all of them appreciated it.

[Drezzy]

Any of Romero's work. Sure, people make fun of the bad makeup FX in the original Night Of The Living Dead, and the less-than-stellar zombie paint in Dawn, but the stories get them captivated.

[J.R.]

Something like Dawn Of The Dead might work, because it also has elements of action. Army Of Darkness and som others are good, too, because they have elements of comedy.

[Flangepart]

Break it to 'em gently. Odd flicks are an aquired taste. Like Espresso and valvoline.
 MST to get 'em laughing, then slide 'em into the likes of "Inframan", "Big Trouble in Little China", and maby if they look up to it, " Killer Klowns from outer space."
If they can handle that...bring on the cheese!

[jmc]

NIGHT OF THE GHOULS is good, along with its prequel, BRIDE OF THE MONSTER.

[Andrew]

You know, oddly enough, the last three people I have introduced to "Inframan" have not liked it.  Seems strange to me, but maybe "Power Rangers" gave them too much of an overload of people in suits fighting monsters.

[BlackAngel]

My brother saw Flash Gordon.  And he hates it.  He saw the strings every time those winged warriors took flight.  And costumes, in his words, were "gay".

[BlackAngel]

I'm a newbie to B-movies myself, and I do recommend Army of Darkness for any newbies to start with.  Also Teenage Catgirls in Heat for those who like to laugh.  But even though it was the second movie after AoD, I Spit on your Grave is more for the vets (huah!) and for those who can stomach the contents.