It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005)

I could not possibly convey in words the joy of watching an episode of this extremely politically incorrect and smartly written show. It has been described as something between Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, although far more bold and edgy. It’s mainly about a selfish and egoistic group of three guys and a girl, who run a Irish bar in South Philadelphia, and their highly distorted world views. This is Seinfeld on steroids. The genius of this show is its ability to take a lighthearted look at some of the most sensitive sociopolitical issues of our times and create great comedy out of them without being harsh or judgmental, often at the expense of its characters. I will just list the names of a few episodes of the show and that should say more than enough about the nature of the show and also why you absolutely need to watch it.

The Gang Gets Racist
Charlie Wants an Abortion
Underage Drinking: A National Concern
The Gang Finds A Dead Guy
Charlie Got Molested
The Gang Goes Jihad
Mac Bangs Dennis’ Mom
Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody’s Ass

Well!

Freaks and Geeks (1999)

Freaks and Geeks is truly a cult series in every sense of the word. Cancelled in its first season, the show was brought back to life on DVD after enthusiastic demands by its devoted cult following. This show about two groups of high school teenagers – the slackers and the nerds – is instantly likeable and will hit you with an overdose of nostalgia from your school going days, even if you didn’t go to an  American high school in the 80’s. The music on the show really sets it apart with its authentic soundtrack from the 80’s featuring The Who, The Grateful Dead, Van Halen, Styx, Rush, Deep Purple, Cream, Queen, Janis Joplin and others. The show is also far more true to life than almost any other teen comedy drama. The jocks are not very good looking and the nerds are not really smart and people have zits and body fat. If you have been watching Apatow’s recent comedy movies, you need to take a look at Freaks and Geeks, his only real masterpiece.

Next in Greatest Cult TV Shows Ever: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia!

Amadeus
It would be criminal to label Amadeus as a film about music. It is a brilliant analysis of the nature of great talent and of mediocrity and above all, jealousy, that most characteristic and peculiar of all human qualities, the most wretched sin, the source of all malevolence. Although historically inaccurate in many ways, we can grant Milos Forman his artistic license for beautifully dramatizing this difficult subject.

“I will speak for you, Father. I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint.”

Even if you are not a fan of my main man Mozart and his deceptively simple and divinely playful melodies, you should watch the movie for the utterly perfectly portrayed Antonio Salieri and his raging jealousy for Mozart’s facile musical ability. He is the real hero of this tale, the patron saint for all mediocrities in the world. The high point of the film is the intensely theatrical and cathartic scene where Salieri declares his war against God, addressing to a crucifix: “From now on we are enemies, You and I. Because You choose for Your instrument a boastful, lustful, smutty, infantile boy and give me for reward only the ability to recognize the incarnation. Because You are unjust, unfair, unkind, I will block You, I swear it. I will hinder and harm Your creature on earth as far as I am able.”

Next in Great Films About Music: This is Spinal Tap!

The Wire (2002)

The Wire is like great literature. It is epic, profound, prophetic, realistic, verisimilar, edifying, enthralling, stylish, visceral, gritty, edgy, shocking, revealing and pleasantly addictive (and I haven’t even opened my thesaurus yet!). The show explores the Baltimore city drug scene in its five seasons and on the surface plays like a police procedural. However, it may more aptly be described as an exposition of the decadence of modern society and the failure of our institutions. The themes of the show are truly universal and yet the show creates such a thoroughly rich portrayal of Baltimore city that you could almost feel the tarmac when a pool of blood from a gunshot victim reflects a flickering neon sign. The show has amazing style with its sometimes indecipherable ghetto slang, cool gangsta talk and idiosyncratic police humor. The Wire is great art and certainly the greatest thing on TV ever. Period!

Next in Greatest Cult TV Shows Ever: Freaks and Geeks!

Not if Batman can help it!

Remember kids, the quest for cultural decadence is an inalienable right. Beating women in pubs is an act of moral depravity. The moral police will loose because it is old and it’s end is near. Binge drinking is bad for your health. Pink is not my favorite underwear color. Condoms only work 97% of the time. You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.