NOT QUITE MIDNIGHT

“Not Quite Midnight” is wrapping up 2024 with a stellar lineup of cult favorites. In memory of the recently departed Tony Todd, we are screening the actor’s most iconic film, Candyman, on December 7. Todd stars as the urban legend who comes to life after grad student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) says his name five times in the mirror. Soon, Helen realizes the Candyman is no tall tale, finding herself trapped in a bloody waking nightmare where no one believes her story. British director Bernard Rose transports Clive Barker’s original story from Liverpool to the weathered Cabrini-Green housing development in Chicago. Rose creates an American urban gothic ghost story, one that doesn’t shy away from the very real class and race issues that continue to dominate public debate. Todd, standing six-foot-five and possessing a sensuous baritone voice, elevates the Candyman beyond the typical movie slasher. He’s an intelligent, cunning, tragic figure whose vengeance is simultaneously horrifying and understandable.

Tommy Wiseau’s The Room screens December 14. If you have not experienced The Room at the Drexel, you don’t know what you’re missing. The loyal fans have created their own live experience à la The Rocky Horror Picture Show. They’re always excited to indoctrinate newbies into the cult of Wiseau. A Drexel tradition for 15 years, The Room is a gonzo masterpiece.

Joe Dante wrecks your holiday on December 21 when we screen Gremlins. One of the most beloved ’80s movies, Gremlins tells the tale of a boy, a girl, and a Mogwai named Gizmo. When the adorable little furball gets wet, a gang of horrifying hell spawn pop out of his back. These nightmarish buggers proceed to tear apart the small town, breeding faster than they can be stopped. Dante, one of the most underappreciated directors around, infuses Gremlins with manic, Looney Tunes energy, throwing sight gag after sight gag at the audience while goofing on the sanctity of Christmas.