Movies of 2025: Cult, Mainstream, and the Theatrical Experience

In this episode of Outsider In, Ricky sits down with his longtime friends and repertory programmers Cristina Cacioppo (Nitehawk Cinema) and Caroline Golum (Spectacle Theater) to break down the films that defined 2025 — from underground cult gems to mainstream standouts and everything in between.

They cover the full spectrum of cinema:

• Sinners — the music scene that might be the best cinematic moment of the year, and a rare “horny movie for grownups.”
• The dream DOUBLE FEATURE: Magic Mike XXL + Staying Alive — a deep dive into masculinity, movement, and audience dynamics.
• Sam Raimi’s Send Help — why this horror-comedy delivers on both suspense and fun.
• Epic: The Elvis Presley Movie — a spectacular theatrical experience and portrait of musical charisma.
• Under-the-radar favorites, including indie hits, festival darlings, and cult classics that rarely hit screens outside repertory theaters.
• AND MORE

Along the way, they discuss what makes films feel alive in a theater, why some front-runners succeed beyond hype, and why repertory programming matters for preserving and reintroducing cinema history.

Whether you’re an indie film enthusiast, a cinephile, or someone who wants context for the year’s most talked-about movies, this episode delivers sharp insight, lively debate, and personal stories from people who live and breathe cinema.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro: Movies of the Year & Theatrical Experience
05:12 – Sinners: Best Scene, Cultural Resonance, and “Horny Movies for Grownups”
14:40 – Magic Mike XXL: Masculinity, Audience, and Performance
21:30 – Send Help (Sam Raimi): Horror, Humor, and Suspense
28:10 – Epic: The Elvis Movie: Spectacle and Musical Genius
34:50 – Cult, Indie, and Festival Favorites: If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Familiar Touch, Measures for a Funeral, Forgetting You Is Like Breathing Water
44:30 – Front-Runners vs Underground: Balancing Hype, Programming, and Theatrical Experience
50:50 – Closing Thoughts: Why Repertory Cinema and Live Audiences Matter

Keywords

Sinners film analysis, Magic Mike XXL breakdown, Send Help Sam Raimi, Epic Elvis movie review, indie film podcast, cult movies 2025, repertory cinema, Nitehawk Cinema, Spectacle Theater, Ricky Tucker podcast, Outsider In, theatrical experience, movies of the year 2025, festival favorites, cinema discussion

Sound Bites

• "[Downtown Julie Brown]—she's been super cool."
• "It really is a public service."
• "I would love to make a documentary."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Club MTV and Its Impact

02:50 Archiving Dance Culture: The Journey

05:49 The Evolution of Dance Shows

10:07 Community and Collaboration in Archiving

14:16 Notable Dancers and Their Legacy

17:56 Comparing Club MTV and The Grind

20:23 The Decline of MTV and Music Video Culture

21:48 Navigating Copyright in Archiving

31:35 The Future of Dance and Music Videos

Keywords:

Club MTV, dance shows, archiving, pop culture, music videos, nostalgia, 80s, 90s, MTV history, dance culture

In this engaging episode, Ricky sits down with Elyssa Maxx Goodman, a writer, historian, and drag scholar, to discuss her latest book, "Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City." They delve into the vibrant history of drag, exploring its roots in New York City and its impact on culture both locally and globally. Elyssa shares personal anecdotes about her introduction to drag, the influence of her parents, and the significance of drag as an art form. The conversation also touches on the challenges and triumphs within the drag community, the evolution of language and identity, and the ongoing cultural and political dynamics affecting drag performers today.

Keywords:

drag history, New York City, Elyssa Maxx Goodman, Glitter and Concrete, drag culture, LGBTQ+, drag queens, drag kings, cultural history, identity

Takeaways:

• Elyssa Maxx Goodman shares her deep connection to the New York City drag scene, which inspired her book.
• The book "Glitter and Concrete" fills a gap in documenting the unique impact of New York's drag culture.
• Elyssa's introduction to drag was influenced by her parents and early exposure to films like "To Wong Foo."
• The conversation highlights the diverse history of drag, including male impersonators and the gender spectrum.
• Elyssa discusses the challenges of defining drag and the evolving language around gender and identity.
• The episode explores the socio-political factors that have influenced the acceptance and backlash against drag.
• Elyssa emphasizes the importance of recording and preserving drag history to prevent erasure.
• The discussion includes the role of drag in cultural rebellion and its acceptance during times of social upheaval.
• Elyssa shares insights into the pageantry and evolution of ballroom culture and its significance.
• The episode concludes with Elyssa's reflections on her favorite drag performers and her future projects.

Sound bites:

• "Drag is an art form that embodies transformation."
• "New York's drag scene has a unique impact on culture."
• "Recording drag history is crucial to prevent erasure."
• "Drag has faced backlash during times of social upheaval."
• "The language of drag and identity is constantly evolving."
• "Ballroom culture has deep historical roots."
• "Drag is a dynamic art form that challenges norms."
• "My book fills a gap in documenting drag's history."
• "Drag's acceptance often coincides with cultural rebellion."
• "The New York drag scene was my introduction to drag."

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Elyssa Maxx Goodman
• 00:00:00 The Inspiration Behind 'Glitter and Concrete'
• 00:00:00 Exploring Drag's Diverse History
• 00:00:00 Language, Identity, and Drag
• 00:00:01 Cultural and Political Dynamics of Drag
• 00:00:01 Ballroom Culture and Pageantry
• 00:00:01 Reflections and Future Projects

HIV, AIDS, stigma, education, art, community, health, awareness, globalization, cultural production

Summary

Ricky and HIV/AIDS worker, activist, and writer Ted Kerr discuss the multifaceted aspects of HIV and AIDS, exploring their personal narratives, the impact of stigma, the evolution of public discourse, and the role of art and culture in shaping understanding. They reflect on their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of community, education, and ongoing dialogue.

Takeaways

• HIV awareness is deeply connected to personal narratives and experiences.
• Globalization has influenced the understanding of HIV/AIDS across different demographics.
• Art can serve as a powerful tool for education and awareness about HIV.
• Fear and misinformation about HIV transmission persist, affecting people's lives.
• Stigma surrounding HIV continues to impact individuals and communities.
• Conversations about HIV have evolved, but there is still a need for present-day discourse.
• Death and stigma remain significant issues within the HIV community.
• Cultural production can integrate HIV narratives into broader social movements.
• Public health policies are increasingly influenced by systemic issues and stigma.
• The legacy of figures like Magic Johnson shapes contemporary discussions about HIV.

Sound Bites

• "Stigma kills still."
• "HIV exceptionalism is not useful."
• "The community viral load will go up."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Context Setting

01:25Personal Journey with HIV and AIDS Activism

02:25The Role of Art in HIV Education

04:35Shifting Perspectives on HIV and Stigma

07:21Understanding HIV Transmission and Fear

10:01The Impact of Stigma on Health and Relationships

12:55Navigating Conversations About HIV

13:45The Evolution of HIV Discourse Over Time

15:53Current Perspectives on HIV and AIDS

17:53The Ongoing Reality of AIDS-Related Deaths

20:12Intersectionality and the Broader Implications of HIV

23:07Understanding HIV in Context

23:26The Role of Public Figures in HIV Awareness

27:17The Intersection of HIV and Systemic Issues

29:58The Importance of U=U Awareness

33:33The Impact of Policy on HIV Care

38:50Cultural Production and HIV Narratives

Keywords

astrology, relational intelligence, uncertainty, personal growth, joy, prediction, control, truth, hard times,

Takeaways

• Astrology should be approached from a place of practicing the unknown.
• It can enhance relational intelligence and skills.
• Finding joy in hard times is essential.
• Astrology is not merely about prediction and control.
• Telling the truth about hard times is crucial.
• Astrology can serve as a tool for personal growth.
• Navigating uncertainty is a key aspect of astrology.
• Relational skills can be improved through astrological insights.
• Joy can be cultivated even in challenging situations.
• Astrology helps in understanding and navigating relationships.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Outsider In Podcast

01:19Astrology as a Tool for Understanding

05:59The Journey into Professional Astrology

11:44The Power of Belief and Magic

17:18Asking for Help and Community Support

22:35Astrological Insights on Public Figures

25:04Astrology and Urban Dynamics

26:05Class Consciousness and New York City

28:14Historical Context and Future Predictions

30:11Cultural Renaissance in New York

32:32Family Dynamics and Personal Growth

39:05Astrology's Role in Self-Discovery

39:57The Importance of Relationships

Keywords:

Comic-Con, representation, Black nerd culture, blerd, drag queens, storytelling, identity, community, fandom, queerness, diversity, Star Wars, Star Trek, Avatar the Last Airbender

Takeaways:

• Embrace your nerd within the nerds
• Representation in media is crucial for marginalized communities.
• Comic-Con is a space for diverse communities to connect.
• Storytelling unites and empowers us.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 Introduction and Ricky's Nerdy Beginnings
2. 03:29 Comic-Con Adventures Costumes and EncountersRepresentation and Identity in Fandom
3. 13:31 Young, Gifted, and Whack: Panel on Black Nerd Culture
4. 22:03 Drag Queens and the Intersection of Politics
5. 29:57 House of Ultra-Violet Presents: Gerard H. Gaskin
6. 32:35 Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
7. 34:46 Jedi Adventures
8. 39:56 It Rhymes w/ Tekai Graphic Novel Panel
9. 44:02 Reflections on Belonging and Community

Sound Bites:

• "Welcome to Outsider Inn, where outliers create the greater culture."
• "Comic-Con is the motherfucking place to be."
• "Representation matters in all forms of media."
• "Finding a sense of belonging among fellow outliers."
• "The power of storytelling unites us all."

Call to Action:

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and insightful adventure at Comic-Con 2025!

takeaways

• Horror serves as a powerful medium for exploring identity.
• Storytelling can create a sense of belonging and community.
• Monsters and otherness are central themes in horror narratives.
• Representation in cinema is crucial for authentic storytelling.
• Agency in creative work allows for deeper connections to legacy.
• Genre can be complex and multifaceted, challenging traditional norms.
• Religion often intersects with horror, shaping narratives and themes.
• The structure of a story can evoke emotions that words cannot express.
• Fear and grief are teachers that build resilience.
• Exploring different forms of storytelling can lead to richer narratives.

Sound Bites

• "Horror has been like a huge gift."
• "Fear is a teacher and so is grief."
• "It builds resilience."

Writers ⁠Ricky Tucker⁠ and ⁠Omotara James⁠ explore the nuances of the literary world, touching on themes of community, acceptance, and the complexities of identity. They discuss the challenges and surprises of the Lambda Literary Awards, the importance of connection in the writing process, and the intersectionality of cultural identities. Omotara shares her journey through the publishing landscape, emphasizing the need for mentorship and practical guidance for emerging writers. The conversation culminates in reflections on the importance of joy in writing and the fluidity of life.

Takeaways

• The Lambda Literary Awards had a unique virtual ceremony this year.
• Omotara's unexpected win was a delightful surprise.
• Acceptance speeches should express gratitude and community connection.
• Community rediscovery can lead to unexpected delights post-book launch.
• Writing about personal experiences can create universal connections.
• Young writers should be encouraged to explore their process.
• Navigating the publishing landscape requires understanding and mentorship.
• Networking plays a crucial role in literary success.
• Access to literary culture should be reimagined for inclusivity.
• Writing should be a source of joy and exploration.

• Navigating the Lambda Literary Experience
• The Joy of Unexpected Wins

• "I took a nap."
• "It's a roller coaster."
• "It's not that serious."

Keywords

#horror #identity #storytelling #monsters #blackcinema, #agency #representation #religion #grief #creativework