Better Off Dead - Teens Are Absurd

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to talk about a much-loved 80's cult-classic comedy; Better Off Dead! Are teen years really like that? Can we enjoy the comedic work of someone controversial? Did everything work? Tune in and find out!

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:21:19 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Kathryn feels Better Off Dead is a movie that people will hate if they despise being uncomfortable.
• For Shirleon, the film was too "kitchen sink": fully of ideas but nothing to do with them.
• The comedy progressively becomes more absurd with each passing scene.
• If the comedy doesn't work for someone, there isn't much in terms of narrative to hold on to.
• Talking the Dan Schneider problem.
• Being a teenager is hard, even if teens are irresponsible.
• As always: the ending.

Recommendations:

• A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home by Jason Arnopp (2015) (Short Story)
• The Brainrot Apocalypse (a DIY survival guide) (2025) (YouTube)
• Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025) (Movie)