FROM September 1st thru October 31st, 1998, the visitors to the Mutant Reviewers From Hell participated in what has been called “The strangest awards since VH1 decided to do fashion.” We voted on what constituted the best cult film of all time. We chose the most sarcastic character ever. We even debased ourselves by picking a male and female centerfold in our little cult world. Over 52 people voted in these two months, and we’re proud to bring you the results of the 1st Annual Mutant Awards!

Best Cult Film of All Time

Although it was a large and divided race, Monty Python and The Holy Grail (24% of the votes) took the lead to the suprise of no one. I suppose. This college classic from the 70’s is chock-full of crazy cat-beating, animation, songs, bunny attacks, and (of course) the castle Anthrax. The runner-up, Pulp Fiction (15%) is pure 90’s pop-culture. QT will probably reign in this area for at least another year or so.

Most Offensive Cult Film

It’s weird, it’s inexplicable, but it’s much loved by the hordes of transvestites that go to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show (32%). Who knows the appeal? But it certainly not for everyone’s palette. Tim Currey stars, along with Susan Sarandon and some other no-names. The runner-up, Clerks (26%), is perhaps the most foul-mouthed, vulgar, and offensive movie released in our age. But it’s also so freakin’ funny!

Most Quotable Cult Film

We love to quote the weird and funny, and once again Monty Python and the Holy Grail (37%) shows us that it’s cool to say “Ni!” over and over. “She turned me into a newt! [pause] I got better. . .” Again, Clerks slides into the runner-up position (18%) but certainly has no lack of great quotes. Damn, that’s eerie!

Best New Cult Film of 1998

Surprisingly, the Coen brothers’ The Big Lebowski (31%) scored big with the visitors here at the MRFH. Definitely an odd movie, it’s one of Kym’s new favorites and a must-see for any Buscemi fans. And if you haven’t gone to see Dark City (27%) yet, you’re missing out on probably one of the best sleeper hits of the year. An intriguing science fiction mystery, this film is lush with computer effects.

Most Bizarre Scene in a Cult Film

And boy were there a lot of them. Out of 11 choices, the voters chose the “killer bunny rabbit scene” from Monty Python And The Holy Grail (35%) as their fav. Who can forget that horrific slaughter? Look at the bones! The runner up was the “sex with a dead guy” scene from Clerks (19%). This momentous scene would go on to scar many people for life.

Most Sarcastic Character

In the largest landslide of these awards, Randal from Clerks (63%) is elected the caustic king of cult. His portrayal of a video clerk who hates his customers and cares less for his job is priceless. Bring back Randal! Ash, from the Evil Dead trilogy (24%) brought in a respectible amount of votes. You want some? You want a little?

Hottest Cult Babe

Sigh… if it weren’t for the Armageddon “animal cracker” speech, I’d almost agree with our winner. Liv Tyler, from Empire Records, scored 23% on our Babe-O-Meter. She’s gone on to do the aforementioned rock movie, as well as Inventing The Abbots. The runner up with a nose of gold, Uma Thurman (19%) who starred in such cult classics as Truth About Cats And Dogs and Pulp Fiction.

Hottest Cult Hunk

Thank you God that it was not Ben Affleck! The guy just irks me. But the voters have spoken for that manly man, Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead trilogy and TV’s Brisco County Jr.) who won with 28%! Go Bruce, da man! Another quirky soul stole second place. John Cusack (19%) is a long-time favorite from the 80’s (Say Anything) and 90’s (Grosse Pointe Blank).

Best Dark Cult Comedy

Without a doubt (okay, a few doubts), Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (43%) was a crowd favorite. Ash, our one-handed hero, returns to the possessed log cabin to battle himself, his girlfriend, a few red necks, and the Ultimate Evil. With the aid of a shotgun and chainsaw, of course. The runner-up was the 1998 release Disturbing Behavior (23%). This X-Files-ish GenX tale is… well… I haven’t seen it. But now I suppose I have to. We all must!