They were great.

Some of the modern criticism of it is rather harsh. The complaints about predatory tropes, and lack of consent miss the whole point.

It is an outlandish piece of fiction, mixed with satire. It's just ment to be ridiculous and fun.

It's why people turned the whole midnight showing into an event. You either got what it was, and went to laugh and have a good time or you were just too stiff and didn't get it. The whole scene was great for suburban queer and gay kids who might not have had another outlet or gathering place.

I was lucky to have experienced it in the 80's and 90's in a few states. The relative homogeny of the crowed across states and venues was shocking. It was always a great way to "find your people" when you went somewhere new.