Here's a look at some forgotten super-hero films from the dregs of basic cable.

Judge Dredd (1995)

Who wears the spandex: Sylvester Stallone.

What it's about: Based on the British comic-book character who first appeared in the anthology 2000 A.D., Judge Dredd takes place in a dystopian future in which law and order is kept by militaristic judges who act as police, jury and executioner. Of them, the most feared and respected is Judge Dredd (Stallone).

Comic book geek alert: "In the comic book series, part of the mystique surrounding Dredd is that he is never seen without his helmet, and if he does take it off, only his back or the lower part of his face is shown, BUT NEVER HIS ENTIRE FACE!!!!!!!!! ... Stallone should have known better. That's like Spider-Man doing his thing without the mask ... in public!!!!!!!" (ranting from a poster on imdb.com's movie forum).

Should you watch it? This is a fun popcorn flick that makes for an entertaining Saturday afternoon viewing. Just remember to check your brain at the door.

Mystery Men (1999)

Who wears the spandex: Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, William H. Macy, Greg Kinnear and Paul Reubens.

What it's about: Based on the Dark Horse super-hero team, Mystery Men features a band of misfits who are given an opportunity to become the heroes they aspire to be when Champion City's resident super hero, Captain Amazing (Kinnear) is kidnapped by super villain Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush). Among the team's members is the always-upset Mr. Furious (Stiller), The Shoveller (Macy), who can shovel better then any mortal man, the bowling-ball-wielding Bowler (Garofalo) and Invisible Boy (Kel Mitchell), who can become invisible only when no one is looking.

Key Moment: While attempting to bulk up their super-hero team, the Mystery Men hold an audition. Among the applicants are PMS Avenger (she works only four days a month) and the Waffler, who wields a "griddle of justice" and low-fat truth syrup.

Should you watch it? You bet! With a great ensemble cast and highly quotable one-liners, the film's silliness will grow on you until it becomes a guilty pleasure.

Archie: To Riverdale and Back Again (1990)

Who wears the spandex: Christopher Rich.

What it's about: John L. Goldwater's classic comic characters are brought to life in this made-for-TV movie. Archie (Rich), Betty (Lauren Holly), Veronica (Karen Kopins), Jughead (Sam Whipple) and the rest of the gang gather for a high school reunion. Now adults off in the "real world," the "pals and gals" have grown apart from each other.

Key moment: The film's climactic scene involves Jughead Jones and his son performing a rap remix of The Archies' Sugar Sugar. That's right ... let it sink in for a bit.

Should you watch it? Unless you are prone to masochistic behavior, stay far away from this video. Poorly acted melodrama does not suit the corny antics of Archie Andrews and his friends. If you are a fan of Archie, watching Betty and Veronica try to seduce an engaged Archie in the bedroom of a seedy motel will leave you feeling very, very dirty.

• Robert Saucedo is pumping iron for his public access TV adaptation He-Man. Send tips on where to find mammoth-fur underwear to robsaucedo2500@yahoo.com.