an off-beat, low-budget, second-tier film, usually from an independent producer, shot quickly with little-known, second rate actors; often the second film (or the 'lower half') of a double-feature shown in a grindhouse; B-films are often characterized by sensational and catchy titles, campy acting, cheesy special effects, and gratuitous violence and sexuality; contrast to an A-pictures (first-class, big-budget films with high-level production values and star-power); not to be confused with cult films, although some B-films attain cult status; sometimes aka exploitation film