エピソード
Mausoleum
We talk about how hard it is to find, why it feels more like late-’70s TV horror than an ’80s theatrical release, and how its “so bad it’s funny” charm makes it perfect for a group watch. Along the way we highlight the recognizable cast, the goofy demon-possession plot, the constant green-glowing mausoleum, and the over-the-top practical effects that go from silly to outrageous. Between awkward editing, absurd kill scenes, and tonal whiplash comedy moments, we end up with mixed feelings—but plenty to laugh about.
Man's Best Friend
After breaking into the Emax lab for a story, reporter Lori inadvertently rescues Max, a genetically engineered dog spliced with traits like speed, strength, climbing, camouflage, and even acid urine—then chaos follows as the mad scientist Dr. Jarrett and the police close in. We talk standout cast and effects, the surprisingly sitcom-like tone and Spielberg-ish score, and set pieces ranging from a swallowed cat to an escalating chase back to the lab. Max ultimately dies stopping Jarrett, but a final reveal hints his legacy lives on in a litter of puppies—including one that looks a lot like Max.
The Slayer
We dig into its standout Tybee Island, Georgia locations (including the fort ruins and the abandoned theater), the surprisingly gorgeous orchestral score, and how the film tries to blend standard slasher beats with surreal, dreamlike, potentially supernatural elements. Along the way we break down the small adult-couple cast dynamic, the slow soap-opera pacing, the shadowy killer presentation, and several kills (including a memorable pitchfork moment) while noting the heavy A Nightmare on Elm Street parallels. We also unpack the confusing, ambiguity-driven ending and why the movie feels ambitious even when it doesn’t fully land.
Send Help
We talk about Raimi’s signature style, the small-cast setup, and the power-dynamics story between office underdog Linda Little (Rachel McAdams) and her arrogant boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien) after a plane crash strands them on an island. From the chaotic crash sequence to the boar hunt, shifting sympathies, and escalating psychological violence, we dig into the film’s twists, the mansion reveal, and that sharp final-year-later payoff. Along the way we hit the box office/streaming success, standout performances, and why the ending feels so satisfyingly wicked.
Hatching
We talk about why we finally picked it, its Sundance buzz and critical praise, and how its quiet pacing and gorgeous cinematography build tension. From the disturbing mommy-blogger facade and relentless pressure on young gymnast Tinja to the eerie egg she incubates and the practical-effects creature that emerges, we unpack the film’s doppelgänger angle, psychic connection, and escalating attacks. Along the way we explore the movie’s layers of metaphor—maternity, repression, puberty, body image, and parents vicariously living through kids—leading to an ending we found bleak, satisfying, and thematically sharp
New York Ripper
We talk through Fulci’s stylized approach, the gritty early ’80s New York locations, and how the film’s sleaze and eroticized violence make it a challenging watch, especially with its mean-spirited tone toward women. Along the way we unpack the duck-voiced killer calls, the procedural investigation, the disjointed plotting, and the extreme gore effects—particularly the razor-blade murder and eye trauma. We also cover the film’s reveal involving Peter, his hospitalized daughter, a dead-end suspect, and the bleak final moments that leave the story on a dark note.
Happy Birthday To Me
We talk about the movie’s iconic shish kebab kill, its giallo-inspired mystery setup, and the nonstop barrage of over-the-top red herrings that make the nearly two-hour runtime feel even longer. Along the way we dig into the prep school “Top 10,” the creative (and sometimes cut-down) kill scenes, Virginia’s traumatic flashbacks and experimental brain procedure, and the surprisingly stacked talent behind the production, including Glenn Ford. We break down the movie’s wildly convoluted twist ending, why it feels like a last-minute rewrite, and why—despite its flaws—we ultimately had a fun time with it.
Incantation
We discuss its clever use of mixed camera sources, the fourth-wall breaks that pull the audience into the curse, and how the film’s non-chronological structure parcels out its story. Along the way we unpack the ghost-hunter backstory, the taboo tunnel shrine and folk rituals, the escalating body horror centered on a young child, and the bleak implications of the film’s “chant with me” setup. We also compare its cursed-footage vibe to The Ring and talk about how its atmosphere and emotional stakes keep it intense, even when parts are hard to follow.
Stream
We break down its basic-but-effective “game” setup in a hotel where masked killers, surveillance, and scoring drive extremely brutal practical-effect kills, while the real fun comes from a steady sugar-high of horror cameos—Dee Wallace, Danielle Harris, Jeffrey Combs, Tim Reid, Daniel Roebuck, Phyllisa Rose, Tony Todd, and more—plus David Howard Thornton essentially channeling Art the Clown. We talk about the TV-like cinematography, the two-hour runtime, uneven plotting and character overload, and the bleak ending and mid-credits sequel tease featuring Tim Curry’s voice, while agreeing it’s fan-service done right for horror fans, not the general public.
Madman
Even though we’d somehow missed it for years, we were genuinely impressed by how competent it is—strong cinematography, effective editing, solid performances, and practical effects that often land, plus a captivating campfire-story opening that sets the tone and lore of “Madman Marz.” The plot is basically a classic paint-by-numbers chain of counselors wandering into the woods and getting picked off, but the kills are creative and the filmmaking elevates the whole experience. We also shout out the sound work, the memorable songs, and Galyn Ross as Betsy, then wrap up by playing a listener call.
Opus
We talk about how impressive the filmmaking is, Malkovich’s unexpectedly convincing pop-star performance (including a full in-movie album), and the movie’s strong, tense, twisty atmosphere that sometimes evokes The Menu. We walk through the plot’s creepy compound setting, escalating cult behavior, and the violent reveal, then debate the ending’s explanation that everything was orchestrated so Ariel could escape and publish an exposé. One of us loved the ride and performances, while the other found the message and payoffs frustratingly vague, though we still recommend checking it out.
Prison
While the story feels convoluted and the setup is thin, the movie is slickly shot and packed with memorable, creative kill sequences—dead lights, superheated cells, sentient barbed wire, and an outrageous finale. We talk through Viggo Mortensen’s early role as brooding inmate Burke (and how much of the movie he spends nearly naked), the prison’s chaotic reopening, the warden’s melodrama, and the bizarre supernatural “rules” that make little sense but still deliver some great effects. It’s messy, weird, and surprisingly fun—worth a watch on YouTube while it’s there!
Driller Killer
We talk about its infamous cover art and how it helped spark the UK “video nasties” panic, then dig into the movie’s grimy New York atmosphere, disjointed character-study structure, and aggressive sound design—including the repeated band-rehearsal sequences and heavy use of music. We break down Reno’s unraveling as financial pressure, an unexplained church encounter, and surreal flashes build toward a sudden, graphic drill-fueled rampage, along with moments of dark humor and ambiguity. We also discuss the added footage in the longer cut and the unsettling, open-ended finale.
Match
We talk through the creepy catfishing premise, the overbearing mom luring women to her house, and Henry’s memorable monster design, along with the movie’s mix of gross-out shocks, dark humor, and some frustrating “why would you do that?” character choices. Despite the cliches and suspension-of-disbelief moments, there’s plenty to discuss—from the Buffy-like mid-movie team-up and standout kills to the bizarre music-soothing motif and an especially brutal finale. If you’re in the mood for something dumb, goofy, and competently made, this one might be worth the watch on free, ad-supported Tubi.
Cutting Class
We talk about the oddball cast—especially a very young Brad Pitt—plus Jill Schoelen, Martin Mull, and Roddy McDowell, and why so many scenes feel bizarrely staged or played too straight for the gags. From killer POV moments and death-by-kiln to the Xerox kill and that trampoline flag impalement, the movie delivers creative set pieces even when the plot and character motivations don’t track. It’s not a good movie, but we still had fun with it and think it plays best with friends.
Together
We talk about why the movie has been so well received, how the effects and cinematography elevate it, and how the central relationship feels unusually intimate and honest. From moving to a rural house and the couple’s growing tension to the disturbing cave, the mysterious “water,” and the escalating physical and psychic bonding, we walk through the major plot turns.
The Dead Pit
We talk about how derivative it feels of films like Bad Dreams, Halloween-style stalking, and other late-’80s horror beats, while still appreciating the moody lighting, strong visuals, and some fun practical effects.
Curse II: The Bite
This movie has a lot going for it: ’80s time-capsule vibe, TV-heavy cast (including Jamie Farr, Sidney Lassick, and Brion James), and practical body-horror effects by Screaming Mad George. The plot follows a young couple on a road trip after Clark is bitten by a mutant snake, leading to an escalating transformation into a snake-armed—and eventually snake-spewing—monster, while Farr’s character pursues them after giving the wrong antidote.
Maniac
We're finally covering William Lustig’s 1980 cult horror film Maniac - a gritty, guerrilla-shot New York character study starring Joe Spinell as Frank Zito,
New Fears Eve
From the humor and horror to the film's low-budget charm and its dialogue style, there was lots to discuss. Issa Rose from the 'Sleepaway Camp' series prominently features as a memorable character with a standout performance. Help us kick off the new year with this intriguing horror flick.
The Sacrifice Game
We reunite in Chicago for our Christmas review of the 2023 horror film 'The Sacrifice Game.' We reminisce about the last time we were able to meet in person back in 2022, and share our excitement for being able to watch and discuss the movie together. We delve into the plot of 'The Sacrifice Game,' its 1970s cult slasher vibes, and the surprising twist ending. From reconnecting characters, unsettling moments, to the coziness of the holiday setting, we discuss it all. Join us for a heartfelt and festive discussion on this latest horror flick, and don't forget to share your thoughts and comments!
Black Christmas (2006)
This week, Craig and I dive into the 2006 remake of 'Black Christmas,' a holiday horror pick that our patrons voted for. We discuss the backstory, special kills, nods to the original, and some of its goofier elements. With a star-studded cast including Michelle Trachtenberg, Lacey Chabert, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, there's a lot to unpack. We had some mixed feelings but ultimately found some enjoyment in its over-the-top gore and Christmas vibes. Perfect for fans of early 2000s horror. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and comments!
Silent Night Deadly Night 2
After years of resistance, we're finally giving this fan-requested movie the attention it deserves. Join us as we dissect the recycled footage from the first movie, Ricky’s over-the-top performance, and the film’s unexpected (and often ridiculous) comedic elements. We debate whether this film is so bad it's good and consider the legacy of this infamous holiday slasher. Tune in for laughs, critical takes, and some surprising revelations about our feelings towards this cult classic. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recommendations for other holiday horrors!
Body
We delve into the plot of this flick set on Christmas Eve, discussing its lack of compelling twists and predictable storyline. We'll compare it to other similar films like 'Very Bad Things' and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and share our honest thoughts on the characters and overall execution. Is 'Body' a thrilling holiday film or just 'mid'? Join us to find out. And hey, we’ve got a heartwarming message from a listener in Alabama that you won't want to miss. Tune in and let us know your thoughts!
