"Do you ever fantasize about being killed? Do you ever wonder about all the different ways of dying you know, violently, and wonder, like, what would be the most horrible way to die?" - Trash's quote within Return of the Living Dead sets the tone for the film, exposes what to expect and is the first thing the character does to make Linnea Quigley an instant scream queen. Known for its sense of humor, its many quotable lines and establishing that zombies like to eat "Braiiinnns," Return of the Living Dead is one of the true gems of the decade. Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore tackle another gruesome horror film from the 1980s.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 87 – Return of the Living Dead (1985)
When first announced, Return of the Living Dead was to be in 3D and directed by Tobe Hooper. Wow! By the time it came out writer Dan (Alien) O'Bannon took the helm and created an instance classic that has yet to be matched. The cast is incredible. Clue Galager, James Karen, Don Calfa and Thom Matthews lead a group of actors that includes John Philbin, Jewel Shepard, Miquel Nunez and Brian Peck among others. It made a star out of Linnea Quigley as Trash. But the film also took its own look at zombies referencing Night of the Living Dead as if it were a thinly veiled documentary, having its zombies be turned by chemicals, establishing they eat brains to make the pain of being dead go away and allowed the ghouls to run, talk and think.
The film also boasts some top notch special effects. The tar man zombie that comes out of the canisters is classic. And the lady torso zombie is incredible to watch, twitching away on the table as she spouts exposition. The tone of the film is lighter providing laughs without getting as jokey as the sequel would attempt. But the tone does not sacrifice the horror allowing the gore to shine through when needed. The blood literally sprays on the walls when the zombies attack. Far different than Dawn of the Dead, Zombie and modern contemporary zombie films, Return of the Living Dead is one of a kind, even the sequels failed to capture what makes this film so special.
We want to hear from you - the coolest, most gruesome fans: leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com.
On this episode the Grue-crew examine director David F. Sandberg's feature length debut Lights Out. The film, described as Jump Scare: The Movie by Thomas Mariani, is expanded from its short film origins by Eric Heisserer to tell the tale of Diana and Sophie as they haunt the lives of Teresa Palmer and Gabriel Bateman. If the dark is too scary a place to venture, then follow the Grue-crew to the deep reaches of outer space with Justin Lin's Star Trek Beyond. The space opera is perhaps the most "Star Trek" Star Trek film of the recent batch featuring the new versions of Kirk, Spock and Bones.
Dave Dreher launches into the Horror News of the Week discussing a variety of news from SDCC 2016: Kong Skull Island, Ash vs the Evil Dead Season 2 and Blair Witch! Not only are the Grue-crew going to Dragon*Con this year, Doc and Gruesome Magazine writer Paul Cardullo are heading to GenreBlast Film Festival in Culpepper Virginia this August 19 - 21, 2016.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani, the voice of reason, are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 173 – Lights Out (2016) – Star Trek Beyond (2016)
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Actress Maria Bello hides in the shadows along with her murderous alter ego Diana as her children fight to save her from the demon in the dark. They will never succeed Diana can keep the...lights out! The film makes the most of its jump scare origins to provide a terrific roller coaster Summer horror treat - or at least many of the Grue-crew think so. Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman and Billy Burke also star.
Justin Lin brings a Fast and Furious sensibility to the crew of the Starship Enterprise as James T. Kirk, Spock and Bones head to the fringes of the universe in the latest film to keep Gene Roddenberry's dream alive, Star Trek Beyond. While the film has terrific action and sci-fi imagination it grounds its story by focusing much of the film on the characters that make these films so special. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho and Anton Yelchin return as Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu and Chekov. Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella join in on the fun!
Welcome to Horror News Radio Extra, a second HNR podcast each with with festival reviews and convention news. The first episode is our annual recapping of the biggest news from the San Diego International Comic Con held July 21-24, 2016. Originally a comic book convention, the event grew to include and spotlight media from all over. In the past decade or so it has exploded to become THE geek event of the year. The biggest news, trailers and announcement are thrown at the audience and fandom in an overwhelming rate. For those who cannot make it into Hall H, this podcast is for you. Here is our reaction to the news that you've been catching all weekend.
While the Grue-crew will be covering the more horror news on episode 173 of Horror News Radio (which will be out in just a few days), award winning director Christopher G. Moore and artist Chad Hunt join Dave, Doc and Thomas to look at what made a big impression. We take a look at the news from DC's cinematic universe with Wonder Woman and Justice League trailers and with the Marvel cinematic universe with a Doctor Strange trailer and big Guardians of the Galaxy 2 news. We also cover some TV news include American Gods.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week!
Horror News Radio
Episode 172 – Ghostbusters (2016) – Stranger Things (Netflix 2016)
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Marvel and DC battle all weekend to present the biggest news and show the best trailer. Everything is on display from toys to set walk through events to costumes from the films. The film makers, actors and creators own Hall H as they present teases and hints at the year - years! - to come. This year, they dominate as much as they ever have as other genre related material struggled to get noticed. The big winners are Justice League, Wonder Woman and Doctor Strange news while Guardians of the Galaxy 2 held the biggest surprises. Marvel finally revealed who will be playing Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, and how much of Planet Hulk will make it into the currently filming Thor: Ragnorok. Exciting!
On this episode of Horror News Radio, the Grue Crew try not to cross the streams as they review Ghostbusters (2016). The latest film from director Paul Feig brings back the beloved property in a reboot fashion with females donning the proton packs and jumpsuits this time. Then, they discuss the Stephen King/Steven Spielberg/John Carpenter/Generally 80s Inspired thrills of Netflix's new series Stranger Things. Could it be any better?
This week's Horror News of the Week is present by Dave and discusses new set photos from new Stephen King productions The Dark Tower and It, Ripley finally getting her ending and the scariest cinematic creature known to man... TYLER PERRY'S MADEA! Not only are the Grue-crew going to Dragon*Con this year, Doc and Gruesome Magazine writer Paul Cardullo are heading to GenreBlast Film Festival in Culpepper Virginia this August 19 - 21, 2016.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher, Thomas Mariani and Vixen, the voice of reason, are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 172 – Ghostbusters (2016) – Stranger Things (Netflix 2016)
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Ghostbusters has had a tough road paved for itself in the last few months. Terrible trailers, internet commenters and the pressure of revisiting a classic have all the benchmarks of something worrisome. But The Grue Crew still rages on as they talk about the comedy, the cast and the spooky effects work on the ghosts? Did "Bustin Make Them Feel Good" or was Ghostbusters "Too Hot To Handle and Too Cold To Hold?" The film, directed by Paul Feig, features Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones in the lead roles.
The latest genre entry from Netflix has become a major hit over its initial weekend of release. Winona Ryder and David Harbor lead a group of child actors through an Amblin inspired 8 episode season, full of government conspiracies, time portals and 80s nostalgia. The Grue Crew is at various stages of watching, but there's still plenty to dive into as they discuss the characters, the emotions and the thrills of seeing young kids ride their bikes looking for Stranger Things in the neighborhood. The show is created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer.
"For centuries they were hunted for bounty, fun and food... now it's their turn" - the tagline for Day of the Animals only hints at the madness hidden just below the surface of William Girdler's often overlooked Nature Runs Amok classic. The film features Christopher George, Lynda Day George and Richard Jaeckel in lead roles with Leslie Nielsen stealing the film with his terrific supporting performance. The Black Saint and Doc Rotten tackle another groovy horror film from the 1970s.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 38 – Day of the Animals (1977)
On a lark, Doc stumbled across Day of the Animals on the Shudder horror movie streaming site. After watching the film from director William Girdler, a quick text to The Black Saint placed the film at the topic of this week's Decades of Horror. The evidence was clear, it was time to discuss this late entry into the Nature Runs Amok craze of the Seventies with its large cast of characters, bizarre kills, a PSA approach to the depletion of the ozone layer and Leslie Nielsen. The Black Saint instantly agreed and episode 38 was in the can just like that.
As a huge fan of William Girdler, proclaiming The Manitou as his favorite horror film, The Black Saint has a lot to say about Day of the Animals. The film is nested between Grizzly and The Manitou in Girdler's filmography. Often mistaken as a sequel to Grizzly, the film stands on its own with great performances, a direct fast-paced plot and heavy use of real animals as the antagonists. That is until Leslie Nielson's character looses his flipping mind. Catch Andrew (The Fury) Stephens and Susan (Jaws) Blacklinie in supporting roles and be amazed at the awesome screen presence of Michael Ansara. Ha! Day of the Animals is a real treat as Doc Rotten and The Black Saint dive into what makes the film so special. This is episode 38!
On this episode of Horror News Radio, Doc Rotten and Thomas Mariani follow Scorpion Joe into Carnage Park. The latest film from director Mickey Keating brings a solid 70's grindhouse flavor and great performances from Ashley Bell, Pat Healy and Alan Ruck. The film is tense with a fast pace and quickly puts Keating on the map as a director to watch. His style and approach is seen throughout the film. And we get another cameo from Larry Fassenden. Could it be any better?
This week's Horror News of the Week is present by Thomas & Doc and discusses Javier Bardem rumored to be cast in Universal's Frankenstein, the teaser for the second season of Ash vs the Evil Dead and Scream Factory releasing the Blu-ray for Exorcist III. Not only are the Grue-crew going to Dragon*Con this year, Doc and Gruesome Magazine writer Paul Cardullo are heading to GenreBlast Film Festival in Culpepper Virginia this August 19 - 21, 2016.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher, Thomas Mariani and Vixen, the voice of reason, are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 171 – Carnage Park (2016)
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"Welcome to Potter's Bluff" - the tagline for Dead and Buried hides the horror behind an innocuous invitation. Once you arrive to this coastal town, the horror soon begins with one of the more underrated horror films from 1981. Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore tackle another gruesome horror film from the 1980s. Guest-host, The Black Saint (Horror News Radio) joins the crew to discuss Dead and Buried.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 86 – Dead and Buried (1981)
Writers Jeff Millar & Alex Ster and Ronald Shusett & Dan O'Bannon (sort of) team up with director Gary Sherman to give its audience an extended Twilight Zone inspired tale of horror and paranoia. James Farentino is the sheriff of Potter's Bluff who stumbles upon a series of events that unearth Jack Albertson's terrifying hidden agenda. And his wife, Melody Anderson, has secrets of her own. The cast includes Lisa Blount (Prince of Darkness), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) & Michael Pataki (Dracula's Dog). The film also includes early special effects from FX guru Stan Winston.
The Black Saint leaps into the forefront as he shares how much Dead and Buried means to him and his experiences first seeing the film in the theaters in 1981. The Grue-crew recap and review the film, diving into the actors, the effects, the story and stories behind the story. Check out the review of Dead and Buried from Thomas, Doc and Christopher along with guest-host The Black Saint.
We want to hear from you - the coolest, most gruesome fans: leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com.
Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) and Dante Bishop (Edwin Hodge) are back again to survive another night of murder and mayhem with The Purge: Election Year. This year, Leo must save Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell) from the killers sent to assassinate her on purge night. Director James DeMonaco proves "three times a charm" with the best Purge film yet. Still, the Black Saint refuses to witness the madness. Dave, Doc and Thomas recap and review the flick enjoying its horror elements and its not-so-subtle political statements. Have you purged?
"If you hide your farts from your friends, what else are you hiding?" There may be no other film like Swiss Army Man featuring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. Yes, this is the film about a farting corpse. While it may not have much along the lines of horror, it does deliver one of the year's best films with a dark, dark sense of humor and with something to say. If you love Jurassic Park, there are some fun references to the film throughout.
Dave arrives just in time to present this week's Horror News of the Week with information about The Warriors coming to TV, Carrie getting the Scream Factory treatment and the Grue-crew remembering director Robin Hardy who passed away at 86. R.I.P., sir. Not only are the Grue-crew going to Dragon*Con this year, Doc and Gruesome Magazine writer Paul Cardullo are heading to GenreBlast Film Festival in Culpepper Virginia this August 19 - 21, 2016.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher, Thomas Mariani and Vixen, the voice of reason, are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 170 – The Purge: Election Year (2016) – Swiss Army Man (2016)
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"There's only ONE thing wrong with the Davis baby... IT'S ALIVE" - the tagline for It's Alive is one of the better examples of what a great tagline can do for a film. The film originally released in 1974 to mediocre returns, came back strong with a more focused marketing campaign in 1977 to become a huge hit. The tagline along with a powerful but simple trailer of a baby carriage with the creatures claw sticking out of it drove viewers into the theaters to the tune of $39 million. The Black Saint and Doc Rotten tackle another groovy horror film from the 1970s.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 37 – It's Alive (1974)
The Black Saint shares his reaction to that trailer and how It's Alive affected him upon seeing it in the theaters. He and Doc share their thoughts on the cast (John P. Ryan and Sharon Farrell), the gore (what little there actually is) and the special effects. Yes, the baby creature is designed by the one and only Rick Baker in an early puppet effort. The design is fantastic and the film follows the tried-and-true adage of showing very little of the monster throughout the film. One of the more powerful scenes is the aftermath of the birthing of the Davis baby with carnage and bloodshed splattered about the dead bodies. Great stuff of nightmares.
Of course much of the film's success and tone is due to the unique talent that is writer/director Larry Cohen. It's Alive is his crowning achievement spawning two sequels also written and directed by Cohen. It Lives Again would quickly follow in 1978 and It's Alive III: Island of the Alive would come a decade later in 1987. The film benefits from a terrific performance from John P. Ryan and a quick pace. Doc Rotten and the Black Saint return to the days where a bloodied puppet can give goose pimples more goose pimples as they recap and review It's Alive.
We want to hear from you - the coolest, grooviest fans: leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at theblacksaint@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com.