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Now displaying: November, 2016
Nov 30, 2016

"Don't try to stop me or you'll taste Yuki's medicine yourself." The King of the Monsters fights himself... or at least an intergalactic version of himself. Throw in some telekinetic powers, the Yakuza and a cinnabon version of Godzilla Junior & you've got the odd mess that is Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla. Only Thomas Mariani can decipher the method behind the madness, with a little bit of help.

Decades of Horror 1990s
Episode 04 – Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla (1994)

Just before America put their measly mits on Godzilla, Toho wanted to keep the brand alive. How that could be possible with a film as convoluted and oddball as Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla is anyone's guess. Made by filmmakers more familiar with teen idol films, there's a weird glossy sheen to this Godzilla film that doesn't feel traditional. As our favorite giant lizards stomps around trying to help his son, a mutated clone made with crystals and cells of former big bad Biolante causes havoc. Meanwhile, Miki keeps getting visions of the Mothra twins and winds up in the clutches of the Yakuza trying to steal her powers. It's all pretty confusing.

So who could possibly help Thomas through this puzzling monster mash? His lizard buddy Sam Brutuxan, of course! Sam, a lifelong Godzilla fan, chose this entry in particular to discuss. Mainly to hear Thomas squirm in confusion, but also to defend this oddball mark in the history of the giant lizard. He talks shop about the monster battles, the underrated design of SpaceGodzilla and his preference for insanity over dour with his kaiju films. To hear more about Sam Brutuxan, follow him on Twitter @Brutuxan.

Nov 29, 2016

"You can't tame what's meant to be wild, Doc. It just ain't natural." - John Carradine sets the cast straight with his witty and biting dialog provided by writer John Sayles for Joe Dante's horror classic The Howling. Yes, the "other" werewolf film from 1981 - a bit unfair comparison, certainly, because this film truly stands on its own. Rob Bottin brings his own unique approach to the transformation scene rivaling all other wolf-man films. Let the fun begin! Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore tackle another gruesome horror film from the 1980s.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 97 – The Howling (1981)

The Howling is the first to give us a memorable bipedal wolf-man that looks more wolf-like than human thanks to the talents of Rob Bottin and his team. While most films previously would go for the Larry Talbot variety and An American Werewolf In London would favor the beast on all fours approach, Eddie Quist and friends would stand tall over the less furry cast, with a mouth full of fangs, a body full of fur and ears a foot tall at least. The year 1981 is a monumental year for werewolf films, revolutionizing the sub-genre transforming it as extreme as the men would into wolf. Joe Dante brings his signature satiric look with the film, but, admittedly, not as much as some of his later films would do. The cast is phenomenal featuring Dee Wallace and Christopher Stone in the leading roles with Carradine joined by Dennis Dugan , Belinda Balaski , Patrick Macnee , Kevin McCarthy , Slim Pickens , Elisabeth Brooks, Robert Picardo in supporting roles. Honestly, if you desire werewolves in your werewolf film, look no further than The Howling.

Doc, Christopher and Thomas take a look into the cast and crew behind The Howling, sharing their first viewing of the film and their favorite & most memorable scenes. The dive into the career of Joe Dante and share love for the inevitable cameo from Dick Miller - perhaps this being one of his best. They share some interesting facts and tidbits about the making of the film such as Robert Picardo improvising the line "I want to give you a piece of my mind" before pulling out a bullet from his head. The appreciation of the film is strong but not without a few critical comments about the film. In the end, The Howling remains a remarkable film and accomplishment with its solid direction and terrific practical effects, holding up today just as well as it did when it premiered 35 years ago.

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. We also want to be sure to thank Neon Devils for their killer track "Bone Chillin'" which we use for the intro and outro of this show.

Nov 23, 2016

Not long ago, The Black Saint enthusiastically recommended Bryan Bertino's latest horror film, THE MONSTERCatching the Grue-crew's attention, Santo's sanction became HNR's schedule. And the world is better for it. The movie, featuring Zoe Kazan and Ella Ballentine in the lead roles, deserves a theatrical release denied it as the film is available on DirectTV and on VOD with a quick release to DVD and Blu-ray. While the film is economic in scope, it is grand in its characterizations and emotional impact. And it also just happens to have a terrific monster. Recommended.

The weekend box office was dominated by the return of the Harry Potter universe to cinemas with FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, bringing in a cool $75M in the States alone. Add in the world box and, whew, amazing. Author J.K. Rowlingtakes the writing reins handling the screenplay for the first time with terrific - but familiar - results. David Yates lends his considerable directorial skill to the thrills once again. The large cast, lead by Eddie Redmayne, is fantastic, but it may be two supporting characters that steal the film - along with all the beasts!

Dave guides the Horror News of the Week with news of Kong: Skull Island, Channel Zero Season 2 and The Last of Us. The team behind Horror Pack provides their support and a chance to take a complimentary Horror Pack home. And Doc is set to visit the Walker Stalker Charlotte convention December 17 & 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Co-hosts Doc RottenSantos (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! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)

Horror News Radio
Episode 190 – The Monster (2016) – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
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Feature Review: The Monster (2016)

At the core of The Monster from director Bryan Bertino is the dysfunctional relationship between the lead characters. Zoe Kazan stars as Kathy, a mother who struggles with addiction and motherhood, facing loosing the only she loves in life, whether she wants to admit it or not. Ella Ballentine stars as Kathy's daughter Lizzy who finds herself trapped in a world she cannot escape, alternating between loving and hating the woman she often calls "mom". On a long trip to return Lizzy to her father, Kathy resigns to the fact she may never see her daughter again. Then, an animal darts in front of their car on a lonely stretch of road. Stranded and alone, Kathy and Lizzy must depend on each other to survive the night. The Monster is a must-see horror film of 2016, one that Santos promises will be at the top of his year-end list of favorites.

What Have You Been Watching: The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

For Harry Potter fans, hearing of another excursion into the world of wizards and magic is a thrilling proposition. Add that the return is personally guided by J.K. Rowling as she writes the script herself and the film is directed by David Yates who helmed the last 4 Harry Potter films, the promise is near giddy. But, for those, who are outside that - rather large - bubble, does the film hold any intrigue or attraction? The successful box office suggests a healthy "yes". Eddie Redmayne stars a Newt Scamander, a wizard traveling to the US from Great Britain with a suit case full of fantastic beasts. He quickly runs into troubles, many of his own making. He turns to an unlikely trio of Americans to assist in re-capturing the creatures mistakenly set loose on 1020s New York City. Katherine Waterston stars opposite as Porpentina Goldstein while Dan Folger and Alison Sudol steal the film as Jacob, a muggle called no-mag here, and Tina's sister Queenie. Thomas and Doc marvel at much of the film but expose many of the film's flaws and failings. And, they dive into spoilers as well. Good times!

 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE

  • [00:00:38] Introduction of the Grue-crew
  • [00:03:40] Announcements
    • [00:03:48] Walker Stalker Charlotte
  • [00:05:05] Horror News of the Week
    • [00:05:22] The trailer for Kong: Skull Island exceeded expectations
    • [00:11:18] SyFy's Channel Zero teases season two focusing on No End House
    • [00:14:42] M. Night Shyamalan reveals his Tales from the Crypt series will stick close to the comics
    • [00:17:44] Sam Raimi sadly announces that The Last of Us adaptation is in development hell
    • [00:22:05] Will Doctor Tongue be the final tribute for The Walking Dead season 7
  • [00:26:37] Support HNR on Patreon
  • [00:28:13] Horror Pack
  • [00:29:42] Feature Review: The Monster
  • [01:01:39] What Have You Been Watching: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  • [01:40:24] Stump the Saint
  • [01:45:56]: Listener Feedback/Happy Thanksgiving

NEXT WEEK ON HNR

SiREN and Night of Something Strange

 

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Nov 23, 2016

"They're all going to laugh at you! They're all going to laugh at you!" - Margaret White's desperate pleading rings in her daughter's mind as she is consumed with rage after she is bathed in pig's blood at her senior prom in Brian De Palma's horror classic CARRIE (1976). It's the moment horror fans in the 1970s will never forget, when Carrie White wipes out most of the student body during the conclusion of the adaptation of Stephen King's first novel. The Black Saint and Doc Rotten tackle another groovy horror film from the 1970s. Joining the grue-crew for Carrie are award winning director Christopher G. Moore and Gruesome Magazine contributor Jeff Mohr.

Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 42 – Carrie (1976)

 Watching CARRIE now 40 years after it debuted on theater screens across the US, the film continues to astonish, frighten, and impress with its terrific cast, its terrifying story and its fantastic direction and score. The film hits home with teen anguish of being accepted in high school, fears of the unknown, and the lasting effects of guilt and rage. Carrie stars two fantastic actresses as Carrie White and her mother Margaret, both of whom were nominated for Oscars for their roles in the film. Sissy Specek leads the film as Carrie while Piper Laurie returns from a 15 year hiatus to star as her mother. Betty Buckley stars as Carrie's gym teacher, sensitive to Carrie's plight. Amy Irving, Nancy Allan, and P.J. Soles are cast as her school mates who tease and torment her. William Katt is Tommy Ross who catches Carrie's eye. And John Travolta is...well...Vinnie Barbarino. Dwerp. Brian De Palma brings every trick he knows to the film from split screens during the prom scene to Split Diopter during many important glimpses of Carrie's position in the story to a number of camera tricks lifted directly out of Alfred Hitchcock's cinematic arsenal. Along with the fantastic score from Pino Donaggio, Carrie is a classic that stands today just as well as it did back in 1976.

Guest host Christopher G. Moore is a self professed De Palma fan, despite his unfavorable opinion of Phantom of the Paradise, proclaiming Carrie as one of his very favorite films, horror or otherwise. Jeff Mohr chimes in with fond memories of the film, including the finale that gets the grue-crew remembering the impact and reactions of Carrie's final moments. Together with Doc and Santos, they even wager that Carrie is the best Stephen King adaptation even though it was the very first one. But it is the performances of Sissy Specek and Piper Laurie that truly anchor the film. Carrie's tragic character arc and Margaret's ill-fated antagonist make the film resonate to this day. The film is iconic, frightening and relevant - a must see, a genuine horror classic.

Nov 20, 2016

For the final chapter of season six, American Horror Story focuses on the "final girl" Lee Harris played by Adina Porter. Expanding on its "found footage" themes, the show segments out the story with a Paleyfest reunion, a court room documentary, a Lana Winters interview show, and a ghosthunters rip off called Spirit Chasers. All this before Lee Harris faces her ultimate sacrifice. Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore, Dave Dreher and Derek Tatum recap and review the latest episode of American Horror Story: Roanoke with Chapter Ten. The season wraps with "Chapter 10" - find out how well it concluded on this episode.

Welcome to The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare. This the unofficial podcast about the hit FX Horror Television show American Horror Story by fans for fans as brought to you by HorrorNewsTV.com, DocRotten.com, and GruesomeMagazine.com. Now in its seventh highly anticipated season, the award-winning genre show is set to push even more boundaries and break even more unimaginable fears and horror with a found-footage inspired nightmare. Returning to co-host the fan podcast is Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore and Dave Dreher. For this season, the role of co-host Thomas Mariani will be played by Derek Tatum.

The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare
Season 6 Episode 10 – "Chapter Ten"

With "Chapter 10" season six of American Horror Story comes to an end. This season, the show thinks outside its own box bringing a different format to the season, following a cast of characters that string together a single, focused narrative. It begins with "My Roanoke Nightmare" telling the story of Matt and Shelby Miller who purchase a home with a horrific history. Their story is told in flashbacks with another cast recreating their experiences. For the second section, AHS goes full on found footage as the producers of "My Roanoke Nightmare" bring back the cast to return to the property for "Return to Roanoke: Three Day in Hell" where all hell breaks loose. With the final chapter, the show throws a whirlwind of TV style shows at its audience as Lee Harris ends the show. The show is more focused than prior seasons and has fun establishing a whole new crop of monsters and villainy. How can you forget The Butcher, The Piggy Man, the Chens, the Nurses, Edward Mott and the Polks. Horror abound.

For the final episode of covering season six, Christopher, Dave, Derek, and Doc recap the final episode where not everyone is a fan of every segment but end up enjoying the final show regardless. Even with some whispers of it being anti-climatic, the Grue-crew favor a number of the events in the show with the Spirit Chasers winning the most favor. And how great was it to see Lana Winters from season two once again bringing her back to AHS in a natural manner that makes perfect sense. AHS is firing on all cylinders. Before this episode is over, the Grue-crew also dive into their expectations, hopes, and guesses at what season 7 may hold.

Nov 19, 2016

As Halloween 2016 sets sail, the Grue-crew turn to a thinking man's Sci-fi mindbender for this week's episode of HNR. Acclaimed director Denis Villleneuve brings his film ARRIVAL into theaters this weekend with a thoughtful look at aliens landing on Earth with a little time-traveling mumbo-jumbo for good measure. Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker lead the cast Meanwhile Thomas and Santos share their impression of Netflix's BLACK MIRROR Season 3. Six episodes of some of the best sci-fi/horror television this side of The Twilight Zone.

Dave returns to guide the Horror News of the Week with casting news for Nosferatu, The Slenderman and...Doctor Stranger Things? The Black Saint reports on the New York City Horror Film Festival extravaganza which ran November 10-13, 2016. And Doc is set to visit the Walker Stalker Charlotte convention December 17 & 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Co-hosts Doc RottenSantos (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! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)

Horror News Radio
Episode 189 – Arrival (2016) – Black Mirror: Season 3
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Feature Review: Arrival (2016)

An alien invasion film far closer to Contact or Close Encounters of the Third Kind than Independence Day, Arrival (2016) from Denis Villeneuve takes an intelligent look at what it may take to communicate with a species not of this Earth. Twelve alien space craft land across the globe and the US turns to Amy Adams to interpret their language. But they are in for more than first meets the eye as the creatures reveal their "weapon" to the world. Dave, Doc and Thomas reflect on the themes and the cinematography of the film while debating whether the "time travel" aspect of the script hamper or propel the overall story. The world may never know.

What Have You Been Watching: Black Mirror Season 3 (2016)

Making its way from London, England to Netflix, USA, Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror continues with season 3. Expanding the typical season from 3 episodes to 6, the third go around features directors such as Joe Wright (Nose Dive), Dan Trachtenberg (Playtest), James Watkins (Shut Up and Dance), Owen Harris (San Junipero), Jakob Verbruggen (Men Against Fire), and James Hawes (Hated in the Nation). The Black Saint and Thomas Mariani provide thier review of each episode and rank the results.

 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE

  • [00:00:39] Introduction of the Grue-crew
  • [00:03:40] Announcements
    • [00:03:50] Walker Stalker Charlotte
  • [00:07:20] Horror News of the Week
    • [00:07:49] Christopher G. Moore, director of Knob Goblins, goes viral as Doctor Stranger Things
    • [00:11:11] HBO tackles The Slenderman - the creepy trailer debuts
    • [00:16:00] Robert Eggers, the director of The Witch, confirms his next project - Nosferatu
    • [00:18:58] Verese Sarabande set to release a 12 CD limited set of classic horror film scores with Little Box of Horrors
    • [00:23:45] The new Kong: Skull Island trailer is set to drop, the Grue-crew speculate
  • [00:32:04] Support HNR on Patreon
  • [00:33:11] Horror Pack
  • [00:33:45] Feature Review: Arrival
  • [00:33:45] What Have You Been Watching: Black Mirror Season 3
  • [01:47:19] Film Festival Report: New York City Horror Film Festival 2016
  • [01:48:28] Stump the Saint

NEXT WEEK ON HNR

The Monster and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

 

GRUESOME LINKS

Nov 17, 2016

"When a man's jawbone drops off it's time to reassess the situation," a declaration from Judge (John Astin) that says it all. No, you're not the only one seeing ghosts and haunted houses in your small town. So is Thomas Mariani as he brings you another trip into the horror filled decade that is the 1990s.

Decades of Horror 1990s
Episode 03 – The Frighteners (1996)

Right at the crossroads between his low budget splatstick films and his massive budgets epics, director Peter Jackson gave us the perfect crossover of aesthetics with The Frighteners. While not a hit at the time, the film gave Peter Jackson his chance to adapt The Lord of the Rings. Sure, this couldn't be more different from the story of Hobbits trying to stop evil, but The Frighteners showed off the technical gumption that would be necessary for tackling Middle Earth. The story of Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox), a private investigator who can communicate with ghosts, trying to stop a mysterious string of murders that might be supernatural is one filled with equal parts horror and comedy. Bannister and his ghost pals - including former gangster Cyrus (Chi McBride) and Judge (John Astin) - try to con people into paranormal investigation jobs, but can they truly fight against mortal enemies like Milton Dammers (Jeffrey Combs) or the ghostly Reaper?

Joining Thomas to discuss all the laughs and frights is another new voice outside of The Grue Crew for everyone to hear. His name is Jordan Worth Cobb, a filmmaker and writer who loves Jackson's odd take on the supernatural. Together, they talk about the still impressive effects work, the gorgeous horror atmosphere and the underrated acting chops of Michael J. Fox. If you’re curious to hear more from Jordan, you can check out his twitter @JoWoCo and his writing on Don't Hate The Geek for all his pop culture thoughts.

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 1990s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or tweet Thomas @NotTheWhosTommy.

Nov 15, 2016

"It is in your nature to do one thing correctly: Tremble." - It's the first adaptation of a Thomas Harris novel featuring Hannibal Lecter, known in the screenplay as Lecktor. Manhunter brings Red Dragon to life. For Hannibal fans, both the TV show and the Silence of the Lambs series, Brian Cox is Hannibal the Cannibal in 1986. Let the fun begin! Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore tackle another gruesome horror film from the 1980s.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 96 – Manhunter (1986)

Even since the end of the hit and masterful Hannibal TV series featuring Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal and Hugh Dancy as Will Graham, the Grue-crew from the Hannibal Fan Podcast have been teasing heading back to the films to review. Well, now Thomas Mariani, Christopher G. Moore and Doc Rotten take the opportunity on Decades of Horror to cover Michael Mann's adaptation of Thomas Harris' acclaimed novel Red Dragon. Given the film title Manhunter, the film celebrates its thirty year anniversary. Brian Cox is Hannibal, William Petersen is Will Graham and Tom Noonan is Francis Dollarhyde. Just as the mystery played out on the final episodes of the NBC TV series, the Tooth Fairy evolves into the Red Dragon with Reba McClane's (Joan Allen) life on the line. "Have you ever seen blood in the moonlight, Will? It appears quite black." - Hannibal to Will.

While Anthony Hopkins is by far the more well-known actor to portray Hannibal Lecter with Mads Mikkelsen still fresh in fans' eyes from the recent TV series, Brian Cox is no slouch in the role either. The Grue-crew banter back and forth about his interpretation of the killer along with Petersen's Will Graham and Dennis Farina's Jack Crawford. A young Stephen (Avatar, Don't Breathe) Lang is nearly unrecognizable as reporter Freddy Lounds and Tom Noonan is creepy as hell as Dolarhyde. There's plenty of comparisons to other films and the TV show as well as a long discussion about director Michael Mann. Ah! Hannibal, how we have missed you.

Nov 13, 2016

By the end of Return to Roanoke: Three Days of Hell chapter 9 the second arc of American Horror Story Season 6 wraps, revealing its final girl. But, it is not all neat and tidy. This final girl is also...the big bad! What?! Yes, American Horror Story continues to give its horror tropes an added twist this season as Lee, who is a confessed murderer and now possessed by the witch is in cahoots with The Butch, slaughtering the remaining cast, is the last survivor.  Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore, Dave Dreher and Derek Tatum recap and review the latest episode of American Horror Story: Roanoke with Chapter Nine. The format continues to impress and the speculation begins to grow as the story completes its second arc, Return to Roanoke: Three Days of Hell.

Welcome to The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare. This the unofficial podcast about the hit FX Horror Television show American Horror Story by fans for fans as brought to you by HorrorNewsTV.com, DocRotten.com, and GruesomeMagazine.com. Now in its seventh highly anticipated season, the award-winning genre show is set to push even more boundaries and break even more unimaginable fears and horror with a found-footage inspired nightmare. Returning to co-host the fan podcast is Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore and Dave Dreher. For this season, the role of co-host Thomas Mariani will be played by Derek Tatum.

The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare
Season 6 Episode 9– "Chapter Nine"

Running low on bodies to throw mercilessly into The Butcher's arms, American Horror Story not only returns Wes Bentley into the mix but also introduces a trio of My Roanoke Nightmare fans and bloggers. Lead by Tiassa Farmiga, the over ambitious bloggers, fully equipped with Go-pro helmets and selfie sticks, trespass onto the land and suffer the fate of the Blood Moon. The episode is tight and linear, leading up to the final scenes of shocking horror as The Butcher and Lee dispatch of the remaining cast until only Lee is the surviving member. Christopher, Derek and Doc all agree the show is back on track after episode 8 and are aghast at the horrifying fate of Sophie, Todd, Milo, and Dylan. Return to Roanoke: Three Days of Hell ends with a bloody punch and a promise of a chilling Chapter 10.

For perhaps the first time, the hints and promises the American Horror Story marketing team (along with Ryan Murphy) dish out during the season pays off in a big way. The first nine episodes of American Horror Story: Roanoke are fantastic and it appears that Chapter 10 will be a fascinating look at what it all means. The AHS Grue-crew not only reflect on this episode, the past eight prior but speculate on what next week will bring. And, they are incredibly exciting at the return of Lana Winters from Season 2, Asylum, who will be interviewing Lee after her murder trial.

Nov 11, 2016

Horror director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) tackle Marvel's first supernatural property with Doctor Strange (2016). Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange, a successful but arrogant surgeon who suffers crippling injuries in a car accident and turns to the mystic arts to heal. Instead, he finds himself facing demons from the Dark Dimension. Light on the scares, heavy on the sci-fi, superhero thrills, Doctor Strange amazes with its incredible special effects and stunning visuals. Gruesome Magazine contributor Chad Hunt joins the grue-crew to review the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Dave returns to guide the Horror News of the Week with casting news for Stranger Things Season 2 and information about Max Landis directing the remake of American Werewolf in London. The Black Saint is all set for the upcoming New York City Horror Film Festival extravaganza November 10-13, 2016. And Doc shares his visit to the Sick Chicks Flicks Horror Film Festival on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in Cary, North Carolina. What a great fall season for horror flicks!

Co-hosts Doc RottenSantos (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! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)

Horror News Radio
Episode 188 – Doctor Strange (2016)
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Feature Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Marvel strikes gold once again with its 14th Marvel Cinematic Universe feature Doctor Strange. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, owned the box office its opening weekend taking in $85 million. The Marvel super hero formula proves it remains strong and popular. At least this time around, horror fans, the film does deal with supernatural elements of alternate dimensions and otherworldly demons. The film benefits from a great cast, led by Benedict Cumberbatch, and amazing special effects. The grue-crew reveal how much they loved the film - well, all except one.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE

  • [00:00:39] Introduction of the Grue-crew
  • [00:03:40] Announcements
    • [00:03:50] NYC Horror Film Festival
  • [00:07:20] Horror News of the Week
    • [00:07:49] Sean Astin and Paul Reiser join the cast of Stranger Things Season 2
    • [00:11:11] Scream Factory announces two treats for the holidays: Black Christmas and Dreamscape
    • [00:16:00] Comic conventions hit the high seas with the Fan2Sea Comic Con Cruise
    • [00:18:58] Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, & Rutger Hauer join the Russian horror/fantasy Viy 2
    • [00:23:45] Max Landis is set to direct the remake of An American Werewolf in London
  • [00:32:04] Support HNR on Patreon
  • [00:33:11] Horror Pack
  • [00:33:45] Feature Review: Doctor Strange
  • [01:47:19] Film Festival Report: Sick Chick Flicks Horror Film Festival
  • [01:48:28] Stump the Saint

NEXT WEEK ON HNR

Arrival, Shut In, and the Netflix TV show Black Mirror Season 3

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Nov 7, 2016

"Sleep . . . Sleep . . . and be born again into a world without fear and hate!" - the tagline for Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) warns its audience of the horrors threatening to take over your body and extinguish your soul. Seventies leading man Donald Sutherland teams up with Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, and Veronica Cartwright to save the world from the pod people. The Black Saint and Doc Rotten tackle another groovy horror film from the 1970s.

Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 41 – Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

A sequel to the Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), the 1978 version from director Philip Kaufman tackles the source material from author Jack Finney once again, filling it with all the paranoia post Nixon era Seventies where everyone is so self absorbed they'd never realize the world was being taken over by aliens. It is crazy-frightening how easy it seems for the alien pod people to take over San Francisco, starting with a cameo from Robert Duvall as a sinister priest to the chilling ending where Veronica Cartwright screams in terror. No character is safe. Still, not sure how any of this explains the crazy human faced dog,but, whatever. Points for creativity, eh.

Doc Rotten and The Black Saint return to give their thoughts on the classic sci-fi horror film recently released on Blu-ray by Scream Factory. Santos recalls watching the film in the theater in the Seventies while Doc shares how, as a kid, he originally did not like the film but grew to love it for the classic film that it is. The grue-crew look back at that careers of the main cast including Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, and Leonard Nemoy. The from the great sound work in the film to the special effects, they rave about Invasion of the Body Snatchers. And so should you!

Nov 5, 2016

The cast dwindles as the body count rises, before the end of Return to Roanoke: Three Days of Hell chapter 8 only three will remain. The Polks have Lee, Audrey, and Monet captured as Cain Polk puts it into perspective, "Momma says fear and exhaustion gives the jerky a sweet tang." Chilling! Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore, Dave Dreher and Derek Tatum recap and review the latest episode of American Horror Story: Roanoke with Chapter Eight. The format continues to impress and the speculation begins to grow as the story shifts gears into Return to Roanoke: Three Days of Hell.

Welcome to The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare. This the unofficial podcast about the hit FX Horror Television show American Horror Story by fans for fans as brought to you by HorrorNewsTV.com, DocRotten.com, and GruesomeMagazine.com. Now in its seventh highly anticipated season, the award-winning genre show is set to push even more boundaries and break even more unimaginable fears and horror with a found-footage inspired nightmare. Returning to co-host the fan podcast is Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore and Dave Dreher. For this season, the role of co-host Thomas Mariani will be played by Derek Tatum.

The American Horror Story Fan Podcast: My Roanoke Nightmare
Season 6 Episode 8– "Chapter Eight"

The anti-penultimate episode of Season 6 takes its toll on the cast of American Horror Story as two more falls victim to the curse of the Blood Moon. Shelby and Dominic suffer horrible fates while both Audrey and Lee pay for their freedom with tooth and flesh. Monet darts from the grasp of the Polk family with two in hot pursuit unaware that Mama Polk and Cain are breathing no more. Unable to escape the horrors of the house trapped by The Butcher surrounding the house, Shelby gives in to despair, leaving Dominic to take the blame once Lee and Audrey return. Tossed out into the hallway alone, Dominic faces the Pigman monster with a gruesome conclusion. The episode is full of monsters, ghosts, cannibals and blood.

Much to Christopher G. Moore's dismay, Wes Bentley appears in the final frames of chapter 8 as Dylan the actor who played the Butcher's son in the reenactments. Yes, groans aplenty. The grue-crew as a bit disappointed with this week's episode as it meanders around feeling like so much padding. While Christopher, Dave, Derek, Doc each admit that there are moments in the show that creeped them out, the show as a whole was the first last-luster hour of season 6 - a pretty good track record for AHS. There is too much Polk and not enough Butcher. Doc ends the episode with a theory that the production team is still behind the madness and there's a lot of wool being pulled over our eyes. Time will tell.

Nov 4, 2016

The grue-crew encounter a number of trippy, zonked out horror films each year, but The Similars from director Isaac Ezban may be the most original, Twilight Zone infused masterpiece of the bunch for 2016. The film takes an interesting, deceptively simple premise and presents it in a uniquely fascinating and artistic fashion that manages to mix sci-fi, horror and comedy into a wonderful modern should-be-classic. You may never look at the other people in the train station the same way ever again.

For the What Have You Been Watching segment, the grue-crew dive into The Unspoken from writer-director Sheldon Wilson. The ghost story is a film in search of a second act. The movie begins with an interesting introduction and ends with a creative, surprising twist. But much of the second act involves a number of plot lines that go no where and only distract from the main theme which is too bad. Still, on the strength of the director and star Jodelle Ferland, The Unspoken promises to make a terrific Netflix watch for most listeners.

Doc sits in for Dave to guide the Horror News of the Week with a Cloverfield reveal, a trailer for Life, and a look at SiREN . The Black Saint is all set for the upcoming New York City Horror Film Festival extravaganza November 10-13, 2016. And don't forget the Sick Chicks Flicks Horror Film Festival Saturday, November 5, 2016 in Cary, North Carolina. What a great fall season for horror flicks!

Co-hosts Doc RottenSantos (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! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)

Horror News Radio
Episode 187 – The Similars (2016) – The Unspoken (2016)
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Feature Review: The Similars (2016)

One of the biggest surprise films of 2016, The Similars from writer-director Isaac Ezban is an easy contender for the top 10 list of horror film of 2016. Ezban is a true artist. He creatively utilizes his small cast and limited locations to his advantage. The set design is spectacular and the cinematography even better. The story is the true winning element though. The main idea behind The Similars is haunting, sometimes silly, sometimes frightening, and unnerving throughout. A gem of the year, check it out.

What Have You Been Watching: The Unspoken (2016)

Pascale Hutton, Anthony Konechny, and Neal McDonough join Jodelle Ferland (Silent Hill) in a ghost story with a twist. Sheldon Wilson directs The Unspoken from his own script. To his credit, Sheldon sticks the landing, giving his film a wonder ending that elevates the entire film. He also begins the film with a charged intro. During the second act, however, he spends too much time with a group of drug-dealing knuckleheads that do nothing for the story besides offering a body count. What works the best, Jodelle Ferland and Sunny Suljic (as Adrian), deserve far more attention and are far more interesting. Regardless, the film contains enough highlights and jump scares to make for a terrific watch on VOD or Netflix.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE

  • [00:00:37] Introduction of the Grue-crew
  • [00:03:46] Announcements
    • [00:04:23] Thomas Mariani appears on the Geeks @ Large podcast
    • [00:05:21] Sick Chicks Horror Film Festival
    • [00:05:52] NYC Horror Film Festival
  • [00:07:55] Horror News of the Week
    • [00:08:13] J.J. Abrams reveals The God Particle is part of the Cloverfield franchise
    • [00:12:39] The new trailer for Life looks familiar but no less fascinating
    • [00:16:07] Amateur Night from V/H/S gets a spin off feature film titled SiREN
  • [00:20:16] Scare Campaign Winner
  • [00:21:47] Horror Pack
  • [00:23:07] Feature Review: The Similars
  • [00:47:14] Support HNR on Patreon
  • [00:47:57] What Have You Been Watching: The Unspoken
  • [01:04:11] Stump the Saint

NEXT WEEK ON HNR

Doctor Strange

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