"Mornings are for coffee and contemplation." Jim Hopper (David Harbour) sets the record straight on what cops do in Hawkins Indiana. After all, Hawkins is a quiet small town where not much happens. Kids ride their bikes. Adults do their jobs. Nothing tends to happen. Well, at least until we see that Stranger Things are afoot. Much like they are on this podcast. Yup, we're not covering a film. Or even something from the 80s. What type of upside down world is this?! The October haunts season surprises us all!
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 119 – Stranger Things Season 1 Part 1 (2016)
Rules were meant to be broken as Decades of Horror 1980s covers the first four episodes of the first season of Stranger Things in prep for season 2 in a few short weeks! While from our modern era, Stranger Things is definitely steeped in 80s culture. We follow around a bunch of suburban boys who ride their bikes and find mysterious supernatural scenarios in their small town. Influences from talents like Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, and Stephen King are all throughout this Netflix hit. It's a must-see for anyone who would listen. So, why not give these first four episodes a true spotlight on a show dedicated to the era it loves so?
To talk all of these Stranger Things are Doc, Christopher, and Thomas. The three discuss the cultural phenomenon of the show and how it is more than just the popular kid in class with slicked-back hair. Stranger Things has the right mix of genre thrills, tropes subversions and emotional gravity to make it worthy of the fascination. Our trio looks at all the characters, major early events, and references that made Stranger Things such a hit. Look forward to a follow up on the last four episodes of the season in two weeks!
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.
Special thanks to Neon Devils for their awesome song Bone Chillin!
Videodrome (1983)... Next Week!
Jeff Mohr is thrilled to be reviewing a film based on the works of the late author Michael McDowell. Writer-director Griff Furst adapts Cold Moon Over Babylon as the feature film Cold Moon (2017) from Uncork'd Entertainment. The movie stars Josh Stewart ("Shooter", The Dark Knight Rises), Christopher Lloyd (the Back to the Future series), Robbie Kay ("Once Upon a Time", Pirates of the Caribbean : On Stranger Tides), Candy Clark ("Twin Peaks", Zodiac), Rachele Brooke Smith (Center Stage : On Pointe, The Nice Guys) and Frank Whaley ("Luke Cage", The Doors). Jeff gives the film props for capturing the spirit of McDowell's work and delivering a creepy chiller. Check out his review below.
Vanessa returns to review another supernatural feature. This week it is Demons (2017) from director Miles Doleac. Along with Doleac, the film stars Andrew Divoff (Wishmaster), John Schneider (‘’Smallville’’), Lindsay Anne Willams (The Hollow), Steven Brand (Hellraiser : Revelations), Kristina Emerson (“NCIS : New Orleans”), and Gary Grubbs (Free State of Jones). Vanessa digs the look and tone of the cinematography and the overall approach of the film's story but she finds it is missing something to hold her attention. Regardless, she favors the film and gives it a recommendation in her review. Check out the details below.
This week, Paul Cardullo heads back to 1984 to visit the fields of Stephen King's Children of the Corn. Considered a horror classic by many, Paul discusses why he may not agree with this assessment. After driving around in the cornfield for a long time, he does find a couple of iconic performances by John Franklin as Issac and Courtney Gains as Malachai, but not much else. Take a listen to his review and see if you agree with him or if you feel that he should be sacrificed to He Who Walks Behind the Rows for spouting blasphemy.
On this special episode of HNR, the extended Grue-Crew share their memories and thoughts of Santos Ellin, Jr. (The Black Saint) who we suddenly lost on Thursday, September 21, 2017. For over 4 and a half years Santos joined Doc, Dave, & Thomas on HNR providing his views on horror films, his wit, and his laughter. Through his generosity, his spirit, and his kind heart (hidden under that gruff exterior), Santos had a profound effect on many of the Grue-Crew family, friends, filmmakers, and fans. Tonight we spend some time reflecting on those past years sharing touching moments, bursts of surprise and laughter he provided, and the warm hugs he shared with the horror community. The Grue-Crew include Joseph Perry, Chad Hunt, Joey Fittos, Adam Thomas, Jeff Mohr, Jerry Chandler, Bill Mulligan, and Sammie Cassell; family and filmmakers include Ivan Ellin, Lou Simon, and Patrick Rea. Fans and listeners include Jeff Larrimore, NJ Horror, Andy L., Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Andrew Gillis, Dallas Nostromo, Brian S., Christine Collingwood, EJ Hardin, Carrie Cook, Damian Osoteo, Tim Colley, Carlo Villafuerte, Joshua J. Hardway, Yonathan Habtemichael, Sam Brutuxan, and Martin Avalos.
RIP Santos Ellin, Jr.
You can always reach out via email at media(AT)gruesomemagazine(DOT)com, feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | Christopher G. Moore | Thomas Mariani or come to the Horror News Radio Facebook Group to help others in this harsh time.
Horror News Radio
Episode 235 – Remembering The Black Saint
Subscribe – iTunes – Facebook – Stitcher
The Cult of Chucky and Gerald's Game
Netflix is killing it for October Halloween 2017. While Little Evil (2017) was launched on the streaming site in late September it joins a handful of similar genre films releasing each weekend until Stranger Things Season 2 lands on October 27, 2017. (and, to be fair, their genre sensibilities continues into November with Godzilla: Monster Planet - but more on that in the near future). Jeff Mohr steps in to review the Eli (Tucker and Dale vs Evil) Craig horror-comedy feature. Little Evil stars Adam Scott and Evangeline Lilly as a newlywed couple with a child who may - or may not - be the son of the devil. That's right, mirth and mayhem ensue.
Dave Dreher often reveals his love for Stephen King books and movies on Horror News Radio. The summer/fall of 2017 is experiencing a resurgence of terrific material from the legendary and prolific writer in cinematic form. Dave tackles the Netflix Original film from HNR favorite Mike Flannigan, Gerald's Game (2017) which features Carla Gugino (giving the performance of her career), Bruce Greenwood, and Henry Thomas. It is the book that seemed to be unfilmable, however, Netflix and Mike Flannigan seem to have done the impossible - and seem to have done it with an extraordinary amount of style, suspense, and success. Dave not only reviews the film but declares Gerald's Game the best horror film of 2017. Far out!
The coverage of the fantastic GenreBlast Film Festival continues with the feature film Happy Hunting (2017). The film from directors Joe Dietsch and Louie Gibson comes to the horror genre by way of The Most Dangerous Game. The plot follows Warren Novak (Martin Dingle Wall) a down-on-his-luck addict who finds himself on the run when he kills his drug supplier and steals their money and drugs. He, two of the cartel after his butt, and a random nogoodnik find themselves trapped by a town full of maniacs on the Mexican border. Soon the screen if full of bloodshed and mayhem. Doc steps in to share his thoughts on the film and provide his recommendations.
"A girl can only be a slut, a bitch, a tease, or the virgin next door." Ginger (Katherine Isabelle) unveils the societal norms ladies are stuck with. It's something covered extensively in Ginger Snaps, where the lines between high school gender dynamics and werewolf carnage are thin. Both are an important step in life, one that mirrors our own step Beyond with this episode. Well, except for the copious amounts of blood in either context. Anyway, it's time to ring in the October haunts lineup of new millennium chills!
Decades of Horror 1990s And Beyond
Episode 25 – Ginger Snaps (2000)
Ginger and her sister Bridgette (Emily Perkins) are burgeoning young women. After a delay in puberty, they're finally beginning to blossom. Both are taking it pretty hard. The boys at school either leer or make fun. Their mother (Mimi Rogers) keeps expecting them to shed their goth exteriors. Dead dogs start showing up mauled to death. All the stuff health class videoes told us about. Ginger Snaps is a rare breed of werewolf film. It's one of the few good ones and it uses a relatable theme of adolescence to make the transformation mean something. Ginger's turns scare her sister, making her wonder whether a tender hug will result in a throat ripping. It's an early example of the great horror we'd be getting in the new millennium.
Well, that's what most of us think at least. Joining Thomas Mariani to dive into this new age are a familiar voice and a new one. Returning guest Caitlin Turner gives an honest female perspective on Ginger Snaps while new voice Shadow... has a different take. Recorded live in their hotel room while attending Dragon Con, this trio has a lot to say about growth, development, and werewolves. Ginger Snaps takes the show into interesting directions. Plenty of thoughts about development, male to female relationships and what those hairs on our back are for. It's as educational as it is terrifying. Welcome to womanhood, indeed.
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 And Beyond podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or tweet Thomas @NotTheWhosTommy. Also, make sure to give us some love via iTunes reviews and ratings. Helps us get more notice along the way.
The intro and outro is “Suck City” by Black Math. Look for more of their music via Free Music Archive.
Black Swan (2010)
Paul Cardullo returns to review another feature from the spectacular GenreBlast Film Festival held at Winchester, Virginia September 7 - 10, 2017. Dead Bullet (2017) from writer-director Erik Reese is a thrilling crime-drama that delivers the goods as Bill Holden (John T. Woods) holds a satchel full of stolen casino chips and a history full of secrets that put everyone he knows and holds dear in danger. While more a thriller than anything near a horror film, Dead Bullet is full of tension, suspense, action, gunplay, and gore that should satisfy most any gore hound horror fan. Check out Paul's review below and then check out Dead Bullet.
Doc Rotten continues the coverage of the GenreBlast Film Festival held in Winchester, Virginia, September 7-10, 2017. The film today would fall into the WTF genre and did indeed headline a block of films that twisted one's mind. She's Allergic to Cats (2017) is from writer-director Michael Reich and it challenges how audience view films and how narratives weave their wicked tales. Reich plays around with visuals and tone to create a bizarre and fascinating - if questionable to its success - film about a dog groomer who falls for the girl of his dreams and into a world of surreal chaos. Doc drops his review below.
"Jesus wept." Frank/Larry Cotton (Andrew Robinson) lets his face stretch out in ecstasy as the cenobites finally take him. The lines between lust and death are thin in Hellraiser, but Decades of Horror 1980s has much to say on the subject. Tune in as we try to solve the Lament Configuration to get these S&M demons out of here. Or is that a Rubix cube? We can't even tell the difference! Let the weekly October haunts season of the show begin!
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 118 – Hellraiser (1987)
Hellraiser is a unique beast in the genre for the 80s. A rare unflinching example of raw madness and beauty from the author behind the source material. Clive Barker may have been inexperienced, but boy did he know who to work with. With some kinky visuals and massive world building on a small budget, Hellraiser managed to create a universe worth exploring. It's a shame they explored it in the way they did in the sequels. Still, the first film is a true masterwork. Gorgeous effects, engaging character perspectives and one of the iconic horror villains of all time in Pin... er, I mean "Lead Cenobite."
To discuss all of this, Thomas Mariani and Christopher G. Moore welcome back Doc Rotten into the regular recording sphere to start off the weekly October haunts for 2017! 30 years after it premiered, Hellraiser still dazzles. The three discuss the unique antagonist perspective, the use of the Cenobites and the sexaul lines between pain and pleasure. It's a doozy of a discussion that'll have you spinning from the chains on the ceiling. You may not even want to get down from there!
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.
Special thanks to Neon Devils for their awesome song Bone Chillin!
Stranger Things Season 1 Part 1... Next Week!
This week, Paul Cardullo takes a look at an unusual and lesser-known fright flick, The Slayer (1982). Is it a monster movie, a slasher film, or a psychological horror tale? While it may have a fairly low body count for a film of its era, Paul talks about why horror fans still may want to check it out. With the Arrow Video release of a new 4K restoration in a special 2-disc set, aficionados of 1980s horror films can watch this atmospheric and unconventional chiller in glorious high-definition.