"God will pardon me. That's His job." Somehow, that seems unlikely. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they look for the good in Jim Wynorski’s The Return of Swamp Thing (1989).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 178 – The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
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In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him.
IMDb
This “sequel” to Wes Craven’s original doesn’t measure up to that film or the comic source material. Even though he’s a big Swamp Thing fan and likes the Swamp Thing and creature designs by Carl Fullerton in this one, Chad says The Return of Swamp Thing suffers from superhero-itis, when everyone wants to do a superhero movie but not to good effect, especially when Swampie is not a superhero. According to Bill, once you accept The Return of Swamp Thing is an atrocity, you can enjoy it for its goofy 80s shenanigans. Crystal agrees it’s a horrible, awful movie but it can be entertaining if you just have fun with it and the creatures in Dr. Arkane’s menagerie. Based on the poster, Jeff assumed he was in for camp, good or bad, and he loved the Creedence Clearwater Revival music with the comic graphics in the intro.
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew finds this one to be tough to recommend, but if you’re a Swamp Thing fan, you’ll want to check this one out. As of this writing, The Return of Swamp Thing is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and on a 2-disc Special Edition Blu-ray from Lightyear Video.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), a horror anthology from Jeff Burr, featuring Vincent Price in the framing story. You won’t want to miss that one!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the website or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Tell me about my uterus." It is a movie about twin gynecologists so that line is not near as weird as it sounds. … Okay, it’s still pretty weird. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they encounter more Cronenberg-induced oddballery in Dead Ringers (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 177 – Dead Ringers (1988)
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Twin gynecologists take full advantage of the fact that nobody can tell them apart until their relationship begins to deteriorate over a woman.
IMDb
Dead Ringers is Crystal’s pick so it should come as no surprise that she loves the film. She thinks it’s beautifully shot, loves Jeremy Irons, and of course, don’t forget … Cronenberg! Bill also loves Jeremy Irons’ performance, going so far as to say he was robbed for not being at least nominated for an Academy Award. Appreciating Dead Ringers more every time he sees it, Chad identifies it as a squirm-inducing, psychological thriller and character study of twins. Jeff is also on the Jeremy Irons bandwagon, lauding his nuanced performance of the twins, but also appreciates Genevieve Bujold’s critical role as the catalyst to the twins’ downfalls. Of course, everyone else agrees with Crystal on how beautiful the cinematography and the production design are.
Dead Ringers is worth a watch and even several rewatches. As of this writing, it is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and as physical media on a Blu-ray disc from Shout Factory.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be The Return of Swamp Thing (1989). You won’t want to miss that one!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the website or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Gah! I hate that kind of talking and you know it. Why can't you grow old gracefully you old cow.!" Don’t worry. Heinrich’s wife soon finds a better use for his head than coming up with lines like that. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they go to church, only to find the oversexed goat demon in Michele Soavi’s The Church (1989).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 175 – The Church (1989)
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An old Gothic cathedral, built over a mass grave, develops strange powers which trap a number of people inside with ghosts from a 12th Century massacre seeking to resurrect an ancient demon from the bowels of the Earth.
IMDb
The Church, directed by Michele Soavi and produced by Dario Argento, is Jeff’s pick. The first time he watched The Church, the opening scenes gave him a definite Monty Python and the Holy Grail vibe. Once he got that connection out of his head, he was impressed with the detailed sets, inventive and gruesome kills, and could see the Argento influence in the colored light bathing and radiating up from the underground tomb. Chad loved the effects and adds that The Church is a creepy-ass, satanic/demonic-type, Italian horror film that still holds up and one that he can keep watching. Crystal is a bit sad that this is the first time she’s seen The Church. She loves some of the shots and thinks the music is fantastic. Predicting subsequent viewings will elevate the film in his estimation, Bil loves the imagery of the goat demon and the angel wrapping a woman in its wings. For him, The Church fits somewhere on a scale between Fulci on one end and Argento on the other.
Your loyal Decades of Horror 1980s Grue Crew deems The Church a worthwhile watch! Sometimes referred to as Demons 3 (don’t let Soavi hear you call it that), is an ambitious film that hits on some levels and not on others. And please! Don’t think too hard about the plot. At the time of this writing, the film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and as a Blu-ray disc from Doppelganger Releasing.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be the infamous Cannibal Holocaust (1980). You won’t want to miss that one!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the website or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Hello... Hello... I've got a message for you... and you're not going to like it... Pray for death!" Yup. He’s right. His message was not likable. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they try to keep it real amidst the world of quantum mechanics, John Carpenter-style, with Prince of Darkness (1987). It’s like hanging out with a friend.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 174 – Prince of Darkness (1987)
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A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they open the container, they inadvertently unleash a strange liquid and an evil force on all humanity.
IMDb
Prince of Darkness is Chad’s pick, which, knowing what a big fan he is of John Carpenter, should come as no surprise. Over the years, he’s gained an appreciation for how well-written it is and loves the use of quantum mechanics in a horror film. Crystal describes the story as being very cool and Prince of Darkness as being a classic, even though not on a parr with his best films. Having always thought well of Prince of Darkness, Bill loves it more this time around, emphasizing what he calls Carpenter’s best score, the beautiful look, and how fantastically intelligent it is, even though a few of the characters are somewhat “fodderish.” The first time around, all Jeff could think was WTF, but now he loves the complicated story and Prince of Darkness has moved way up in his ranking of 1980s horror movies.
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue Crew gives Prince of Darkness an enthusiastic thumbs-up! As of this writing, Prince of Darkness is available VOD from various streaming sources and as a Scream Factory 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray released January 2021.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be Michele Soavi’s The Church (1989), produced by Dario Argento. But don’t call it Demons 3!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the website or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"You were right Billy, I am a butthead!" The first step in recovery is to admit you have a problem, so he’s got that going for him. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they find out exactly what a “shunting” is amidst the ultra weirdness of Society (1989).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 173 – Society (1989)
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An ordinary teenage boy discovers his family is part of a gruesome orgy cult for the social elite.
IMDb
Because Crystal made the pick for this one, it’s not surprising she marvels at how good, how crazy, how very creative, and how extremely strange Society is. This is the first watch for Bill and he does not appreciate the 1980s, teen, sex comedy feel to the beginning, but was all in once Screaming Mad George begins to display his not-so-subtle talents. Chad didn’t care for the story, but was flabbergasted by the effects provided by Screaming Mad George and his crew, and loved the sheer weirdness of Society, Jeff echoes everyone else's comments and agrees that the effects make Society a fun movie and is somehow reminded of his experience with the artificial insemination of sows.
If you think it’s time to revisit, or even visit for the first time, the work of Brian Yuzna and Screaming Mad George, Society is currently available to stream on Shudder and as physical media on a 2-Disc Special Edition [Blu-ray + DVD] from Arrow Video.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness (1987). You won’t want to miss that one!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the website or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Listen, young lady. I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you most certainly don't fit in this town. Why, you don't even fit in that dress." Well, that wasn’t a very nice thing to say. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they experience the media phenomena known as Elvira in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 172 – Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Upon arriving in a small town where she has inherited a rundown mansion, a famous horror hostess battles an evil uncle, and townspeople who want her burned at the stake.
IMDb
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark is Bill’s pick and it is a first-time watch for him. He did enjoy the watch and even though it’s a bad movie, Elvira is a great, compelling character and Cassandra Peterson knows that character inside and out. It might not be a surprise that Crystal loves everything about Elvira and watches this film 2 or 3 times each year. For her, it’s lighthearted and silly and super dumb and super good. Lilly Munster meets The Addams Family meets Henny Youngman is how Chad sees Elvira and he’s a big fan as well. As another first time viewer, Jeff agrees it’s an enjoyable, fun movie and he loved all the good character actors supporting Cassandra Peterson.
If you haven’t seen it or haven’t seen it for a while, check it out! You know you want to! As of this writing, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark is available to stream on Shudder, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, and on physical media as a Blu-ray from Arrow Films.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Society (1989).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"He couldn't have walked very far. ... Because I cut off his legs... and his arms... and his head... and I'm going to do the same to you." Say what? Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they learn the perils of picking up a hitchhiker in The Hitcher (1986).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 171 – The Hitcher (1986)
A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.
IMDb
The Hitcher is an interesting film for several reasons. Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew all agree that Rutger Hauer rocks as do Jennifer Jason Leigh, C. Thomas Howell, and a bevy of quality character actors. They also agree that the plot is full of holes, but nobody much cares. Jeff thinks The Hitcher feels a bit like an 80s version of Spielberg’s Duel (1971) and that the desert is almost the movie’s fourth lead character. As the story unfolds, Crystal has a different interpretation of events and thinks her version would have made a better film. Chad is completely on board with Crystal’s interpretation and laments the huge logic holes in the plot, but still loves The Hitcher. Bill says picking up hitchhikers is a crapshoot at best and finds himself liking The Hitcher while, at the same time, being annoyed by it. He also sings the praises of the film’s cinematographer John Seale.
Your 80s Grue-Crew recommends you turn off your mind and go along for the ride with this taut thriller. At the time of this writing, The Hitcher is available to stream on MAXGO, the Amazon Cinemax channel, and the DIRECTV app. As for physical media, the film is currently available on DVD and a German import Blu-ray.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Whatever you do, don't fall asleep." A warning well-spoken, but one that proves hard to heed. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they have no problem whatsoever staying awake for Wes Craven’s masterpiece, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 170 – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
The monstrous spirit of a slain child murderer seeks revenge by invading the dreams of teenagers whose parents were responsible for his untimely death.
IMDb
In this episode, your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew has the pleasure of discussing one of the top horror movies of the 80s, Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. Chad remembers it as one of the most engrossing and scary films he had ever seen and he still watches it two or three times a week. Freddy Krueger is one of the two horror icons that changed Crystal’s life and she still thinks he is one of the most original creations in horror. Bill thinks of A Nightmare on Elm Street as a breath of fresh air with a supernatural killer that can do almost anything and wonders how a child murderer becomes a pop icon with a line of children’s toys. A Nightmare on Elm Street gobsmacked Jeff, particularly the scene with Nancy trying to run up the stairs, a recurring scene in his own nightmares.
Your 80s Grue-Crew laments not having more time to discuss this groundbreaking, legendary film and may revisit A Nightmare on Elm Street in more detail in the future. Meanwhile, they strongly encourage you to watch and rewatch the wonder that is A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be The Hitcher (1986), starring Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"For each of man's evils, a special demon exists. You're looking at vengeance; - cruel, devious, pure-as-venom vengeance.” And a fine demon it is! Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they go in search of the special demon known as Pumpkinhead (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 169 – Pumpkinhead (1988)
After a tragic accident, a man conjures up a towering, vengeful demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy a group of unsuspecting teenagers.
IMDb
Pumpkinhead is Stan Winston’s first film as a director but you would never know it by the result. Crystal has always been impressed with the full-body creature and the great story the film tells. Pumpkinhead is hands-down, Lance Henriksen’s best performance according to Chad, who also places the movie in his top 10 horror movies of all time. Bill is impressed by the relatively unique creation of a new, well-constructed, and well-realized creature, and he also points out Pumpkinhead’s place as a member of the folk horror subgenre. Jeff is thoroughly impressed with the film’s look this time around and finally realizes what a quality film Pumpkinhead is.
If you haven’t seen Pumpkinhead for a while, the Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew strongly recommend this underrated horror gem. As of this writing, the film is available to stream on Amazon Prime and on physical media as a Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray and a Collector's Edition Blu-ray, both from Scream Factory.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"We call them the eight squadrons of death. First, comes the common fly. Lays its eggs in the rotting corpse and thus the cycle begins.” Leave it to Donald Pleasence to deliver a line like that. Join your faithful Grue-Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they survive another trip inside the mind of Dario Argento by way of Phenomena (1985).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 168 – Phenomena (1985)
A young girl, with an amazing ability to communicate with insects, is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders.
IMDb
Take Dario Argento’s third film in the 1980s, the second film in Jennifer Connelly’s career, add Daria Nicolodi and Donald Pleasence and what do you get? The answer is Phenomena, not the best but certainly not the worst of Argento’s films. Phenomena features a chimpanzee as a key character and Bill reveals his well-founded fear of chimpanzees. On the other hand, Jeff really dug the image of the chimpanzee wielding a shiny straight razor and bearing its teeth with glee. Chad says he rented the videocassette of Phenomena for no other reason than it included music by Iron Maiden and Motörhead. On the other hand, Crystal thought the music by Motörhead and Iron Maiden doesn’t fit and pulled her out of the film. All hands agree that Phenomena is definitely worth a watch.
We learned of Daria Nicolodi's passing after the recording of this episode and before it was scheduled to be published. During the episode, Bill Mulligan emphatically proclaims his love for her as an actor and a writer. We will most assuredly have much more to say about her in the future.
As of this writing, Phenomena is available to stream on Shudder and Amazon Prime, and as physical media on a Blu-ray from Synapse Films.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Pumpkinhead (1988), directed by Stan Winston and starring Lance Henrickson.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Don't know why they want to persecute me because I don't talk to women. All women do is laugh, and sing, and say the word 'Pussy'. Y'ask any doctor, and he'll tell you that.” So says the woman on the street. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they journey into the seedy world of Abel Ferrara's Ms .45 (1981).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 167 – Ms .45 (1981)
A timid and mute seamstress goes insane after being attacked and raped twice in one day, in which she takes to the streets of New York City after dark and randomly shoots men with a .45 caliber pistol.
IMDb
Abel Ferrera’s Ms .45 stars the enigmatic and tragic Zoë Lund. None of your 80s Grue-Crew cares much for rape-revenge movies but Ms .45 is an exception. Bill points out two scenes - the “murder-in-the-round” and the “nun-with-a-gun” scenes - that stand out. Mrs. Nasone (Editta Sherman), the nosy neighbor, and her equally nosy dog tickle Crystal’s funnybone. Chad is impressed with Zoë Lund’s mute performance as Thana throughout the film. How Thana must feel as a mute in the noisy and chaotic world of fashion captures Jeff’s attention.
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew recommend Ms .45 with the possible exception of the rape scenes which, though relatively mild in comparison with films like I Spit on Your Grave, could still trigger some viewers. Ms .45 is available for streaming on Amazon’s IMDb channel and on physical media as a Drafthouse Blu-ray.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to Phenomena (1985), written and directed by Dario Argento, starring Jennifer Connelly, Donald Pleasence, and Daria Nicolodi.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Every year he kills. Right now he's out there. Watching. Waiting. So don't look; he'll see you. Don't breathe; he'll hear you. Don't move; you're dead!” Well, heck. Seems like you’re pretty much screwed no matter what you do. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they have an encounter with the legendary Cropsey and even more legendary Tom Savini in The Burning (1981).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 166 – The Burning (1981)
A former summer camp caretaker, horribly burned from a prank gone wrong, lurks around an upstate New York summer camp bent on killing the teenagers responsible for his disfigurement.
IMDb
The Burning is often thought of as a response to the success of Friday the 13th (1980), but there’s some argument that it was written before the first chapter in Jason’s saga. Either way, your 1980s Grue-Crew sees it as a somewhat paler imitation with some exceptions. Crystal likes the time spent on character development but wishes it was spread out a little rather than consuming the first half of The Burning. All the running through the woods was very unrealistic for Chad and led to the frequent use of the 10-second advance function. Bill was upset with the “rowing-the-raft-upstream-without-any-real-paddles” plot device, wondering what they were thinking. Jeff notices the editor is Jack Sholder, who later directed Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985).
According to the Grue-Crew, the best reasons for watching The Burning are Tom Savini’s usual stellar work and the first movie roles for Holly Hunter, Fisher Stevens, and Jason Alexander. At this writing, The Burning is available on a Scream Factory Blu-Ray Disc.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to Ms .45 (1981), directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Zoë Lund (as Zoë Tamerlis).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Ah, this is special laughing gas. With this stuff, you smell it and we do the laughing.” Most people prefer to smell and laugh, but what the heck. Everything is worth trying once. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they sample Farmer Vincent’s legendary fritters in Motel Hell (1980).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 165 – Motel Hell (1980)
A seemingly friendly farmer and his sister kidnap unsuspecting travelers and bury them alive, using them to create the "special meat" they are famous for.
IMDb
In their fourth double-tap, your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew revisit Motel Hell, first discussed four years ago by Doc Rotten, Christopher G. Moore, and Thomas Mariani on episode 95. This time around, Crystal chose this quirky film and timed it perfectly so the podcast would go live just five days before the 40th anniversary of the film’s release on 24 October 1980. Jeff is thrilled to revisit Motel Hell for a variety of reasons, three of which are: it’s one of his pet favorites, it gives him a chance to relive his first participation on a Decades of Horror podcast, and, of course, Rory Calhoun! Chad hated Motel Hell the first time around but claims to have watched it at least 25 times over the years. Even so, he’s not buying the whole concept of “meat” fritters. Motel Hell is one of those movies people either love or hate according to Bill and he has fun with it even though the plot is nonsensical. Crystal can’t understand the hate Motel Hell gets from some factions and raves about Rory Calhoun’s smile.
If you haven’t seen Motel Hell, the 80s Grue-Crew strongly recommends you rectify that situation. At this writing, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime and on a Scream Factory Blu-ray. In fact, Scream Factory just released a Limited Edition SteeBook version on 13 October 2020! You know you want it!
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to The Burning (1981) featuring special effects by Tom Savini and first theatrical film appearances from Holly Hunter, Jason Alexander, and Fisher Stevens!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"You wanna meet me someplace?" “Where?” “The back seat.” (flutters eyebrows) All things considered, it might have been a good idea to meet someplace else. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they dare to step into the world of Maniac (1980).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 164 – Maniac (1980)
A psychotic man, troubled by his childhood abuse, loose in New York City, kills young women and takes their scalps as his trophies. Will he find the perfect woman in a photographer, and end his killing spree?
IMDb
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew takes a walk on the seedy side of New York with William Lustig’s Maniac, they’re second Lustig-directed, Maniac-titled film in a row. This one is co-writer and lead actor Joe Spinell’s baby, but it wouldn’t be near the film it is without Caroline Munro and the special effects magic of Tom Savini. Crystal liked Maniac but thought the story was a little thin. Ever the special effects maven, this one is all about Tom Savini’s work for Chad. Jeff digs into the controversy, fueled by Gene Siskel’s theater walkout, surrounding Maniac’s release. For Bill, Caroline Munro is always a star attraction, but he also appreciates Spinell’s performance, Lustig’s direction, and of course, Savini’s work.
Maniac is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and Shudder, both as a stand-alone and with the Joe Bob Briggs treatment (which includes a visit from Tom Savini). It’s also available on Blu-ray Blue Underground. So what are you waiting for? Add Maniac to your October horror film watchlist!
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to Motel Hell (1980), other Decades of Horror 1980s double-tap.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Look at the size of those hematomas!" Do we have to? Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they visit the land of chins in Maniac Cop (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 163 – Maniac Cop (1988)
A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City.
IMDb
Your 1980s Grue-Crew bravely tackles the first film in director William Lustig’s and writer Larry Cohen's Maniac Cop franchise despite the constant danger from being hit by swinging chins. Robert Z’Dar and Bruce Campbell are the main offenders but William Smith is no slouch in the chin category either. In fact, one of the film's biggest assets is its cast. Bill keeps trying to figure out what makes the titular character so hard to kill while Crystal digs Laurene Landon’s performance and her 80s hairdo. Tom Atkins is the main attraction for Chad while Jeff gets lost in all the cameos.
Currently, all three films in the Maniac Cop franchise are available for streaming on Shudder and on Blu-ray: Maniac Cop from Synapse Films, and Maniac Cop 2 and Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence from Blue Underground.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to Maniac (1980), the Crew’s second William Lustig film in a row.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
The 1980s Grue-Crew has a special treat for listeners in this episode. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they interview Ed Martinez, a special effects artist who worked on crews for some memorable horror films, starting with The Dead Pit (1989).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 162 – Interview with Special Effects Artist Ed Martinez
Crystal Cleveland and Chad Hunt are unable to join the Grue-Crew for this episode so Bill Mulligan and Jeff Mohr get special effects artist Ed Martinez all to themselves. Martinez was so informative as our guest for episode 159 about The Dead Pit, they invited him back to discuss some of the rest of his career as a special effects artist spanning the years 1989 to 2015. Yeah, they know dang near all of that time falls outside the 1980s, but that’s just shows how much they dig special effects and Ed Martinez!
Martinez openly discusses the beginnings of his love for the art and craft of special effects and the path leading to his first film industry job as the director of special effects on The Dead Pit. He shares stories of his work and relationships during that 25-year career, being quick to give credit to those with whom he worked. In terms of actors, Martinez helped create the special effects magic on films starring Jeremy Slate, David Naughton, Terry O'Quinn, Brigitte Nielsen, Richard Moll, Joe Estevez, Todd Bridges, and Eric Roberts to name a few.
There are a few stories from the making of The Dead Pit that they didn’t have time for in episode 159, so Martinez starts with those and moves on to discuss his experiences working on the following films:
In case you are interested, here are links to some of the individuals, pages, and films discussed in this episode:
If you haven’t listened to it already, be sure to check out Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 159 - The Dead Pit!
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 2-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 163, the 80s Grue-Crew will cover Maniac Cop (1988), directed by William Lustig, written by Larry Cohen, and starring Tom Atkins, Bruce Campbell, Laurene Landon, Robert Z'Dar, Sheree North, William Smith, and Richard Roundtree.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Mother, this cloth smells of death!" Ewww! What else have you been sniffing, Michael? Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they visit a genuine castle and witness the awakening of “living dead corpses” in Burial Ground (1981).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 161 – Burial Ground (1981)
An archaeology professor discovers an ancient crypt that contains living dead corpses. The zombies go on a rampage and attack a group of people which the professor had invited to celebrate his discovery.
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What can be said about Burial Ground? As a low budget Italian zombie flick, it mightily tries to mimic Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (aka Zombi 2, 1979), and even uses Zombie 3 as one of its many, many titles, but it falls far short. Without exception, the Decades of Horror 1980s Grue Crew are gobsmacked by the presence of Michael, the film’s preteen character, played by an actor in his mid-twenties, who has an exceedingly creepy relationship with his mother. Exceedingly creepy! Trust them. Once you see his scenes, you won’t forget them. On the other hand, the 80s Grue-Crew finds the variety of zombie makeup effects to be, at least, interesting.
Does Burial Ground slide into the “so-bad-it’s-good” category? You’ll have to be the judge of that. You will, however, never forget it. Burial Ground is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and as physical media on a Blu-ray from Severin.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode will be dedicated to an interview with special effects artist Ed Martinez who joined the 1980s Grue Crew on episode 159 for our discussion on Dead Pit (1989) for which he was director of special effects.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"... trick us again child, and your suffering will be legendary even in Hell!" Talk about an extreme trick or treat! Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they check out Clive Barker’s versions of hell in Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 160 – Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
Kirsty is brought to an institution after the death of her family, where the occult-obsessive head resurrects Julia and unleashes the Cenobites once again.
IMDb
Who doesn’t love them some Clive Barker? (If the answer is, “Me,” you best keep it to yourself.) The Grue-Crew for the Decades of Horror 1980s podcasts are enthralled with Mr. Barker and the Hellraiser franchise as well. In fact, Crystal thinks Hellbound: Hellraiser II might be better than Hellraiser, the first film in the franchise. Bill loves the practical effects, especially the skinless suit which he claims could never be as effective if rendered with CGI. Jeff gets off track (again!) with a somewhat lengthy discussion about the first appearance of Barker’s books in the U.S. Chad sees the first two Hellraiser movies as one story and loves how Hellbound: Hellraiser II features the Cenobites more prominently and delves a little into their background.
For the 80s Grue-Crew, Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a magical, must-see film! At this writing, it is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Shudder with the option to view it as an episode of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs and guests Ashley Laurence and Doug Bradley.
You will also find a discussion of Hellraiser (1987) on Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 113 from October 2017, hosted by Thomas Mariani, Christopher G. Moore, and Doc Rotten. Check it out!
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The film for their next episode is Burial Ground (1981), chosen by Chad, … and you know what that means.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"I've done life; now I'm doing death." … and you’re still around to talk about it? Wow! Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr along with a special guest - as they investigate the zombies-in-a-mental-hospital world of The Dead Pit (1989) with the film’s director of special effects Ed Martinez.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 159 – The Dead Pit (1989)
A renegade doctor is shot dead and entombed with his fiendish experiments in the basement of an abandoned wing of a mental hospital. Twenty years later, a mysterious woman is admitted with amnesia, and her arrival is marked by an earthquake - which cracks the seal to the Dead Pit, freeing the evil doctor to continue his work.
IMDb
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew is very fortunate to be joined this episode by special effects artist Ed Martinez, the director of special effects for The Dead Pit. Ed and the Grue-Crew talk everything from special effects to Jeremy Slate to director Brett Leonard to stories from the set. The Dead Pit features beau coup special effects including, but not limited to, a dentist drill to an eye, an exploding water tower, needles to the brain, melting zombies, and more zombies than you can count.
Your 80s Grue-Crew calls The Dead Pit an underrated film and definitely recommends it. As of this writing, The Dead Pit is available to stream on Amazon Prime with a Blu-ray scheduled for release August 25, 2020, from Dark Force Entertainment/Code Red.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The film for their next episode is Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988), chosen by Crystal.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"... when it comes to blood in my underwear, I want to know how it got there." There are some things that do not need to be said. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Crystal Cleveland, and Jeff Mohr - as they investigate the effects of high-energy drug abuse in Frank Hennenlotter’s Brain Damage (1988).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 158 – Brain Damage (1988)
One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return.
IMDb
If ever there was a commercial, feature-length film that could serve as a PSA for the War on Drugs, it’s Brain Damage. Your 1980s Grue-Crew marvel at the imagination of writer/director Frank Hennenlotter and the images that sprout from his brain and are transformed to film. The combination of special effects used to depict Elmer is impressive and John Zacherle’s voice tops off the creation perfectly. Now that an uncut version is available, it is pretty obvious why certain scenes were cut. Yes, Doc nixed the image of one of the cut scenes and rightly so, but your Grue-Crew describes the scene in eye-popping detail.
Each of the 1980s Grue-Crew recommends Brain Damage as a unique, hallucinatory cinematic trip. Currently, Brain Damage is available for streaming on Shudder as a stand-alone film and as an episode of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs. You can also check it out as a Blu ray from Arrow.
Brain Damage is the third double-tap for Decades of Horror 1980s and you can check out the first time the film was covered on Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 113 featuring Thomas Mariani, The Black Saint, and The Black Saint’s daughter Mariana. You can also find a Review of Brain Damage on Gruesome Magazine written by Paul Cardullo.
Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. In episode 159, the 80s Grue-Crew will go down into The Dead Pit (1989) with special guest Ed Martinez, the film’s special effects director.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"I swear to God, Snake, I thought you were dead." Didn’t everybody? Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they once again travel to the world according to John Carpenter, this time partnering up with Snake Plissken as he tries to Escape from New York (1981).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 157 – Escape from New York (1981)
In 1997, when the U.S. president crashes into Manhattan, now a giant maximum-security prison, a convicted bank robber is sent in to rescue him.
Imdb
Everybody loves Snake Plissken and the Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew is no exception. Chad Hunt calls Escape from New York John Carpenter’s western. There are a lot of flaws in the film’s story and its science fiction dressing and even as Bill identifies some of them, he is also professing his love for the film. Crystal proposes Zac Efron to play Snake if there is ever a remake and one of her crewmates even agrees with her. Escape from New York will forever be one of Jeff’s favorites if only for Ernest Borgnine’s performance as Cabbie and the inclusion of the theme song from American Bandstand.
Escape from New York is highly recommended by your loyal Grue-Crew and is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and as a Scream Factory Blu ray.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 3-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 158, the 80s Grue-Crew will visit director John Carpenter’s work again in Frank Hennenlotter’s Brain Damage (1988).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"This could kick you off into becoming an absolute pervert." Been there, done that. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - along with guest host and effects artist Ralph Miller as they partake in some heavy metal dead-resurrecting and demon-summoning with Trick or Treat (1986).
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 156 – Trick or Treat (1986)
A bullied teenage boy is devastated after the death of his heavy metal idol, Sammi Curr. But as Hallowe'en night approaches, he discovers that he may be the only one who can stop Sammi from making a Satanic comeback from beyond the grave.
IMDb
Your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew is joined on this episode by special effects artist Ralph Miller whom Grue-Believers will remember from his interview in episode 155. Ralph worked on the creation of the backseat demon that makes its appearance on lover’s lane in Trick or Treat. It seemed only natural to invite him back for this episode and he was so kind as to accept our invitation.
Trick or Treat is Chad’s pick and you can probably guess why. In fact, he saw it several times in a theater. Bill wonders where the heck the teachers are in the high school featured in this film. The demon’s tongue grabs Crystal’s attention while Jeff gets stuck in pointing out that The Beatles created what might be the most well-known instance of backmasking. The members of the 80s Grue-Crew unanimously think the demon Ralph helped create was the best part of the film and should’ve received far more screen time!
It bears mentioning that Gruesome Magazine’s own Paul Cardullo (Yes, Patreon members, those weekly updates are coming from Paul!) is a high school extra in Trick or Treat. The film was shot in North Carolina and John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington was used to depict Sammi Curr’s high school. You should be able to see Paul lurking in the stacks during a chase scene through the school library.
The 80s Grue-Crew recommends Trick or Treat but it’s a tough watch to find. As of this writing, it is available on YouTube. Keep your fingers crossed for a future US release on Blu ray.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 3-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 157, the 80s Grue-Crew will visit director John Carpenter’s work again in Escape from New York (1981). A-Number-One!
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
The 1980s Grue-Crew has a special treat for listeners in this episode. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr, along with guest host Whitney Collazo from Decades of Horror: The Classic Era - as they interview Ralph Miller III, a fellow Grue-Believer and special effects artist who worked on crews for some memorable horror films of the 1980s.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 155 – Interview with Special Effects Artist Ralph Miller III
During a career spanning 1984 to 1993 as depicted in IMDb, Ralph Miller worked with John Carl Buechler's special effects studio Mechanical and Makeup Imageries (MMI), Chiodo Brothers Productions, and Kevin Yagher Special Effects on films from Joe Dante, Stuart Gordon, and Fred Olen Ray to name a few. In this episode, Miller discusses his experiences as a member of the special effects crews with your Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew on the following films:
Miller recounts the path he follows leading to his first professional effects gig working with the large crew of special effects artists on Gremlins, led by legendary filmmakers Stephen Spielberg and Joe Dante. He talks freely about the mistakes he made on films, giving Grue-Believers an inside look into the process of filmmaking, and is quick to point out that he was one of many and to give credit to his supervisors and his colleagues. Finally, Miller is very open about his reason for leaving the industry and ways in which he still exercises his creativity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the films discussed this episode, check out these past podcast episodes:
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 3-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 156, the 80s Grue-Crew will cover Trick or Treat (1986) starring Marc Price, Tony Fields, and Lisa Orgolini, and directed by Charles Martin Smith. The 80s Grue-Crew had so much fun with Special Effects Artist Ralph Miller III on this episode that they invited him to join them again in the next episode because - surprise, surprise - he served as a special makeup assistant on Trick or Treat.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"Christophe, I need you to remember what happened before you died." Wait. He already died and you’re talking to him? This must be a Wes Craven movie! Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they fly on down to get buried in the world of Haitian voodoo as depicted in The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) directed by Wes Craven.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 154 – The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)
An anthropologist goes to Haiti after hearing rumors about a drug used by black magic practitioners to turn people into zombies.
IMDb
For the second time in three episodes, the Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew covers a film with major voodoo connections (See Episode 152 - Angel Heart, 1987). Chad somehow compares his reaction while watching The Serpent and the Rainbow to a “drawn-up Crown Royal bag.” Seeing the film at a younger age had an impact on Crystal and Bil points out how being buried alive is a fear shared by most people. And in case you were wondering, you’ll also hear whether each member of the 80s Grue-Crew would rather be trapped with a jaguar, a python, or a tarantula.
The Serpent and the Rainbow is a worthy entry to Wes Craven’s horror canon and even reminds the crew of a walk near Elm Street during the last act.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 3-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 155, the 80s Grue-Crew will interview Ralph Miller III, a special effects artist whose work appears in 1980s horror films such as Gremlins (1984), From Beyond (1986), Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), and The Blob (1988).
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com
"The ICE... is gonna BREAK!" If someone told you they had a vision that the ice would break if you went skating, what would you do? Join your faithful Grue Crew - Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they checkout the ice in Stephen King’s The Dead Zone (1983) directed by David Cronenberg. Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 153 – The Dead Zone (1983)
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 153 – The Dead Zone (1983)
Johnny Smith wakes from a coma, only to find he has lost five years of his life since his car accident, and yet gained psychic powers. Foreseeing the future appears to be a 'gift' at first, but ends up causing problems...
IMDb
According to the 1970s Grue-Crew, David Cronenberg’s vision of The Dead Zone is one of the best, if not the best, film adaptations of a Stephen King novel. Cronenberg’s direction, backed up by a great cast, an excellent script, and a powerful score make this a winner in all aspects.
The Dead Zone is Bill’s pick and he label’s it one of his top ten favorite films. Crystal is all about Christopher Walken and she throws Brooke Adams some praise as well. The score by Michael Kamen is one of Chad’s favorites and he thinks this might be Walken’s best performance. Jeff identifies some scenes that were cut and is impressed with how the complex story in King’s novel is told so well in under two hours.
If you haven’t seen The Dead Zone for some time, the Decades of Horror 1980s Grue-Crew think it’s about time you did!
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror 3-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In episode 154, the 80s Grue-Crew takes a look at The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988), directed by Wes Craven and starring Bill Pullman.
Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com