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Now displaying: 2017
Oct 19, 2017

The Grue Crew are joined by our very special guest Paul Cardullo as we discuss films that give us a bit of deja vu. First up is the surprise hit of the recent Friday the 13th weekend Happy Death Day. Our second feature is the gory romp The Babysitter which you can now stream on Netflix to keep yourself satiated before Stranger Things Season 2 arrives. Thomas also gives us a report from his trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida. Let's not forget that Dave steps in with Horror News of the Week featuring the X-Men going spooky for The New Mutantsa news update about the upcoming Halloween film and a Friday the 13th fan film which may just be the best excuse for a sequel we'll be getting for awhile. Spooktacular times are here again!

As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.

Horror News Radio
Episode 237 – Happy Death Day ( 2017) – The Babysitter (2017)
Subscribe – iTunes – Facebook – Stitcher

SHOW NOTES

INTRO [00:00:39 ]

HORROR NEWS OF THE WEEK [00:03:12]

CONTEST: THE SNOWMAN GIVEAWAY! [00:32:50]

  • What is your favorite WINTER themed horror film?
  • Submit to media(AT)gruesomemagazine(DOT)com with the subject line "The Snowman"
  • You must submit the link to your post by October 23 to participate. Winners addresses must be submitted by October 31.
  • Open to U.S. and Canada residents only
  • Click here to read more

FEATURE REVIEW: HAPPY DEATH DAY [00:37:05]

  • Happy Death Day (2017)
  • director: Christopher Landon
  • cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING: HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 2017 [01:04:06]

  • Thomas shares his recent visit to the annual Halloween haunt in Orlando, Florida

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING: THE BABYSITTER (2017) [01:15:46]

  • The Babysitter (2017)
  • director: McG
  • cast: Samara Weaving, Bella Thorne, Leslie Bibb, Judah Lewis

FEEDBACK [01:47:27]

  • Thanks to Tear Out the Heart and Victory Records for use of the song Undead Anthem for the intro and outro of the HNR podcast

SUPPORT HNR

Oct 19, 2017

"Let the game begin." Jigsaw aka John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is the master of ceremonies of his morality inspired death traps. Given it was the franchise that started the torture porn movement, Saw is often maligned as a lesser example of mainstream horror. The fetishistic emphasis on death and soap opera antics only go so far, especially for a franchise with seven installments. Yet, there's somehow a new entry coming to theaters. So what better way to celebrate than by looking back at the first seven entries? Listen or not, make your choice. But seriously... please listen.

Decades of Horror 1990s And Beyond
Episode 27 – Saw Retrospective (2004 - 2010)

Saw is an indie marvel. Made for a mere $1 million, the film grossed over 100 times that much. It tapped into an uncertain zeitgeist of troubling times. America was just starting the Iraq War. Torture was a common thread in news. Our world was still in the throes of confusion and distrust from 9/11. A world that sought escape in the form of a madman designing traps to test people's moral gumption. Saw continued this trend throughout the 2000s, each installment introducing new bits of continuity and trying to top one another with gory traps. The franchise started off the careers of modern horror masters like James Wan, Leigh Whannell, Darren Lynn Bousman and Marcus Dunstan. Saw was really the only mainstream horror franchise in theaters for half a decade... until it wasn't.

To dissect where everything went wrong, Thomas Mariani brings in a few familiar voices. Adam Thomas, Shakyl Lambert and Ryan Corderman are in for the long haul as all four hosts discuss all seven Saw films in this extended episode. The quartet examines each film in gruesome detail, praising consistent qualities like Tobin Bell while damning the soap opera continuity that gets tedious. There's praise thrown around for a few of the earlier entries and even a bit of love that trickles down into the latter parts of the series. But there's plenty of baffling elements of Saw for our heroes to question. How did Jigsaw get more elaborate traps put together? Why did we need to know more through endless flashbacks? Who thought Costas Mandylor was a good idea? All this and more tear the group apart as they try to understand what made people see Saw time and time again.

Oct 18, 2017

"Long Live The New Flesh!" Max Renn (James Woods) makes his declaration of rebellion against Videodrome, the very thing he's become so attached to. But is he really rebelling against the system or merely another cog in the machine? It's a question people often ask themselves every day with no easy answers. Luckily, those answers can come from the most unlikely of places. One such place is Decades of Horror 1980s! Hop into your connected device and hear just how depressing the world we live in really is. Hooray!

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 120 - Videodrome (1983)

Videodrome didn't make much of a blip for Canadian writer/director David Cronenberg's career. Fresh off the heals of the cult success of The Brood and Scanners yet just before the mainstream explosion of The Dead Zone and The FlyVideodrome quietly came in and out of theaters in 1983. The heavy horror sci-fi concept of a TV smut peddler hallucinating technology nightmares didn't seem to attract audiences at the time. Yet with time, this audacious subversion of narrative, time and culture became a cult hit that resonates even more in the ages long since Betamax was a viable platform.

Well, at least for some. This episode features a pretty clear divide for who can stand Cronenberg's Videodrome. But who could be the dissenter in the crowd? Did Doc Rotten appreciate the cynical bitter pills which needed swallowing? Can Christopher G. Moore tolerate the gross-out body horror on display? Will Thomas Mariani have issues with Debbie Harry not being her iconic Blondie self? Listen and find out for yourselves!

Contact Us

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!

Next Episode

Stranger Things Season 1 Part 2 (2016)… Next Week!

Oct 16, 2017

“Something unspeakable has come home.” Not only is it unspeakable, but it has already died once. Doc Rotten is still on hiatus, diligently working on the next issues of the Gruesome Magazine quarterly print and electronic editions. In the interim, your regular host, Jeff Mohr, is joined by the capable and knowledgeable Bill Mulligan, film director, and Chad Hunt, comic book artist/writer and co-host of Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast. Join them as they follow the members of a family wracked by the effects of the Vietnam War in Deathdream.

Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 60 – Deathdream (1974)

The second of director Bob Clark’s three horror films, Deathdream (aka Dead of Night) is sandwiched neatly between Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things (Decades of Horror 1970s - Episode 12) and Black Christmas (Decades of Horror 1970s - Episode 34). Written by Alan Ormsby, the film tells the story of Andy (Richard Backus), a Vietnam War veteran who is killed-in-action and yet returns home the same day his family gets the news of his death. Though the death notice is not a mistake,  Andy’s parents (John Marley and Lynn Carlin) and sister (Anya Ormsby) assume it is, and celebrate his homecoming. As his physical condition deteriorates and his behavior gets more and more bizarre, Andy’s father brings the local doctor (Henderson Forsythe) home to take a look at his son. As the film progresses, Andy’s decay increases and the body count rises.

The foundation of Deathdream’s story is planted firmly in W. W. Jacobs’ 1902 short story, “The Monkey’s Paw.” In other words, be careful what you wish for! The story might also be seen as an allegory delving into the additional trauma experienced by returning Vietnam War veterans, stigmatized by society and struggling with PTSD, and the effect that trauma has on their family and friends.

Tom Savini partners with Alan Ormsby to provide the film’s effective, low budget makeup effects. Andy’s progressive decay is successfully depicted as he moves from seemingly normal to a rapidly decaying corpse. Deathdream is not a fun watch.This episode’s Grue Crew give the film a unanimous thumbs up with the following caveat: The filmmakers successfully tell a very depressing story. Deathdream is not a fun watch.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans:  leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at theblacksaint@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com.

Oct 15, 2017

October always brings out the best in horror with Halloween festivities fueling parties, decorations, candy, trick-r-treating, and horror movie screenings. Jeff Mohr, the able host of Decades of Horror The Classic Era steps in to review The Tinger (1959) which he caught as part of the Cinemark Fall Classic Series on the big screen. There is no better way to experience the William Castle classic starring the one-and-only Vincent Price. Jeff shares his thoughts on the film and the experience itself. Ah, if only we could have "Percepto" as well - all would be right in the world.

Oct 14, 2017

Special guest Sammie Cassell joins the Grue-Crew this week to review a pair of horror film playing on Netflix this October. The first of the two is the latest film in the Child's Play series, The Cult of Chucky (2017). The second film is from director Mike Flanagan and legendary author Stephen King, Gerald's Game (2017). Netflix is killing this season with a gaggle of genre films lining up as the channel gears up for the release of Stranger Things Season 2. Can they knock it out of the park? Dave steps in with a handful of horror news with two new trailers (Castle Rock, Pacific Rim Uprising), details about the third season of Ash vs The Evil Dead, and Joe Lynch tossing aside an R-Rated version of Mayhem for a full-uncut release.

As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.

Horror News Radio
Episode 236 – The Cult of Chucky ( 2017) - Gerald's Game (2017)
Subscribe – iTunes – Facebook – Stitcher

 

SHOW NOTES

INTRO [00:00:40]

HORROR NEWS OF THE WEEK [00:03:35]

  1. Trailer for Castle Rock introduces us to the Stephen King Universe
  2. Bride of Frankenstein Shuts Down, Gal Gadot replaces Jolie?
  3. Pacific Rim Uprising trailer brings the Jaeger goodness
  4. Ash Vs. Evil Dead S3 details emerge from NYCCC
  5. Joe Lynch tells the MPAA to stick their rating and brings MAYHEM unrated

FEATURE REVIEW [00:35:12]

  • The Cult of Chucky (2017)
  • director: Don Mancini
  • cast:  Fiona Dourif, Brad Dourif, Alex Vincent, Michael Therriault, Jennifer Tilly

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING [01:17:05]

  • Gerald's Game (2017)
  • director: Mike Flanagan
  • cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, Carel Stuycken, Chiara Aurelia, Kate Siegel

FEEDBACK [02:03:44]

  • Thanks to Tear Out the Heart and Victory Records for use of the song Undead Anthem for the intro and outro of the HNR podcast

SUPPORT HNR

NEXT WEEK

  • Happy Death Day / The Babysitter

 

 

 

 

Oct 13, 2017

“The day I died, I swore I would get my revenge!” Join the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era crew for this episode – Erin Miskell, Chad Hunt, Joseph Perry, Jeff Mohr, and special guest Mike Imboden – as we wrestle with Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters in honor of El Santo’s 100th birthday on September 23, 2017.

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era
Episode 19 – Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters (1969-70)

Directed by Gilberto Martínez Solares and written by  Rafael García Travesi, Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters tells an age-old tale. An evil doctor rises from the dead and directs the efforts of as many monsters as he can resurrect to combat the heroes. More specifically, Dr. Bruno Halder (Carlos Ancira), who hates Santo, his brother Otto Halder (Ivan J. Rado), and his niece Gloria (Hedi Blue), is resurrected from the dead by his diminutive hunchback assistant Waldo (Santanón). With the aid of his zombie henchmen in green greasepaint, Bruno gathers together some of the world’s most famous monsters and plans to murder his foes . . . and worse. He even makes a duplicate Blue Demon do his evil bidding. Thankfully Santo is here to protect his fiancee, her father, and the world!

Exactly what does the, “Against the Monsters” of Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters refer to? The complete cast of resurrected monstruos includes El Vampiro, La Mujer Vampiro, Franquestein, La Momia, El Hombre Lobo, El Ciclope, and the creature Joseph Perry refers to as “Tiki-brain Guy.” That’s surely enough to take care of Santo and Blue Demon, right? Not on your life! Not if you know the full legend of El Santo!

If you’re paying attention, you’ll find out which of this episode’s Grue Crew made each of these statements:

  • “... I got to actually touch our fellow co-ghost.” … “Let me show you on the doll where exactly it happened.”
  • “It’s cheesy. It’s just a big piece of chunky, stinky Limburger cheese, but I love it.”
  • “This thing is a thing of beauty. Just shut up and take my money.”
  • “Even during the makeout sessions, everybody leaves the masks on!”
  • “I’m wearing my Luchador mask right now, actually.”
  • “Let me cheer things up with my favorite monster who I call the Tiki-brain Guy.”

We plan to release a new episode every other week. In timing with Halloween, our next episode in our very flexible schedule, in honor of Halloween, is Dracula (1931), hosted by Jeff.

Please let us know what you think of Decades of Horror: The Classic Era and what films you’d like to hear us cover! We want to hear from you! After all, without you, we’re just four nutjobs talking about the films we love. Send us an email  (chadhunt@gruesomemagazine.com, erinmiskell@gruesomemagazine.com, jeffmohr@gruesomemagazine.com, or josephperry@gruesomemagazine.com) or leave us a message, a review, or a comment at GruesomeMagazine.com, iTunes, Stitcher, the Horror News Radio App, or the Horror News Radio Facebook group.

To each of you from each of us, “Thank you for listening!

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 13, 2017

Blumhouse returns with another horror film for the 2017 haunt season with Happy Death Day (2017). As the trailers promise, the film from director Christopher (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse) Landon channels a strong Groundhog Day vibe with a comedic horror spin to the rinse-and-repeat reliving of this horrific day. Doc Rotten steps in - as the resident Blumhouse fan - to review the film which is written by comic book writer Scott Lobdell. The film features Jessica Rothe in the lead role with a winning performance presenting her as a potential scream queen extraordinaire. The film has fun within its PG-13 envelope playing to the tween crowd while mixing the comedy and horror into a gruesome cocktail that many horror fans will grin and smile along.

Oct 13, 2017

Thanks to the aggressive marketing from Warner Brothers, it is no secret that Harrison Ford returns as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) from director Denis Velleneuve (Arrival). In the sequel three decades in the making, Ryan Gosling stars as K, the next generation of Blade Runner. Thomas Mariani steps in to review the latest theatrical sci-fi epic with an enthusiastic and insightful extra-length look at the film, the cinematography, the story, and the best excuse for "Gosling's wooden performances" ever. Yeah, only as Thomas Mariani can. Check out the review below.

Oct 12, 2017

Rafe returns to review another indie horror film haunting your VOD and DVD outlets. Arriving from Uncork'd Entertainment and director Justin Price is the supernatural offering The 13th Friday (2017). Struggling to decipher the true intention of the film's narrative, Rafe points out some technical issues with the film while appreciating the effort and intentions of the filmmakers, especially pointing out a call out with the final credits. Yet, the film fails to impress Rafe with its ghosts and scares which never match the promise of the trailer. Check out his review below. The film is out on VOD October 10, 2017.

Oct 12, 2017

"I felt it. Perfect. It was perfect." Nina (Natalie Portman) realizes her full potential as she performs Swan Lake. But at what cost? The sacrifice of an artist can often be horrific. A true nightmare to need to live up to your craft. Yet, it's something true artists do on a regular basis. Even if it means losing their sanity, their friends and their own sense of identity. All things Nina is slowly lost in Black Swan. Can Thomas and his own troupe of podcasts keep themselves together? Or will they sink into madness along with Nina? Find out as Decades of Horror 1990s and Beyond steps further into the modern age for the October haunts season!

Decades of Horror 1990s And Beyond
Episode 26 - Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan was released in December of 2010 to massive critical raves. Fresh off a triumphant critical sweep with The Wrestler, Darren Aronofsky took his first full step into the horror genre and got plenty of Oscar buzz for it. Rare for the genre, but not out of bounds for Aronofsky. Afterall, how horrific is the drug themed drama of Requiem for a Dream? Yet, Black Swan is much more firmly planted in the genre, even it it's within a more grounded prism. After all, Nina is losing her sense of identity and seeing herself as a mutation of beauty. An artist sacrificing her humanity to become the swan she was born to be. Whether it be at the hands of her mother (Barbara Hershey), her teacher (Vincent Cassel) or her competition (Mila Kunis), Nina is losing what it means to be a "little princess." Will she end up a has been like Beth (Winona Ryder) or will she transform into a fierce formidable foe that swims along the lake for another night?

To answer all of those questions, Thomas has returning guests Adam Thomas and Yonathan Habtemichael to help out. Some praise Aronofsky's craft. Others love the performances. But not everyone is on the Black Swan train. There's so much to unravel. Does Black Swan fit into the genre? Was the Academy love warranted? Does Nina survive the ending? So many interpretations, but only one way to find out! Give us a listen. Don't fall into the orchestra pit to never be seen again!

Contact Us

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.

Next Episode

Saw Retrospective (2004 - 2010)

Oct 11, 2017

"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!

Contact Us

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!

Next Episode

Videodrome (1983)... Next Week!

Oct 11, 2017

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.

Oct 10, 2017

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.

Oct 8, 2017

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.

Oct 8, 2017

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

NEXT WEEK

The Cult of Chucky and Gerald's Game

Oct 7, 2017

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.

Oct 7, 2017

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!

Oct 5, 2017

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.

Oct 5, 2017

"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.

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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.

Next Episode

Black Swan (2010)

Oct 4, 2017

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.

Oct 4, 2017

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.

Oct 3, 2017

"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!

Contact Us

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!

Next Episode

Stranger Things Season 1 Part 1... Next Week!

Oct 1, 2017

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.

Sep 30, 2017

Paul Cardullo returns to review another entry in the GenreBlast Film Festival. While the fest hosts a number of genres, this movie is a full-fledged horror flick of the weekend. Lilith's Awakening (2017) is filmed in rich black and white tones with a deliberate pacing and exquisite cinematography. Paul dives into what makes this film tick and is fascinated with the varied reference to Dracula. Check out his review to this dreamlike vampire film below.

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