In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier [The DTV Connoisseur] as we look at another Dolph DTV film, SILENT TRIGGER. We start with the first 90 minutes or so looking at the year in movies so far, especially the success of SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY, but also THE ODYSSEY, OBSESSION, etc., and why we think so many people are going to the theater again.
Then with SILENT TRIGGER, we talk about how much we enjoyed this film, why it worked so well, and then a little bit on 80s and 90s music videos and the directors who got their starts with them.
A few months back, we took a deep dive into the slashers of 1981, and now we're back to finish the job! If our first installment focused on future classics and franchise cornerstones, this week's episode explores the stranger, sleazier, and more offbeat corners of the slasher boom.
Some films stick close to the formula. FINAL EXAM delivers stripped-down campus suspense, GRADUATION DAY pairs revenge with an unmistakably early-'80s soundtrack, NIGHT SCHOOL mixes police procedural thrills with a memorable killer, and EYES OF A STRANGER blends voyeurism and vigilante justice while featuring an impressive early performance from Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Others push the boundaries. Wes Craven's DEADLY BLESSING fuses religious paranoia and psychological horror, while STRANGE BEHAVIOR combines mad science, teenage romance, and small-town conspiracy into a cult favorite. Then there are the true oddballs: BLOODY BIRTHDAY, BLOODY MOON, DON'T GO IN THE WOODS (ALONE), and the gleefully self-aware STUDENT BODIES, each embracing excess, exploitation, or outright parody in wildly different ways.
Join AC and his blood-loving panel of guests (me included) as we celebrate—and occasionally eviscerate—ten more slices of 1981 horror, spotlighting the overlooked gems, cult favorites, ambitious experiments, and gloriously excessive carnage that made this such a banner year for slasher fans!
For those who only know beloved actor Bill Paxton from his outrageous comic supporting turns or solid leading man roles, watching him bring Brent Hanley’s high concept story to exquisitely shaded light is a bit of a revelation.
A mysterious young man, Fenton Meiks (played by Matthew McConaughey) walks into a Texas FBI building and reveals to Agent Doyle (played by Powers Boothe) that he knows the identity of a local serial killer known as “God’s Hand.” Fenton tells of his father (played by Paxton himself), a loving man of deep faith who awakens his sons one night with the news that he has had a vision: God has called on them to serve as slayers of demons. Of course, upon hearing that these demons are “disguised” as human beings, Fenton understandably begins to question his father’s sanity.
Hanley’s powerful screenplay was inspired by both Catholic school teachings and a love of Stephen King. A modern take on the Old Testament stories of fealty and faith, Paxton and his creative team endow such banal objects as a pair of gloves, a lead pipe, and an axe named “Otis” with mythical status, as well as an abiding uncertainty and mistrust of what we see around us and/or how events are interpreted. Is this a tale of religious enlightenment or mental psychosis? You’ll have to ride along with Fenton and Agent Doyle to find the answers… which only end up leading to more questions.
In the quarter-century since its release, Frailty has lost none of its power, delivering psychological tension and shocks without gratuitous splatter and gore, anchored by incredible performances, Bill Butler’s gorgeous cinematography, and Arnold Glassman’s sharp editing. Paxton’s feature debut is subtle and ambiguous, giving its audience the freedom to arrive at their own terrifying conclusions.
Join AC and his fanatical, er, fantastic panel of guests (Cati Glidewell, Jay Kay, Gert Verbeeck, and yours truly) as we celebrate 25 years of FRAILTY!!
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier of The DTV Connoisseur as we look at one of Matt's favorite Dolph Lundgren films, THE MINION. Recorded prior to the New York Knicks championship win, we start the first 15 minutes or so talking about the shenanigans that befelled the Knicks during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
From there, we spend the next 90 minutes or so looking at the year in movies so far, what's done well, what struggled, and what surprised us, and why we think all that happened.
Then with THE MINION, we talk about the time this was made, and how it fit certain themes. We also discuss Dolph, and how excited or not excited he was to make this movie.
The early 1980s were a golden age for horror, and by 1981, the slasher subgenre had already exploded into a full-blown phenomenon, with producers and filmmakers eager to capitalize on the success of HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13TH.
While horror sequels weren’t a new concept, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 introduced Jason Voorhees as a full-fledged killer, creating a genre icon before our eyes, and HALLOWEEN II picked up immediately where the 1978 original left off, both pushing their respective series toward more explicit violence and expanding their internal mythologies, with impressive box office results.
But there were also plenty of one-offs, from out in the wilderness (THE BURNING, JUST BEFORE DAWN) to civilization (NIGHTMARE, THE PROWLER), from exotic settings (THE FUNHOUSE, HELL NIGHT) including the Great White North (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, MY BLOODY VALENTINE).
Join this incredible panel of gorehound guests as we head back 45 years to a time of body counts, masked killers, outrageous offings, eerie atmosphere, endlessly quotable dialogue, and filmmakers throwing it all at the screen to see what would stick. THE SLASHERS OF 1981!!
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier [The DTV Connoisseur] as he introduces me to the world of Billy Blanks action movies with TC 2000. We start in the first 90 minutes or so looking at the upcoming year in movies, what ones we think will do well, what ones may struggle, and why.
Then with TC 2000, we talk about Billy Blanks as an action lead, and how he does both from an acting perspective and an action perspective. We also get stuck in on the film and discuss the fun time we had watching it.
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier [aka The DTV Connoisseur] for our Christmas episode, as we look at the new SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (2025) that's out in theaters now. We talked about how much fun we had and why, and how we need more movies like this in the theater.
Then with 2005's SANTA SLAY, we talk about Bill Goldberg as a wrestler, and how this movie was a departure from his wrestling persona--in a good way. We also discuss what the movie theater experience was like this past year, and what we think it'll look like in 2026.
THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL (1960) d. Terence Fisher (UK)
NEVER TAKE SWEETS FROM A STRANGER (1960) d. Cyril Frankel (UK)
HELL IS A CITY (1960) d. Val Guest (UK)
Celebrated for its distinctive brand of horror and suspense, Hammer Films has left an indelible mark on British cinema and influencing filmmakers around the world.
The year 1960 was especially significant for Hammer, as it was a time when the studio was solidifying its identity as a horror juggernaut, but also experimenting with genres, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling, atmosphere, and visual style.
This episode focuses on four films from that year: BRIDES OF DRACULA, THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL, NEVER TAKE SWEETS FROM A STRANGER, and HELL IS A CITY. Each representing a different facet of Hammer’s evolving approach, from Gothic horror and psychological thrillers to socially conscious drama and gritty crime narratives.
Join AC and his incredible panel of guests (Troy Howarth, Stan Hyde, Barry Kaufman, Lin Morris, and yours truly) as we look back at HAMMER IN 1960!!
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier (the DTV Connoisseur) for our Halloween episode as we look at the action/horror classic MANIAC COP. Before that though, we talked about 2025 in film so far, especially the experience of seeing films in the theater, and which of the major studios came out winners and losers. Then with MANIAC COP, we get stuck in on some of the elements around policing that this touches on, and how relevant they still are today; also the imagery of the Twin Towers in a film and what that means. Finally, we look at some of the movie's highlights and our favorite moments.
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier of DTVC Podcast as we look at the recent SUPERMAN (2025) movie and 1994's THE FANTASTIC FOUR film.
With the first one, we discuss our feelings about the film overall, then what this may mean for the balance of power between Marvel and DC, and also whether or not "superhero fatigue" is an issue now.
Then with the second film, we get stuck in on this Roger Corman classic (?). What works, what doesn't and how much it differs from comic book movies now.
(I recorded this awhile ago with a cool panel of people and forgot to share it. So here it is. Enjoy!)
MISERY (1990) d. Rob Reiner (USA)
Rob Reiner's 1990 psychological thriller Misery, based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, remains a masterclass in tension and suspense. Tonight, our panel of horror enthusiasts celebrates the unforgettable performances (James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen, and Richard Farnsworth), the film's themes of obsession and captivity, and screenwriter William Goldman’s breathtaking adaptation which retains the spirit of the source material while also changing key elements for the screen.
Foremost, however, we'll examine the dynamic between Paul and Annie, and how their complex relationship evolves under the oppressive circumstances, with Bates' Oscar-winning portrayal of Annie Wilkes balanced against Caan’s nuanced and atypical sensitivity.
Join AC and his awesome panel of guests (Jess Ader, Dodd Alley, Jordy Sirken, and yours truly) as we tap into the heart of Misery’s unsettling atmosphere and cultural significance. What makes Misery more than just a horror film? How does it tap into deep-seated fears and anxieties about fame, vulnerability, and fan culture? Be sure to bring your sledgehammers!
(I recorded this awhile ago with a cool panel of people and forgot to share it. So here it is. Enjoy!)
WHO WANTS TO TALK SLASHER MOVIES???
TITLES DISCUSSED:Friday the 13th, To All a Good Night, Terror on Tour, Don't Answer the Phone, Don't Go in the House, Prom Night, Terror Train, He Knows You're Alone, Mother's Day, Funeral Home, Christmas Evil, New Year's Evil
The 1980s were a pivotal year for horror films, and the decade kicked off with some of the most influential entries in the genre! Join our panel of horror experts as we discuss the origins, lasting impact, and evolution of the slasher, covering everything from the technical aspects to their cultural significance, changing the landscape of cinema forever.
Key films such as Friday the 13th introduced the world to Jason Voorhees (and became a cultural phenomenon in the process), while Canadian offerings like Prom Night, Terror Train, and Funeral Home added their own unique twists to the formula, setting the stage for a wave of imitators.
We’ll explore the masked killer tropes, the rise of Final Girls, and how these films captivated audiences with their ground-breaking gore FX, suspenseful stalk and slash sequences, and unforgettable characters.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the genre, our conversation about the blood-soaked slasher movies of 1980 has something for everyone!
In this episode, I joined Matt Poirier as we look at the Troma cult classic, DEF BY TEMPTATION. Before that, we look at CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD [which has now been released in theaters] and what 2025 could look like for Marvel Studios. Then with the film, we get into how we each found this gem, what about it works so well, and then look at highlights.
In this Christmas themed episode, I joined Matt Poirier from DTVC Podcast to discuss the holiday horror sequel SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT PART II. Before that, we look at the year that was in theatrical releases, the winners and losers, and what we expect for next year.
Then with the film itself, we get into how much of the first film was recycled in this sequel, and then what we get that's new that's so iconic.
Matthew Poirier and I discuss 2008's underrated PUNISHER: WAR ZONE. We look at what works so well, but why the film didn't succeed at the box office. We also get into the current state of comic book movies, from Marvel's rebound with DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, to DC looking to reboot their universe with the upcoming SUPERMAN film from James Gunn.
*This was recorded before the release of JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX*
In my first review in two months, I sat down and discussed the 1990 cult Frank Henenlotter classic, FRANKENHOOKER. Listen to Matthew Poirier and myself discuss this wild flick, while also going off tangent about the differences between 1990 New York City and 2024 New York City, POOR THINGS comparisons and how the genre is less fearless now than it was back in 1990. Check it out!
A Midnight Confessions reunion! Reverend Phantom, Moronic Mark and myself recently got together and talked about the new HALLOWEEN movie and more! Check it out!
Our last episode of the year and we're spending with Don Dohler, because...why not? We take a look at Dohler's first 2 films, THE ALIEN FACTOR (1978) and FIEND (1980). We also do a year end recap [to the best of our recollection], plus music by Murderock because...why not? We'll be back in February! So until then, Happy Holidays from the MC Crew!
It's Halloween and who better to spend the holiday with than Vincent Price? Mr. Price made many a great movies and played many great and memorable characters, but we decided we’d go with one of his greatest roles (and a role where he doesn’t even get to physically open his mouth), none other than Dr. Phibes! Yes, we’ll be taking a look at THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES (1971) and DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN (1972). Plus music by Tim Curry, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, The Viewers and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
It’s not quite Halloween yet, but we’re feeling the vibes and what is October with out a least a few Italian horror flicks? The two in question this episode are Dario Argento’s classic, TENEBRE (1982) and the more elusive, SPIDER LABYRINTH (1988). Plus music by: Baltimora, Goblin, Jack Hammer, and Raf.
