Friday Night Frightfest

Get ready for some haunted house sequels. For his episode we watched the sequels to Hell House LLC. Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018) - Directed by Stephen Cognetti Years after a deadly incident at the Hell House attraction, a team of investigative journalists return to the abandoned Abaddon Hotel. Convinced the official story hides a deeper truth, they delve into the darkness, searching for evidence of what truly transpired. Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire (2019) - Directed by Stephen Cognetti Nine years after the tragedy, the Abaddon Hotel attracts a new kind of attention. A wealthy entrepreneur plans to launch an immersive theater experience within its haunted halls. A documentary filmmaker follows the production, uncovering a sinister connection between the show's ambitious creator and the hotel's malevolent past. Spoilers start around 6:40

Religious Horror for the start of spring! This week we have to films with religious themes: On the Third Day (2021) and Consecration (2023). In "on the "On the 3rd Day" a woman gets into a car accident with her son. She cannot remember what happened in the days following the crash and as she searches for her son, she discovers connections to other police files involving brutal hunting. In consecration, a young woman is tasked with investigating the reported suicide of a fellow nun at a remote abbey. Upon arrival, she encounters a cloistered community steeped in tradition and a sense of foreboding. As she delves deeper into the abbey's secrets, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her faith and put her own life in jeopardy. Spoilers start around 3:55

Gen Z vacation horror? Sure, why not. For this episode we watched two films the 2022 Bodies Bodies Bodies and the 2023 horror-thriller Fire Island In Bodies Bodies Bodies, a group of young friends reunite for a weekend getaway at a remote mansion. As a hurricane rolls in, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and a party game takes a dark turn, leading to chaos and suspicion amidst accusations of murder. In Fire Island, "the perfect summer vacation quickly spirals out of control for a group of friends on the infamous, picturesque party getaway of Fire Island as they find themselves caught in a web of sex, lies and cold blooded murder." Spoilers start around 7:30

OG Vampires for the win! In this episode we discuss the original 1922 Nosferatu by F.W. Murnau and the 1979 remake Nosferatu: The Vampyre by Werner Herzog - both based on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Both films offer distinctive takes on the classic vampire tale, highlighting different aspects of the myth and creating unique cinematic experiences. Nosferatu (1922) emphasizes horror and expressionistic imagery, while Nosferatu: The Vampyre (1979) delves into psychological themes and offers a more nuanced portrayal of the characters. Spoilers start around 6:10.

For this episode we watched the first two films in Ti West's trilogy: X (2022) and Pearl (2022). In X, An aging couple renting out a secluded farmhouse to a group of filmmakers making an adult film become suspicious of their guests' intentions. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading to a violent and unexpected climax. The film explores themes of aging, desire, and the exploitation of youth in the media industry. The filmmakers face increasingly dangerous situations, and the true purpose of their project is revealed. Expect a suspenseful and disturbing atmosphere with elements of slasher horror. A prequel to X, Pearl delves into the troubled past of the titular character in her youth. Set in 1918, Pearl dreams of escaping her mundane life on a Texas farm and making it big as a dancer. Frustrated by her overbearing mother and yearning for love and recognition, Pearl's desires take a dark turn, leading her down a path of violence and obsession. The film explores themes of ambition, repression, and the psychological factors that can lead to murderous behavior. Young Pearl grapples with societal constraints and the expectations placed upon her. Both films offer unique and unsettling experiences within the slasher genre. X focuses on the immediate danger faced by the filmmakers, while Pearl delves into the psychological roots of a killer. Spoilers start around 5:25.

Quiet Horror for this week's episode - with The Quiet Place 2 (2020) and Don't Breathe 2 (2022). In The Quiet Place 2, by John Krasinski, the remaining members of the Abbott family emerges from the silent shadows of their home and faces a world ravaged by sound-hunting creatures. Forced to rely on their wits and fragile communication, they embark on a perilous journey towards hope, uncovering secrets and new threats along the way. Rodo Sayagues' Don't Breath continues the story from the first film in a new context. Years after surviving a terrifying encounter with the "Blind Man," Norman Nordstrom, he leads a secluded life with a young orphan. When their hidden world is violated, a chain of violent events unfolds, forcing Norman to confront his past and fight for their survival. The film delves deeper into Norman's psyche, revealing motivations and vulnerabilities beneath his hardened exterior. Both films offer suspenseful sequels, each with its own distinct flavor. The Quiet Place Part II amplifies the family's desperate struggle in a hostile world, while Don't Breathe 2 revisits the chilling game of cat and mouse with unexpected developments. The choice depends on your preference for monster mayhem or a psychological showdown in the dark. Spoilers start around 5:20.

Foreign, feel-bad horror anyone? For this episode we watched two foreign films sure to leave you feeling depressed to start off the new year: The Platform (2019) and Sadness (2021). In The Platform by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, we encounter a vertical prison where a meager platform descends every level once a day. Survival hinges on resourcefulness and desperation. Goreng, a newbie, awakens on Level 48, forced to choose: eat well today and starve tomorrow, or wait for scraps and hope to rise higher next month. As he navigates the brutal hierarchy and uncovers the prison's hidden mechanisms, Gorong must decide how far he'll go to stay alive. Sadness (2021) by Lee Kang-sheng explores a dystopian future where a deadly virus turns people into violent maniacs fueled by rage. A young woman immune to the disease navigates desolate Taipei. Alone and hunted, she must find food, shelter, and connection amidst the chaos, all while confronting the emotional toll of witnessing humanity’s descent into madness. Both "The Platform" and "Sadness" offer thought-provoking and unsettling experiences, albeit in starkly different forms. Spoilers start around 4:05.

Merry Christmas everyone!! For this episode we watched the two Black Christmas remakes from 2006 and 2019. Both films offer suspenseful thrill rides with different approaches to the classic Black Christmas formula. Black Christmas (2006) by Glen Morgan: On Christmas Eve, an escaped maniac returns to his childhood home, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one. Black Christmas (2019) by Sophia Takal: A group of sorority sisters is stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break until they discover that the killer is part of an underground college conspiracy. Spoilers start around 5:17.

For this episode we watched two sequels produced by Blumhouse - not the most thematic of themes, but here we are. Our films are Forever Purge (2021) and Sinister 2 (2015) Forever Purge (2021) by Everardo Gout, follows on from the long series where in the lawless aftermath of the annual Purge, a group of strangers must rely on each other to survive as the violence continues beyond its designated time. The film explores the societal consequences of the Purge concept and the the dangers faced not only from the Purge but also extremist groups. In Sinister 2 (2015) by Ciarán Foy, a young family moves into a new home that holds a dark secret. When their son starts exhibiting strange behavior, they uncover a connection to a mysterious entity linked to snuff films. The film delves into the themes of obsession and the cyclical nature of violence. Spoilers Start around 7:21.

For this episode we watched two 2022 films featuring Anya Taylor-Joy. (I know - weak theme - but they can't all be winners.) The films: The Menu and The Northman In The Menu, directed by Mark Mylod, a young couple embark on a romantic weekend getaway to a remote coastal island to dine at an exclusive restaurant. However, as the evening progresses, they begin to realize that there is more to the menu than they bargained for. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and Ralph Fiennes. Directed by Robert Eggers and staring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Claes Bang, The Northman tells the story of a young Viking prince seeks revenge for the murder of his father. Along the way, he must confront his own demons and decide whether he is capable of the violence that is necessary to achieve his revenge. Spoilers start around 5:18.

Haunted Houses from Hell!! For this episode we watched Hell House LLC (2015) and Haunt (2013). In Hell House LLC (2015) by Stephen Cognetti, years after a tragic accident at a haunted house attraction leaves 15 people dead, a documentary crew investigates the events that led to the disaster. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing evidence that suggests something supernatural may have been at play. Haunt (2013) by Brian Kelly follows a group of friends as they embark on a Halloween night out to an extreme haunted house attraction known for its terrifying realism. However, as they venture deeper into the house, they realize that the horrors they are experiencing are all too real. Trapped inside, they must fight for their lives as they confront terrifying creatures and uncover the dark secrets that lie within. Spoilers start around 6:16.

And we're back - just in time for Halloween!!!! For this episode we watched two recent releases: Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls (2023) and We Have a Ghost (2023). In Onyx the Fortuitous, director Andrew Bowser introduces a larger audience to his character Onyx, a fledgling occultist, and a group of fellow worshipers, who attend a once-in-a-lifetime ritual at their idol Bartok the Great's mansion. Bartok's intentions are more nefarious than they seem, and Onyx must find a way to save his friends from damnation. Along the way, Onyx must confront his own inner demons and decide whether he is destined to be a nobody or a hero. If you're unfamiliar with Onyx, check out Andrew Bowser's Youtube Channel. We Have a Ghost, directed by Christopher Landon, introduces us to a family, who discovers a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home. The family decides to help Ernest become famous online, but their plans are threatened by a paranormal investigator who wants to capture Ernest for himself. The family learns to accept Ernest as part of their family and helps him find peace in the afterlife. Spoilers start around 7:38.

There are so many vampire movies, it's tough to choose just two. For this week, we watched a very interesting take on the genre and a film featuring Jon Bon Jovi: Byzantium (2012) and Vampire: Los Muertos (2002). Spoilers start around Byzantium (2012) is a British-Irish supernatural horror film written and directed by Neil Jordan. The film stars Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton as two centuries-old vampire sisters who set up a brothel in a seaside town in England. The film is partially a period piece showing flashbacks of their the course of their 190 years of traveling the world, living off the blood of others. The film explores themes of love, loss, and immortality. Vampires: Los Muertos (2002) stars Bon Jovi as Derek Bliss, a vampire hunter who is called to Mexico to investigate a series of vampire attacks. BHeliss soon discovers that the vampires are being led by a powerful vampire princess named Una (Arly Jover). He must assemble a team of unlikely allies, including a priest, a half-vampire, and a teenager, to stop Una and her army of vampires. The film was released straight-to-video on September 25, 2002, and was a box office disappointment. However, it has since developed a cult following among fans of vampire films.

I don't think you can go wrong with an evil children theme. For this episode we watched two 70s takes with very different approaches: The Brood (1979) and Devil Times Five, aka People Toys, (1974). Spoilers start around xx The Brood (1979) The Brood is a 1979 Canadian psychological horror film directed by David Cronenberg. The film stars Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar, Art Hindle, and Karen Black, and tells the story of a woman named Nola Carveth (Eggar) who is undergoing psychotherapy for severe postpartum depression. While in therapy, she begins to have strange dreams and hallucinations, and her "children" begin to exhibit violent behavior. As her condition worsens, her "children" begin to attack and kill people. The film explores the themes of motherhood, violence, and the nature of evil. The Brood was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $10 million at the box office. The film was praised for its atmosphere, Cronenberg's direction, and Eggar's performance. The film has since been recognized as a classic of the psychological horror genre. Devil Times Five - aka People Toys, aka The Horrible House on the Hill, aka Tantrums (1974) A group of four sociopathic, homicidal children, accompanied by a mysterious nun are in a car crash and seek refuge with a vacationers at a lakeside chalet, only to systematically murder them. The film was directed by Sean MacGregor and David Sheldon, and stars Sorrell Booke, Gene Evans, Shelley Morrison, and Leif Garrett.

Multiple themes for this episode: Rob Zombie, Halloween, Remakes - you decide which fits best. This week we watched the Halloween I (2007) and Halloween II (2009) from Rob Zombie. Spoilers start around 6:17.

Elizabeth picked the theme this week and it's a study in women and revenge!! This week we watched two films from Shudder: A Wounded Fawn (2022) and The Furies (2019). Spoilers start around 5:03.

And we're back!! After a couple of weeks off, we return with a great double feature continuing the long-running Child's Play series with Curse of Chucky (2013) and Cult of Chucky (2017). Spoilers start around 4:29.

Stephen King has written some hefty tomes and many have been made into TV Movies, Miniseries, and feature films, but none more successfully than the 2017 It: Chapter One, and the 2019 sequel, It: Chapter Two. Check out our review of these films! Spoilers start around 4:51

A somewhat meta theme for our episode today: Horror movies based on young-adult fiction, which feature young adults telling or reading stories. Got it? Our films are Night Books (2021) and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019). Spoilers start around 5:30.

Netflix Vampires in Los Angeles - a VERY tight theme for this episode featuring Day Shift (2022) and Night Teeth (2021). Spoilers start around 5:20.

Holiday Horror!!! For this episode we watched two very different Christmas themed horror films. The musical comedy zombie film Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) and the French cult classic Deadly Games - aka Dial Code Santa Claus, Game Over, Hide and Freak, and 3615 code Père Noël (1989). Spoilers start around 4:30.

Is there anything better than a haunted asylum? I mean terror, ghosts, and medical experiments - what could go wrong? For this episode we watched Grave Encounters 2 (2012) the sequel to Grave Encounters, which we reviewed previously on the podcast, and the Korean film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018). Spoilers start around 4:19.

Ready for religious teen-girl possession films? We're here for it. Check out our reviews of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) and The Medium (2021). Spoilers start around 4:07.

Our fourth (!!) annual year in review!! For this episode, we take a look back at the past year and offer our top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year. This whole episode is nothing but spoilers - sorry not sorry.

Ghosts, Spirits, and Ghouls - oh my!! Get ready for some non-traditional haunted house horror! For this episode we watched Burnt Offerings (1976) and The Strings (2020). Both are somewhat slow burns and deal with different types of hauntings and definitely worth a watch. Spoilers start around 3:40-ish.

Happy death month to Edgar Allan Poe!! On October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland - but I suppose we would expect nothing less from this master of horror. For this episode we watched an adaptation of one of his most famous stories "The Pit and the Pendulum" from 1991 and the 2022 "Raven's Hollow" a fictional reimagining of Poe's own life. Spoilers start around 7:40.

The spooky season is upon us!! Check out the latest installment in our series of reviews of the Friday the 14th and A Nightmare on Elmstreet series. We've made it to the 5th films in the series - Friday the 13th Part 5: A New Beginning (1985) & A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 5: The Dream Child (1989). Not the best films in the franchises, but I suspect also not the worst. Spoilers start around 4:45.

Horror Anthologies - the short story collections of horror cinema. There are so many anthologies that it was hard to pick two, but for this episode we watched Southbound (2015) and The Mortuary Collection (2019). Spoilers start around 3:55

British werewolves anyone? Check out our review of two very different takes on werewolves with Howl (2015) and The Beast Must Die (1974). Spoilers start around 5:05.

Horror Comedies anyone? I may be the only one who likes horror comedies of the two of us, and that doesn't stop me from suggesting them whenever I can. Check out our reviews of these horror comedies with ghostly menace: The Frighteners (1996) and Here Comes Hell (2019). Spoilers start around 6:25.

Death and Time Loops, what could possibly go wrong? Even more death, over and over again!! Check out our reviews of the sequel to Happy Death Day - Happy Death Day 2U (2019) and the Salvage (2006). Spoilers start around 5:10.

Who doesn't love a good film with teens and witchcraft? I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Check out our reviews of The Craft: Legacy (2020) & Seance (2021) Spoilers start around 4:05

Looking for some demonic horror sequels on this fine Friday? Look no further. For this episode we reviewed Hellraiser: Judgement (2018) and The Exorcist III (1998). Spoilers start around 5:12.

Love or hate it, the Giallo genre is central to the history of horror. For this episode watched two well-known films in the genre: The Girl Who Knew Too Much, aka the Evil Eye, (1963) & Deep Red, aka The Hatchet Murders, (1975). Spoilers start around 6:43.

Let's be honest, horror and b-movies go together like peanut butter and jelly. For this episode, we celebrate Elvira's 30th Anniversary with two movies from her Shudder special: The City of the Dead (aka Horror Hotel) from 1960 and Messiah of Evil (aka Dead People) from 1973. Spoilers start around 6:40.

Animatronics gone wrong!! If you're terrified by the idea of mechanical furries coming to life and going on killing sprees, then these films are for you: The Banana Splits Movie (2019) & Willy's Wonderland (2021). Spoilers start around 5:00.

Our theme for this week is haunted houses!! We watched 13 Ghosts (2001) and Sinister (2012). There are so many haunted house movies out there, so if you have recommendations for more, drop us a line. Spoilers start around 5:02

Part two of our stroll down memory lane as we take a look at the Scream franchise. Get ready for a discussion of Scream III (2000) and Scream IV (2011). Spoilers start around 6:30.

Get ready for some 90s nostalgia. This is the first in a two part series on the Scream franchise. Get ready for a discussion of Scream I (1996) and Scream II (1997). Spoilers start around 3:27.

Get ready for some more underwater horror!! For this second take on the theme we watched Sphere (1998) and Deep Star Six (1989). Spoilers start around 3:38.

It's that time again!!! Time to sit and watch movies all weekend long for the 23rd Annual Nevermore Film festival, programmed by the Carolina Theatre in Durham North Carolina. The NEVERMORE Film Festival is a juried competition festival that programs brand-new feature and short films with an emphasis on horror, science fiction, dark fantasy, animation, and mystery/thrillers from around the world. Named a "Top 100 Film Festival" by FilmFreeway and "One of the Best Horror Film Festivals in the World" by Dread Central, Nevermore has screened more than 1000 films since its creation in 1999. It has gained an international reputation as one of the premiere genre festivals in the USA.

Are you terrified thinking about a home invaders? Then we've got some films for you!! These are two films featuring home invasions gone wrong - where the home invaders get their due: Don't Breathe (2016) and The Owners (2020). Spoilers start around 4:50.

Looking for some paranormal investigation horror? Look no further. This week we paired two films featuring ghost hunting: the 1963 film "The Haunting" and the 2011 "Grave Encounters". Spoilers start around 2:44.

Let's talk time loops! In honor of Groundhog Day this week, we have two films that involve reliving the same day over and over again. Today we're talking about Happy Death Day (2017) and Source Code (2011). Spoilers start around 4:40.

Looking for some late-90s teen horror? Well look no further!! For this episode, we reviewed the teen scream I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and the stoner horror-comedy Idle Hands (1999). Spoilers start around 3:40.

Return of Chucky!!! We return to a long-running franchise - now a series on The SyFy Channel: Child's Play!! For this episode we watched Bride of Chucky (1998) and Seed of Chucky (2004). Spoilers Start around 2:32.

It's time for some holiday horror!! Our episode this week features two Christmas themed films: Christmas Evil (aka You Better Watch Out; aka Terror in Toyland) from 1980 and the 2016 film featuring Dee Wallace, Red Christmas. Spoilers start around 5:58.

Underground sequels and remakes!! In this episode we review The Descent 2 (2009), the sequel to The Descent and My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009), a remake of the original from 1981. Spoilers start around 3:50.

Happy Black Friday!! While you're waiting in line with hordes of other shoppers, check out our latest episode featuring two recent takes on Zombies: The Girl with all the Gifts (2016) based on the book by Mike Carey and Peninsula (2020), the stand-alone sequel to Train to Busan (2016). Spoilers start around 6:20

Our third annual year in review!! For this episode, we take a look back at the past year and offer our top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year. This whole episode is nothing but spoilers - but not terrible spoilers, actually - but yes it's all spoilers.