Neon Brainiacs (A Retro Horror Movie Podcast)

Hop in, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off a new trilogy: CAR TERROR! And what better place to start than with 1986's The Hitcher?! We talk about the movie Angus and its insanely good soundtrack, Jim Halsey's fresh Nikes and how perfect of a villain Rutger Hauer is. This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!

Graveside service is about to begin, maniacs! This week we're joined by friend of the show Steve Rudzinski, who is promoting the wide release of his movie Caroushell, to talk about the one and only Phantasm II. While we evade the Tall Man and his spheres, we discuss our collective apprehension of mausoleums, the danger of Reggie Bannister's sex appeal, and IS AUNT BECKY FROM FULL HOUSE IN THIS MOVIE?! This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!

Let's get some killer reception, maniacs! Join us this week as we tune in to the killer television movie The Video Dead from 1987. Topics include The English Beat, made-up college majors, and the endless struggle with rolls of masking tape. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!

Let the countdown begin, maniacs! For our final episode of 2018 we discuss the 1980 Cannon flick New Year's Evil. Topics include switchblade combs, MTV VJs of yesteryear and political outcomes being predicted in the movie's script. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!

Surprise, maniacs! About a month ago, Gregg chatted via Skype with Frank Farel, producer of Spookies and Street Trash. We talked about his early love of cinema, the tumultuous experience of Spookies, updates on an official release of the film, and the grittiness of Street Trash. Big thanks to Kara Jean of Night Flight for hooking us up with this opportunity.

Better watch out, maniacs, because Santa's on a killing spree this week! We're rounding out our trilogy of Christmas themed movies with 1980's Christmas Evil. We discuss brown paper grocery bags, how horrible cursive writing is, and Tim Allen's incessant grunting on Home Improvement. This week's show is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video! You can hear us sampling the wares of Hellraising Hot Sauce from 50:45-57:00.

If you're dressed as Santa, you'd better watch out! This week we're tackling the British holiday slasher Don't Open Till Christmas from 1984. This one may have broken us, maniacs, because we derail a lot. Topics include using the phone way too much, peep show prices in 80s England, and we finally break out our Jerry Seinfeld impressions. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!

These elves are not your buddy, maniacs... This week we kick off three weeks of Christmas-themed horror flicks with the 1989 head-scratcher Elves! This one is one of the more bizarre movies we've covered to date. Topics include a brief Greek history lesson, comparing crappy horror movie puppets and GOOD GOD HOW IS THIS A PG-13 MOVIE? Also, this week's episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!

This week we delve into some sweet suffering with Pinhead and the gang in Hellbound: Hellraiser II! This is the first franchise we've done in sequential order so don't be shy about checking out our prior Hellraiser episode before this one. We chat about the magnificent return of strategic non-boob showing, Cannibal Corpse album covers and the Hellraiser/Charles Bronson crossover movie we so desperately need.

Let's bowl some turkeys for Thanksgiving, maniacs, because this week we're hitting the lanes with Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama from 1988! While we analyze this bizarre low-budget flick, we discuss the defintion of "the whim-whams", 90's cereal mascots, Static-X and the bizarre novelty of a fully clothed Linnea Quigley.

It's a monster grab-bag this week, maniacs, as we discuss Spookies from 1986 with Zane Hershberger of 10/31 and The Barn. He's promoting the crowdfunding campaigns for a couple movies he's working on, The Barn 2 and Force To Fear, so go support those! In this episode we discuss kids' Halloween pageants, the lack of eloquence farting zombies bring to a movie and the unbelievably awful perils of making this film.

Hope you're ready for a dose of insects and monkeys, maniacs, because this week we're discussing Dario Argento's 1985 wacky masterpiece Phenomena (aka Creepers)! This one's pretty weird, and stars Jennifer Connelly and Donald Pleasance to boot. Topics include bizarre public buses, Beatles versus Rolling Stones talk, and the insane superiority of this movie's soundtrack.

Grab your Shatner masks and your blue overalls, maniacs, because it is Halloween and we are talking about the night after he came home: Halloween II! We mourn Ben Tramer and discuss topics like fictitious sitcoms, mushroom pizza, differences between the theatrical and television cuts of this flick, and Lowkey Loomis versus Looney Loomis.

Play this episode LOUD, maniacs, because this week we've got another Halloween-centered flick with the heavy metal horror movie Trick Or Treat! We talk lots of music: metal! ska! pop-punk! hardcore! We also discuss getting your cremated ashes pressed into vinyl, expensive Bad Brains records and Ben's first online screen name.

Get ready to party, maniacs, because this week we continue our Halloween-themed episodes with 1988's Night Of The Demons! As we discuss the exploits of Angela and company, we also talk about late 80s insults, our experiences in Los Angeles, and Martin Mull for Michelob Ultra.

Let's get sassy for Satan, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the cult Halloween flick Hack-O-Lantern (aka Halloween Night & Death Mask) from 1988. While doing our best Hye Pyke impressions, we discuss the music of Wishbone, butt tattoos, closet candle fire hazards, and the symbolism of black wreaths.

With a rebel yell, we present the first episode of our entire month of Halloween-related films: 1985's made-for-TV movie The Midnight Hour! This one's got everything: zombies, vampires, wolfmen, The Smiths, and even LeVar Burton! We talk about a smattering of topics including Chicken Littles from KFC, analysis of World Series broadcast rights, our hard stance on ketchup brands, and we talk about punk an awful lot.

Work on your routines, maniacs, because this week we're unpacking the 1987 locally filmed slasher The Majorettes with returning guest, Ryan from BPO Films! He's got a ton of familial connections to this one, which was largely filmed right near Ben's house where we record our show! While we talk about all the insanity, we also discuss different photography classes we've taken, Rick Springfield posters, and amazingly offensive novelty t-shirts.

Put on your detective hats, maniacs, because this week we're digging into the 1982 American giallo The Killing Hour! We follow a clairvoyant sketch artist as she assists the police in tracking down a handcuff-obsessed serial killer. We'll discuss our art class memories, cool diners, and the dating tips contained in this movie.

What's in the basket, maniacs? This week we're digging into our first Frank Henenlotter movie with 1982's Basket Case, and we're joined by both Allen and Katie from Werewolf Ambulance! They're promoting not only their podcast but their upcoming live show in Pittsburgh on October 5th. While discussing this MOMA-recognized flick, we talk about weird dates, nonsensical physics, Belial's dedication to the ketogenic diet and we teach Allen about Global Guts.

Thrill me, maniacs! This week we celebrate our one year anniversary!! And what better way to do so than to talk about the 1986 Fred Dekker classic Night Of The Creeps? It's got everything: horror, sci-fi, comedy and Tom Atkins! Some burning questions we discuss: who created the "Dream Weaver" moment? How is Gregg tangentially connected to Tom Atkins? Did American Horror Story rip off this movie?

Get ready to tiptoe through the tulips with us, maniacs, because this week we get weird with 1987's Blood Harvest starring Tiny Tim! We talk about weird 80's fashion, real life IP in this movie and teach a little impromptu class on copyright law.

Grab your red riding hoods, maniacs, because this week we're delving into some fairy tale mythos with 1984's The Company Of Wolves! We're joined by Amanda and Sarah from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast to help us unpack all the underlying messages of feminism and sex in this one. We talk about Pinterest-worthy weddings in the woods, Wes Anderson's bonerless aesthetic, and we figure out each of our Simpsons auras.

There's a killer on the loose, maniacs! This week we're wrapping up our three week rock block with 1984's Rocktober Blood. This one follows the band Headmistress after original singer and serial killer Billy Eye is executed and returns from the grave to pick off the group one by one. We talk about bad puns, bad acting, and badass metal jams.

Are you ready for some killer tunes, maniacs!? Week two of our rock block has us discussing the 1980 slasher Terror On Tour! There's not much terror nor much touring despite what the title would suggest. We forgot to share some of our own terror-filled tour moments so those stories will have to wait for another day. In the meantime we discuss Gregg's hatred of KISS, the idea of cocaine as an aphrodisiac, and cops that hate ulcers.

Get those lighters out and bang your heads, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off our Rock Trilogy with 1987's Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare starring Jon Mikl Thor! We'll talk about the Satanic Panic, the first song Ben ever learned on guitar, and we take a deep dive into pop-punk history.

Grab some candles and some protection, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1982 star-studded New Line classic Alone In The Dark! This wild ride features heavy hitters Donald Pleasance, Jack Palance, and Martin Landau in some wacky roles. Topics we'll discuss include punk rock, hockey masks and the Kermit/Batman fanfic no one asked for.

Where's the corkscrew, maniacs!? This week we're discussing the insanity that is Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter! We talk at length about how much we love Corey Feldman and Crispin Glover. As usual, we unpack lots of lore from the franchise and also discuss crappy parties, short shorts, and solve the mystery of the Jarvis sandwich.

For our first ever bonus episode, we discuss our watching of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs on Shudder. We live tweeted most of the event so we talk about that as well as the communal aspect of social media during an event like this. We had a blast with it!

Hope you're ready for Armageddon, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1988 religious apocalypse flick The Seventh Sign! This Demi Moore/Michael Biehn movie is kind of lame but we managed to have some fun with it. We talk about reusable shopping bags, early adoptions of YOLO, and our hotel breakfast strategies.

Grow a mustache and grab your Members Only jackets, maniacs, because this week we're ending our Three Weeks Of Chuck by finally delving into the work of Charles Bronson with 1983's Ten To Midnight! Trust us, there are plenty of Bronson impressions contained within. We also talk about egg shelves in old refrigerators, Larry David staring contests, and the lo-fi bedroom dreampop of 1983.

Three Weeks Of Chucks keeps rolling with one of the quintessential Chucks... Chuck Norris! We're talking about the supernatural action slasher flick Silent Rage from 1982. While discussing the film we'll talk about post-coital burgers, Devo suit ripoffs, and thick New York accents deep in the heart of Texas.

Wanna play, maniacs? This week we're kicking off a new theme: Three Weeks Of Chucks! And what better place to start than with the legendary Child's Play from 1988? Our bud Blake from BPO Films stopped by to help us talk this one out and discover a ton of trivia and facts about the flick. Topics include Kevin McCallister's chances against any horror villain, using The Lakeshore Strangler as a band name, and why children shouldn't be allowed to prepare breakfast unsupervised.

Grab your caps and gowns and try to survive, maniacs, because we're wrapping up our "End Of School" trilogy with the 1981 Troma slasher Graduation Day! This movie boasts a pretty impressive cast (including Vanna White) but not much else. Before we discuss the movie, we talk about our convention experiences at Horror Hotel and Living Dead Weekend. Some of our topics on the movie include killer cardigans, its similarities to other slasher movies and the horrendous nature of the band Felony.

Get your pencils out, maniacs, because part two of our "End Of School" trilogy is here: Final Exam from 1981! While we talk about this goofy slasher flick, we'll also chat about all things college: football, pranks, relationships, jump scares with books, and stranger danger PSAs.

Get ready to hit the dance floor, maniacs, because this is part one of our "End Of School" trilogy! To kick things off, we're talking about the 1980 classic slasher Prom Night! We talk a lot about KISS, disco, nu-metal, and ask the important question: at what age do parents stop dressing their twins identical?

Gas up your Plymouth Fury, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the Stephen King/John Carpenter joint Christine! We're also joined by Christine -- not the car, but our bandmate! The three of us chat about drive-ins, Baywatch, and we talk more about football than you would think. Also, give a listen all the way to the end to hear the world premiere of "II: The Secret Of My Excess" by our band Pummeled!

Grab your leotards and hit center stage, maniacs, because this week we're going back to Italy with 1987's Stagefright! In this episode we'll decipher some metaphors, talk about the origin of Arthur memes, and try to figure out if Gregg is indeed a sociopath.

This is no ordinary nightmare, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1988 flick Bad Dreams! This movie boasts an impressive cast and an uncanny resemblance to Dream Warriors. We'll talk about crappy punk bands covering Frank Sinatra, the "I've Been Terminated Box Of Stuff", and what Dean Cameron listened to on the way to his audition for the role of Ralph.

Grab a bottle of Viper, steal some raw chicken and join us this week as we analyze the 1987 cult film Street Trash! It's pretty sleazy but it's got some redeeming qualities to it. In this episode we talk about Rick Rubin doppelgangers, not-so-useful ways to fight constipation, and using Tommy Wiseau's pants to shoplift.

It's not your-gento or my-gento... this week, it's Argento! That's right, maniacs, this is our first foray into the works of Italian horror master Dario Argento with his 1989 mindfreak The Church. We discuss our hot takes on Archie comics, confusing stoners for demons, and Nine Inch Nails' infamous performance at Woodstock 1994.

Listen in awe and you'll hear him, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1985 Stephen King-penned werewolf flick Silver Bullet starring Corey Haim and Gary Busey. Topics include panty hose displays, crazy stories about Lawrence Tierney, and quite possibly the greatest extra in cinematic history.

We have such sights to show you, maniacs! This week we're talking about the Clive Barker project Hellraiser from 1987. Topics include 1987 fashion being very in vogue in 2018, Ben's hot take on crying babies, and our fake gore metal band Skinless Dangle. We also unbox one of the VHS copies of Ben's new movie Slaughter Drive, available now from SRS Cinema!

Rev up those fryers, maniacs! This week we're tackling the crappy craptastic crapfest that is 1983's Microwave Massacre. When we're not dumping on this flick, we manage to talk about Tiny Toons gags, Snoopy t-shirts and stories of Black Flag's eating habits.

We're finally in remake territory, maniacs! This week we're chatting about the 1988 revamp of The Blob with Kevin Dillon and Shawnee Smith. We talk about generic sandwiches, Pizza Hut cups, and the time Merle Haggard put a music producer in his place.

Welcome to our nightmare, maniacs! This week we're tackling the Alice Cooper & Claudio Fragasso vessel Monster Dog from 1984. Cooper plays Vincent Raven, a rock star filming a video in his old hometown during an epidemic of gruesome maulings by a local werewolf. Topics include accidentally urinating on toilet seat covers, local metal band Ashes To Ashes and the unintentional parallels between Monster Dog and the works of Chevy Chase.

Gather 'round for a family picture, maniacs, because this week we're talking about 1987's The Stepfather! Join us as we chat about the faux pas of mailing insecure envelopes, Christian pop-punk, and Gregg's inability to pick successful television shows.

The circus is in town, maniacs! This week we ride the wacky rollercoaster that is 1988's Killer Klowns From Outer Space with our bud Lance Parkin from the Life & Movies podcast. We talk about ice cream truck products, winning framed Ratt mirrors at the fun fair, and have more than a few chuckles at Mike Tobacco's ridiculous name.

The snow is falling, so let's hit the slopes! This week we're talking about the 1988 ski slasher Iced. A group of friends are terrorized at a resort by a skiing serial killer after a fatal accident four years prior. Topics include tiny male ponytails, why skiing with a flare is a bad idea, "Baby On Board" signs, and Ben's cosmic connection to lead actor Doug Stevenson.

We've got a sleazy one this week, maniacs. We're talking Eyes Of A Stranger from 1981. A news anchor tracks down a serial killer living in her neighborhood as she tries to protect her blind and mute sister from his wrath. Join us as we work on our Charles Bronson impressions and talk about cardigans, phone booths and prank calls.