Spooky Tuesday - A Horror Movie Podcast

Kid Cudi, we don’t mean to be disrespectful, but — speaking strictly as film critics — we have some questions about a certain scene in X (2022). The new Ti West movie has been on everyone’s minds, and now it’s our turn to take a visit to the best little porn house in Texas. Yes, that’s a Dolly Parton reference, and apparently so is Brittany Snow’s whole performance. With a cast that also includes Jenna Ortega, Mia Goth x2, and the dad from 2002's The Ring, this ‘70s-style slasher had us hiding behind our hands in theaters. References:  https://www.salon.com/2022/05/01/ti-west-x-pearl/https://www.thewrap.com/x-movie-ti-west-interview-prequel-pearl/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-03-23/a24-x-horror-ti-west-mia-gothhttps://ew.com/movies/mia-goth-x-ti-west/ https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/x-ti-west-mia-goth-secret-double-role-1234708105/ 

Here at Spooky Tuesday, we believe sex education is SO important, which is why we spent the objectively correct and exactly appropriate amount of time reflecting on our own history of menstruation on our Carrie (1976) episode. That’s right, the Sissy Spacek cinematic masterpiece arrived just in time for prom season, so don’t forget to get all gussied up and ready for your date with John Travolta’s fluffy hair, P.J. Soles’ rainbow hat, and a whole lot of ‘70s-era bush.Thank you to Ana Luisa for partnering with our podcast! Don’t forget to check out https://shop.analuisa.com/spookytuesday to take advantage of their Buy One, Get One 40% Off sale with pieces starting at just $39.References:https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/03/carrie-stephen-king-brian-de-palma-horror-films-feminismhttps://www.indiewire.com/2016/01/oscar-nominee-production-designer-jack-fisk-talks-his-career-with-terrence-malick-paul-thomas-anderson-david-lynch-and-more-90180/ 

May (2002) is a Frankenstein monster of a movie made out of bits and pieces picked out just for us. Set right down the street from Monica’s place with an aggressive lesbian for Chelsea and some blood play for Sydney, it really seems like Lucky McKee’s indie flick was tailored exactly to Spooky Tuesday’s tastes — well, almost. Starring Angela Bettis, Jeremy Sisto, and Anna Faris, this horror has an ending that could make us forgive pretty much any other misstep. After all, Polly’s grandma says it’s the imperfections that make things special.Thank you to Ana Luisa for partnering with our podcast! Don’t forget to check out https://shop.analuisa.com/spookytuesday to take advantage of their Buy One, Get One 40% Off sale with pieces starting at just $39.References: https://diaboliquemagazine.com/eyes-that-bind-on-the-pain-of-seeing-in-lucky-mckees-may-2002/https://www.joblo.com/best-horror-movie-you-never-saw-may-2002/https://www.hearusscream.com/editorials/ho5ogoxfgryo2q7wdvux8jzkbienb3  http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/14366http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/14103  

We’ve gotta admit it: We were a little nervous to dip our toes into one of the most famous franchises around, but with the end of April right around the corner, we knew it was time. We’re starting the six month countdown to the spookiest day of the year by celebrating the holiday’s half-birthday the most iconic way we know how: with Halloween (1978). The film that launched Michael Myers to horror icon status and kicked off Freaky Friday star Jamie Lee Curtis’s career as a scream queen, John Carpenter’s classic knows just how to set the mood.Thank you to Ana Luisa for partnering with our podcast! Don’t forget to check out https://shop.analuisa.com/spookytuesday to take advantage of their Buy One, Get One 40% Off sale with pieces starting at just $39.References:https://screenrant.com/halloween-1978-movie-expensive-shots-small-budget-explained/https://screenrant.com/halloween-behind-the-scenes-facts/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/whats-beneath-michael-myers-mask/https://filmindublin.ie/2021/10/21/why-do-children-love-michael-myers/https://lwlies.com/articles/michael-myers-laurie-strode-halloween-desire/https://www.novelsuspects.com/movies-tv/every-michael-myers-movie-in-order/https://movieweb.com/halloween-1978-revisited/ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/17/movies/halloween-1978-review.html https://ultimateclassicrock.com/halloween-tv-version/ https://screenrant.com/halloween-kills-flashbacks-cop-rope-1978-movie-robbery/ https://movieweb.com/john-carpenter-gives-view-future-of-the-halloween-franchise/ Extra Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66hEHiXXo8Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgqWJBeOkL8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv9cGYoemeg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1tKcZc1rQ  

New liminal space just dropped!! On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re popping V/H/S (2012) in the ol’ VCR as we watch our first ever anthology film. Packed into this one movie are five horror shorts — and one overarching story that connects all of the individual pieces. Filled with truly haunting, horrifying realities and the blessed catharsis of men-eating monsters, this is one project that dares to ask the question, “Is there such a thing as a good boy in this godforsaken world?”Thank you to Ana Luisa for partnering with our podcast! Don’t forget to check out https://shop.analuisa.com/spookytuesday to take advantage of their Buy One, Get One 40% Off sale with pieces starting at just $39.References: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vhs-2012https://collider.com/vhs-movie-review/https://www.thefancarpet.com/interview/joeswanberg_vhs_interview/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V/H/Shttps://www.gawker.com/5923966/vhs-will-restore-your-faith-in-horror-filmshttps://www.vulture.com/2012/10/vhs-breakdown-for-the-horror-purists.html

Quick question: Should we start an experimental metal supergroup even though we can’t play any instruments? We came up with the best band name on a new Spooky Tuesday as we tackled House on Haunted Hill (1959), the Vincent Price classic that had a huge domino effect on horror as we know it. This is the film that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho — and it also, at one moment in the film, inspired all three of us to immediately and in unison announce that a scene was gay, gay, gay, gay, super gay, gay. Ghoulish and goofy, it’s hard to imagine how we might’ve viewed this film back in the day, but we gave it a shot by committing to only watching the black and white version.References:https://dailydead.com/halloween-2019-how-house-on-haunted-hill-1959-paved-the-way-for-the-next-60-years-of-genre-storytelling/https://www.filminquiry.com/horrific-inquiry-23/https://1428elm.com/2018/08/10/the-house-on-haunted-hill/2/https://thehorrortimes.com/2019/01/31/house-on-haunted-hill-1959-by-baron-craze/https://screenrant.com/house-on-haunted-hill-2021-recast/ https://collider.com/iconic-vincent-price-horror-film-performances/ https://www.avclub.com/even-without-plastic-skeletons-floating-overhead-house-1798239323 https://youtu.be/AG2OvI9XTus

The thing about dating is there’s only one way to win and about one million different ways to lose — which is part of what makes Fresh (2022) so horrifying. The Daisy Edgar-Jones/Sebastian Stan flick tells a whole cautionary tale in the first 33 minutes, and that’s just before the title sequence even begins. On a new episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about how public sex is the only answer, what kind of sequel we’d want to see, and how you should always turn your location on for your friends (cough, Monica, cough).References:https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a39427471/fresh-ending-explained-mimi-cave/https://www.gamesradar.com/fresh-movie-mimi-cave-interview/https://collider.com/fresh-movie-sebastian-stan-daisy-edgar-jones-interview-dance-scenes/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fresh-mimi-cave-gabe-hilfer-obsession-animotion-soundtrack-1235115160/ 

Everybody loves a comeback story — and everybody loves Brendan Fraser, which is why we’re thrilled to do our part for the Brendanaissance by giving Bedazzled (2000) the honor of being our second ever Fifth Tuesday film. A movie that almost (almost!!) makes it hard to root for everyone’s favorite turn-of-the-century leading man, Bedazzled is serving character growth, monkey’s paw messiness, and, most importantly, Elizabeth Hurley in a red leather pantsuit.References:https://www.gq.com/story/what-ever-happened-to-brendan-fraser  Rockstar Wish Deleted Scene: https://youtu.be/h_IrdnF-heg

Don’t let the name fool you — there’s no movie out there quite like Troll 2. Well, except for maybe Leprechaun. And Society. And The Princess Bride. And commercials for the Heinz ketchup collab with Shrek. But other than that, this 1990-era movie is truly one of a kind. Given a pseudo-sequel name and yet telling its own original story (about goblins, despite any possible confusion), Troll 2 is often lauded as the best worst movie out there, and they’ve got the behind-the-scenes documentary to prove it. Follow Devan Coggan on Instagram and Twitter at @devancoggan. You can also check out some of her work below: https://ew.com/author/devan-coggan/  References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy8jbj/an-oral-history-of-troll-2-the-best-worst-movie-ever-madehttps://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/movies/13worst.htmlhttps://www.vice.com/en/article/wj7v9x/the-popcorn-scene-from-troll-2-is-the-best-food-scene-in-cinemahttps://ew.com/article/2010/05/08/troll-2-best-worst-movie/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/79324/10-hospitable-facts-about-troll-2https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/dictionary/youve-been-trolled/ https://youtu.be/BolW8vnUcTshttps://youtu.be/GkiubjYhq6o

Are we starting to sense a theme? Anaconda and Little Shop of Horrors had a lot in common — and now Little Shop is the perfect segue into our next film. On this week’s Spooky Tuesday, we’re throwing it back to the ‘70s with Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), and space flowers are once again super relevant. But invading aliens aren’t the only thing this flick has going for it. Famously one of the best remakes of all time (and often considered even better than the ’56 original), this movie has an incredible cast, gorgeous opening credits, classic art history allusions, and some seriously sizzling sexual chemistry. Oh, and it also has Jeff Goldblum taking a mud bath — what else could you possibly want?References:  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/invasion-body-snatchers-ending-still-haunts-director-1170220/ https://www.theringer.com/movies/2018/10/2/17924468/invasion-of-the-body-snatchers-remake-donald-sutherlandhttps://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-legacy-of-invasion-of-the-body-snatchers/

What if we only talked about the ending of this movie? On our new episode, we’re all about Little Shop of Horrors (1986) — or at least the last few minutes of it. Compared to the stage play, the movie musical goes in a majorly different direction, and, uh, we’ve got some feelings about it. But we swear we do move on eventually, because it’s just as important that we talk about all of the CLEAR references to Anaconda, the iconic ear worm quality of every single song, and the TRUE meaning of BDSM. Just don’t forget to also check out the alternate ending, OK?Alternate Ending (Part 1): https://youtu.be/NDrgyq_QUpoAlternate Ending (Part 2): https://youtu.be/7RjFvcw6ToQReferences: https://youtu.be/KM56MR24SHkhttps://www.hollywoodinsider.com/little-shop-of-horrors-musical/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/little-shop-of-horrors-35-frank-oz-revisits-musical-1235048979/https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a31931280/little-shop-of-horrors-second-chance/

Wait, is Owen Wilson a little scream king? As Sydney pointed out during this episode, this is actually our second spooky movie featuring him — and what a spooky movie it is. On this week’s episode, we’re talking all about Anaconda (1997), the film that gave us J. Lo and O. Wil (should we make that a thing?) way before Marry Me was even a twinkle in a romcom writer’s eye. But it didn’t just star those two — it also featured Ice Cube, Jon Voigt, and Danny Trejo, and in an alternate universe Gillian Anderson could’ve been part of the cast, too. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re breaking down all the casting could’ve beens, important anatomical terms, and the cost of that absolutely unparalleled animatronic snake.References:https://screenrant.com/anaconda-film-behind-scenes-unknown-facts/https://www.vice.com/en/article/kz3yby/does-anaconda-actually-suckhttps://www.alternateending.com/2020/04/anaconda-1997.html

If there’s one thing we learned from the new Candyman (2021), it’s that you should always steal the branded pens they give you at businesses — oh, and that you should never even joke about saying any boogeyman’s name in a mirror five times. Or is it five times in a row? Five times in five minutes? Does it count if you do it over Zoom? On our latest Spooky Tuesday, we might just be veering into the danger zone — but we’re willing to take that risk for all you Spookies at home. We can’t do everything by ourselves, though. Given that this movie was another thinky, we decided to enlist the help of our pal Chancellor Agard. Not only is he a bonafide smarty, he’s also an actual media critic who had the opportunity to chat with director Nia DaCosta herself about what it was like bringing the legend of Candyman back to life.Follow Chancellor Agard on Twitter at @chancelloragard and on Instagram at @thechancellor_. You can also check out some of his work below: https://ew.com/movies/directors-notes-nia-dacosta-candyman-the-marvels/ https://ew.com/movies/candyman-bad-hair-antebellum-american-horror-stories/ References: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/30/candyman-sequel-nia-dacosta-discuss-spoilershttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/candyman-jordan-peele-nia-dacosta-1235005120/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/movies/nia-dacosta-candyman.htmlhttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/candyman-horror-movie-black-pain/619825/ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210901-candyman-and-horrors-dubious-reckoning-with-racism https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/8/31/22650239/candyman-reboot-review-hollywood-black-horror https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/08/26/candyman-how-racism-makes-unwilling-martyrs-out-black-people/5536634001/  https://screenrant.com/candyman-2021-sequels-canon-explained/ 

No thoughts, just vibes or all thoughts and no vibes? Sydney told Monica and Chelsea to get “flavor blasted” before watching The Love Witch (2016), but we definitely needed our full mental faculties for this discussion. The movie was undoubtedly a labor of love from writer/director (and producer/songwriter/editor/production designer/art director/set decorator/costume designer/shall we go on) Anna Biller — and the finished product is a feast for the eyes, particularly with all the ‘60s inspired fashion — but whether or not it was a successful film is up for discussion. There’s at least one thing we can all agree on, though: Gahan is the absolute worst. References:https://sbodrojan.medium.com/i-am-his-fantasy-on-anna-billers-the-love-witch-b465d94360a0 https://screen-queens.com/2020/09/07/supernatural-horror-and-the-problem-with-bio-essentialism/ http://annabillersblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-misogyny-of-modern-slasher-film.html https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/love-witch-review-anna-biller-samantha-robinson-1201744349/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/02/love-witch-director-anna-biller-conversation-pornographyhttps://www.anothergaze.com/crazy-love-transgressive-femininities-anna-billers-love-witch/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/the-love-witch-anna-biller-inspiration-interview https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jan/27/tradwives-new-trend-submissive-women-dark-heart-history https://vodzilla.co/interviews/interview-anna-biller-on-the-love-witch-critics-feminism-and-female-pleasure/ https://maifeminism.com/witchcraft-is-just-a-way-of-concentrating-energy-an-interview-with-anna-biller/ https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dc0WQ_8W0AARBSz?format=jpg https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/the-love-witch-anna-biller-crew-1201904994/ 

Is there anything more on theme for Valentine’s Day than wrapping up a literal human heart in a cartoon heart-shaped box? It’s called romance, babes, and on our latest episode, we’re talking about a killer who doesn’t do anything ~half-hearted.~ In My Bloody Valentine (1981), the mysterious miner knows how to commit to a bit — and here at Spooky Tuesday, we love when a man puts his whole Valentussy into honoring the holiday. Join us for a romantic week-long celebration as we talk about all the iconic style, gory kills, and lad behavior in this ‘80s slasher classic. Spoiler alert: When people say boys will be boys, they’re talking about the group shower scene in this movie.References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuY7GsM6tvE 

Here at Spooky Tuesday, we’ve always said that Scream (1996) was a love letter to the horror genre — and the new Scream (2022) is definitely a love letter to the whole Wes Craven franchise. This week, we’re diving deep into Scream 5 and trying to fit all of our many, many, many (many!!!) thoughts into just under two hours. We’re talking easter eggs, Scream’s first canon queer character, Dewey’s foster dogs, Tara’s love for The Babadook (2014), our whole-hearted devotion to Sidney Prescott, and just where exactly Matthew Lillard could (or does!) fit in. Now who’s got their fingers crossed for Scream 6?References:https://www.them.us/story/scream-five-jasmin-savoy-brown-mindy-lgbtq-horrorhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/scream-2022-neve-campbell-sidney-prescott-next-movie-1235078952/

Last week, we celebrated Matty Lilly’s birthday. This week, we’re celebrating our first celebrity guest as Spooky Tuesday welcomes Kristian Bruun onto the pod. In honor of his debut on season 3 of the Snowpiercer TV show, we asked him to throw it back to the 20teens and explore the original Snowpiercer (2013) movie with us. A Bong Joon Ho adaptation of a French comic, the flick is packed full of star power, incredible sets, and commentary on the world we live in. It’s also got Chris Evans slipping on a fish mid-fight scene, so you know it’s worth the watch, but what you’ll really want to tune in for is the back and forth as Kristian tries to decide exactly how he feels about that ending.Follow Kristian Bruun on Instagram and Twitter at @mrkristianbruun. Season 3 of Snowpiercer premiered on Monday, January 24. References:https://www.indiewire.com/2014/02/review-was-snowpiercer-worth-the-battle-for-the-directors-cut-30188/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/movies/in-snowpiercer-the-train-trip-to-end-all-train-trips.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/movies/designing-the-train-sections-for-bong-joon-hos-snowpiercer.html?smid=url-sharehttps://www.vulture.com/2014/07/snowpiecer-movie-discussion.html https://www.vox.com/2014/7/7/5875835/sci-fi-movie-snowpiercer-is-one-of-the-most-political-films-of-the https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32639907/snowpiercer-twist-explained-wilford-ending-netflix/ https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/interview-bong-joon-ho/ 

We know this one's a long one, but Spookies, the most important day of the year is JUST around the corner. That’s right, we’re gearing up to celebrate our king Matty Lilly’s birthday on Monday, January 24 — which is why we’re using this Tuesday to kick off a week-long party with Thir13en Ghosts (2001). A movie with a bonkers plot, an Oscar-worthy performance from Tony Shalhoub, an incredible post-movie rap, and a title that makes Chelsea lose a little bit of her mind each time she types it out, Thir13en Ghosts is worth the watch. You just might need to watch it again after that to fully appreciate it... but, as we always say, the more Matty Lilly, the merrier.References:https://screenrant.com/thirteen-ghosts-movie-all-spirits-explained/ https://collider.com/why-13-ghosts-is-a-great-2000s-horror-movie/ https://scriptophobic.ca/2020/08/18/written-in-blood-13-ghosts/ https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/thirteen-ghosts-2001-anniversary/ 

Here’s the thing about Megan Fox and MGK: Wouldn’t we all let ourselves go a little insane and get completely cringe for a chance to be with her???? We’re not willing to let a lil public daddy play get in the way of our love for a spooky queen, so when winter rolled around, we knew Till Death (2021) would be on our schedule. Released in the middle of summer to relatively quiet acclaim, we hadn’t heard too much about the Megan Fox vehicle, but we at least knew this: There’s no real way to go wrong when it comes to staring at her gorgeous face for a full 90 minutes. References: https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/till-death-review-1235010486/ https://www.avclub.com/one-of-the-overlooked-gems-of-the-year-was-a-lean-nast-1848135343 https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/megan-fox-machine-gun-kelly-interview 

We’ve been joking about it for months, but the day has finally come: We’re covering Jason X (2002) on Spooky Tuesday. An unabashedly Y2K movie that dares to imagine a future full of clothing you might’ve bought at your local Limited Too, the tenth installment in the Friday the 13th franchise shows the ghombie himself getting frozen, going to space, and exploring virtual reality. Was it worth the wait? It depends on who you ask.Want to donate to Monica’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center?Check out her donation page here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/monicaheidt Resources:Jason X Trailer: https://youtu.be/Ka8QJjfpw1whttps://weminoredinfilm.com/2014/04/04/13-things-you-may-not-know-about-jason-x/ https://www.comicon.com/2021/03/20/franchise-expansion-or-implosion-jason-x/ https://www.gq.com/story/on-jason-x-the-friday-the-13th-movie-that-sent-jason-off-to-kill-in-space

The girlies are fighting, y’all. Ever since The Shining (1980) first smashed its way into theaters, Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick were at each other’s throats, arguing about whose version of the story is best, whose is a fancy car without an engine, and whose is by no means a serious literary work. On a new Spooky Tuesday, though, we just may have discovered that a combination of the two canons makes for the best understanding of the film — and we’re sharing our thoughts and theories as we break down one of the most famous horror movies (or straight up just one of the most famous movies) of all time.Want to donate to Monica’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center? Check out her donation page here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/monicaheidt  References:Coors Light Twins Commercial: https://youtu.be/UfH2mgOnM-k https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shining_(novel) https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/may/23/the-shining-at-40-will-we-ever-fully-understand-what-it-all-means https://www.slashfilm.com/604309/the-shining-ending-explained-one-of-the-most-famous-horror-conclusions-ever-deserves-a-fresh-look/ 

We gotta say, Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) really lives up to its title as a video nasty. Pulled from theaters when it first came out because it dared to ask the question, “What if Santa but bad,” this ‘80s horror flick became something of a cult classic based solely on the fact that it was hard to see — like, literally hard to track down and watch back when streaming services and websites were barely even a twinkle in Al Gore’s eye. If you ask us here at Spooky Tuesday, though, “evil Santa” was a total red (and green) herring for the actually disturbing on-screen deaths. On our second (and last) Christmas episode of the season, we’re talking about what worked for us, who changed their tune about this movie, and why diverstitties are so important.Want to donate to Monica’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center?  Check out her donation page here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/monicaheidt  Resources: Peer Pressure Video: https://youtu.be/a6_8zBcm7xkhttps://drafthouse.com/news/remembering-the-year-that-silent-night-deadly-night-ruined-christmas  https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/silent-night-deadly-night-controversial-horror-film-getting-reboot.html/  https://nerdist.com/article/silent-night-deadly-night-anniversary-charles-sellier-perry-botkin/  https://www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/silent_night_deadly_night/ https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/82656/30th-anniversary-silent-night-deadly-night-retrospective-part-1/ 

You already know that all of us Spooky Tuesday cuties have impeccable, perfect, polished singing voices — so it’s no surprise that we were excited to take on our first musical. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) is a zombie Christmas movie packed full of original songs, pop culture references, and characters who don’t yet realize they’re queer (but don’t worry, we’re ready to help them get there). It’s also one of the rare apocalypse settings we’d actually entertain the notion of fighting for, and we’re explaining why on our new episode.Want to donate to Monica’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center?    Check out her donation page here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/monicaheidt  

The thing about The Thing (1982) is that it is super gross, actually — but it’s also full of absolute hotties. From Kurt Russell with his beard to Keith David with his earring to Richard Masur’s big gorgeous nose, pretty much everyone is serving looks, and given that it’s an all male cast (literally not a single woman among them, sorry to Alison Bechdel), there’s plenty of opportunities for things to get gay. As we journey down to the south pole on a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re gearing up for the winter weather with one of the best horror classics around.  Want to donate to Monica’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center? Check out her donation page here: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/monicaheidt  References: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/23/opinion/the-thing-movie-horror.html https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2021/10/the-thing-retrospective-review-john-carpenter https://screenrant.com/thing-movie-childs-human-ending-explained/ 

Fifth Tuesday is all about the freebies, but some might say Twilight (2008) is actually one of the most horrifying stories around. For our very first Fifth Tuesday, a new institution in which we use the occasional bonus spooky day each month to cover whatever kind of movie we want, we’re throwing it back to our Robert Pattinson phase — but does one ever really grow out of such a thing? While our relationship with the vampire franchise may have changed throughout the years (it’s been a rollercoaster), ultimately we’re just as obsessed with this flick as all of the Cullens are with monkeys.

A major holiday is just around the corner — and this week, Spooky Tuesday is celebrating Sydney style. In honor of T-Hanksgiving, we’ll be traveling right alongside the rest of you as we head out of town and aim for The ‘Burbs (1989). In this black comedy, Carrie Fisher is queen, Corey Feldman tailgates a B&E, and T-Hanks himself delivers one of the most iconic monologues we’ve ever seen. It’s all about that gurney moment, baby! Now pass the mashed potatoes. Watch the alternate ending for The Burbs (1989) HERE. References:  https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/feb/15/the-burbs-30th-anniversary-tom-hanks-joe-dante https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/why-joe-dantes-the-burbs-is-as-relevant-today-as-it-was-in-1989/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXMljZ1lcPI https://geektyrant.com/news/10-fun-facts-about-tom-hanks-the-burbs 

We may have dabbled in zombies with movies like Friday the 13th, The Evil Dead, and Hocus Pocus, but we’re ready to finally go full zom with Train to Busan (2016). It’s also our first foray into foreign-language films here at Spooky Tuesday, so hop on board as we travel abroad to break down zombiology, examine the movie’s cultural criticisms, and absolutely lose our minds fawning over baseball boys and buff dads. References: http://www.filmosophy.co.uk/train_to_busan_social_commentary.html https://asianmoviepulse.com/2021/04/yeon-sang-hos-train-busan-mix-zombies-korean-cinema-hollywood/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/10/world/asia/sewol-ferry-accident.html? 

Here at Spooky Tuesday, we are but three beautiful idiots — which is why we knew we needed to recruit some outside help when we decided our newest episode should be on As Above So Below (2014). Joined by a bonafide beautiful smarty who is legit well-versed in the literary references that are packed into the flick, we took a journey to the furthest depths of hell and came out on the other side armed with love for Ben Feldman, comparisons to films like National Treasure and 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, and some new fanfiction moments about classical Italian texts. Spoilers for Dante’s Inferno!!!!!

If you are the kind of person that loves Scream 3 as much as Chelsea does, boy, have we got a treat for you. Though Cursed (2005) may or may not have tanked at the box office and then all but fallen into obscurity, this Wes Craven-Kevin Williamson collab is actually a gift given straight to us here at Spooky Tuesday. It may not have been the movie that any of the cast or crew originally signed on to create, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t everything we want. On our new episode, we’re talking not just the movie we see on our screens, but also the movie that might have been (oh, and wolves — we’ve got a whole tangent about wolves). References: https://screenrant.com/wes-craven-cursed-original-version/ https://screenrant.com/cursed-movie-wes-craven-version-changes-differences-release-future/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV2m4QPBtU8&t=58s&ab_channel=TDMM69 http://thehorrorsyndicate.com/2020/01/a-different-beast-the-original-script-for-cursed/ https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3623003/release-craven-cut-history-wes-cravens-troubled-werewolf-film-cursed/ 

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Gosh, I sure wish there were a podcast episode out there where the hosts go fully balls to the walls out of their minds for approximately an hour and a half straight”???? Don’t worry, bestie, we’ve got you covered!!! On our special Halloween episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re going full chaos vibes with Hocus Pocus (1993). After we had some sexy lil technological difficulties the first time we recorded (that pesky Mercury retrograde), we came back crazier than ever as we roasted Roger Ebert, examined the Madonna-whore complex, explored myths about queer signaling in the 17th century, and uncovered some previously unnoticed narrative gems in this Kenny Ortega classic. References:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZIL9EghweY https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/how-hocus-pocus-became-an-enduring-halloween-hit.html 

Before we dive right in, can we get a little group “Awooga, awooga!” going for Handsome Ben Hanscom from IT (1990)? A poetry-writing cutie patootie as a kiddo and John Ritter in a bolo tie as an adult, he’s one of the best parts about the TV miniseries (which Sydney insists should count as only ONE movie, to be clear). However, this not-quite-double-feature has a LOT going for it, including Tim Reid as the smartest man in Maine, Tim Curry as a terrifying and tantalizing clown, and Annette O’Toole’s Beverly Marsh kissing all of her friends on the mouth. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re revisiting the childhood classic in honor of Sydneypalooza, a.k.a. Syd’s big birthday celebrash.  References:  https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chosen-one-of-the-day-grown-up-bills-ponytail-from-it https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chosen-one-of-the-day-the-refrigerated-head-of-richard-masur-from-the-original-stephen https://www.ranker.com/list/it-miniseries-behind-the-scenes/orrin-grey https://screenrant.com/stephen-king-it-1990-miniseries-first-half-better-why/ 

Were you absolutely traumatized by The Ring (2002) as a child or did you get to live in blissful ignorance until you were older? The Spooky Tuesday hosts came to this movie at all different points in their lives, but we’re all on the same page now as we discuss all of the unbearably uncomfortable images in this movie, from wiggie fingies to throat strings to suicidal horses. Also, there are some major clear references, whether they’re to The Evil Dead or Twilight, and we’re covering all that on our second episode from Season 2. References:  https://screenrant.com/ring-2002-movie-ending-explained-depressing-reason/ https://www.slashfilm.com/571443/scariest-scene-in-the-ring/ https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3077259/shock-vs-dread-how-j-horror-classic-ring-1998-compares-its 

It’s no coincidence that a poster of The Hills Have Eyes made it into the set dressing for The Evil Dead (1981). Much like Doug, Ash is on the scaredy cat to bad bitch pipeline — and we’re exploring that and more clear references in our Season 2 premiere. Picking up where we left off with Alien, we’re highlighting another genre-defining horror film as we explore the origins of the ghombie, spooky cabins in the woods, and emo Peter Parker.  References:  https://screenrant.com/stephen-king-evil-dead-movie-sequel-connection-explained/ https://lwlies.com/articles/in-praise-of-the-evil-dead/ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/66213/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-evil-dead https://www.slashfilm.com/554314/friday-the-13th-evil-dead/ 

Thought we were going somewhere? We wouldn’t do that to you, bestie. Instead of leaving you with nothing during our little one week break, we put together this minisode to reintroduce all of our long-time friends and new listeners to Spooky Tuesday and the three of us. There may not be a dumb bitch this week, but there will still be some CLEAR references as we share some of our favorite spooky stories and give a couple little previews for future freaky films.

Want to hear the spookiest thing of all? This episode is our season finale — but don’t worry, we’re not leaving you for long. Before we start Season 2, though, we knew we had to go out with a bang, which is why we’re exploring Alien (1979). A legendary film that won both critical acclaim and launched a whole Ridley Scott Cinematic Universe, there’s a lot to talk about, and we promise not to spend TOO much time focusing on all of the — well, let’s just call it sexually suggestive imagery.  References:  https://www.space.com/alien-movie-40th-anniversary.html https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/alien-40-anniversary-ridley-scott-sigourney-weaver-ellen-ripley-a8801066.html 

If there’s one thing we have to say about The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016), it’s that Stanley is 100% alive and well in our hearts, and we won’t hear anything that so much as suggests the opposite. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re exploring the deep cuts of this modern mystery and analyzing what did and didn’t actually happen. This isn’t the kind of movie that’s going to clearly lay it all out for you, but we’re more than happy to draw our own conclusions in the meantime.References: https://www.slashfilm.com/575159/autopsy-of-jane-doe-bell-scene/https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2019/08/06/the-autopsy-of-jane-doe-and-the-power-of-folk-taleshttps://www.looper.com/404401/the-autopsy-of-jane-doe-theory-that-has-horror-fans-scratching-their-heads/

DARE would’ve been a failed program no matter what, but we’re pretty sure it didn’t help that The Faculty (1998) was actively undoing all that hard work. Or maybe it was the DARE agenda that kept The Faculty from becoming the next Scream the way Hollywood thought it would be? On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about the alien flick with a soon-to-be A-list cast where there is only one solution to an otherworldly problem, and that’s drugs. References: https://collider.com/scream-the-faculty-jordana-brewster-interview/https://www.avclub.com/the-faculty-is-the-bleakest-and-most-subversive-film-of-1830833616

Critics might love it, but Quentin Tarantino has some notes for It Follows (2014), and he may or may not be making points. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re getting into the sex ghost rules — and whether or not they even matter — as we break down a movie packed full of literary and cinematic references, insightful questions about the truth of human nature, and several scary naked people.References: https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3387893/follows-not-stds-life-sexual-assault-survivor/https://cinemafaith.com/articles/trauma-follows/https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/how-quentin-tarantino-would-fix-it-follows.htmlhttps://www.wired.com/2015/03/it-follows-unholy-trinity/https://www.vox.com/2015/3/13/8205857/it-follows-review-scary

Ever wished you could relate to the scariest scene in Psycho, but you’re just more of a bath person? Then What Lies Beneath (2000) is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. A Hitchcock-inspired story that features a beautiful blonde, a very spooky bathroom, and multiple different games of solitaire, this Michelle Pfeiffer flick is about as straight as it gets, but it has some of our cohosts feeling extra gay. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re settling in for a long soak with Harrison Ford’s first (and so far only) horror movie. We’re one of Feedspot’s top 20 horror movie podcasts! Check out the full list.References:Why the Casting of ‘What Lies Beneath’ Makes It One of the Best Thrillers Ever Made

Here at Spooky Tuesday, we love to make things gayer, but it doesn’t get much more gay than Sleepaway Camp (1983). While the movie can be pretty problematic when taken for the film it was intended to be, a more modern perspective and death-of-the-author approach can transform it into a deeply meaningful and identity-affirming flick. Plus, it’s full of dudes wearing mesh shirts, crop tops, and shorts so short they may as well just be undies — so what more could we really ask for? We’re unpacking it all as we pack our bags for one of our final adventures of the summer.We’re one of Feedspot’s top 20 horror movie podcasts! Check out the full list below. https://blog.feedspot.com/horror_movie_podcasts/References:https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/295274/going-back-to-sleepaway-camp-revisiting-the-problematic-classic/https://harmonycolangelo.medium.com/the-transgender-defense-of-angela-baker-and-sleepaway-camp-82dd54ddf9cdhttp://cleojournal.com/2015/08/10/how-can-it-be-shes-a-boy-transmisogyny-in-sleepaway-camp/https://thenewbev.com/blog/2017/02/the-sexual-politics-of-sleepaway-camp/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3625816/sleepaway-camp-elephant-room-trapped-gender/

Ready for another underwater adventure? During the second half of #Shark2Weeks, a.k.a. #SharkyTuesWeek, friendships will be tried and tested — both in the movie and on our latest Spooky Tuesday episode. In 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019), four teens venture into an underwater cave, where a medieval shark may or may not be lurking. Starring some Nickelodeon girlies and iconic nepotism hires, this flick pushes the limits on how gay things can get without ever actually committing to being gay.

In the words of Javier, “Mr. Shark! Hello! Mr. Shark, hello!” Or should we say Mx? If you ask us, sharks are beyond the gender binary — and they’re sticking around for a week or two here at Spooky Tuesday. In a special back-to-back feature, we’re taking on #Shark2Weeks (a.k.a. #SharkyTuesWeek), starting with 47 Meters Down (2017). Starring Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, and a water tank full of chopped broccoli, this shark tale takes a look at what happens when you try to live your life for your ex.

Wild horses couldn’t drag us away from Fear (1996). On this week’s Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about Reese Witherspoon’s much-under-discussed film, a cautionary tale about what happens when you get involved with Mark Wahlberg. If you ask us, this should be a mandatory viewing for all teenager girls — at least for the style inspo, if not the life lessons — and we’re doing our part to remind everyone to go watch it right now.

It’s mid-summer, baby, and you know what that means: It’s time we covered Midsommar (2019) on Spooky Tuesday. On our latest episode, we’re honoring the super long film by sharing a super long episode (which is to say that we just could not stop talking about it and dissecting it and debating aspects of it). From Mark’s shocking resemblance to Sid from Toy Story to the Aly & AJ of it all, we’re diving deep into everything that makes Midsommar the perfect mid-summer movie.References: Articles:https://filmquarterly.org/2020/10/30/midsommars-nordic-nationalism-and-neo-confederate-nostalgia/https://avidly.lareviewofbooks.org/2019/08/13/midsommar-the-horrors-of-white-sympathy/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-midsommar-spoilers-ari-aster-jack-reynor-20190703-story.htmlTikToks: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdspJah3/https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdsp82mg/

There’s only one thing you need to know about Friday the 13th (1980) ahead of time: Kevin Bacon’s butt is in it. In a new episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re heading back to camp right alongside ghombie Jason (and Fear Street Pt 2). In the first installment of one of horror’s most famous franchises, we’re exploring how the stories do and don’t connect, what films are referenced and what films reference this one, and acknowledging camp director Steve Christy as the bisexual icon he is.

Did a gas station attendant give us bad directions somewhere along the way? This week’s Spooky Tuesday took us into radioactive territory with The Hills Have Eyes (2006), a Wes Craven reboot that explores both global and domestic politics, the desolation of the desert, and a shockingly relevant pair of yabbos.

We can’t believe it’s almost over, but we’re closing out Pride Month here at Spooky Tuesday with the film that’s simultaneously the least canonically gay and most subtextually gay out of the films we covered this month, The Lost Boys. Featuring the two Coreys, Kiefer Sutherland, and Richard Gilmore himself, this ‘80s classic teaches us — as cohost Monica put it — the ever important lesson: Motorcycles are a gateway drug. 

How many films can say they feature a row boat chase scene? In a new episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re talking about What Keeps You Alive (2018), a film that both delivers on the gay shit front and only gets crazier from there. With two wives heading into the woods (somewhere Sydney would tell you that you should NEVER go), things are bound to go bad — but this movie truly gives a new meaning to gatekeep, gaslight, girl boss. 

We have two and a half words for you: Catherine Zeta-Jones. And then a few more: Owen Wilson saying, “Wow.” If neither of those caught your attention, we’re just not sure how else to sell you on The Haunting — but as another take on Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, this haunted mansion movie really takes it there with the strange and sinister set pieces. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re thirsting after CZJ, practicing our Owen Wilson impressions, and trying desperately to find a single thread of logic running through this film. 

The Blood Spattered Bride (1972) implies in the title alone that it’s got everything we could want in a movie: fake blood, a man-eater, and two brides. What more could the Spooky Tuesday girlies ask for? Full bush representation? Don’t worry, this film has that too, and it’s as ‘70s as you’d expect. A take on the classic Carmilla tale, The Blood Spattered Bride delivers when it comes to vampirism, lesbianism, and incredible vintage fashion.