Best Michael Varrati Podcasts (2025)

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BONUS - The Nightmare Trials 1:02:17

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5d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

While you patiently wait for our INTERNATIONAL EEKS triple feature to continue, we'd like to present you with a BONUS episode from our friends over at THE NIGHTMARE TRIALS podcast! They've put 3 episodes of the popular horror drama into one package for us to share with you today (including one of their Patreon episodes)! So enjoy this special bonus…

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A Slimy, Seductive Sex Squid in Andrzej Żuławski’s POSSESSION 1:36:38

12d ago1:36:38

1:36:38

We’re kicking off our INTERNATIONAL EEKS triple feature with Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult classic Possession. Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani’s infamous Berlin breakdown becomes the backdrop for one of cinema’s strangest monsters—a slimy, seductive tentacled being. We dig into the film’s 6 monster reveals, the unforgettable subway scene, the Cold War…

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Death Spiral in Junji Ito's UZUMAKI 1:14:51

26d ago1:14:51

1:14:51

Wrapping up our KILLER COMICS triple feature, we’re hopping on a bicycle in a sleepy seaside town to meet a transmutative, parasitic cosmic force in Junji Ito’s manga adaptation UZUMAKI, starring Eriko Hatsune, Fhi Fan, Ren Osugi, Keiko Takahashi, Masami Horiuchi, Sadao Abe, and Hinako Saeki. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube For bo…

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Episode 115: WolfCop 1:03:31

1M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Here comes the fuzz! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a hairy trip up north in celebration of 2014’s WOLFCOP! In addition to discussing this film’s irreverent take on masculinity, our hosts delve into its decidedly unique transformation sequence. Joining the conversation are multifaceted superstars KEVIN ALLISON and MICHAEL PATRICK JANN, w…

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The Collector in Ernest Dickerson's TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON NIGHT (w/ Michael Varrati) 1:38:11

1M ago1:38:11

1:38:11

Wrapping up our KILLER COMICS triple feature, we’re going all in on Christian blood magic with special guest Michael Varrati to meet the cartoonishly chaotic Collector in TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT, starring Jada Pinkett Smith, William Sadler, Billy Zane, CCH Pounder, Thomas Hayden Church, Dick Miller, Brenda Bakke, Charles Fleischer, and J…

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Episode 114: The Brady Bunch Movies 1:39:54

2M ago1:39:54

1:39:54

Marcia, Marcia, MARCIA! On this week's episode, Peaches and Michael are having a sunshine day in celebration of 1995's THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE and 1996's A VERY BRADY SEQUEL! In addition to discussing how the feature film version of America's favorite TV family subverts expectations, our hosts delve into the absolute queer journey of unhinged icon Ja…

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307 - SDCC Queer Horror Recap (w/ Michael Varrati) 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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Deacon Frost in Stephen Norrington's BLADE 1:33:40

2M ago1:33:40

1:33:40

Today, we kick off our KILLER COMICS triple feature with Stephen Norrington’s cinematic showcase of sunburnt suckheads. The blood sprinklers are spraying, the daywalker is slaying, and we’re trying to figure out why Blade has a blade, but Whistler never whistles, as we hop into a 1968 Dodge Charger to meet Deacon Frost and his raving legion of bloo…

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Episode 113: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie 1:46:59

2M ago1:46:59

1:46:59

A live action heap of fun! This week, Peaches and Michael get trashy in celebration of 1987’s THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS MOVIE! In addition to discussing this contested cult classic’s place as a prime piece of gateway grossness, our hosts ruminate on the popular trading card series that inspired its creation. Joining the conversation is legendary film p…

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Jason Voorhees in Joseph Zito's FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER 2:09:03

2M ago2:09:03

2:09:03

Wrapping up our CRUEL SUMMER triple feature, we’re renting a summer cabin on Camp Crystal Lake to meet the tenaciously territorial Jason Voorhees in FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER, starring Corey Feldman, Kimberly Beck, Crispin Glover, Joan Freeman, Erich Anderson, Lawrence Monoson, Camilla More, Carey More, Judie Aronson, Peter Barton, and Ted…

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Episode 112: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1:39:53

3M ago1:39:53

1:39:53

Who will survive and what will be left of them?! This week, Peaches and Michael are out enjoying the summer sun in celebration of 1974’s THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE! In addition to discussing how this groundbreaking cult classic changed the face of horror forever, our hosts delve into Tobe Hooper’s longstanding assertation that he made the film as…

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Carnivorous Plants in Carter Smith's THE RUINS 1:08:46

3M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Continuing our CRUEL SUMMER triple feature, we’re trespassing on ancient Mayan ruins to meet an infestation of carnivorous vines in Carter Smith’s THE RUINS, starring Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Jonathan Tucker, Joe Anderson, Laura Ramsey, and Dimitri Baveas. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube For bonus content and commentaries, chec…

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Episode 111: Muriel's Wedding 1:32:22

3M ago1:32:22

1:32:22

You’re TERRIBLE! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating Pride like a couple of dancing queens as they shine a spotlight on 1994’s MURIEL’S WEDDING! In addition to discussing why this tragicomedy cult classic resonates with queer viewers, our hosts delve into the undeniable icon status of Toni Collette. Joining the conversation is THE BINGE …

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Vampires in Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (w/ Guilford Adams) 1:15:56

3M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

Kicking off our CRUEL SUMMER triple feature, we’re hijacking an RV on the Texas/Mexico border with actor/director/bozo Guilford Adams to meet the seductive and sinister Santanico Pandemonium and her Titty Twister patrons in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, starring George Clooney, Juliette Lewis, Harvey Keitel, Quentin Tarantino, Salma Hayek, Ernest Liu, Tom S…

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Episode 110 - Friday the 13th: A New Beginning 1:40:26

4M ago1:40:26

1:40:26

If Jason still haunts you…you’re not alone! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling “reckless” in celebration of 1985’s FRIDAY THE 13TH: A NEW BEGINNING! In addition to celebrating the 40th anniversary of this hotly debated 5th franchise entry, our hosts dig into how the saga of Tommy Jarvis almost took Jason Voorhees’ legacy into a totally diff…

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Dr. Caligari in Robert Wiene’s THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI 1:32:45

4M ago1:32:45

1:32:45

Wrapping up our MAD SCIENTISTS triple feature, we’re making our way to Holstenwall to meet an evil hypnotist and his unconsenting sidekick in Robert Wiene’s THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGAI, starring Friedrich Feher, Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Lil Dagover, Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, and Rudolf Lettinger. Tim Burton & German Expressionism on YouTube …

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306 - Freaky Friday Them - Bring Her Back (2025) 56:18

4M ago56:18

56:18

Welcome back to Fright School! This week, Joshua cries Elder Millennial Abuse and continues to pine for Hugh Jackman. Joe has thoughts on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and LILO & STITCH. Joshua joined a GEEKSCAPE live to break down the new Paul Reubens documentary PEE WEE AS HIMSELF. We took a trip to our local cinema to check out BRING HER BACK! Spoilers abo…

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Episode 109: Vixen! 1:37:32

4M ago1:37:32

1:37:32

Is she woman…or animal? This week, Peaches and Michael are faced with a taboo-breaking femme fatale in celebration of 1968’s VIXEN! In addition to discussing how this transgressive slice of cinema fits into Russ Meyer’s overall oeuvre, our hosts delve into its pointed commentary of Vietnam War-era politics. Joining the conversation is Severin Films…

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Dr. Moreau in John Frankenheimer's THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU 1:29:40

4M ago1:29:40

1:29:40

Continuing our MAD SCIENTISTS triple feature, we’re jumping ship to a private island to meet the mad Dr. Moreau and his chosen family of genetically-engineered Beast People in John Frankenheimer’s (and partially Richard Stanley’s) THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU, starring David Thewlis, Marlon Brando, Val Kilmer, Fairuza Balk, Temuera Morrison, Daniel Rig…

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305 - The French D.A.R.E. Program - Climax (2018) 1:00:38

4M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Welcome back to Fright School! We catch up on 4 year old information about Marjorie Taylor Greene. Joe is studying the geopolitical ramifications of Eurovision. What new movies are we most excited about? This week, we take another trip with CLIMAX. This film has everything you could want in French cinema: suffering children, sexual misconduct, ince…

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Episode 108: The Honeymoon Killers 1:28:04

5M ago1:28:04

1:28:04

Lonely hearts beware! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting romance on notice in celebration of 1970’s THE HONEYMOON KILLERS! In addition to discussing how this venerated classic goes beyond the confines of a standard true crime adaptation, our hosts delve into the cult power of the singular sensation that is Shirley Stoler. Joining the conver…

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Howard Howe in Kevin Smith's TUSK (w/ Don Campbell) 1:44:09

5M ago1:44:09

1:44:09

Kicking off our MAD SCIENTISTS triple feature, we’re traveling deep into the Great White North with horror author Don Campbell to meet the lonely lunatic, Howard Howe, and his human-walrus abomination, in Kevin Smith’s TUSK, starring Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez, Lily-Rose Depp, Harley Quinn Smith, and Johnny Dep…

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304 - Vampires in the Cowboy Carter Era - Sinners (2025) 1:19:10

5M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Welcome back to Fright School! Joe is doing physically well while Joshua is dying of the consumption. Joshua hopped on the Geekscape YouTube channel to give his chaotic thoughts on ANDOR. Joe talks Joshua into seeing THUNDERBOLTS* because Julia Louis-Dreyfus. This week, we sink our teeth into SINNERS. Well, we take a nibble because this film is DEE…

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303 - Julia Fox: A Realtor - Presence (2025) 1:08:44

5M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Welcome back to Fright School! This week, we investigate a PRESENCE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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Episode 107: Sleepaway Camp 1:34:39

5M ago1:34:39

1:34:39

…you won’t be coming home! This week, Peaches and Michael are hiding their curling irons in celebration of 1983’s SLEEPAWAY CAMP! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s constant cultural reassessment, our hosts delve into why this legendary gorefest also became a benchmark moment in queer cinema. Joining the conversation are THIS ENDS AT PRO…

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Dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK (w/ Sarah Clingenpeel) 1:41:08

5M ago1:41:08

1:41:08

Wrapping up our ROTTEN EGGS triple feature, special guest Sarah Clingenpeel from Terror Films joins us as we follow an adorable, but audacious billionaire to a private island in Costa Rica to meet his caravan of cretaceous carnivores in Steven Spielberg’s JURASSIC PARK, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Wayne Knig…

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302 - Synecdoche is a Part of Me - Idle Hands (1999) 57:40

5M ago57:40

57:40

Welcome back to Fright School! This week, we predict how the horror genre will respond to the Trump Era. We reflect on the subject of fatness in horror after reading Dread Central's recent article on CARRIE. Joe's takeover continues with IDLE HANDS (1999). We remind our listeners that cannabis is legal for recreational use in California. We discuss…

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Episode 106: Abby 1:22:36

5M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

The story of a woman possessed! This week, Peaches and Michael are raising some hell on behalf of 1974’s ABBY! In addition to discussing how this burgeoning cult classic was almost lost due to studio suppression, our hosts delve into how it fundamentally breaks the Judeo-Christian mold of exorcism cinema. Joining the conversation is acclaimed write…

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Xenomorphs in James Cameron's ALIENS 1:53:47

6M ago1:53:47

1:53:47

Continuing our ROTTEN EGGS triple feature, we’re investigating the remains of an extraterrestrial ghost town to meet a family of phallic-headed flesh-feeders and their cosmic Queen, commonly known as BITCH, in James Cameron’s ALIENS, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, Jenette Goldstein, Al Matthews,…

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301 - Doing All the Euphemisms - Scary Movie 1 & 2 (w/ Justine) 1:02:35

6M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Welcome back to Fright School! This week Joe is taking over once again and we're getting lost in the weeds literally... We're examining the relationship between cannabis and horror by kicking it off with a stoner horror double feature of SCARY MOVIE and SCARY MOVIE 2! We chat about parody films, why getting high pairs well with getting scared, and …

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300 - The 300th Episode Celebration! (w/ Justine) 50:17

6M ago50:17

50:17

Welcome to the 300th episode of Fright School! This week, our dear friend Justine joins us to catch up and discuss the show! Thank you to all of our listeners for getting us to 300! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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Episode 105: Wild at Heart 1:34:41

6M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

…and weird on top! This week, Peaches and Michael take a fever dream of a road trip in celebration of 1990’s WILD AT HEART! In addition to paying homage to the legacy of David Lynch, our hosts delve into the film’s unapologetic commitment to horniness. Joining the conversation is best-selling author Mallory O’Meara, who continues to be inspired by …

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Krites in Mick Garris' CRITTERS 2: THE MAIN COURSE 1:36:29

6M ago1:36:29

1:36:29

Kicking off our ROTTEN EGGS triple feature, we’re screwed six ways to Easter Sunday as we meet an extraterrestrial infestation of Krites in Mick Garris’ CRITTERS 2, starring Scott Grimes, Liane Curtis, Terrence Mann, Don Keith Opper, Roxanne Kernohan, Lin Shaye, Sam Anderson, and Tom Hodges. Reddit Article: HOW CRITTERS 2 IS A TRANSGENDER NARRATIVE…

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Episode 104: Streets of Fire 1:29:25

6M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

A rock & roll fable! This week, Peaches and Michael are ruled by the music in celebration of 1984’s STREETS OF FIRE! In addition to discussing this deliciously dystopian vision of a 50’s style future, our hosts delve into the unmitigated power of filmmaker Walter Hill for curating a cult vibe. Joining the conversation is multi-faceted artist extrao…

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Death in James Wong's FINAL DESTINATION (w/ Candi Carpenter) 1:30:01

6M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

Wrapping up our UNLUCKY F*CKS triple feature, we sit down with musician Candi Carpenter to set off some doom-infused chain reactions and meet the Rube Goldberg of Grim Reapers in James Wong’s FINAL DESTINATION, starring Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith, Chad Donella, Sean William Scott, Kristen Cloke, Amanda Detmer, and Tony Todd. Candi Carpenter…

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Episode 103: The Fly 1:43:03

7M ago1:43:03

1:43:03

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. This week, Peaches and Michael are buzzing over their celebration of 1986’s THE FLY! In addition to discussing the film’s themes surrounding the delicate nature of the body, our hosts delve into the powerhouse pairing of Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum. Joining the conversation is renowned writer and critic Matt Konopka, wh…

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Lubdan the Leprechaun in Mark Jones' LEPRECHAUN 1:33:01

7M ago1:33:01

1:33:01

Continuing our UNLUCKY F*CKS triple feature, we’re praying to St. Patrick for good fortune (and a good shot at survival) before meeting the greedy, gold-obsessed Lubdan in Mark Jones’ LEPRECHAUN, starring Warwick Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Holton, Robert Hy Gorman, and Ken Olandt. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube For bonus conte…

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299 - A Woman of the Human Species - Companion (2025) 56:50

7M ago56:50

56:50

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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298 - Good for She/Her! - The Assassin, Tales from the Crypt (Part 4) 56:15

7M ago56:15

56:15

Welcome back to Fright School, kiddies! We discuss our DIE initiatives. Joshua and Joe recap the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary (well isn't that) Special! Joshua shares about some favorite SNL movies while Joe is first in line for tickets to The Culps comeback tour. This week, we wrap up (for now...) our Tales From The Crypt deep die-ve with …

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Episode 102: Mars Attacks! 1:25:35

7M ago1:25:35

1:25:35

Nice planet…we’ll take it! This week, Peaches and Michael are preparing for invasion in celebration of 1996’s MARS ATTACKS! In addition to discussing this wacky satire’s stacked cast, our hosts delve into whether or not the film is a prophetic vision of actual extraterrestrial arrival! Joining the conversation is acclaimed screenwriter and author J…

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A Flesh-Eating Virus in Eli Roth's CABIN FEVER 1:47:14

7M ago1:47:14

1:47:14

Kicking off our UNLUCKY F*CKS triple feature, we’re building up an appetite for pancakes and guzzling down the local water supply to meet a skin-crawling, flesh-eating virus in Eli Roth’s CABIN FEVER, starring Rider Strong, Jordan Ladd, Joey Kern, James DeBello, Cerina Vincent, and Giuseppe Andrews. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube…

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297 - Queen, You've Done It Again! - Heart Eyes (2025) 37:21

7M ago37:21

37:21

Happy Valentine’s Day, Dear Listener! This week we took a field trip to see HEART EYES! Spoilers abound so beware!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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Episode 101: Valley of the Dolls 1:31:38

8M ago1:31:38

1:31:38

Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! In celebration of their brand-new season, Peaches and Michael are taking a deep dive into 1967’s VALLEY OF THE DOLLS! In addition to discussing how this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sordid novel captured queer imaginations, our hosts delve into the story's searing exposé of showbiz! Joining the conversation is legendar…

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The T-800 in James Cameron's THE TERMINATOR 1:57:59

8M ago1:57:59

1:57:59

Wrapping up our HIGH OCTANE KILLS triple feature, we’re popping our collars and spiking our mullets to meet Skynet’s body-building, face-shooting Cyberdyne cyborg, The T-800, in James Cameron’s THE TERMINATOR, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Earl Boen, and Bill Paxton. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spo…

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296 - Miss Lilly Pution Manison - Loved to Death, Tales from the Crypt (Part 3) 30:25

8M ago30:25

30:25

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy J. Napier and J. Fejeran

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295 - A Courtesan with a Heart of Gold - Tales from the Crypt (Part 2) 53:39

8M ago53:39

53:39

Welcome back to Fright School! This week, we are picking back up with our TALES FROM THE CRYPT franchise deep dive! But first! Please welcome to the stage Miss Nora Virus! What are Joe's thoughts on WICKED, you ask? We chat about our feelings of musical adaptations in general. We watched two episodes of TALES FROM THE CRYPT this week: ONLY SIN DEEP…

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Confederate Vampires in ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER 1:22:40

8M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

Continuing our HIGH OCTANE KILLS triple feature, we're headed back to the 1800s with Timur Bekmambetov’s blood-soaked revisionist history hemoglobin-hungry hellscape. The political stakes are high, the wooden stakes are bloody, and honest Abe is honestly a badass as we twirl our axe and rewrite facts to meet an army of Confederate vampires in ABRAH…

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The Crypt: THE THING Re-Release (Patreon Preview) 2:33

9M ago2:33

2:33

We're opening THE CRYPT for Patreon members to re-visit (or experience for the first time) the first 50 episodes of How I Met Your Monster, starting with a re-release of Episode 5 on John Carpenter's THE THING! In celebration of this week's live stream of The Thing, we're looking back on the days when Casey was not yet a host, but a recurring guest…

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294 - Just a Rainy Day Film - SE7EN (1995) 57:48

9M ago57:48

57:48

Welcome back to Fright School! We start off discussing holiday presents! Joe is journaling... or trying to. Have you read A NOUN of NOUN and NOUNS by Proper Noun Initial. Initial. Proper Noun? Was it any good? Joe is building his TBR and needs recs. We prepare to enter the Drag Race Cinematic Universe (DRCU). This week, we took a trip to see the ne…

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Big Daddy Mars in John Carpenter's GHOSTS OF MARS 1:29:07

9M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

Kicking off our HIGH OCTANE KILLS triple feature, we’re cocking our metallic uzis and throwing caution to the crimson wind to meet the masochistic Martian, Big Daddy Mars, in John Carpenter’s GHOSTS OF MARS, starring Ice Cube, Natasha Henstridge, Jason Statham, Pam Grier, Clea DuVall, Joanna Cassidy, Liam Waite, and Richard Cetrone. Subscribe on Ap…