Best That Was Pretty Scary Podcasts (2025)

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How The Simpsons Changed TV and Horror Forever 1:07:29

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4d ago1:07:29

1:07:29

35 years ago 'The Simpsons' aired their first Halloween special. Horror & television were never(more) the same thereafter. Jon revisits the brilliance of the anthology formatted special with its nods to classic horror and EC comics DNA pulsing through it. Jon also unwraps how this TV special was such a game changer and how it made horror accessible…

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TWPS Special: Night of The 'Scaries' Call in Show 32:22

4d ago32:22

32:22

Join Jon and Alex in a thrilling bonus episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as they dive into listener calls and questions. They explore horror origin stories, delve into horror movie suggestions, and reflect on underrepresented themes in the genre. Listeners like Kim, Camo, Jenna, Shari, and more share their horror experiences and queries, leading t…

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TWPS Listener Pick: Hell House LLC 1:08:50

5d ago1:08:50

1:08:50

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon dives deep into the unsettling brilliance of 'Hell House LLC.' Released in 2015, this found footage horror has made waves with its hyperrealistic approach, reflecting the enterprise culture and media obsession of its time. Jon dissects the film's craft, likening its relatable scare tactics to real lif…

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TWPS Listener Pick: The Halloween Tree 1:11:37

13d ago1:11:37

1:11:37

October Listener Picks continue on TWPS with the 1993 hidden gem 'The Halloween Tree'. This 1993 made for TV animated film explores friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Halloween. With voice work from Leonard Nimoy and a story penned by Ray Bradbury, this episode offers a nostalgic trip back to the '90s while uncovering deeper themes of m…

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TWPS Listener Pick: Monster House 1:17:10

20d ago1:17:10

1:17:10

The 'That Was Pretty Scary' October Listener Picks continue with the 2006 animated film 'Monster House'. Explore the unique blend of Pixar-level heart and DreamWorks-level sarcasm that 'Monster House' brought to the screen. Jon discusses how this film dared to be different with its chilling story, innovative performance capture CGI, and surprisingl…

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TWPS Listener Pick: Halloween III: Season of the Witch 1:10:35

27d ago1:10:35

1:10:35

TWPS October Listener Picks are underway and being kicked off with the bold and misunderstood 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' Jon takes you back to 1982 when audiences were left scratching their heads at the absence of Michael Myers, and explores the cult following that this daring film has since garnered. Dive into the film’s unique take on …

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TWPS Scary Talk with SARAH NICKLIN (V/H/S Halloween) 57:02

1M ago57:02

57:02

In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for sel…

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Bonus Minisode: "Good Boy" Spoiler Free Review 15:54

1M ago15:54

15:54

Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the in…

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TWPS "What If?" - John Carpenter's "Halloween IV" 1:03:52

1M ago1:03:52

1:03:52

In this captivating episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody dives into a WHAT IF scenario of Halloween 4. Ten years after Michael Myers, evil remains, but in a new, chillingly abstract form. Jon breaks down Carpenter's original plan, examines how it could have altered horror history, and offers a deep analysis of the potential ripple e…

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TWPS Investigates: The Fall and Rise of James Wan's Dead Silence 1:32:18

1M ago1:32:18

1:32:18

Join Jon Lee Brody as he revisits the 2007 horror film, 'Dead Silence,' directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. This episode delves into why the film was initially panned by critics and how it has grown to become a cult favorite over the years. Jon breaks down the movie's plot, explores the horror landscape of 2007, and discusses how o…

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Bonus Minisode: "The Long Walk" Spoiler Free Review 10:24

2M ago10:24

10:24

Jon Lee Brody presents a spoiler-free review of 'The Long Walk,' a new thriller directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a novel by Stephen King. Highlighting notable performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and more, Jon dives into the movie's setup, differences between the book and film, and the intense themes of human endura…

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Bonus Minisode: "HIM" Spoiler Free Review 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

Jon reviews 'HIM' the latest sports horror film from Universal Pictures and Monkey Paw Productions. He explores how the movie blends football with mythological themes, discusses standout performances—especially Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White—and explains why 'HIM' is more than just a sports movie. Tune in for insights on sacrifice, authenticity, and…

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TWPS Scary Talk with Justin Tipping (Director/Writer of HIM) 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

In this enlightening episode of Scary Talk, Jon Lee Brody welcomes the talented filmmaker Justin Tipping. Best known for his work on acclaimed projects like 'Kicks' and 'Dear White People,' Justin dives deep into his journey as an Asian American director. They discuss his early work, including the short film 'Nani,' and his latest project, 'Him,' a…

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TWPS Deep Cut: The Man Who Laughs (1928) 1:11:40

2M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon Lee Brody takes a deep dive into the iconic 1928 silent film, 'The Man Who Laughs'. Jon explores the film's profound impact on popular culture, highlighting its influence on characters like Batman's Joker and the Universal Monsters. Learn about Conrad Veidt's unforgettable performance as Gwynplaine, t…

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Bonus Minisode: "The Conjuring: Last Rites" Spoiler Free Review 15:19

2M ago15:19

15:19

Join Jon Lee Brody in a special bonus episode for a spoiler-free review of The Conjuring: Last Rites. This episode delves into the tenth and final film of the Conjuring saga, directed by Michael Chaves. Jon discusses the unique character arcs, offers insights into the movie's themes, highlights key moments, and shares personal anecdotes related to …

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TWPS Deep Dive Sinners Pt. 2 1:11:04

2M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, Jon Lee Brody explores the intricate layers of the movie Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler. Jon delves into complex themes such as cultural erasure, identity, mental health, and the unique portrayal of vampires. He discusses the significance of Bow and Grace as symbols of erased history and the hauntingly be…

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Revisiting Happy Death Day w/ Christopher Landon and Jessica Rothe 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Join Jon Lee Brody as he takes a deep dive into the 'Happy Death Day' movies with special guests director Christopher Landon and star Jessica Rothe. In this exciting episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' they revisit both 'Happy Death Day' and 'Happy Death Day 2U,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exploring the emotional layers of the films, and di…

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TWPS Deep Dive: Sinners Pt. 1 53:38

2M ago53:38

53:38

Join Jon Lee Brody in this deep dive into 'Sinners,' the 2025 film directed by Ryan Coogler. In this first part, Jon explores why this generational film, starring Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, occupies a special space in our minds. He delves into the movie’s supernatural, historical, and cultural themes, emphasizing its unique mix of southern…

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The Babadook with Special Guest Host Maggie Levin 1:02:51

3M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Join host Jon Lee Brody and special guest Maggie Levin on That Was Pretty Scary as they discuss Jennifer Kent's modern horror masterpiece, The Babadook (2014). Dive deep into themes of grief, motherhood, and psychological horror as Maggie shares her insights and personal experiences with the film. The conversation also explores Maggie's journey as …

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Heart Eyes with Writer/Producer Michael Kennedy 1:04:24

3M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Join Jon Lee Brody in this electrifying episode of That Was Pretty Scary, where he is joined by the talented writer and executive producer of 'Hard Eyes,' Michael Kennedy. Dive deep into the creative process behind the horror-romance film 'Hard Eyes' and discover the collaboration magic between Michael and Christopher Landon. From blending genres a…

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Jennifer's Body with Special Guest Host: Angel Melanson 59:27

3M ago59:27

59:27

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, Jon Lee Brody is joined by Angel Melanson, digital editor at Fangoria, to dive deep into the misunderstood 2009 film Jennifer's Body. They discuss the problematic marketing, the film's complex themes, and Diablo Cody's ahead-of-its-time writing. The duo also touches on the societal norms of 2009 and how the…

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TWPS Scary Talk with LATOYA MORGAN (Walking Dead, Duster) 59:38

3M ago59:38

59:38

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody is joined by writer and creator LaToya Morgan. They dive into LaToya's work on HBO Max's Duster, her time on The Walking Dead, and her approach to horror and character-driven storytelling. They also discuss the influence of iconic figures like Pam Grier, the intricacies of creating compel…

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Ghostbusters with Special Guest Host Jodie Sweetin! 1:02:21

3M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Welcome to a special episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' featuring special guest Jodie Sweetin! Join hosts Jon Lee Brody and Jodie as they delve into the 1984 classic Ghostbusters. They explore its unique blend of horror and comedy, discuss memorable scenes, and share personal anecdotes about the film's impact. Is Peter Venkman really the coolest Gh…

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TWPS Scary Talk with Austin Nichols 59:16

4M ago59:16

59:16

Join Jon Lee Brody as he kicks off 'Scary Talk' on 'That Was Pretty Scary' with special guest Austin Nichols. Best known for his roles in 'The Walking Dead,' 'Bates Motel,' and 'One Tree Hill,' Austin discusses his extensive career in horror and beyond. Hear about his love for cinema, the intricacies of his characters, and his experiences on set. P…

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TWPS "What If?" - David Cronenberg's Frankenstein 53:54

4M ago53:54

53:54

Imagine it's 1993, and Hollywood is dominated by iconic TV shows and movies like Beavis and Butthead, Power Rangers, and Jurassic Park. Amid this, there's a fascinating story about a film that was never made—David Cronenberg's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon Lee Brody delves into Cronenberg…

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TWPS Deep Cut: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) 58:48

4M ago58:48

58:48

In this deep dive episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' host Jon Lee Brody takes listeners back over a century to explore the groundbreaking silent film, 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920). Often overlooked in discussions of cinematic history, this German Expressionist masterpiece quietly laid the foundation for the horror genre and influenced a mu…

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Killer Workout 54:16

4M ago54:16

54:16

Join Jon Lee Brody in this week's episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as he dives deep into the 1987 cult classic, 'Killer Workout'. From aerobics and fitness crazes of the 80s to the VHS rental boom, this episode covers it all. Jon dissects the movie's plot, highlighting its blend of horror, slasher, and giallo elements, all wrapped in neon and leg…

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TWPS Deep Cut: Fatal Games (1984) 1:03:57

5M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Join host Jon Lee Brody in this deep dive into the obscure 1984 horror B-movie 'Fatal Games'. Discover the fascinating yet bizarre premise of aspiring Olympians being hunted by a javelin-wielding killer at the Falcon Academy of Athletics. Jon covers the plot points, background production details, and the state of 1984's film industry and world even…

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TWPS Deep Dive: Nope (Part 2) 50:49

5M ago50:49

50:49

Host Jon Lee Brody wraps up his deep dive into Jordan Peele’s Nope, exploring the film’s hidden layers, the mysterious shoe, and its powerful mental health themes. For the first time, producer Alex joins the show to share his unique perspective and discuss how the movie’s storytelling and sound design set it apart. Tune in for sharp analysis, perso…

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TWPS Deep Dive: Nope (Part 1) 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

Join Jon Lee Brody in a solo deep dive into Jordan Peele's Nope. With co-host Freddie Prince Jr. away, Jon takes the reins to explore the film's overarching themes, subtexts, and his interpretations. Discover the intricate layers, from the film's commentary on Hollywood's exploitative nature to the powerful societal messages embedded in its narrati…

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The Hills Have Eyes (1977) 56:33

5M ago56:33

56:33

In this special solo episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' host Jon Lee Brody dives deep into the 1977 horror film 'The Hills Have Eyes,' directed by the legendary Wes Craven. Celebrating their 13th episode, John discusses the film's historical context, themes of class warfare and survival, and the impact of Craven's direction on the genre. Learn abo…

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Hush 44:31

6M ago44:31

44:31

In this episode, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody break down the 2016 horror film Hush. The movie revolves around a deaf and mute writer living in solitude who must defend herself when a masked killer appears at her window. Freddie and Jon discuss the film's unique tension-building techniques, strong performances, and effective use of minimalis…

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Parasite 1:10:32

6M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

Join Jon Lee Brody and Freddie Prinze Jr. as they dissect the 2019 Korean film 'Parasite.' In this episode, they explore the intricacies of the movie's plot, themes of class discrimination, character development, and the parasitic relationships that are central to the story. They discuss the film's impact on bringing Korean cinema into the mainstre…

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The Faculty 1:01:33

6M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Join Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody as they reminisce about the 1998 horror flick, 'The Faculty.' They dive into the cast, the nineties nostalgia, and the intriguing plot involving high school teachers turned aliens. Freddie shares personal anecdotes and reflects on the film's cult status, touching on its impressive cast, including Josh Hartn…

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Army of Darkness 50:39

6M ago50:39

50:39

Join Freddy and John as they dive into the 1992 cult classic 'Army of Darkness.' Follow Ash Williams' accidental time travel to 1300 AD and his epic battle against the undead. From hilarious one-liners to slapstick gags, this episode covers the comedic genius of Bruce Campbell and the inventive direction of Sam Raimi. Discover the film's influence …

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Re-Animator 49:21

6M ago49:21

49:21

Join Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody as they dissect the cult classic 'Re-Animator'. After a mysterious medical student arrives, bizarre reanimation experiments turn deadly and hilarious. Tune in to hear about the film's standout performances, high-quality practical effects, and its place in B-movie greatness. Perfect for fans of horror and in…

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Nosferatu 44:18

7M ago44:18

44:18

Join Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody as they delve into Robert Eggers' masterpiece, 'Nosferatu.' This episode explores the stunning compositions, the tragic love story, and detailed performances of the film. Listen in as they break down the movie's homage to the 1922 classic, the meticulous filmmaking of Eggers, and the powerhouse performances…

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Mulholland Drive 1:01:20

7M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Join Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody as they delve into David Lynch's 2001 masterpiece, 'Mulholland Drive.' This episode navigates the labyrinth of dreams, reality, and Hollywood, deciphering Lynch's abstract narrative. They discuss how Lynch portrays the terror and mystery of Los Angeles, the intricacies of the characters' relationships, and …

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Insidious 47:04

7M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody dive deep into James Wan's revolutionary horror film 'Insidious.' They discuss the gripping story of a family fighting to save their comatose child from being trapped by evil spirits in the realm of 'The Further.' The hosts highlight Wan's impactful career, his mentors…

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Us 50:12

7M ago50:12

50:12

In this thrilling episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' hosts Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody dissect Jordan Peele's mind-bending horror film 'Us'. The Wilson family goes on vacation to Santa Cruz, California, only to encounter terrifying doppelgangers of themselves. Freddie and Jon, along with some hilarious banter, explore the movie's layers, …

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Final Destination 45:02

8M ago45:02

45:02

Catch Freddie and Jon as they dive into the classic 2000 horror film 'Final Destination' in this episode. They kick off with a recap of the plot, where Alex, a high school student, experiences a premonition about a plane crash and saves his classmates, only to find death relentlessly pursuing them. The duo shares personal anecdotes, including Fredd…

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Heretic 47:15

8M ago47:15

47:15

Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody delve into an insightful and thrilling discussion of the movie Heretic. They talk about the pronunciation debate around Heretic, Hugh Grant's unexpected and chilling performance, and the layers of theological and cinematic brilliance within the film. From suspenseful plots to intricate character arcs, this episo…

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The Substance 1:09:05

8M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Welcome to Season 3 of That Was Pretty Scary with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody! In this episode, we break down The Substance (2024), the French body horror film that’s making waves with its shocking transformations, psychological depth, and a standout performance by Demi Moore. We explore the film’s gruesome effects, its underlying themes, …

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Krampus 40:39

10M ago40:39

40:39

In the thrilling season 2 finale of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody unpack the 2015 horror film 'Krampus.' Join them as they dive into the dark holiday tale where a boy's Christmas wish inadvertently summons a festive demon, Krampus, to terrorize his family. They discuss the standout performances by Toni Collette and A…

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Black Christmas 38:02

11M ago38:02

38:02

Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody dive into the chilling world of Bob Clark's classic slasher, Black Christmas. This iconic horror film, set during the Christmas season, follows a sorority house besieged by a mysterious killer. Join the guys as they dissect the film's suspenseful atmosphere, memorable kills, and its impact on the horror genre. T…

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Ju-On: The Grudge 39:16

11M ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, we dive deep into the chilling world of 'Ju-on: The Grudge.' Freddie and Jon discuss the eerie tale of a vengeful spirit that haunts a Tokyo house, the impressive direction of Takashi Shimizu, and the seamless transition from Japanese to American cinema. They also explore the film's unforgettable scenes, standout performances, and …

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Suspiria 47:36

11M ago47:36

47:36

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, hosts Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Brody take a closer look at the 1977 horror masterpiece Suspiria. Known for its stunning visuals, eerie soundtrack, and unforgettable storytelling, Suspiria remains one of the most influential films in horror cinema. Join us as we explore its unique artistic style, the spine…

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Strange Darling 36:32

11M ago36:32

36:32

In this episode, we dive into the twisted and complex narrative of the movie Strange Darling. Join us as we discuss the film's many twists, turns, and nonlinear storytelling that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. We'll cover the standout performances, particularly by Kyle Gallner, and the impressive cinematography by Giovanni Ribisi. List…

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MaXXXine 47:23

12M ago47:23

47:23

On this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' hosts Jon Lee Brody and Freddie Prinze Jr. discuss the third installment of Ti West's trilogy, 'MaXXXine.' The movie follows adult film star Maxine Minx as she navigates the dark and dangerous waters of 1980s Hollywood. Jon and Freddie dive deep into the film's intricate representation of the era, its div…

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LongLegs 38:40

12M ago38:40

38:40

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary', hosts Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jon Lee Brody break down the spine-chilling movie 'LongLegs' directed by Oz Perkins. The film follows an FBI agent as she uncovers occult clues left by a serial killer known as 'LongLegs'. The hosts discuss everything from performances by Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage to the m…