Dismembering Horror

It’s anthology time! This week the guys head overseas once again to South Korea, for a series of tales of terror wrapped in a nice little serial-killer bow. Getting hung up on more than just a couple aspects, “Horror Stories” unfortunately didn’t rise to a level that appealed much to Tim and Ryan. Though in its defense, it did garner two sequels. Like they say, art is subjective, so an “avoid” from Ryan and a “stream” from Tim was where the guys wound up. To each their own. You be the judge, though!

Where we watched: YouTube

Horror Stories (2012)

Directed by Im Dae-woong, Jung Bum-sik, Hong Ji-young, Kim Gok, Kim Sun, and Min Kyu-dong

Written by Im Dae-woong, Jung Bum-sik, Byun Hye-joo, Kim Gok, and Kim Sun

RecommenDEADtions: School of Rock / Son

Next week’s film: Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

Much like the characters in this week’s film, Tim and Ryan agreed for the most part, but ultimately tried to kill each other over their divergent views. Earning a “rent” from Tim up against a hearty “buy” from Ryan, the guys covered a lot of what makes the Universal Monster movies so interesting and how this one, when viewed as part of the canon of films, may benefit from a more contextual viewing. Nevertheless! There was plenty of exciting dismemberment to pull apart and maybe put back together (not unlike a Bela Lugosi Frankenstein)!

Where we watched: Amazon rental

Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943)

Directed by Roy William Neill

Written by Curt Siodmak

RecommenDEADtions: Moneyball / The Alienist

Next week’s film: Horror Stories (2012)

What an absolutely perfect reimagining/continuation of one of the great, subversive commentaries in horror. Taking all of the best elements of the original “Candyman” and expanding on them was just what the guys were hoping for, whether they knew it or not! From style to substance and everything in-between, “Candyman” delivered so much more than we could cover in a single podcast, but Tim and Ryan did their best to give at least the highlights of what this film did so well. Earning it a rare “double buy,” if you haven’t seen the new “Candyman” yet, you absolutely must (with our recommenDEADtion of watching the original first).

Where we watched: Theaters

Candyman (2021)

Directed by Nia DaCosta

Written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Nia DaCosta

RecommenDEADtions: Ed Wood / Candyman (1992)

Next week’s film: Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943)

Our first Vincent Price movie was quite something to behold! Though maybe not the best all around, “The Last Man on Earth” was a thrill nonetheless, providing plenty to dismember. Based on the acclaimed novel “I Am Legend”, which of course has spawned more than one film adaptation, this first take nailed the eerie, post-apocalyptic thing, feeling reminiscent of “The Twilight Zone”. All in all, the guys enjoyed this one enough for a solid double “stream”; fine and fun for a casual, weekend afternoon watch.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

The Last Man on Earth (1964)

Directed by Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow

Written by Logan Swanson, William F. Leicester

RecommenDEADtions: Gimme Shelter / Wait Until Dark

Next week’s film: Candyman (2021)

“The Black Cat in the Bamboo Grove,” or as we know it, “Kuroneko,” is another entry in films we’ve covered by “Onibaba” director Kaneto Shindo, and so far he’s two for two! A beautiful and tragic love story set in a dreamlike feudal Japan only scratches the surface of the many themes swirling around this folktale-based story. Incredibly photographed in black and white, “Kuroneko” was and will remain high on the list for both Tim and Ryan who rated it a “rent” and a “buy” respectively. If you are in any way a fan of cinema (which we gotta assume you are), this one should not be missed.

Where we watched: The Criterion Channel

Kuroneko (1968)

Written and Directed by Kaneto Shindo

RecommenDEADtions:  Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets / Castle Rock - season 2 (TV show)

Next week’s film: The Last Man On Earth (1964)

Back to 1957 with the first installment in Hammer Horror's Frankenstein series starring none other than the incomparable Peter Cushing! And although it has its limitations, there was still plenty for the guys to enjoy. Who doesn't love a fresh take on a classic anyway? In color, no less! This one was a fan favorite as well, making a ton at the box office and ushering in six more films in the series. Ryan and Tim gave it a kind of middling rating with a "rent" and a "stream" respectively, but don't let that keep you from checking this one out!

Where we watched: HBOMax

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

Directed by Terence Fisher

Written by Jimmy Sangster

RecommenDEADtions: Frankenhooker / What If...

Next week’s film: Kuroneko (1968)

"The best found footage film of the decade!" Well, we did not exactly agree with this assessment, but we still had plenty to dismember! So much so, that Ryan gave a rare “avoid” while Tim was able to squeak in a “stream,” due to a few fairly interesting ideas and a couple cool visuals. Ultimately “Noroi: The Curse” was a pretty big miss on the execution of those ideas, and the guys struggled to say much on the positive side. But hey, not every movie may be for us, and (as always), we learn from what doesn’t work.

Where we watched: Shudder

Noroi: The Curse (2005)

Directed by Kōji Shiraishi

Written by Kōji Shiraishi and Naoyuki Yokota

RecommenDEADtions: Festival / Troll Hunter

Next week’s film: The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

Episode 155 - Diabolique

Let’s do it like the French do! “Diabolique,” or as its known in France, “Les Diabolique,” is a suspenseful, supernatural (???), murder-mystery thriller from the mid-1950’s... a twisted and turning, tense tale of deception that, although not without a few issues we address, ultimately was a really well-constructed yarn, with some memorably moody black and white cinematography to boot. Earning a double “rent,” it’s another one that’s considered a classic for good reason.

Where we watched: The Criterion Channel

Les Diaboliques (1955)

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

Written by Henri-Georges Clouzot and Jérôme Géronimi

RecommenDEADtions: A Face in the Crowd / Skinny Dip (novel)

Next week’s film: Noroi: The Curse (2005)

This week we tackled a lesser known film from 1970, but do not sleep on this one! “Equinox” is, as we discuss, the bridge between “The Blob” and “The Evil Dead,” and for that, is essential viewing in the compendium of horror films. Just— listen, just stop asking questions and watch it, it’s awesome: there is a stop-motion flying devil-demon. It’s so cool in fact that Tim changed his rating from “rent” to “buy” and Ryan stayed with a hearty “rent.” So hike on out to that sunny SoCal forest-desert and give it a watch!

Where we watched: The Criterion Channel

Equinox (1970)

Written and Directed by Jack Woods (and Dennis Muren)

RecommenDEADtions: Old / Prospect

Next week’s film: Les Diaboliques (1955)

It’s special guest time! What better film to dismember with our very special guest, math meister and fellow horror fiend Dr. Andrew Williams, than “Event Horizon”? For our third and final installment covering the unofficial Sam Neill-losing-his-mind trilogy, not only did we delve deep into the darkness of cosmic horror, we also touched on the mathematical physics of the film thanks to our guest’s expertise. Earning a “rent” all around, you must join us for this ‘90s cult classic... lest you tempt the evil that lurks on the other side of space-time.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Event Horizon (1997)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson

Written by Philip  Eisner

RecommenDEADtions: Pig / What the Bleep Do We Know!? / The Twisted Ones (novel)

Next week’s film: Equinox (1970)

Don’t you dare sleep on this week’s film, “Jigoku”: a cautionary murder mystery with an absolutely nutso third act that will leave you in another plane of existence. “Jigoku” or “Hell” which it translates to, is wonderfully moody, visually masterful and cinematically disturbing. Even though the guys felt it waned a bit in the middle, the strangeness and dreamlike nature were enough to earn it a double “rent”.

Where we watched: The Criterion Channel

Jigoku (1960)

Directed by Nobuo Nakagawa

Written by Nobuo Nakagawa, Ichirô Miyagawa

RecommenDEADtions: Marie Antoinette / Sex Education (TV show)

Next week’s film: Event Horizon (1997)

Episode 151 - Strange Circus

After our previous dismemberment of “Exte: Hair Extensions”, we are once again taking an unpredictable dive into the curious mind of Japanese filmmaker Sion Sono with “Strange Circus”...and it was indeed strange! We found the film’s dream-of-consciousness flow, and twisty reality of the narrative, to be the perfect vehicle for dealing with such extreme subject matter, in that turned-to-11 way that Japanese films only know how to do. Despite what felt like a waffling middle chunk, Ryan and Tim both gave it a “rent”, as Sono’s unique, bloody bravado and filmmaking prowess on display was something well worth experiencing.

Where we watched: iTunes rental

Strange Circus (2005)

Written and Directed by Sion Sono

RecommenDEADtions: Suicide Club / Alone: The Beast (TV show)

Next week’s film: Jigoku (1960)

It’s that time again: time to get into the sequel of another classic. For this one we get to know an adolescent spawn of satan and all the angst that comes with that ever-so-challenging period in our lives when we hate our dads, fight with our friends, suffer the awkward changes of puberty, and systematically murder anyone who might threaten our standing as the Prince of Darkness positioning themselves for world domination through generational wealth. Anywho, “Damien: Omen II” had all the spectacle of a bigger and better sequel with its elaborate deaths, but maybe fell a little short with the interstitial story moments between kills. Nonetheless, Ryan couldn’t resist giving it a “buy” while Tim was a “stream”.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Damien: Omen II (1978)

Directed by Don Taylor and Mike Hodges

Written by Harvey Bernhard, David Seltzer, and Stanley Mann

RecommenDEADtions: Sing Street / Blue Ruin

Next week’s film: Strange Circus (2005)

1988 was quite the year: Tim turned 10, was living in California, got super scared of Aliens, AND didn’t see this week’s film “Night of the Demons”! Hard to believe it escaped both Tim and Ryan’s young eyes, because chances are they would have loved it. Sadly, as adults the reviews were mixed. Ryan enjoyed the campy ridiculousness, giving it a “rent”, while Tim struggled to get past the derivative nature of it all, settling on a “stream”. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all, so come have a listen to this dismemberment of a cult classic.

Where we watched: iTunes rental

Night of the Demons (1988)

Directed by Kevin S. Tenney

Written by Joe Augustyn

RecommenDEADtions: Prometheus + Alien Covenant / Loki

Next week’s film: Damien: Omen II (1978)

Get your Dan Stevens fill right here right now with this week’s creepy cult, folktale film! “Apostle” is a period-piece from the filmmaker that brought you “The Raid”, Gareth Evans. If you’re expecting an action packed punch fest, this isn’t the movie for you (well, save a couple cool scenes). Instead, we get a slow burn with a plethora of creative ideas, though they never quite seemed to coalesce into a cohesive film. NONETHELESS, the guys enjoyed aspects of “Apostle”, especially ‘Wicker Head’ (aptly named by Tim). Thus, the ratings amounted to a double “stream”, which makes perfect sense as it is streamable on Netflix.

Where we watched: Netflix

Apostle (2018)

Written and Directed by Gareth Evans

RecommenDEADtions: Darjeeling Limited / Legion

Next week’s film: Night of the Demons (1988)

Ok, don’t let our (Tim’s) rating fool you. It’s not a condemnation of this film, it’s a matter of taste. That being said, you better strap yourself in and peel those eyelids back for this week’s film, “Ichi The Killer”, because you are about to get a real eyefull! This movie is out of control, and the weird, Manga-esque, hyper-stylized, ultra-graphic, sadomasochistic, visual storytelling on display is something to behold. Speaking of holding things, prepare to try and hold down your lunch for a few scenes. All of this is to say we went on a serious journey with this film, resulting in a “rent” from Ryan and a rare (and previously explained) “avoid” from Tim. Join us for the conversation…before we cut off our own tongues.

Where we watched: Shudder

Ichi the Killer (2001)

Directed by Takashi Miike

Written by Sakichi Sato and Hideo Yamamoto

RecommenDEADtions: Tapestry by Carol King (album) / Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults

Next week’s film: Apostle (2018)

The aughts: what a time to be alive and making weird horror films. This week’s entry “Splice” fits that bill, and is also a cool exercise in style (both the filmmaking itself and Adrien Brody and Sara Polley’s wardrobe)! This slick attempt at the “get your science on before science gets you” subgenre, otherwise known as “should we or shouldn’t we do the super unethical experiment” subgenre of horror, had its upsides with the design and some set pieces, but the guys were “spliced” on their enjoyment of this one with a “rent” from Ryan and a “stream” from Tim.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Splice (2009)

Directed by Vincenzo Natali

Written by Vincenzo Natali, Antoinette Terry Bryant, Doug Taylor

RecommenDEADtions: House of 1000 Corpses / Bubba Ho-Tep

Next week’s film: Ichi the Killer (2001)

Based on real events! Barbara Hershey shines in this paranormal thriller that delves into some very upsetting content, but one thing’s for sure; Stan Winston’s full body prosthetic of her being groped by an invisible force is second to none. More like two separate movies, this one never quite reached the level of its more well known contemporaries, but that didn’t keep it from earning a “rent” from Ryan on the merits of Ms. Hershey’s performance, while Tim stayed in his usual place with a “stream”. Either way, the guys still think this one is worth the watch and a fun delving into the actual case it’s based on.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

The Entity (1982)

Directed by Sidney J. Furie

Written by Frank De Felitta

RecommenDEADtions: 60 Minutes: Navy Pilots Describe Encounters With UFOs / The Bay

Next week’s film: Splice (2009)

Some call it the “British Psycho”, we just call it groovy cinema. Though maybe not a perfect film like the comparison suggests, “Peeping Tom” was still a colorful, smart thriller. And hey, it’s always fun to play with the filmmaker-making-a-film-within-a-film-on-a-film-set trope, alongside the exploration of psychosis from the point of view of the psycho. The guys had plenty to dismember on the positive side, earning it a double “rent”.

Where we watched: Blu-ray rental

Peeping Tom (1960)

Directed by Michael Powell

Written by Leo Marks

RecommenDEADtions: On the Rocks / Sightseers

Next week’s film: The Entity (1982)

This week we have a stay with “The Tenant,” a film by the extremely problematic Roman Polanski, which we discuss at length prior to our review of the film (and let this serve as a warning for those who may not be interested in hearing about him). We then move forward and focus on the filmmaking and all the contributions of the many other people that contributed to making “The Tenant.” Ultimately, we found this third entry in Polanski’s unofficial “apartment trilogy” to be an artistic success, and an interesting psychological thriller with lots to explore, garnering a double “rent” from the guys.

Where we watched: Amazon Prime

The Tenant (1976)

Directed by Roman Polanski

Written by Roland Topor, Gérard Brach, Roman Polanski

RecommenDEADtions: Laurel Canyon / They Look Like People

Next week’s film:  Peeping Tom (1960)

Not to be confused with the remake, this pitch perfect 1960 “Village of the Damned” captures all the paranoia, intrigue, suspense, and mystery of the best Twilight Zone/Outer Limits episodes (and in a crisp, not-too-long-not-too-short running time). This solid entry earned a “rent” and a “stream,” but don’t let that fool you: thanks to a solid story and atmosphere, this British creeper sticks with you, and has stood as an influence on many a horror filmmaker.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Village of the Damned (1960)

Directed by Wolf Rilla

Written by Stirling Silliphant, Wolf Rilla, and Ronald Kinnoch

RecommenDEADtions: The Daniel Craig Bond films / Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Next week’s film:  The Tenant (1976)

No, not teenage angst! “Angst” with a long ‘A’! And boy did this one earn that ‘A’ +! After being a bit too much for the faint of heart when it was originally released and being shelved for years, “Angst” has since made its way back into availability: and let it be known this is quite the movie. Ryan and Tim were just on the verges of our top rating, settling on a “rent” for Tim and just over the line to a “buy” for Ryan, with both heaping tons of praise onto the extremely intense filmmaking within. Its incredible camera work, along with superb performances and a truly unsettling depiction of insanity, make “Angst” one not to be missed.

Where we watched: Shudder

Angst (1983)

Directed by Gerald Kargl

Written by Zbigniew Rybczynski and Gerald Kargl

RecommenDEADtions: Gunda / The Bad Batch

Next week’s film: Village of the Damned (1960)

Dario is back with a return to the Giallo genre! Unfortunately, despite the fans this one has, the guys didn’t love this one. With the exception of a few stand out scenes, “Tenebrae” fell short of coming together in a fully complete, cohesive film for Tim and Ryan. The clear Argento-ness that we know and appreciate was there, but at the end of the day the twist didn’t quite work out as well as it could have. Thus, “Tenebrae” earned a double “stream,” resulting in a fun conversation about how to approach this film differently.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Tenebre (1982)

Written and Directed by Dario Argento

RecommenDEADtions: Josie and the Pussycats / Sputnik

Next week’s film: Angst (1983)

This week we traveled to Brazil to watch their first horror film ever! It’s a wild one, too. “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” was independently made and ushered in a new era of horror for the country, along with the introduction to who would become an iconic character in Coffin Joe. The film dives right into the macabre “Poe-esque” morality tale structure, and was made that much better by a wild performance from the actor portraying Coffin Joe (who happens to also be the director). Well worth the watch, this one garnered a “rent” and a “stream” from Ryan and Tim respectively.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul (1964)

Directed by José Mojica Marins

Written by Waldomiro França, José Mojica Marins, &  Magda Mei

RecommenDEADtions: Game of Death / The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV show)

Next week’s film: Tenebre (1982)

We’ve got a real juicy one for you this week from our friends across the pond. Who doesn’t love some runes, a curse, and an ACTUAL DEMON? Right from the get-go, “Night of the Demon” threw us into a mysterious, windy, wet, witchy, world with just the right amount of whodunnit. Even with a pretty unpalatable protagonist, the surrounding talent (both on-screen and behind the camera) carried this film all the way to it’s grand finale. Garnering a double “rent” from the fellas, there was plenty to commend.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Night of the Demon (1957)

Directed by Jacques Tourneur

Written by Charles Bennett and Hal E. Chester

RecommenDEADtions: The Mamas & the Papas (band)  / Calibre

Next week’s film: At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul

“Motel Hell” is one of those crazy-subversive, maybe-it’s-just-dumb-oh-wait-no-it’s-genius-how-did-I-not-know-about-this kinda movies. You know the type! Tim and Ryan had so much to dismember, the personal highlight being the psychedelic pinwheel human livestock fertilizer, which you have to see to believe. All in all, it’s a deeply intense satire and commentary, wrapped in a goofball cannibal slasher. What more could you ask for? We gave it a double “rent” this time around. Do not sleep on (or at) “Motel Hell”!

Where we watched: FandangoNOW

Motel Hell (1980)

Directed by Kevin Connor

Written by Robert Jaffe and Steven-Charles Jaffe

RecommenDEADtions: Seaspiracy / Vivarium

Next week’s film: Night of the Demon (1957)

Look, Mia Farrow is great, this movie is not. Even though there is some good stuff at the core of the story, we were underwhelmed, plain and simple. There’s a couple cool deaths too. Ryan appreciated Mia Farrow enough to enjoy “Full Circle” overall more than Tim, but both agreed it was a slog through and through, earning it a “stream” and an “avoid” respectively. But if you like moody, 70’s, low-quality haunt mysteries, this might be just what you're looking for.

Where we watched: YouTube rental

Full Circle / The Haunting of Julia (1977)

Directed by Richard Loncraine

Written by Harry Bromley Davenport, Dave Humphries, Peter Straub

RecommenDEADtions: Easy Rider / Open 24 Hours

Next week’s film: Motel Hell (1980)

What a wild ride we went on this week with none other than Christopher Walken, and a plethora of different aliens doing... well, we’ll leave that up to your imagination. Based on a true account, this one gave us quite a few things to discuss. One thing is for sure: Christopher Walken couldn’t be more perfect as an eccentric fiction novelist with writer’s block who gets abducted by aliens. We gave it a “stream” and a “rent”, and pontificated a lot about why!

Where we watched: Amazon Prime

Communion (1989)

Directed by Philippe Mora

Written by Whitley Strieber

RecommenDEADtions: The Elephant Man / The Phoenix Incident

Next week’s film:

Full Circle / The Haunting of Julia

We did it, folks! We returned to a fan-favorite franchise to see what some new blood could do with putting a new spin on a “classic”. The answer? Something... they did something; and that something wasn’t all that bad, either! While the new “Wrong Turn” took a wrong turn in certain regards, it took some right turns also (including the characters indeed taking their requisite wrong turn). Ultimately, this reboot was enjoyable enough in its own way, leading to a strong double “stream it” rating.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Wrong Turn (2021)

Written and Directed by Lucky McKee

RecommenDEADtions: Right Now Wrong Then / Bound to Vengeance

Next week’s film:

Communion (1989)

This week we got nostalgic and traveled back to the early 2000’s, tickling our fancy for that special place that yearns for the simpler times with young Anna Ferris and Jeremy Sisto. While there, we also got a fun, hyper-quirky, Dark-with-capital-”D” tale of the titular misanthrope, May. Fitting perfectly into the transition from pre-9/11 tranquility to post-9/11 dark-and-gritty, “May” taps into a strange emptiness that kept us riding those ‘aughtsy vibes, leading to a “rent” from Ryan and a “stream” from Tim.

Where we watched: iTunes rental

May (2002)

Written and Directed by Lucky McKee

RecommenDEADtions: Seconds / The Silencing

Next week’s film: Wrong Turn (2021)

NEW RELEASE ALERT! Also, kick-ass horror film alert! The excitement was flowing for “Saint Maud,” our first new release film in a while, and what a joy to get such a crisp, haunting voice added to the horror realm via writer/director Rose Glass’ feature film debut. Firmly making her mark, “Saint Maud” delivers with amazing performances, beautiful filmmaking, and eerie storytelling. You gotta get a hold of this one and see if you agree with our double “rent” (or perhaps you thought it deserved an outright “buy!”)

Where we watched: EPIX

Saint Maud (2021)

Written and Directed by Rose Glass

RecommenDEADtions: Wake in Fright / Princess Mononoke

Next week’s film: May (2002)

Hold onto your arms y’all, this is not one to sleep on. “Santa Sangre” comes to us straight from the ether thanks to acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky, and his reputation definitely lived up to the hype. With a twinge of Giallo, and an elephant coffin worth of deeply layered commentary, this magical movie is a bloody, trippy, sensual, irreverent piece of art. The guys split on their rating, but with Ryan being a “buy” and Tim inching toward a “buy” though remaining a “rent,” this one deserves a watch.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Santa Sangre (1989)

Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky

Written by Alejandro Jodorowsky, Claudio Argento, and Roberto Leoni

RecommenDEADtions: Shirkers / The Little Things

Next week’s film: Saint Maud

Let’s travel back over the Pacific to Taiwan for Mon Mon Mon Monsters (and no, we didn’t stutter)!

This one paid off on the technical front: beautifully shot, cool camera work, and awesome composition. However, we didn’t think it quite made the cut on the story side despite there being some very cool subtext, and offering a fresh take on the vampire/zombie/voodoo cursed monster. With one absolute standout scene and an overall fun energy, Mon Mon Mon Monsters earned a healthy double “stream” from Tim and Ryan.

Where we watched: Shudder

Mon Mon Mon Monsters (2017)

Written and Directed by Giddens Ko

RecommenDEADtions: Flash Gordon / Super Dark Times

Next week’s film: Santa Sangre (1989)

Wait, back to back, pre-1950, Robert Louis Stevenson adaptations?! The hat knows! After being somewhat underwhelmed with last week’s “The Body Snatcher,” we had quite the opposite reaction with the 1931 version of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” From the sets, to the makeup, the performances, to the pre-code sultriness, this stands up with the great classics of its time and then some. It’s no surprise that it earned a double “buy” from the guys and will proudly sit on our horror shelf one day soon.

Where we watched: iTunes rental

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide (1931)

Directed by Rouben Mamoulian

Written by Samuel Hoffenstein and Percy Heath

RecommenDEADtions: A Serious Man / Togo

Next week’s film: Mon Mon Mon Monsters (2017)

Bela and Boris are at it again! In their final film together Boris takes on more of a lead, and Bela shines as only Bela could in a far lesser role, in this tale of treachery from Robert Louis Stevenson. Excelling at macabre, morbid imagery, along with standout performances, “The Body Snatcher” fell short for us on some of the broader storytelling elements, but compelled us nonetheless with its amazing finale. Earning a “stream” from Tim and a “rent” from Ryan, this may be one that grows on us over time.

Where we watched: Amazon rental

The Body Snatcher (1945)

Directed by Robert Wise

Written by Philip MacDonald and Val Lewton

RecommenDEADtions: The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont (book) / Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

Next week’s film:  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide (1931)

We tackle a listener submitted film and question this week: why the hype for these filmmakers? We do our best to answer that question as we delve into “The Endless,” from the directing team of Benson and Moorhead, starring Benson and Moorhead. This Lovecraftian tale picks up where the duo’s first film left off and carries on with maybe more explanation than Ryan and Tim wanted. Eerie, creepy, and sometimes thought provoking, the guys had a hard time pinpointing the acclaim garnered from the horror community, but do what they can to mine the elements that did work, in the end earning this one a double “stream.”

Where we watched: Netflix

The Endless (2017)

Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead

Written by Justin Benson

RecommenDEADtions: Black Bear / WandaVision (TV show)

Next week’s film:  The Body Snatcher (1945)

LET’S GET BLOBBY! Imagine being a nine year old and seeing Steve McQueen take on an alien blob as it devours small town U.S.A. and everything in its path! Well, that’s just what Tim’s dad did, and it’s left its stamp on him to this day. But did “The Blob” leave a similar stamp on Ryan and Tim? Were they able to suspend their disbelief that Steve McQueen was supposed to be a teenager? Were the special effects of the era enough to convince them that the gooey, oozie Blob was a threat? Ehhhh, sort of…? Tim had issues, giving it a “stream” while Ryan couldn’t resist the film’s 1950’s charms and gave it a “buy.” Issues aside, the guys agreed that it is a horror classic.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

The Blob (1958)

Directed by Irvin Yeaworth and Russell Doughten

Written by Theodore Simonson and Kay Linaker

RecommenDEADtions: Goldfinger / Tim's Star Wars Viewing Order

Next week’s film:  The Endless (2017)

Picture this: 1977, swinging New York City...what’s a beautiful model in search of meaning in this crazy town to do? Well, have Ava Gardner find her an amazing apartment in Brooklyn that just so happens to be a gateway to hell that is being protected by the Catholic Church by a single sentinel which they place there every generation, of course! While we thought “The Sentinel” was far from its contemporaries it’s easy to compare to (“Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Omen,” “The Exorcist”), Ryan enjoyed certain aspects enough to give it a “rent,” while Tim gave it a “stream” for falling into the very hellhole it seeks to protect. 

Where we watched: FandangoNOW rental 

The Sentinel (1977) 

Directed by Michael Winner 

Written by Jeffrey Konvitz and Michael Winner 

RecommenDEADtions: Soul / The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 

Next week’s film: The Blob (1958)

“BUTCHYA ARE BLANCHE, Y’ARE IN THAT CHAIR!” That’s right, we hit a big one with the incomparable duo of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and boy oh boy was there plenty to dismember (least of which being a bird and a rat)! What more can be said without “hammering” home that we loved this film and gave it a much deserved double “buy”? A true classic with all the things you never knew you needed: old Hollywood, a haunting musical number, a creepy doll, a sibling rivalry for the ages, and so much more. 

Where we watched: iTunes rental 

What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962) 

Directed by Robert Aldrich Written by Henry Farrell and Lukas Heller 

RecommenDEADtions: Personal Shopper / His House 

Next week’s film: The Sentinel (1977)

Episode 123 - New Year’s Evil

We wish you a very happy New Year's.... EVIL! HAHAHAA.... err herm, anyway, not to get to carried away like the crazy killer in this raunchy raucous and ravin' 1980 slasher film, we here at Dismembering Horror do wish you all a happy new year and thank you for being with us on this journey from one year into the next. There's just so much going on in "New Year's Evil" it feels weird to try and say anything more about it here. Lucky for all of us though, we recorded a whole podcast episode on it! We both rated it a very hearty "stream," especially as a cheese-tastic ridiculous romp to be enjoyed with friends. And if you aren’t able to physically be with any horror movie buds… just know you’ve always got us ;)

Where we watched: Amazon Prime

New Year’s Evil (1980)

Directed by Emmett Alston

Written by Leonard Neubauer

RecommenDEADtions: Zappa / Ghost Town Living (YouTube channel)

Next week’s film: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

We sojourn way back to 1932 for this week’s film, but don’t be fooled: this incredible vampire tale feels eerily real and strangely modern. Perhaps ahead of its time with incredible, sweeping camera work, indelible art direction, and an experimental, dream-like spirit, Tim and Ryan absolutely loved Vampyr. Sinking their teeth deep into the neck of this timeless classic, they couldn’t help but conjure a double “buy it!”

Where we watched: The Criterion Channel

Vampyr (1932)

Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer

Written by Carl Theodor Dreyer and Christen Jul

RecommenDEADtions: Happiest Season / The Santa Clause and The Santa Clause 2

Next week’s film: New Year's Evil (1980)

Kurt Russell delivered for us, as usual... but to everyone’s surprise, Ryan actually liked Patrick Wilson in this slow-burn, modern, western-horror mashup. Skirting and/or deconstructing the more problematic aspects of the westerns of yesteryear, “Bone Tomahawk” manages to weave wonderfully constructed characters to broader themes, driving it all home for an overall satisfying venture. Plus, literal bone tomahawks and one of the more gruesome death scenes we’ve encountered had us appropriately “ooing” and “AH!-ing.”  All of this added up to what we would consider a perfect movie to “stream” when you get back from your next ramble.

Where we watched: Amazon Prime

Bone Tomahawk  (2015)

Written and Directed by S. Craig Zahler

RecommenDEADtions: Enter the Void / Deadwood (TV show)

Next week’s film: Vampyr (1932)

You read that right, this week we are covering a listener-submission that was based off of the famed(?) Hanna-Barbera show “The Banana Splits” called...you guessed it: “The Banana Splits Movie.” Of course this being a horror podcast, this adaptation involved killer robots and some over-the-top gore that we have to assume was never a part of the original show. The film may have come up short, leading us to give it a double “avoid,” but as often happens with these clunkers, it gave us the springboard we needed for a fun and fruitful dismembering. Tra-la-la!

Where we watched: YouTube rental

The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
Directed by Danishka Esterhazy
Written by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas

RecommenDEADtions: The Irishman / White Sands National Park

Next week’s film: Bone Tomahawk

CLASSIC! That’s right, we said it, CLASSIC! It’s the sci-fi horror film that started it all by spawning countless versions of the “monster on the loose” tale, “The Thing from Another World”! Although we loved many elements (especially the titular “thing”), it was held back by some minor limitations leading to a double “rent”. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t incredible and indelible moments that pushed this movie dangerously close to “buy it” territory. Besides, who doesn’t love a plant-based alien these days?

Where we watched: FandangoNOW rental

The Thing from Another World (1951)

Directed by Charles Lederer and Howard Hawks

Written by Charles Lederer

RecommenDEADtions: Cinemassacre’s Monster Madness (YouTube series) / The Guest

Next week’s film: The Banana Splits Movie

Let’s be honest, as horrific as much of this movie’s content is, it’s really more of a fantasy/fairytale. Apropo to the incomparable Terry Gilliam, this controversial entry of his did much the same for Ryan and Tim: breed controversy. Although magic and wonder and terror abound, this one really missed its mark and led to a near double ”avoid”... BUT ultimately was given a “stream” from Ryan and a “rent” from Tim. 

Where we watched: Amazon Prime 

Tideland (2005)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Written by Tony Grisoni, Terry Gilliam, and Mitch Cullin 

RecommenDEADtions: The Apu Trilogy / Spring 

Next week’s film: The Thing from Another World

Put your hands together for our special guest Carly D. Weckstein, who helps us dismember this week’s film “Climax”! What a perfect addition to help us cover such a rich and complex story, one that explores themes of consent and so much more. This “dance horror film” sent us on quite the trip with its intensity, insanity, irreverence, and imagery. Earning a triple “rent” that verged very nearly on a triple “buy,” this one is definiteley worth the watch (and then a listen)!

Where we watched: Amazon Prime

Climax (2018)

Written and Directed by Gaspar Noé

RecommenDEADtions: American Beauty (album) / Haunt / The Vow (TV show) and Children of Blood and Bone (book series)

Next week’s film: Tideland

Look out, it’s Jack Bauer back again to take down a new mysterious enemy threat in 24’s Halloween Special! What’s that? This isn’t actually an episode of 24? Well you could have fooled us, because Keifer Sutherland is as Jack Bauer as only Keifer knows how to Jack. Allowing us to “reflect” on some interesting ideas, and fully embracing being a scary movie about mirrors, “Mirrors” is true popcorn fare from this now classic, aughts-era of horror. It may have left us wanting more, yet delivered on its title, leading the guys to give it a solid double “stream”.

Where we watched: Amazon rental

Mirrors (2008)

Directed by  Alexandre Aja

Written by Alexandre Aja and Grégory Levasseur

RecommenDEADtions: Hostel: Part II / The Hole in the Ground

Next week’s film: Climax (with special guest Carly D. Weckstein)

REDEMPTION! Not that Nicolas Pesce really needed it, but we are here to make clear that the 2020 “Grudge” film can not and will not be a reflection of this filmmaker’s talent. Here’s why: “Piercing” is amazing and so so so so deliciously twisted and beautiful and disquieting and fun. This visually and emotionally wonderful piece of filmmaking taps into the underbelly of psychosis, sex, kink, pleasure, pain, and guilt, among many other themes. Ryan and Tim go deep beneath the perforated skin of this one, rating it a double “rent,” and make it as clear as possible why it was very close to a “buy” but didn’t quite get there. Nonetheless, it’s a movie well worth the watch.

Where we watched: iTunes rental

Piercing (2018)

Written and Directed by Nicolas Pesce

RecommenDEADtions: Basket Case 1-3 / Scare Me

Next week’s film: Mirrors (2008)

Our friend and previous guest Peter Warden (from the podcast Retro Reviews) gives his thoughts on the Scream franchise, specifically why he prefers the third installment over the sequel. Happy Halloween everyone, and thanks for joining us this "Scream-tober!"

Boy oh boy, we are back and nailing it with “Scream 4!” We’ve got a mix of new and old coming together to cause havoc in the little town of Woodsboro, where once again everyone’s favorite Sydney is at the mercy of Ghostface (or as proven time and time again, Ghostface is at the mercy of Sydney). What a great note to end our spooky-Halloween-horror-film-month-Scream-a-thon! Both Ryan and Tim were fully on board with the new life breathed into the “Scream” franchise, showing that a little time away lends itself to doing a lot. Not to mention, bringing Kevin Williamson back on to write really drove home the perfect meta-meets-meta-ness we’ve grown to love so much. Double “buys” all around. Here’s hoping that when “Scream 5” arrives, it keeps up the tradition.

Where we watched: Blu-ray

Scream 4 (2011)

Directed by Wes Craven

Written by Kevin Williamson

RecommenDEADtions:  Yi Yi / Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein

Next week’s film: Piercing (2018)