Ghoul Pool

The Ghouls get animated with a 2021 nod to rotoscoped dark-fantasy films of the 70's and 80's. Find out where we stand on this brutally gory endeavor during this week's Ghoul Pool.

After an eternity in the shadows, the Ghouls are back to drain every drop from this classic art-house gothic romance. Starring David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, and Catherine Deneuve. Based on the novel by Whitley Streiber, this film introduces an interesting and emotional take on what it means to be a vampire.

This week on Ghoul Pool we spend the night with Barbarian. Find out what we think of this 2022 suspense thriller by way of creature-feature. We also discuss a bit of other junk relating to other films and video games. 

On this new episode of Ghoul Pool we each discuss our thoughts on Brandon Cronenberg's long awaited, third feature length film Infinity Pool. Starring Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård with an excellent score by Tim Hecker. 

James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort's perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.

After a short hiatus the Ghouls are back to discuss the 2002 staple, The Ring, starring Naomi Watts and directed by Gore Verbinski. The Ring is actually an American remake of a 1998 Japanese film titled Ringu, and seems to be the film that started the boom in Japanese horror remakes. Shorty after the success of The Ring we started seeing films like The Grudge, One Missed Call, and Pulse all based on prior Japanese films. Was The Ring a banger, or were we just the perfect age for the film's intital release? 

This week on the pod we reverse the feed and bring this tale of two Vinces(and a J-Lo) into our own mindscapes. Find out what we thought of the Tarsem SIngh's 2000 Sci-fi/suspense thriller The Cell.

Tune in this week as we lose full control of our brains, dissecting an instant Ghoul Pool favorite directed by Brandon Cronenberg. We are also joined for the very first time by a special guest, Mary!

This week on Ghoul Pool we delve into the 1998 classic The Faculty, directed by Robert Rodriguez. Find out what we have to say about this late 90's horror film pulling from earlier films like Invasion of the Bodysnatchers and Night of the Creeps. With a budget of $15 million and a cast packed to the gills, what's not to love?

On this week's episode, the Ghoul squad spill their blood over an iconic tale from everyone's favorite crypt in Demon Knight. 

On this episode Derek, Nick, and Justin talk about the 2017 film Super Dark Times, written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski. This film is an excellent window into the life of teenage boys growing up in the late 90's, with a dark twist that pushes an already crumbling friendship to the brink. Directed by Kevin Phillips, this film is an absolute masterpiece in tone, audio, and cinematography that all culminates into a dreamlike world of nostalgia. With a cast of all unknown (at the time) actors that absolutely smash it out of the park, we cannot recommend this one enough.

Here is a nice little bonus episode where we got carried away talking about the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. This pretty much mirrors Justin's Letterbox'd review of the film. 

On this episode of Ghoul Pool the fellas tackle David Cronenberg's 1981 Sci-fi Thriller, Scanners. Nick and Justin have seen this one before, quite a few times, but it is Derek's initial viewing! Listen as we discuss the film and whether or not Stephen Lack has shown up for his job in the film. 

Scanners are men and women born with incredible telepathic and telekinetic powers. There are many who exercise the benefits of their special gifts in a safe and judicious manner. However, there is a group of renegade scanners who plan to create a race that will rule the world.

In this episode we discussed Kevin Smith's 2011 film Red State; A grim depiction of three highschoolers run-in with a religious cult. With a bunch of excellent cameos and a role that seemed to be written for John Goodman, this film as absolutely worth checking out! Also featuring a special guest appearance by Jason Statham, where he talks about his favorite type of Pub Stunt. 

What's up y'all! The boys are back for their long overdue discussion about Halloween Kills! Join us, while we discuss the polarizing sequel to David Gordon Green's super fun Halloween 2018. Were you a fan of this film? Do you like where the franchise is heading? Let us know! 

In this return episode, the gang talks about Bob Clark's 1974 Holiday Classic, Black Christmas. This movie has been a horror favorite for decades, completely transcending the idea of a holiday horror film. This flick takes a well deserved spot as one of the earliest slasher films centering around the mysterious call from within the house. Almost fifty years after its release, women are still facing the same struggles in society.

Take the wild ride with us as we talk about James Wan's newset film: Malignant. This was a first time watch for Derek, Nick, and Justin alike and we all somehow managed to rate it exactly the same. Have you seen this wacky film and if so what did you think? Should there have been more traps and game playing, or more fraudulent couples exploiting terrified families? EIther way, buckle up because you are in for it!

*Subtitle would have been a spoiler*

* Your Secret Brain Brother *

In this episode we tackle Derek's choice of film, Phillip Brophy's 1993 Bodymelt. The synopsis for this film is as follows: 

A mad scientist's (Ian Smith) vitamin pill causes horrific side-effects in its suburbanite consumers. 

However, I absolutely would not rely on that bit of information whatsoever. What did we think of this film? You'll have to listen to find out!

Join us while we discuss the 1985 film about energy vampires directed by Tobe Hooper, the mastermind behind The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist! With a budget of $22.5 million dollars and a box office gross of $11.6, how can we go wrong? Have you seen this wildly strange film and does it stand the test of time? Will the memory of a twelve year old boy be enough to light the fire in the hearts of these horror fans? FIND OUT NOW!

Just a little side rant about André Øvredal  and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

In this long installment of Ghoul Pool, Nick, Derek, and Justin go absolutely ham talking about the killer 2010 film Troll Hunter. We dive deep into the important questions such as; if trolls exist, does that mean god exists? How many flavors of Nickelodeon Gak are there? Do trolls really have silky smooth hair? How many people lie about being Christian in the presence of trolls? 

***At one point Justin makes a Blair Witch reference and says "Mary Shaw," when he in fact means "Mary Brown."***

Who's the dummy now?

On this wild ride, Derek, Nick, and Justin discuss the 1976 film Alice, Sweet Alice. As you can tell by the episode run time, there is a lot to unpack with this one, including creepy neighbor with cats, brick face smashing, multiple staircase stabbings, spooky masks, and obscenely bright raincoats. Buckle up, because it's a doozy!

 Check us on on Instagram @ghoulpoolpod and let us know what you think!

In this episode we talk about Kathryn Bigelow's Near Dark. A gloomy film about a group of transient Vampires as old as the stars. Being released in 1987 this is a super interesting and innovative take on what the vampire genre is capable of. Does it stand the test of time? Is there still room for this film today among all the other Vampire takes? There is also a new cohost!

In the 10th episode of Ghoul Pool, Derek and Justin tackle Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room. This 2015 siege thriller/horror film is an absolute masterclass in suspense and tension. We had an absolute blast talking about this film and would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet! 

In this episode Justin and Derek talk about James Wan's follow up to Saw, Dead Silence. Justin is revisiting it for a second time after almost 15 years, and Derek is just now seeing it for the first time. Dead Silence is some what of a cult classic for some folks, and to others just another movie about puppets and dolls. Let us know how you feel about this film on Instagram @ghoulpoolpod

Derek and Justin talk about the 2020 sleeper, The Empty Man.

A film based on the comic book series written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Vanesa R. Del Rey. Check this film out today, and let us know what you think! We can now be reached on Instagram @ghoulpoolpod 

Derek and Justin talk about the new film Come True. A young woman is having a hard time sleeping and decides to participate in a sleep study program, what will happen? Will all of her dreams of a well rested night come true? Tell us what you thought of this film!

In this episode Derek and Justin talk about the recent film written and directed by Bryan Bertino(The Strangers) as well as how radical early 90's WWE was. Have you seen this film? What did you think? Be sure to let us know!

This is a segment I cut out of the original edit where we went on a tangent about vampires, remakes, and people's bad opinions about film. I definitely express opinions about horror that will make enemies. Burn me at the stake.

In this episode Justin and Derek talk about the Robert Rodriguez film From Dusk Til Dawn. Ghoul Pool has been away for a minute, but we are back and tackling the blood soaked Thriller/Horror film written by Quentin Tarantino. I honestly don't care about these descriptions at all because this podcast is just an excuse for me to talk to friends about stuff I love. Thank you for checking us out! 

Justin and Jimmy revisit 2001's Session 9! Directed by Brad Anderson and filmed entirely on location at Danvers State Hospital. When I (Justin) first watched this film in 2006 I really thought it was terrible and offered nothing of interest. Upon my recent re-watch in 2020 I found it to be absolutely killer! In this episode we also discuss a lot of the dark history surrounding the filming location. An excellent bonus feature to this episode is Jimmy Champane's perfectly spot on Boston accent. 

Footnote: I mention my first time seeing this movie being in 2018, but what I actually meant is that I WAS 18, and it was in fact the year 2006!!!

Justin and Jimmy discuss all three Blair Witch movies in this third installment of Ghoul Pool. The Blair Witch Project will always come out on top in this series, but can the other two films hold a candle to it?

On this Ghoul Pool maiden voyage Jimmy and Justin discuss Nightmare on Elm Street II: Freddy's Revenge!

Whether you love it or hate it, it's hard to deny the importance of this horror classic!

Released only a year after the original Nightmare on Elm Street in 1985, The sequel has been described as the "gayest horror movie of all time."