While the 2000s were lousy with horror remakes, perhaps none struggled to justify its existence as much as this uninspired, beat-for-beat retread of the Richard Donner Catholic shocker. It seemed to only exist because a studio executive noticed that there would be a 6/6/6 on the calendar less than 11 months before this would be dumped into theaters to a tepid if lucrative response. This week Mike, Stephen & Devaughn look back at what went wrong and what could have salvaged this Liev Schriber and Julia Stiles vehicle.

Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support.

Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today for as little as $2 at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out.

Follow us-

WEBSITE

BLUESKY

INSTAGRAM

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we've got four hosts on hand to talk the fourth entry in the Omen franchise. Coincidence or the work of the Devil? You decide.

We break down this 1991 FOX made-for-television reboot of the franchise. With a gender swapped AntiChrist, hopes were high the fledgling network could use their deep film archives to entice viewers to the small screen. Unfortunately, the less than stellar results here, with muted violence and a script that mirrors the beats of the original to a degree that leaves you wondering "Why am I not watching the 1976 movie instead?" killed that idea in its infancy.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week the crew is joined by Kinnel from Sinister Cinema to talk about the final entry in the main Psycho series. It may be the only movie ever greenlit in order to promote the opening of a theme park. This made-for-cable movie was written by the original film’s writer Joesph Stefano, but it’s clear that without Hitchcock, the screenwriter was a one trick, “boy I sure do like Sigmund Freud” pony. The crew is talking about weird incest, talk radio tomfoolery, Anthony Perkins giving director Mick Garris the what for on set, and so much more. 

Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 

Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today for as little as $2 at patreon.com/podandthependulum. 

Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 

Follow us-

WEBSITE

BLUESKY

INSTAGRAM

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we mark five years of bringing you the Pod and the Pendulum by having a fun little roundtable discussion. Mike, Brian, Devaughn and Stephen got together to talk for awhile about what has caught their fancy as of late, as well as to reflect on some of their favorite moments on the show these past dew years and to throw out some pitches for franchises to cover in the future. Since t just wouldn't be an episode without an unhinged rant of some sort, this time around Mike offers the sort of  full-throated defense of the critically lambasted Jerry Seinfeld vehicle UNFROSTED that it left his cohosts feeling more than a little uncomfortable, and Mike doing some self-reflection that maybe it's time to get himself back into therapy for a short spell. In all seriousness, thank you to each and every one of our listeners these past five years. We couldn't do the show without you (well technically we could, but what would be the point?)
We'll be back next week with a new franchise (BLADE) but until then...
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's time to put this franchise to bed, and what better way to do that thank to put it all in order? Mike, Rachel, Ariel and Devaughn are on hand to rank the Paranormal Activity series from the dregs to the top tier. Will Devaughn be our chaos agent again when it comes to rankings? Will there be a surprise pick at the top? Will Ghost Dimension get knee capped like Micah at a feminist book club? Tune in and find out!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The episode brings a riveting discussion about the final installment of the Paranormal Activity series, its backstory, the impact of COVID-19 on its production, and Ariel's passion for the "found footage" format. The hosts also share intriguing behind-the-scenes insights, including the studio's unique priority list for permissible movie content. After six movies and diminishing returns, it was time for a change of scenery, and that's what Next of Kin delivers, as the action shifts to Amish country, leaving Toby, Katie, and Kristie behind. We talk the new location, the new mystery, the odd choice to dump this straight to streaming, and whether you can really call this a "found footage movie"-did they try something different or just fail at sticking to the format?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get ready to enter the frightening world of the Paranormal Activity series with your favorite horror hosts. In this  episode, we dissect the supposed final movie, 'The Ghost Dimension,' along with an analysis of the film's corporate maneuverings, & 3D technology use. We provide a brutally honest review of the film's reception, plot twists, and the unusual combination of high-end 3D technology within a found footage movie.
We discuss shifting trends in the film industry, with a focus on the transition of the cinematic experience from traditional theaters to various on-demand video services. The episode delves into the complexities of this transition, questioning whether subscription models devalue movies.
We evaluate the intricacies of found footage sequences and explore strategic watching orders, the significance of key characters, and parallels in the series. From the dynamics of seemingly ordinary families to thrilling confrontations with demons, we leave no stone unturned. The impact of potential timeline re-evaluations, role of witches, and transformations of central characters are all scrutinized.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we talk about the time the Paranormal Activity series took a deliberate turn away from focusing on wealthy, white, upper middle class families and turned toward the Latino communities of Los Angeles. Writer / director Christopher Landon called The Marked Ones more of a “cousin” of the previous four films rather than a true sequel, and perhaps making that diversion allowed or something looser and unbound by the formula that had gotten stale by the previous entry. The Marked Ones shifts the focus directly onto witchcraft and possession horror while being far less about a haunted house where things that go bump in the night. It also gives us much more of a communal feel, introduces more comedic undertones and offers up three of the better protagonists in Jesse, Hector, and Marisol. 
 
It’s too bad they couldn’t stick the landing and introduced some really silly things like time travel. Goddammit.  
 
All this, plus Mike and Devaughn talk about the dumbest stunts we’ve ever pulled, Cousin Oliver and the Brady Bunch, going all “Mercked Ones” for a few glorious moments, and Mike’s wife sleep-singing when she has nightmares. 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week it feels like we’re covering familiar territory. It feels like we’re playing the greatest hits. It feels like the activity is less paranormal and more all too familiar with its fourth entry in the series Paranormal Activity gives us a true sequel for the first time, but instead of forging ahead, the series feels stuck in neutral for the first time. Despite an excellent early performance from Kathyrn Newton, it relies on the same tropes and scares of the first three movies while rehashing and recycling plot lines like a day-old meatloaf. Did fans still want to get this served up to them? We discuss all the above, plus so much more this week.
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're going back in time with what Mike calls the "Dream Warriors" of the Paranormal Franchise with its third installment. Rather than continue the cliffhanger ending of its sneak prequel, directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman travel back to the 80s to show audiences just how Katie and Kristi got mixed up with Tobi the demon to begin with (spoiler alert: it's those damned witches). The end result might be the most entertaining entry of the series, with scares coming from start to finish, and great additions like an oscillating fan ratcheting up the tension even further. Plus, we get Dennis, the first positive male role model in the franchise to date, as he does his best to get to the bottom of the mystery and protect his two step children. This week we're joined once again by Mary Beth McAndrews to talk about a movie she says "had to walk so Hereditary could run"
 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're back with more found footage, more spooky cameras, more demonology, and more things that go bump in the night with 2010's Paranormal Activity 2. Even better we double down on the toxic masculinity and toss in some casual racism towards are poor, amazing housekeeper to boot! (Daniel, you're the worst). This sequel does manage to build on the framework of the first film not only in how it captures footage, but also in building out the mythology and world that will follow over the course of the series. We're joined by photographer Rachel Schwebach(@indiesmutpeddler) for another spirited discussion

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we begin a new franchise. We are talking about Paranormal Activity which is arguably the most successful series of the 2000 tens. From its humble beginnings as a tiny independent movie meant to be shown small audiences to a global phenomenon that raked in hundreds of millions of dollars this is the series that launched so many other found footage titles over the next decade for better or worse. Along with special guest Mary Beth McAndrews (Dread Central, Scarred For Life) your cohosts discuss how creator Oren Peli self-taught himself the basics of filmmaking and with a minimal cast and crew, made this supernatural chiller in his own home. We also dive into the themes present throughout the movie such as the toxic relationship between Katie & Micah that only makes the haunting worse, the way the film predicts our growing acceptance of constant surveillance, and the demonic as a microcosm of rampant consumerism and an economic system on the edge of collapse. All this, plus a debate over just what separates a classic found footage movie from hand held garbage.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We have a special treat for you this week this episode was originally recorded for the GHOULS MAGAZINE podcast with hosts Rebecca McCallum  (Talking Hitchcock) and our own Ariel Hellraiser. While ghouls is on a temporary hiatus Ari was kind enough to offer this conversation between two of the brightest minds in horror on the 1st two Human Centipede films. They dive deep into the body horror of it all along with the gender dynamics in the history of the mad scientist archetype. It's a really fun conversation and we'll hopefully tide listeners over while we get ready for our next franchise. We hope you enjoy this bonus show and we'll be back next week.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Mike, Stephen, and Brian are joined by Kinnell of Sinister Cinema to talk about the trashy fun of Psycho 3. Coming at the tail end of the slasher craze of the 80s, just as horror cinema was starting to cash in on repetitive sequels, this one ramps up the gore, the kills, the sex, and the camp or something that was way too overlooked and underappreciated upon its release in 1986. While it lacks the finesse of Hitchcock's classic, it remains a un, lurid watch.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we wrap our Frankenstein coverage with the movie that gave birth to the horror comedy. In just over a decade and a half, we're far from the serious, often somber tones of the original Frankenstein, and the most famous trio of Universal Monsters become punchlines to the madcap antics of the famous comedy duo. Still, this movie treats the Monsters with reverence, and contains a lot of laughs to this day. Mike, Brian, & Stephen talk about the careers of Bud Abbott & Lou Costello, how this one came together, why it works as a blend of spooky scares and farcical comedy, and ponder why this seemingly light little movie features a character that's a Nazi war criminal who serves as the love interest for Lou Costello. Oh yes, we also deal with Lou Costello, heart throb, and marvel at Bud Abbott's skill at playing it straight.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we get another horror mashup as Dracula opens up his home to the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and a riff on Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. While it plays like a retread of the previous installment, there's a lot of fun to be had in this campy creature feature that gives us the bare minimum of Frankenstein on screen. We dive deep into the history of this one, say goodbye to some long standing featured  characters and creative types, and talk about how the sands were shifting at Universal and horror in general by the time this came out in 1946. Mike and Brian are joined again by guest Andrew Fabry of the Dead Letter Movie pod.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're back with a true monster mashup as Frankenstein's Monster meets up with the Wolf Man and Dracula, along with a mad scientist and hunchback for good measure. By 1944 it was clear to Universal they had squeezed all thw juice out of their horror lineup as they could in solo adventures. What to do then but have them combine forces in some decidedly not-scary, but highly campy adventures? Mike, Brian, and Devaughn break down what should feel like an epic monster smash up, but plays out more like an anthology where each creature gets a moment to shine.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our first team up! This week finds two Universal icons getting together for one motion picture in the first of what will be a troubling trend for the back half of the Frankenstein movies as the creature takes a back seat in this Wolf Man sequel. Still, it's a fun affair as our two monsters play pretty nice together for a while before brawling as the castle blows up and floods around them. Brian, Mike and Steven team up to talk about what works in cinemas first attempt at a shared universe.
Please read Brian's Frankenstein’s columns including Faces of Frankenstein / The Universal Years on Manor Vellum 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re back to finish our discussion on THEGHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN. Joining us this week is Andrew Fabry of the Dead Letters movie podcast. Universal once again pairs two of its iconic performers in one film. This time a returning Bela Lugosi as Ygor is joined by Lon Chaney Jr as the Monster. Would the man better known for turning into a wolf be able to fill Karloff’s boots? We have a fun discussion of what, to be honest, might be the nadir of the Frankenstein series. 
 
Please read Brian's Frankenstein’s columns including Faces of Frankenstein / The Universal Years on Manor Vellum 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're back for the last of Karloff's turns as the Monster in the Universal Frankenstein movies. Mike, Brian and Jessica are joined by returning guest Nat Brehmar (author of PUPPET MASTER COMPLETE: A FRANCHISE HISTORY) for a candid talk about this often overlooked gem. Karloff himself would be overshadowed by Bela Lugosi playing Ygor, the hunchback friend that gave the Hungarian superstar his first juicy role in years after falling on difficult times. We talk about the Monster's self-rejection, the difficulty of living up to the family legacy, the gorgeous visuals of Son, and of course, its lasting imprint and influence on Young Frankenstein decades later. We also talk character actor Lionel Atwill, who turns up for the first of five roles in the series, and his, let's say, colorful off screen life. 
 
Please check out Brian's writing on Frankenstein over on Manor Vellum including "Faces of Frankenstein: The Universal Years." 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re back to finish our discussion on THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. We had a lot to talk about this week, including the abundance of religious iconography present in this film, along with the myriad of ways the Hays Code took a hatchet to this movie but a ton of cheeky humor and themes still slipped through. We discuss the first true villain, the absolutely delicious Doctor Pretorious (Doctor Pretorius?) and how he offers the gateway to the many queer themes and suggestions that are front and center here. We talk the lovely Elsa Lanchester and how she makes a meal out of her five minutes of screentime as the Bride remains one of the most iconic fixtures in horror history. It’s the second part of massive episode so make sure you go back and listen to part one. Mike is joined by cohosts Brian and Stephen along with special guest Ygraine from the What a Scream podcast, Ghouls Magazine, and the Moving Pictures Film club.
 
Please read Brian's Frankenstein’s columns including Faces of Frankenstein / The Universal Years on Manor Vellum 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're back to discuss what some have called the greatest horror movie of all time, and what might be the birth of queer cinema: THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. In the years following Frankenstein's success, James Whale would go on to put his campy, humorous touch on horror classics The Old Dark House and The Invisible Man before returning to create his masterpiece. Meanwhile Boris Karloff elevated from a struggling bit player to receiving top-of-the-bill status in a string of successes. Of course, no discussion would be complete without discussing the immeasurable impact Elsa Lanchester made with mere minutes of screen time as the titular Bride. With her lightning bolt updo, and a hiss inspired by protective swans, Lanchester delivered one of the most memorable monsters i Universal cannon. The sequel adds humor to the gothic horror, and goes bigger in every way: there's a larger body count, a larger cast, more elaborate sets, and even more fantastical special effects. We're joined by guest Ygraine (What a Scream Podcast) for the first half of our two-parter on Bride. 
Please read Brian's "Faces of Frankenstein: The Innovation and Influence of James Whale's Frankenstein" or more information on this seminal film.  
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Monster is loose! We’re back with the second half of Universal’s FRANKENSTEIN. This week we talk about the masterful innovations director James Whale brought to the screen. We discuss how Frankenstein is an example of a horror movie with no true villain, and how Boris Karlof gives one of the most sympathetic performances in genre history. We talk about the tropes this movie started ( the hunchback side kick in Dwight Frye’s Fritz, the rampaging villagers armed with torches and pitchforks) and movies core themes such as parental abandonment, and the dangers of progress without accepting responsibility can have dangerous outcomes. We touch on the queer and darkly humorous aspects of the movie and talk about the shocking aspects such as the murder of young kids. It’s one of our best discussions to date, and if you haven’t already, make sure you go back to listen to the first half of our episode with Mike, Brian, Devaughn and guest Garrett McDowell. 
 
Please read Brian's "Faces of Frankenstein: The Innovation and Influence of James Whale's Frankenstein" or more information on this seminal film.  
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we embark on a new cinematic journey and for the first time we travel back to one of the foundations of horror as we begin our exploration of the Frankenstein franchise. Adapted from the classic novel by Mary Shelley, James Whale created one of the true masterpieces of early horror cinema. Alongside Dracula, Frankenstein demonstrated that genre films could not only be artistic masterpieces but proved such box office successes that they could keep studios afloat. For the first of our two episodes on the original Frankenstein movie Mike is joined by Brian Keiper and Devaughn Taylor in the co-host chairs along with special guest Garrett McDowell who is Devaughn’s cohost on the Spector Cinema pod. On this episode we talk about our personal histories with the Universal Monsters and relationship with Frankenstein and why Frankenstein called to us during our formative journeys as budding horror fans. After that Brian and Mike discuss the long and laborious road Frankenstein took to the silver screen. From a twenty-one-year-old nepo-baby, Carl Laemmelle Jr, getting handed the keys to Universal and making monster movies when no one else believed in them to an unknown journeyman named Boris becoming one of the first icons of horror, it’s a fascinating trip to the screen. Join us for part two in a  few days as DeVaughn and Garrett return to discuss their thoughts on the film as a whole.
 
Please read Brian's "Faces of Frankenstein: The Innovation and Influence of James Whale's Frankenstein" or more information on this seminal film.  
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Mike, Brian, and Stephen take on the task of breaking down one of the most daunting sequels ever made, Psycho 2. Following in the footsteps of his idol, director Richard Franklin (with a major assist  from writer Tom Holland) crafted a two decades later follow up to Hitchcock’s horror masterpiece. The result is a better-than-it-has-any-right-to-be sequel that explores the fractured psyche of Norman Bates as he tries to maintain his sanity and live a life of normalcy. Bolstered by a stellar cast including Meg Tilly, a returning Vera Miles, a then-unknown Dennis Franz, and orange juice pitchman extraordinaire Robert Loggia, Anthony Perkins returns as the haunted Norman Bates, and delivers a performance that rivals his star-making original turn. 

Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 

Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today for as little as $2 at patreon.com/podandthependulum. 

Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 

Follow us-

WEBSITE

BLUESKY

INSTAGRAM

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before we get dragged kicking and screaming into 2024, Mike, Brian, Nichole and Rachel take a look back at what has been a solid year yet again or horror. From the creation of "meme horror" we loved in M3GAN and Talk To Me, to a continuation of "Fuck 'dem Kids" nastiness in Where Evil Lurks, Evil Dead Rise and others to classic monsters getting reimagined and reborn in Godzilla Minus One it was a strong year all around. We each give our top ten picks, and want to hear from you-what did you love about horror in 2023 and what are you looking forward to in the coming year? 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy holidays everyone. For our second annual non-horror Christmas movie deep dive, we're covering the greatest adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic. What do you get when you cross a miserly, penny hoarding, vindictive Scrooge with the loveable Muppets? You get the absolute holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol.  Featuring Michael Caine in the starring role, it was the first Muppet motion picture after the tragic passing of Jim Henson in 1990. By playing Dickens' material mostly straight, Brian Henson manages to capture the ghostly, and often downright scary elements of the story, and hammering home the timeless message of charity, goodwill and community. Featuring a secret weapon in the form of music from a rejuvenated Paul Williams, the picture bangs out incredible songs such as "It Feels Like Christmas" "Marley and Marley" and "Thankful Heart." The Muppets themselves, from Kermit as the put upon Bob Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Gonzo the Great as our author and narrator Charles Dickens are perfectly utilized as well.  
Mike and Stephen are joined by first time guest Rachel Schwebach  (@indysmutpeddler) to discuss the above, our own love for Henson's creations, the sadness Christmas can sometimes bring, whether or not Michael Caine was tripping balls the whole time he was filming and interacting with the Muppets like they were real and as a special bonus you can hear about Mike's real life beefs with Kerry Von Erich and Fugazi's Ian Macaye. 
Hey, if you enjoyed Rachel on this episode, you should check out her shibari and BDSM photography by becoming a patron of hers here: https://www.patreon.com/rachelschwebach
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You better watch out...he's made his list and he knows who is naughty and who is nice.
This week we wrap up our holiday horror series with a classic killer Santa movie: CHRISTMAS EVIL. No less a luminary than John Waters calls this his favorite Christmas movie and its easy to understand why. With a gritty, 70s feel that recalls Taxi Driver, black humor, and truly remarkable performance that alternates between humanistic and unhinged rom Brandon Maggert as a man who only wants to be Santa. This one hits at the loneliness of the holiday, how the magic of Xmas can get snatched away, and why Santa can be a terrifying figure. Mike, Nichole and Brian had a blast talking about this one. 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NOTE: Mike uploaded the incorrect file yesterday so all apologies. We'll leave the 2020 patron episode up as a thanks, but here our actual episode for the week)
 
He's making a list. He's checking it twice. He's going to find out who's naughty and should be stuffed in a sack then beaten with a switch before being fed to murderous elves. It's Krampus! From Mike Dougherty (Trick 'r Treat) comes another contemporary holiday horror classic. Rachel and Stephen break this one down. They talk about how Dougherty uses the folklore and myth behind the creature. They also chat about how the holidays can bring out the worst in everybody: from being short-tempered to feeling overwhelmingly lonely. There's talk of the gorgeous creature designs and how there's still plenty of holiday cheer and dark humor to go along with some truly horrific moments (kids getting swallowed whole, headfirst for instance. It's a fun chat, sure to keep you warm as you stoke the fire to keep those naughty elves out of your house.
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quick note: Mike uploaded the wrong file and this is the Patreon episode we recorded way back in 2020. For giggles, let's leave it up. 
 
If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds. 
 
Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support. 
 
Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out. 
 
If you have the means, consider becoming a patron today and support the show. Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's the end of the world as we know it, and we feel fine. This week we're talking the Christmas-set 2021 British horror comedy Silent Night.  When the Earth spits up a toxic gas that promises to wipe out humanity, a posh family and their closest friends and loved one gather at the family manor for one last holiday party before taking their suicide pills. Hijinks are sure to ensue, right? We were mixed on whether the comedy landed, but had a spirited discussion on the themes of class, privilege, and trust in institutions and institutional expertise that director Camille Griffin raises. Filmed just before the pandemic lockdowns went into effect, and released just as the world started to emerge into a weary "new normal" it's impossible to not view this one through the lens of COVID, and that comes up here as well.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Thanksgiving listeners. As a holiday bonus, we have a little treat. Mike sat down with Stephen Cognetti, writer and director of all the Hell House LLC films to talk about how the latest (Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor) came to be. We talk what it was like to step back into this world again after a few years off, the direction future installments might go, how it felt to leave the Abaddon hotel behind for an equally creepy location and just why those clowns are so damn scary. Plus, how does Taylor Swift tie into the latest Hell House movie? Take a listen and find out.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we're back to talk about the brand new entry to the Hell House LLC series. Dropping just before Halloween on Shudder, "Origins: The Carmichael Manor" leaves the Abaddon Hotel behind for brand new story. This time we follow a true crime youtuber and her girlfriend as they try to unravel the mystery of what happened to the Carmichaels decades prior. Over the course of the tale we find out just how this seemingly unrelated murder mystery ties directly into the events of the first trilogy while also getting some crumbs that lead us now all new pathways to follow. Going back to the basics, the latest entry may be the best one since the original, and we can chalk it up to not one, not two, but a trio of ungodly and terrifying clowns. It's jump scares galore, and one of that should become a staple for horror fans every spooky season. Mike, Nichole and Rachel are here to break it all down.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back with one last trip to SAW City to rank all ten entries in the franchise.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're taking a week of, so enjoy this clip from our recent patreon page. Mike, Nichole, Stephen and Brian put together their picks for an all night horror movie marathon. 
If you want this and almost fifty hours more of bonus content, become a patron today:
patreon.com/podandthependulum

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we kick of our first franchise of 2026 with one of the tentpoles of modern horror. Alfred Hitchcock's black and white foray into horror delivered one of cinema's all the great and most sympathetic villains in Norman Bates, played masterfully by Anthony Perkins. What was meant to be a quick, cheap B-movie became the Master of Suspense's most well-known and lucrative film. This week Mike, Nichole, and Brian are joined by guest Alex Pagliuca the history of the film, it's enduring legacy and the characters and events that make it so memorable

If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds.

Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support.

Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today for as little as $2 at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out.

Follow us-

WEBSITE

BLUESKY

INSTAGRAM

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Halloween all. This week, we take a look at the latest entry in the Saw canon, the surprise hit of the fall, Saw X. The rare entry that's approved by both fans AND critics, this one finds Jigsaw seeking out surgery as a cure for his cancer, only to find out he's been grifted. I'm sure he'll take it all in stride. Mike, Ari, Brian and Nichole talk the shifting timeline, the back to basics approach, the traps, Kramer getting a true foil, the actual emotional arc of X, and the maybe queasy optics of white people torturing brown people for two hours. Strap i for one last ride through Saw City for now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This wee we're tackling what might be one of the most controversial titles we've covered to date: 2021's Spiral From The Book Of Saw. Just what does a SAW movie look like without its main man Jigsaw? Does Chris Rock try to bring too much of the funny to his role of a police detective on the hunt for the Kramer copycat killer? Did the world need a movie where we're supposed to at least sort of root for the cops in 2021, coming off of Black Lives Protests and the renewed scrutiny and concerns around police brutality and killings of people of color? We talk about this, along with how it still feels like a SAW movie and how it does its own thing to become what Mike calls the "New Nightmare / Halloween III of the franchise". It's a massive episode and we can't wait for you to dig into it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Ariel actually got to meet in person at this past weekend's Telluride Horror Show, and to celebrate we snagged some coffee and breakfast burritos while taking in the mountain air and discussed what we loved at the festival. We keep it spoiler free while discussing Suitable Flesh, Hell House LLC 4 Origins: The Carmichael Manor; Sleep; I Will Never Leave You Alone, You'll Never Find Me, Late Night With the Devil, Vincent Must Die, Frogman, and more. We also pause the show to admire a very cool looking bird.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a seven year hiatus Jigsaw made a return to theaters with, um, "Jigsaw." This week Mike, Ari, and Nichole discuss whether the Spierig's attempt at going back to basics and eschewing the more over the top gore and torture elements of the franchise worked in drawing new and returning fans back to the series. We also discuss the nature of John's early game, whether these traps were simpler and more winnable, and if John being in an early stage of his cancer made this so. We talk about the series introducing yet another disciple, where horror was at in the by this point in the decade and whether Saw was still relevant. It's a big episode as always, hope you enjoy.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are back with a not so final chapter of Saw 3D. We are here to find out how the story of John Kramer, Amanda, and John's large adult son Detective Hoffman wraps up once and for all. We enter the 3rd Dimension to do so and we get even more of cops being stupid the movie, more gore, and the first public display of Jigsaw's talents with one of the most ludicrous and over the top traps the franchise has ever gifted us. We also discuss the Intriguing premise of John punishing someone for lying about being in one of his traps while lamenting with the fact that this great idea wasn't presented all that well. all this in so much more with perhaps the most over the top in goofiest entry of the franchise to date with special guest Sarah Stubbs from Final Girls Feast and Geeks Who Eat.
 
Minor spoilers for SAW X between 1:40:30 & 1:43:39 where Mike asks a question that literally breaks Ari’s brain in real time. 
Check out Ariel’s article “The Hypocrisy of Jigsaw” here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week our SAW VI episode talks about the turn towards social issues, and how this could be subtitled “Occupy Jigsaw” as predatory lenders and insurance companies get put to the test. The discussion gets emotional as we share our own personal experiences within the hellscape that is the American healthcare system. We also talk about the ways that Hoffman is like 1980s Ric Flair, dive into the sibling rivalry between Amanda and Hoffman as they vie for the position of John's favorite acolyte, and things get awkward when Mike talks about which cohosts he would save and which would not make the cut if we were all placed in the carousel shotgun trap. We talk franchise fatigue and how even the most ardent fans may have found themselves distracted by the shiny newness of the first Paranormal Activity film in the fall of 2009. Mike, Ari, DeVaughn, and Stephen are joined by longtime listener Lucy for one of our this can’t miss episode.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this clip from our latest patreon exclusive episode, Mike and Rachel talk the origins of the Charles Bronson classic Hollywood exploitation film Death Wish. To unlock this nearly two hour episode along with dozens of more hours of content, go to patreon.com/podandthependulum and become a supporter today.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the dramatic reveal at the end of SAW IV, it’s now Detective Hoffman’s world and we’re just living in it. Mike, Ari, Nichole and DeVaughn are joined again by Kat Hughes of Ghouls Magazine to talk abut the midpoint in the SAW franchise. The fifth entry is typically where things go off the rails (Roy the ambulance driver, the Man in Black, demon baby Freddy) for franchises, will SAW V fall into the same “trap”? We’re taking about how Hoffman runs a game as opposed to Jigsaw, and the wary relationship between the two frenemies. Plus, we commend the series for leaning into its thesis statement: “all law enforcement officials are idiots” as evidenced by Agent Strahm’s baffling decisions and exterior monologue we get to enjoy through the movie. We talk about the fantastic traps, the not-so-great retconning that’s going on, and we stan for Jill Tuck. All this and more, this week with SAW V.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike, Ari, Rachel & Nichole are joined by Alison (Who's There? A Podcast About Horror Fans) for our fourth trip to Saw City (three more punches of our frequent travel card and I think we get a medium sized grape flavored Slurpee). This time we talk about the definitive death of Jigsaw and whether the flashback structure benefits the experience or just gives Tobin Bell a nice payday. We talk about the mystery box nature of this entry as it bridges the first trio of films with a follow-up trilogy. Spoiler warning: we talk the dual twists that close the film: Hoffman's reveal and the fact that this takes place alongside the previous entry. Plus, we speculate: what if the traps in Saw X are thirst traps, and what if Paddington 3 finds the titular bear eating racist children? 
 
All this and more!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we cover the controversial SAW 3, and friends, this episode goes to some places. From Jigsaw slash fiction to what Mr. Rogers and Mr. Kramer have in common, we promise you there isn't another show that covers this movie like we do. 
Mike, Nichole, DeVaughn, & Ari are joined by longtime listener and patron Lucy to talk about the above, plus, what we think about this round of traps, whether the creative team would come to regret definitively killing off their villains, and the parent / child relationship at the heart of the movie. This, and so much more.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

By the 1950s, not only was Alfred Hitchcock regarded as the master of suspense he became a brand himself as his smash hit television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents put the droll director in the homes of tens of millions of households every week. Over the course of the 1950s, he hit his creative peak & broke away from the constraints of David Selznick and launched his own production house.  Over the course of the decade Hitchcock directed many of his most beloved works, including Strangers on a Train, Rear Window, North by Northwest & Vertigo. While Hitchcock seemed to be on a roll, the latter film’s poor commercial and critical reception, alongside up and comers like Les Diaboliques’ Henri Clouzet being hailed as “the new Hitchcock,” and a slew of cheap horror films gaining steam at the box office left the director, now four decades into his career, looking to prove he still was the Master of Suspense.

This week, before we begin our coverage of Hitchcock's most famous and commercially successful film, Mike and Brian look back on the director’s work in the 50s, as well as the outside forces that shaped him.

If you like what you’re listening to make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcast feeds.

Please take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple Podcast app, or rate us on the Spotify app. Reviews and five star ratings help new listeners find us every day, and we greatly appreciate the feedback and support.

Patreon members get exclusive full length episodes, audio fan commentaries, exclusive mini-sodes and more. Join today for as little as $2 at patreon.com/podandthependulum.

Check out our website for easy access to our full catalog of shows, with hundreds of hours of free content. You can search the catalog, leave a review and even leave us feedback all from the site. Go to www.podandthependulum.com to check it out.

Follow us-

WEBSITE

BLUESKY

INSTAGRAM

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back to play another game. This week Mike, Devaughn and Ariel are joined by Kat Hughes (Ghouls Magazine) to talk about the return of Billy the Puppet. Coming just one year after the surprising success of SAW, its sequel up the traps, ups the carnage, ups the victims, ups the gore, and ups what we learn about ya boi Jigsaw. All these are good things! Unfortunately it also ups the Wahlberg, giving us a former New Kid on the Block in the "corrupt cop/pissed off divorced dad" in its central role. We were hangin' tough though, and delivered a hell of an episode.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we kick off a new franchise and dig into one of the most divisive yet successful series of the past 20 years. We kick off our SAW coverage with James Wan and Leigh Whanell’s debut effort and we discuss the merits of this movie and  why it gets harshly judged on what it wrought in the aftermath of its success. We talk about the struggle it took to bring this low budget thriller to the big screen, and how it almost wound u on the dustbin of the direct to DVD pipeline before being rescued by a strong series of test screenings. We examine its influence in horror, and how it served as a reaction to the tamer fare of the late 90s and early 00s, while also reflecting the culture and politics of its day. From Jigsaw’s dicey motivations and tactics that are routed in harsh Catholic doctrine, to the use of traps, predicting the surveillance state, whether its fair to classify as torture porn at all, and the sometimes dicey acting choices (was Danny Glover in fact too old for this shit?) Mike, Brian, and Ariel have you covered.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Mike is joined by old podcasting pal Jennferatu (The Losers Club, Girls On the Boys, Psychoanalysis, Dread Central, Bloody Disgusting) to talk about the twin headed beast that is slaying all at the box-office right now: Bsrbie and Oppenheimer. Along with speculating why these two movies are more connected than they appear on the surface, and why they're resonating with audiences at the moment, we talk about the themes of masculinity and patriarchy as portrayed in each movie. We discuss the search for identity in both movies and the moral crises addressed in Oppenheimer. We also wonder why Christopher Nolan, for all his genius, (still) struggles to write women. It was great sitting down to talk to Jenn about movies for the first time in a long time, and we hope you enjoy this discussion.
 
(If you dug Oppenheimer and want to dig further into the story, or want to hear more from the perspectives of the victims of the atomic bombing, Mike suggests the following: BOOKS AMERICAN PROMETHEUS, FALLOUT: THE HIROSHIMA COVER-UP & THE REPORTER WHO REVEALED IT TO THE WORLD, FIVE DAYS IN AUGUST: HOW WORLD WAR II BECAME A NUCLEAR WAR FILM THE DAY AFTER TRINITY, BLACK RAIN, HIROSHIMA, HIROSHIMA NAGASAKI AUGUST 1945)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.