I see... alive podcasters! Spooky season is here so it's time to get creepy with the horror-loving hosts of the How I Met Your Monster podcast, Danny, Zach, and Casey! Mark is surrounded by not one, not two, but three ghostly guests in this episode ("they're everywhere!") to celebrate the twisty 1999 thriller The Sixth Sense for its 25th anniversary. From the movie's memorable reveals to the stellar acting from the whole cast (Donnie Wahlberg still haunts us) to the ending that launched M. Night Shyamalan's career, there's a lot to love and analyze. Speaking of Shyamalan's career, the group gives their thumbs up or down for each of his following films, ending with Mark's take on this summer's Trap, in a fun short bonus episode on YouTube! 

Let's take a ride on Falcor and fly back to 1984! Mark welcomes fellow podcasters and movie lovers Josh and Joe from Video Dropbox to reopen The Neverending Story and celebrate the memorable Wolfgang Petersen movie's 40th anniversary. They follow little bullied Bastian and model tween Atreyu into the world of Fantasia, where there are Swamps of Sadness, sexy Sphinxes, and lots of amazing '80s practical effects. They discuss the trilogy of films, rave about the Limahl theme song, and wonder what even is Moon Child? 

Grab your heels and your popsicles because Mark welcomes writer, director, and producer Darren Stein for a very special episode! The Jawbreaker filmmaker takes a trip down memory lane to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his dark campy comedy that captured lightning in a bottle during a fast shoot with a low budget. They discuss the entertainment that influenced and inspired Stein, how he made films with recognizable faces when he was only in his 20s, plus the stars who auditioned for roles in Jawbreaker! And the big news: a movie musical is now in development! Who does Stein want in the cast? Oh, Kim Petras, Mary J. Blige, and more. You're gonna die (ha!) with all this trivia and insider knowledge of how a cult classic was created and how it continues to gag us.

Make way for Satan in heels, but don't be petrified! Mark welcomes horror artist and movie lover Clark Felix (@clarkmakesart87) to chat about the cruel politics of high school and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the dark comedy Jawbreaker. The twisted and campy Darren Stein film was Heathers on a sugar high and Mean Girls before Mean Girls, with a perfect cast, colorful costumes, nods to classic movies, and dialogue that slays. Clark wonders if they would join the Flawless Four if Rose McGowan offered them the chance, and Mark wonders how many licks does a jawbreaker that big even take? Also, the 1998 guilty pleasure Devil in the Flesh gets a shout-out!

It's a very special 3-part episode: a Jim Carrey triple feature! Mark wraps up the 30th anniversary celebration of three hit 1994 comedies starring Jim Carrey with old friend and movie lover Katie Bruno. Jim became a breakout movie star with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber all in theaters during an 11 month span! In this third and final part, they celebrate the so-dumb-it's-brilliant Dumb and Dumber, the story of everlasting friendship written and directed by the Farrellys. Katie can relate to eating very hot and spicy food that she thought would kill her, and they both can relate to that explosive toilet scene. Plus, did you know they filmed the movie at the infamously haunted Stanley Hotel in Colorado?

It's a very special 3-part episode: a Jim Carrey triple feature! Mark continues the 30th anniversary celebration of three hit comedies starring Jim Carrey with old friend and movie lover Katie Bruno. 1994 gave us Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber all within 11 months of each other! In this second part, they focus on The Mask, directed by horror filmmaker Chuck Russell and co-starring Cameron Diaz in her film debut (Smokin'!). It's an Oscar-nominated kid-friendly comic book movie, but a couple of those moments weren't for kids! And speaking of comic books, did you know the source material is much darker and more violent? Stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon.

It's a very special 3-part episode: a Jim Carrey triple feature! Mark welcomes old friend and movie lover Katie Bruno back on the show to celebrate three hit comedies starring Jim Carrey that were released 30 years ago, solidifying his movie star status. 1994 gave us Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber all within 11 months of each other! In this first part, they discuss Ace Ventura, directed by Tom Shadyac, which is technically a football movie even though we don't see much pigskin (laces out!) and is problematic for sure from a 2024 perspective. Excellent tuck though! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon.

It's a Paul Walker double feature! The public voted in a recent Instagram poll and the January 1999 teen movies Varsity Blues and She's All That won by a landslide. Mark welcomes real friends and California dudes Gaius Bolling, from the Back to the Blockbuster podcast, and David Parke, from Jimmy Eat Pod, to celebrate the 25th anniversaries of these two #1 films. First up is Varsity Blues, then She's All That begins about an hour in. None of them played sports in high school, or had a school DJ like Usher, or a teacher who was also a stripper, but they do all love the spoof Not Another Teen Movie. Special shout-out to The Sopranos for its 25th anniversary as well!

What an excellent day for an exorcism... and for a new episode! Lots to discuss with returning guests and horror movie lovers Solana Sorrento and Jeff Bugajski as they join Mark to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the still shocking William Friedkin classic The Exorcist. Both Jeff and Solana went to Catholic school, so the power of Christ compelled them to not only watch this movie at young ages but to also join this special discussion about pea soup, shaking beds, bloody crucifixes, head spins, and a dayplayer who ended up being a murderer (Paul Bateson). Plus, their moms share their thoughts on the movie as well! 'Tis the season for family celebrations after all. And there's a special appearance by the one and only Regan MacNeil, so grab your holy water.

Start the dial-up and get your fingers ready because we're signing onto the world wide web to chat with strangers! A/S/L? Mark welcomes longtime friend, New Yorker, and You've Got Mail superfan Melissa Ward back to the show to celebrate the classic rom-com's 25th anniversary this month. This is an extra special episode not only because they're together in person but also because they're recording from a fancy hotel room, not from Mark's basement! They share thoughts on AOL chatrooms and screen names, Meg Ryan's hair, Tom Hanks' charm even when he's hiding a big secret, and Nora Ephron's delightful dialogue and direction. Long live Barnes & Noble!

Helloooo! Gather 'round, children, as Mark welcomes friend, post-production pro, and new mom Lauren Evangelista back on the show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the great hit Mrs. Doubtfire! Add more sugar to that tea, dear, because there's lots to talk about when rewatching the hilarious and heartbreaking Chris Columbus drag comedy about divorce from 1993 in 2023. They compare this to previous drag comedy classic Tootsie, sympathize with Sally Field's character (the whole time?!), and discuss how creepy, selfish, and dangerous (the pepper allergy!) Robin Williams' character can be in the story, even though we of course all root for him. And opening the door on someone peeing is always so awkward!

Fester, get over here! It's the holidays, so why not talk about a (twisted) family movie? Mark welcomes fellow movie lover, former Blockbuster Video manager, and No More Late Fees co-host Jackie Conley on the show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the hilarious and bonkers sequel Addams Family Values. The Addamses have some blonde villains to fight this time: homicidal golddigger Debbie Jellinsky (played by the perfect Joan Cusack) plus mean girl Amanda Buckman from Camp Chippewa! Is this technically a Thanksgiving movie because of the iconic Thanksgiving camp play, and because of its November release date? Listen to hear what they think. Plus, the movie Look Who's Talking Now gets a special mention!

"Pop quiz, hot shot!" Get ready for trivia and bring on the explosions ("You're fired!") because it's another action double feature episode! Mark welcomes movie lover and James Cameron expert Katie Bruno back for a wild bus ride and an even wilder exploration of a marriage as they celebrate the 30th anniversaries of 1994 blockbusters Speed and True Lies. Save us, Keanu and Arnold! From Dennis Hopper's maniacal performance to Jamie Lee's breathtaking striptease, there's a lot to celebrate, so check out Part 2 of this discussion on YouTube. Plus, the 1994 legal thriller The Client gets a shout-out!

What's this? What's this? This is another Halloween-themed episode! Mark welcomes actress and producer Heather Drew on the show to reunite after working together on Sticks, and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas, the groundbreaking, detailed, Oscar-nominated stop-motion Disney film that was directed by Henry Selick (not Tim Burton, like some people think!). The story of Jack Skellington and Sally opened wide in US theaters on October 29, 1993, when Mark saw it in the theater. Heather first watched this on Christmas, which prompts the question: Is this a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? They ponder what a Nightmare Before Christmas theme park would be like, and should we ever get a sequel?

It's time for some midnight margaritas! Hang onto your husbands, girls, and join this coven because Mark welcomes Sabrina Santoro back on the show to cast a spell and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Practical Magic. The beloved Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman romance-drama-comedy-thriller was released on October 16, 1998 and brought Alice Hoffman's book to life under the direction of Griffin Dunne, giving us a beautiful house (that Barbra Streisand wanted to buy), great hair and fashion, and a soundtrack and score that can't be ignored (we hear you, Stevie Nicks and Alan Silvestri). Even if we don't see the appeal of Aidan Quinn, you'll see the appeal of this episode for Halloween!

Lucky for you, Miss Thang, this episode is a real scream for Friday the 13th (in October)! Mark welcomes horror experts Tim Murdock & Matt Emert from the Happy Horror Time podcast to take a trip to spooky Pendleton University and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Urban Legend! The Jamie Blanks slasher came after Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, and was released in theaters on September 25th, 1998 starring a cast of familiar faces from both TV (Jordan Catalano!) and horror classics (Chucky and Freddy!). They discuss the over-the-top performances and great dialogue, along with the importance of hair in this movie, from a blonde Joshua Jackson to a redhead leading lady to those campy curls. Plus, Loretta Devine steals our hearts and saves the day as an underrated final girl! And how many times did Tim see this in the theater? Listen if you dare!

It's officially spooky season and we have a perfect chiller to discuss in this 60th episode! Mark welcomes friend and early 90s thriller expert Tarik Flannagan back on the show to take a trip down memory lane to wintry Maine and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the twisted kid movie The Good Son. Our jaws dropped seeing the in-demand Macaulay Culkin shed his cute and clever Kevin McCallister character for the role of creepy and deranged Henry in the Joseph Ruben film, and they're still dropping today! This will put you on the edge of your seat like the actors on the edge of that cliff! PS. We shout out another great Elijah Wood movie: Radio Flyer!

Sink your fangs into this one! Mark welcomes old pal Katie Bruno back on the podcast to show off her movie trivia knowledge and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marvel's first successful film BLADE. The Wesley Snipes vampire action movie was released in US theaters on August 21, 1998 and raves were never the same. Katie loves this movie, and dreamy Stephen Dorff, so much that her first AOL screen name and email were devoted to villain Deacon Frost, plus her high school English teacher gave her the nickname "Blade," and she even used to write Blade and Buffy fan fiction. Enjoy the start of spooky season with this episode now!

Whoa man! Mark welcomes west coaster OT Garcia back on the show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mike Myers mystery comedy So I Married An Axe Murderer. Although it didn't make much money at the box office when it was released in US theaters on July 30, 1993, it made quite an impression over the years and holds up decades later. The San Francisco-set movie gave us sights (that cinematography!), sounds (that amazing 90s soundtrack and jazzy poetry!), and suspense (Ralph!), plus Myers playing two roles and showing off his bum! PS. Mark's dad makes a little cameo to give another comedy from this time, Coneheads, some love.

Come little listeners, the time's come to play! Mark welcomes the Halloween Queen Solana Sorrento back to the show to hop on some brooms (or mops or vaccuums) and rejoice because it's the 30th anniversary of Hocus Pocus! Yes, this movie is basically the Pumpkin Spice of movies, but it cast a spell on them and on millions of people around the world and it never gets old. The two chat about how cool Salem is, the Spielberg connection, original casting ideas, deleted scenes, favorite lines (and incantations), and the scene-stealing Gary and Penny Marshall. Plus, they share their thoughts on the return of the Sanderson Sisters in Hocus Pocus 2 towards the end of this episode. Hang onto your heads!

And just like that, it's TV time again! Mark welcomes his gal pals Melissa Ward and Sarah Menaquale back on the show for a special episode of "Premiere Date Rewind" where we pause the movie discussion and play a beloved TV show. The former New Yorkers go around the virtual room discussing the origin, the first season, and favorite highlights of the game-changing and super successful HBO series Sex and the City. Who's a Charlotte? Who's a Samantha? Ugh, is everyone a Carrie? Mark talks about his time meeting Sarah Jessica Parker (no relation!) back when the first movie came out, while Sarah feels the noir in that dark and gritty pilot episode, and Mel will always choose Big over Aidan. Plus, they of course talk about that behind-the-scenes feud. When you're done with this episode head to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@releasedaterewind) for Part 2 of the conversation where they discuss more memorable episodes, the movies, AJLT, and Mel and Sarah answer trivia questions.

Pause your work on that archeological dig and play this episode! Mark welcomes Emmy Award-winning casting director Julie Schubert to the show to join him on an adventure 65 million years in the making as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Spielberg’s groundbreaking, thrilling, and über-successful movie Jurassic Park. The two rave about the dinosaurs (another shoutout on the podcast to Stan Winston!), the cast, the deaths, the sound effects, and the jiggling Jell-O! Plus, they discuss the sequels, and wonder what the difference is between a Brontosaurus and a Brachiosaurus?

Are you ready for an Appalachian good time? Mark welcomes final girl Kit Sheehan back on the show in her best Eliza Dushku cosplay to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original Wrong Turn! This fun and sweaty horror movie about cannablistic inbred mountain men in West Virginia was released in US theaters on May 30, 2003 and Mark and Kit totally snuck into the theater to see it back then. They discuss the acting, the deaths, the sequels, and the fact that the award-winning Stan Winston produced this! This turn is oh so right.

From Straw Hut Media

Ghosts, Gremlins, and Gizmo, oh my! Mark welcomes old friend and paranormal enthusiast Solana Sorrento back on the show to rewind to a big day in summer blockbuster history: June 8, 1984. That's when something strange happened in the neighborhood and two fun sci-fi horror comedies took over the movie theater, creating memorable franchises. Ghostbusters from Ivan Reitman and Gremlins from Joe Dante were unleashed in theaters 40 years ago, giving kids like us a great "gateway horror" double feature. From supporting players Annie Potts and Rick Moranis to Polly Holliday and Frances Lee McCain, all the talent in front of and behind the camera get a round of applause! 

Trust the fungus! David Gonzalez from the podcasts Reel Chronicles and Chop Talk and the movie news and review site TheCinematicReel.com returns to the show to be the Luigi to Mark's Mario. They enter the dino dimension and discuss Super Mario Bros. for its 30th anniversary this month! The first movie to be adapted from a video game was released in the US on May 28, 1993, and Mark has wanted a meteorite necklace ever since. The guys share what they love about this guilty pleasure sci-fi adventure (like a mattress ride through a tunnel!) and everything that makes them scratch their heads (too much to list here). Plus, they discuss all the actors who were apparently in consideration for the roles and the names will confuse you even more.

Temperatures are rising, and so are the Evil Dead! Mark welcomes old friends Katie Bruno and Jacqueline Renne on a drive to a cabin in the woods to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Sam Raimi's cult horror classic The Evil Dead in theaters throughout the country. The trio discuss how the NC-17 shocker starring Bruce Campbell as scream king Ash Williams got the approval of Stephen King and subverted audience expectations, skipping the sex, drugs, and alcohol morality rules of horror at the time, and going straight for the blood, inventive practical effects, and painful contact lenses. The scrappy indie film was influential in 80s horror, action, and fantasy comedies, and 40 years of deadites and gore later, the franchise still slays with the brand new Evil Dead Rise. Not every movie is cool enough to be connected to the Coen brothers, Wes Craven, and Xena: Warrior Princess!

Grab your rollerblades and spy on your new neighbor! Mark welcomes It All Began With A Scream author Padraic Maroney to the show to talk about Ghostface and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the scandalous thriller The Crush, inspired by a twisted true story. The film debut of the stellar (and emancipated) teen Alicia Silverstone was released in US theaters on April 2, 1993 and the bees were unleashed! The guys discuss Cary Elwes' bare bottom, that perfectly bizarre carousel in the attic, and how writer/director Alan Shapiro didn't change the teenager's name until he was sued. Plus, Padraic reveals he has a spreadsheet of his crushes! Padraic's book about the Scream franchise can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bear Manor Media here: https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/search?q=it+began+with+a+scream

Jeff Bugajski returns to talk Hitchcock with Mark in this 50th episode of the podcast! They're flying to a different bay this time - Bodega Bay - to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic romance-turned-horror film The Birds. Alfred Hitchcock's follow-up to Psycho, based on Daphne Du Maurier's short story and a real-life attack in California, was released in theaters on March 28, 1963, and this time the blood is in beautiful color! They talk about stylish Tippi Hedren in her film debut as Melanie Daniels, a woman who finds herself the target of a cockblocking killer flock, when she just wanted to stalk Rod Taylor's handsome lawyer Mitch Brenner like any normal gal! Meanwhile, Tippi was the target of Hitchcock's obsession in real life while making the film. Plus, they plan Jeff's costume for next Halloween.

Three's company in this steamy, sleazy, and swampy episode. Joining Mark for a threeway conversation are Andrew Huff from the FriGay the 13th podcast and returning guest Jeff Bugajski, so let's pop the champagne because WILD THINGS is now 25 years old! When this movie came out on March 20, 1998, the earth shook, lives were changed, and pools were never the same. The guys talk about the jaw-dropping twists and turns that happen in Blue Bay, Florida, quote their favorite one-liners and campy dialogue, and praise the perfect cast and soundtrack. Does it hold up from a post-Me Too perspective? Do they know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Is Neve Campbell's wig the biggest shock of all? All will be revealed when you press play.

Whoopadeedoo! Mark welcomes rom-com fan and filmmaker Amos Posner on the show to travel back in time to not only 1998, but to 1985, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Wedding Singer! The hit movie starring "cinematic soulmates" Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore - in their first of three rom-com outings together - was released on February 13, 1998, and it still feels like the best karaoke night or 80s costume party (another great job by designer Mona May!). The guys talk about how middle schoolers at the time were obsessed with Adam Sandler, plus they praise the rapping granny, discuss how Jim Carrey was considered to play the villain Glenn Gulia, and thank the talented Carrie Fisher for strengthening Drew's role as an uncredited writer.

In this special episode - let's call it Premiere Date Rewind - Mark welcomes longtime friends Sarah Menaquale and Kit Sheehan back on the show to row their boats to Dawson's Creek for the 25th anniversary of its series premiere! The hit Kevin Williamson show premiered on The WB on January 20, 1998, and was a staple of our generation. A hurricane, a Saturday detention, a killer, and Katie Holmes singing! Since February is the month of love, it's time to discuss all the sweet, sappy, surprising romance with these sex-crazed teens (and parents! and teachers!) of Capeside. After you're finished with this audio episode about the pilot, head to YouTube to continue the marathon in Parts 2 and 3 where they break down each episode of Season 1, then touch on favorite moments from the rest of the series: https://www.youtube.com/@releasedaterewind

When you're feeling sad and low, we will take you where you gotta go! Mark welcomes pal Katie Bruno back on the show to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie SPICE WORLD, a movie they ran to see back on January 23, 1998 when it invaded American theaters. The Bob Spiers comedy was deemed 'the worst movie of 1998' by Roger Ebert only a month into that year - but this podcast begs to differ! Can we make it make sense? No! But are we laughing, dancing, and shouting Girl Power during it? Yes! Aliens, army fatigues, and assless suits are all part of the discussion. Plus, Katie reveals 5th grade drama about the Spice Girls dolls that you can probably relate to.

Some episodes are about Oscar winners, and some are about the total opposite! In this one, Mark goes on a ride over the rainbow with returning guest, filmmaker, and podcaster Jeff Frumess as they discuss the original Leprechaun for its 30th anniversary this month. The horror comedy, which was released in theaters (can you imagine?) on January 8, 1993, felt super serious when they were kids, but is actually not serious at all from an adult's perspective. Jennifer Aniston was pre-Friends here, and her hair wasn't yet "The Rachel," as a high maintenance vegetarian who becomes our heroine in this first Trimark film about a 600-year-old leprechaun who just wants his 100 stolen gold coins back. Green blood, gory action, and a random crotch grab... Early 90s horror at its finest!

Actors are crazy! Mark welcomes friend and screenwriter C.C. Webster back to the show to rave about mistaken identities, characters in drag, and the wonderful Teri Garr! They celebrate the 40th anniversary of the hit film Tootsie, which was a must-see when it was released in theaters on December 17, 1982. The Sydney Pollack film garnered 10 Oscar nominations, including a win for Best Supporting Actress Jessica Lange, and it actually holds up really well four decades later (although some of those 80s songs don't!). They applaud Bill Murray in his supporting role, Elaine May in her uncredited writing of the screenplay, and of course the character and icon Dorothy Michaels. Go Tootsie Go!

It's a double feature action adventure so hold onto your potatoes! Mark welcomes Jackie Renne back to the show to re-open the book of the dead and unleash some dark forces that are oh so fun. We fly back to the '80s and '90s to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and the 25th anniversary of The Mummy. These iconic movies have everything you want: rugged leading men, fashionable leading ladies, stunts, comedy, suspense, some horror, and lots of bugs. And how perfect that stars from each film, Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan, recently won Oscars together. Plus, Tom and Huck gets a shout-out!

It's a big episode for a big movie! Mark welcomes movie-loving pal Katie Bruno back on the show to set sail on the TITANIC for its 25th anniversary. The James Cameron blockbuster blew everything out of the water when it was released on December 19, 1997, and their 10-year-old minds were blown. They share how many times they saw this in theaters and if they cried, and how Katie is connected to this movie through her mom's friend! Plus, they rave about ultimate movie couple Leo and Kate, the great supporting actors and special effects, and that James Horner score and Celine Dion hit song. And things get weird when discussing the alternate ending and PCP.

It's a Whitney double feature! Mark welcomes Survival Jobs podcast co-host, Bridgeport Film Festival founder, filmmaker, actor, AND Whitney Houston stan Jason A. Coombs to the show to discuss the mega-hit movie The Bodyguard for its 30th anniversary this month. Jason's watched the movie a hundred times, while Mark just watched the full thing for the first time! They break down the twists, the turns, the attitudes, the fashion, the high notes, and the lows of the second highest grossing film of '92, co-starring and produced by an oh-so-serious Kevin Costner. Plus, in the final 15 minutes of the episode, the two applaud the Whitney-produced, Brandy-starring 1997 ABC TV movie Cinderella, which aired 25 years ago this month and still sparkles.

We know Halloween is over, but it's the 30th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola's sultry, campy, wild version of Dracula! Mark welcomes vampire lover Sabrina Santoro back to the podcast to analyze this exuberant gothic horror film that was released on Friday the 13th in November 1992. The cast chewed up the Oscar-nominated scenery, the costumes and cinematography were a feast for the eyes, and that score by Wojciech Kilar! Keanu's wigs overcompensated for his performance, but we still love him. Sabrina shares what it was like being on stage in a production of Dracula, while Mark shares a story about how he once pretended to be Winona from this movie. And we give Home Alone 2 some love at the end!

It's Halloweekend and also Hook Month! To celebrate this special time in our lives, Mark welcomes back two scream queens to the show: Kit Sheehan (Sarah Michelle Gellar stan) and Tom Ciuba (Jennifer Love Hewitt addict), who both also love the seaside slasher I Know What You Did Last Summer. The horror hit, featuring another hook-wielding psycho, came out 25 years ago this month on October 17, 1997, and our young minds were blown. A scary weapon, a cool location, a bunch of hot stars, a bunch of crabs, an eye-opening shower scene, and one epic chase sequence - this trio loves it all and they "gush" about the little details. They discuss the differences between the Kevin Williamson screenplay and Lois Duncan novel, how blondes at this time in horror usually didn't last as long as the brunettes, and they salute SMG & FP JR. for being our horror it couple!

It's a special October because it's hook month! There's a buzz in the air because our first hook-themed horror film celebrating a big anniversary is Candyman, which came out 30 years ago on October 16, 1992. Joining Mark on Zoom from Los Angeles is Gaius Bolling, entertainment journalist and host of the Back to the Blockbuster podcast. The guys look in their mirrors and chant Candyman's name five times (not really, but they probably do say his name more times than that throughout the discussion, so watch out, world!). The two talk about the impact of having a terrifying African-American slasher, played by Tony Todd who has one of the best voices in horror, and how the film changes the Clive Barker story's setting to Chicago.

Continuing September's Back to School Month theme, class is in session with Mark's new friend Derek Le Beau in this episode! Derek created the great, informative Instagram page Queer Cinema Archive, so it's only appropriate that the two chat about the popular 90s gay comedy In & Out for its 25th anniversary. The funny - but problematic - film starring a dancing Kevin Kline as teacher Howard Brackett was released in theaters on September 19, 1997 and got Joan Cusack a well deserved Oscar nomination. We ask ourselves does it hold up? Are some of the jokes cringey? How does it compare to other films featuring gay characters that came before it? Listen and learn!

It's Back to School month, so Mark welcomes longtime friend (and lifeguard!) Kit Sheehan back on the podcast to go on a journey deep into the school pool. They discuss a movie they saw together in the theater 20 years ago, probably on opening night at the mall: the "classic" chlorinated psycho-sexual teen thriller SWIMFAN (aka SwimFan85, a better original title), which was released on September 6, 2002. The two wonder who is the bigger swimfan here as they rave about the wild twists and turns of this Fatal Attraction 2.0 starring dreamboat Jesse Bradford, scary Scientologist Erika Christensen, and wholesome WB star Shiri Appleby. Plus, hear from pal Gaius Bolling, another swimfan, who chimes in with his appreciation of this steamy and slippery tale.

Stay away from huge satellite dishes! This episode is a real throwback for the 90s kids out there. Entertainment lover Solana Sorrento is back with proud couch potato Mark to discuss the underrated movie Stay Tuned for its 30th anniversary this month. The twisted comedy, starring sitcom stars John Ritter, Pam Dawber, and Eugene Levy, was released in theaters to little fanfare on August 14, 1992, but it's become a bit of a cult classic over the years, and these nerds love it and have seen it multiple times (Solana saw it in theaters thrice!). They brainstorm ideas of how to reboot it for a new audience, but don't get any funny ideas, listeners. Copywritten! No stealing!

Mark welcomes 90s thriller lover Tarik Flannagan back to the podcast to discuss the jaw-dropping, stiletto-stabbing, roommate-fighting film Single White Female for its 30th anniversary this month. They just can't get enough of women fighting each other, and Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh do it so well! The Barbet Schroeder-directed movie - which feels part Lifetime, part noir, part erotica, part slasher - was released on August 14, 1992 and short red haircuts were never the same. What would you do if your weird new roomie stole your look?

Mark welcomes friend and producer Funmi Sunmonu in Los Angeles back on the podcast to talk about a wacky, wild movie they both love: Death Becomes Her! The twisted Robert Zemeckis comedy is now 30 years old, after being released on July 31, 1992, and is aging beautifully. The two of them decide who's the Goldie and who's the Meryl in this friendship, talk about getting older, and come up with a great reboot/requel concept with a hot cast. Plus, would they drink that potion if it was offered to them? Listen!

It's an angsty teen double feature about girls on a mission to get what they want! Mark welcomes Valerie Cherish expert Devin Lotfi from the I Don't Want to Hear That! podcast on a journey back to high school in the '80s and '90s to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sixteen Candles and the 25th anniversary of Election. And what a perfect combo since both feature strong women who scare men, plus this is an election year, and Mark and Devin are both only 16 years old (ha!). From the movie debuts of studs Michael Schoeffling and Chris Klein, to the problematic John Hughes dialogue that hasn't aged well, to that bee sting on Matthew Broderick's eyelid, you need to Pick Flick and press play. Plus, Drop Dead Gorgeous gets a shout-out!

Mark welcomes Solana Sorrento back to the podcast to discuss the all-American girl power classic A League of Their Own for its 30th anniversary this month. The successful Penny Marshall film was released on July 1, 1992, and even though Mark and Solana are awful athletes, they have lots of love for this movie starring a beautiful Geena Davis (replacing Debra Winger), a boozy Tom Hanks, and hilarious duo Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell. Find out what item of Rosie's Solana has held onto for years, and why Lori Petty blocked her on Instagram. Batter up!

School's out for summer, but Mark rewinds to '80s Antarctica with cinephile and camera expert Joe Brady for the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter's chilling film The Thing! It was released in theaters on June 25, 1982 to harsh criticism, but those critics were obviously possessed by aliens. Joe and Mark rave about Rob Bottin's insane practical special effects, Dean Cundey's cinematography, the memorable and creative title sequence, and the connection to Alien. Save us, Kurt Russell!

Run to the light and press play on this episode! Mark welcomes '80s horror enthusiasts David Gonzalez and Jack Renaud, from the new podcast Chop Talk, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Poltergeist. The PG-rated horror (and comedy?) classic was released on June 4, 1982, and static TV has never been the same. They nerd out over the practical effects and fun CGI, the pot-smoking parents, corrupt housing developers, the behind-the-scenes confusion between director Tobe Hooper and writer/producer Steven Spielberg, the sad curse that has followed members of the prodution, and praise movie MVP Zelda Rubinstein as the one and only Tangina Barrons, who actually isn't that great at her job!

Mark welcomes photographer, podcaster, and actor Garrick Hoffman to the show to discuss all the hilarity of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, which came out 25 years ago on May 2, 1997. Garrick remembers watching this perfect sleepover movie as a kid over and over with his family, while Mark was giggling in the theater on a hot day at summer camp. They compare the Mike Myers film to James Bond, which it successfully spoofs, other popular 90s and early 2000s comedy, and even Borat. Plus, they discuss the connections to Demi Moore, Dana Carvey, and more!