The Pod and the Pendulum – Details, episodes & analysis

In our biggest episode to date, Mike, Brian, and Stephen strap on the proton backs and try not to cross the streams as we take on the mother of all 80s comedies: GHOSTBUSTERS. Something this funny, this quitable and this memorable could only come from a group that defined comedy in the 70s and 80s, and there's nothing like watching Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Akroyd just hang out and do there thing. We talk about the trials and tribulations it took to bring this film to life, as nothing like it had existed before. We discuss its place in the pantheon of 80s movies and wonder where this kind of family friendly movie went. We talk about the gags and ghosts, from Stay-Puft, to Rick Moranis' loveable loser Louis, to a theme song you just couldn't get out of your head, and everything in between.  Most of all, we answer the age old question, "Does bustin' make you feel good?" 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.

In space no one can hear you scream, but can they hear you podcast? This week Mike and Stephen are joined by guest Katy Terry (Fangs for the Memories podcast) to talk about Fede Alvarez entry into the Alien canon, Alien Romulus. WE discuss where the film goes right, with its adherence to practical effects and sets, fantastic set pieces that make the Xenomorph scary again, and a cracker jack cast that has a new riff on the working class and bodily autonomy themes the original did so well. When Romulus does its own thing, it shines.  We also cover the warts. From an overreliance on fan service to the ghoulish and head scratching decision to include a CGI Ian Holm, we wonder why the Alvarez  felt such a need to cling to the past rather than forge a new path forward for the franchise.

This week brings us the first half of our two-parter on David Cronenberg's remake THE FLY. Mike, Brian, and Devaughn are joined by Scored to Death author J Blake Fichera to talk about one of the true masterpieces of 80s horror.  Featuring star making turns from Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, THE FLY remains David Cronenberg's most successful commercial work of his storied career, and his ultimate statement on body horror, the mutation of the flesh, and how pushing past the limits of our minds and bodies can lead to tragedy. This episode we look at how this movie came to be, explore the trajectory of Cronenberg's career, discuss what made Goldblum and Davis so perfect for these roles, marvel at the groundbreaking, Oscar winning special effects from Chris Walas and more.  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.

Every time someone downloads this episode, an angel gets its wings.    For the Christmas holiday we have a special bonus for listeners. Mike and Brian break down one of their favorite holiday films, Frank Capra's Its A Wonderful Life. From its humble beginnings as a Christmas card, to it flopping so hard it shuttered the production company and ended Capra's career as a commercial filmmaker, this had a long and winding road to enjoying its beloved status. We talk about why its message about community building and treating others with dignity still resonates today. We break down the many moments that make us laugh, move us to tears or hit a bit harder as we get older ourselves. It's a different tact for us for sure, but we hope you enjoy this bonus show.    link to the Vox article from Emily St James we quote from near the end of the show

This week Jessica steps into the hosting chair and is joined by Brian, Rachel and a COVID-riddled Mike to talk about their top ten horror movies of the year. It's a massive episode as each host has a list that reflects their own varied and personal tastes, as seen by the 29 movies discussed over 40 slots. 2022 has been a banner year both creatively and commercial for horror, as it continues to prove to be one of the only genres outside superhero movies that puts asses in seats at the theaters time and time again. We also saw huge swings and outside the box movies this year, while personal and collective traumas continue to be mined for scares. What say you listener? Has this been a fantastic year for horror? Are there any movies we overlooked? What does your personal top ten of the year look like?

This week we’re kicking off a new series with a look back at Don Coscarelli’s independent horror masterpiece, PHANTASM (1979). Mike, Devaughn and Rachel are joined by first time guest Ariel Powers Schaub (Ghouls Magazine) to talk about the influence this movie has had in horror over the past four decades, as films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and televisions Supernatural owe it a great deal of debt We explore Michael’s fear of losing his big brother, the cosmic horrors of the Tall Man and the overall dreamlike qualities that have thrilled crowds for years. We talk about two of the coolest vehicles in horror history: The Barracuda and Reggie’s ice cream truck. And remember…if this podcast doesn’t scare you, you’re already dead!

This week we talked about the surprise sequel we didn’t know we wanted, but we sure as hell needed. Orphan: First Kill tells us the origins of everyone’s favorite murderous little person masquerading as an eight year old. While it could have rested on the goodwill of Isabelle Fuhrman returning to her iconic role and made folks happy just rehashing the plot of the original, First Kill managed to surprise the audience with another shocking twist, and a hell of a camp turn from the lovely Julia Stiles. Does this make you want more Esther? Mike and Devaughn are here to discuss.

Mike, Rachel and Jessica talk about what a banner year it's been for horror and a few of the things we're most grateful for about the genre and the people involved it it. This show drops Thanksgiving morning, so if you're listening to it while stuffing your bird and prepping the cranberry sauce, thank you.

It's everyone's favorite murderous little person masquerading as a tween! This week we talk the fantastic thriller from 2009 ORPHAN and why it deserves your love and a high spot on the killer-not-quite-kids movie list

We return to Haddonfield one last time for the final* chapter in the Halloween saga. Folks, this film makes some choices, and we're here to dissect them all. No matter where you fall when it comes to the Halloween movies, and the David Gordon Green entries in particular, it's fair to say everybody was left collectively scratching their hands when the last movie of a trilogy not only introduced a brand new character with Corey Cunningham, but also made him the main focus while sideling Michael and Laurie. Where do you fall, fans? Do you appreciate this bold new direction, or is Corey the "Poochie" of the franchise? Do we love a Laurie that wants to show grief her tits? How do we feel about old man Michael nearly having a heart attack mid-stab? Mike s joined by Rachel, Nichole, Jessica and special guest Jenn Adams (The Loser's Club, Psychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy podcast) to bring this series to an end.    *Until the inevitable reboot in 2025, amirite?