4d ago
This holiday season, the slay ride begins. This week we get into the holiday spirit with the 2006 remake BLACK CHRISTMAS . A snowstorm traps a sorority house full of students during the holidays, but something sinister lurks inside. What begins as a cozy gathering quickly spirals into a terrifying nightmare. Also this week: Lance hates peanut butter cereal, the new (fake) Jimmy Buffet song "Tequila and Wine", and Ben fakes a Cole Trickle connection. The #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast continues with 2001's self-titled album! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "They're my family now." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Black Christmas (2006) Directed by Glen Morgan Written by Glen Morgan Starring Katie Cassidy , Michelle Trachtenberg , Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Lacey Chabert , Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe , and Andrea Martin ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 12:19 - #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast - Self-titled (2001) 32:25 - Banter Part 2 36:30 - "The Shpiel" 56:56 - Film Breakdown 01:48:28 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Dec 10
Lose your innocence - or lose your life. This week The Boys cover 1999's CHERRY FALLS! In a quiet town, a series of brutal murders shakes the local high school community. As fear spreads, the teens realize the killer has an unusual pattern of killing virgins that puts many of them at risk. Also this week: The most expensive TV movie, more Tarantino foot talk, and Ben misses 3-D Doritos The #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast continues with 1999's "14:59"! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "She thinks fellatio is a character in Shakespeare." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Cherry Falls (1999) Directed by Geoffrey Wright Written by Ken Selden Starring Brittany Murphy , Jay Mohr , Michael Biehn , and Jesse Bradford ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 12:30 - #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast - 14:59 (1999) 26:33 - Banter Part 2 36:35 - "The Shpiel" 50:57 - Film Breakdown 01:52:35 - Stumo The Brainiacs & Outro
Dec 3
He's seen the future... Now he has to kill it. This week The Boys dive in to the 1992 Rutger Hauer "buddy cop science fiction action horror" (jeez) SPLIT SECOND ! In a flooded, dystopian London, a relentless cop hunts a brutal killer who leaves behind bizarre clues. As the body count rises, he realizes the enemy may not be human. Also this week: Ben never had a crocodile mile, Lances's gum wad, and Manute Bol was a big basketball player. And we know you're dying for it: The #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast continues with 1997's "Floored"! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "We need to get bigger guns. Big f---ing guns!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Split Second (1992) Directed by Tony Maylam Written by Gary Scott Thompson Starring Rutger Hauer , Kim Cattrall , Alastair Duncan , Pete Postlethwaite , and Michael J. Pollard as "The Rat Catcher" ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 12:34 - #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast - Floored (1997) 29:29 - Banter Part 2 35:33 - "The Shpiel" 49:51 - Film Breakdown 01:54:03 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Nov 26
Jason, Freddy, Michael. We All Need Someone To Look Up To. Giving Thanks Month of patron-picked movies concludes with 2006's BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON from patron "Dan"! In a world where classic horror icons are real, a team of journalists profiles a man preparing for his debut as a masked killer, exposing the craft. Their project takes an unexpected turn when theory becomes practice. Also this week: Lance's car troubles, Ben's news cats, and the first installment of the #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "It is going to get wet in here tonight. Lace your boots up kiddies." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) Directed by Scott Glosserman Written by Scott Glosserman & David J. Stieve Starring Nathan Baesel , Angela Goethals , Robert Englund , Scott Wilson , and Zelda Rubinstein ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 09:04 - #1 Sugar Ray Album Review From a Horror Podcast - Lemonade and Brownies 28:38 - Banter Part 2 42:22 - "The Shpiel" 01:04:10 - Film Breakdown 01:59:25 - Stump The Brainiac & Outro
Nov 19
No Soul Is Safe. "Giving Thanks Month" continues! A whole month of Patron-picked movies! Next up is Bill Paxton's 2001 directorial debut FRAILTY from longtime patron "James B"! In an FBI office, a man recounts a disturbing childhood tied to his father's divine mission to destroy evil. As his story unfolds, the present and past collide. Also this week: Traffic woes, Meatballs franchise trivia, and tryting to remember who the heck is in Tombstone ? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "Only demons should fear me... You're not a demon, are you?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Frailty (2001) Directed by Bill Paxton Written by Brent Hanley Starring Bill Paxton , Matthew McConaughey , Powers Boothe , Matt O'Leary , Jeremy Sumpter , Derk Cheetwood , and Missy Crider ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 37:11 - "The Shpiel" 01:00:11 - Film Breakdown 01:51:25 - Stump The Brainiac & Outro
Nov 12
Full scream ahead. Giving Thanks Month continues! A whole month of Patron-picked movies! Next up 1998's is DEEP RISING as requested by patron "Zac". A group of hijackers board a luxurious cruise ship in the South Pacific with a plan to loot its riches. Instead, they find themselves battling monstrous, tentacled sea creatures that have already decimated the passengers. Also this week: The return of Baseball Finger, you don't want to get stuck on the poop cruise, and the Can't Hardly Wait Game is back! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "This is turning out to be one hell of a day." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Deep Rising (1998) Directed by Stephen Sommers Written by Stephen Sommers Starring Treat Williams , Famke Janssen , Anthony Heald , Kevin J. O'Connor , Wes Studi , Cliff Curtis , and Djimon Hounsou ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 30:24 - "The Shpiel" 50:42 - Film Breakdown 01:48:39 - The return of "The Can't Hardly Wait Game" & Outro
Nov 5
Even Death Gets A Sequel. It's November! You know what that means... Giving Thanks Month is BACK! A whole month of Patron-picked movies! First up 2003's is FINAL DESTINATION 2 as requested by patron "Fush Yu Schlong". And joining us is our Crow Sister and regular guest Amanda Waltz! Kimberly's vision saves her and others from a horrific highway crash, but their survival triggers a relentless chain of fatal events. With time running out, they must unravel Death's plan before it claims them one by one. Also this week: "Fish Gooners", the curse of winning the lottery, and what's the deal with washcloths? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "Hello, Clear. I've been expecting you." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Final Destination 2 (2003) Directed by David R. Ellis Written by J. Mackye Gruber & Eric Bress Starring Ali Larter , A.J. Cook , Michael Landes , and Tony Todd ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 32:22 - "The Shpiel" 56:40 - Film Breakdown 02:09:12 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Oct 29
Evil Finds Its Way Home. We're wrappping up Halloween month up with -- What Else?? -- A Halloween movie! An internet livestream reality show set in Michael Myers' abandoned house draws six unsuspecting participants. When the infamous killer returns, the night turns into a deadly game of survival. Yep! This week we cover the infamous 2002 sequel Halloween: Resurrection . Also this week: Reviewing the BK Monster Menu, our new mascot "King Poopa", and can you text on a Palm Pilot? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "Trick or treat, motherf---er!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Halloween: Resurrection (2002) Directed by Rick Rosenthal Written by Larry Brand and Sean Hood Starring Jamie Lee Curtis , Busta Rhymes , Bianca Kajlich , Katee Sackhoff , Sean Patrick Thomas , Thomas Ian Nicholas , Tyra Banks , and Brad Loree ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 33:40 - "The Shpiel" 57:40 - Film Breakdown 01:45:40 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Oct 22
She knows a sucker when she sees one THE MAD MONSTER PARTY continues... Next up: Vampires! A carefree high school cheerleader whose life takes a wild turn when she learns she's the Chosen One, destined to fight vampires. With help from a mysterious mentor, she must embrace her powers and face a growing supernatural threat. This week we cover 1992's BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Also this week: A certain person you may not remember was a karate kid, Michael Mann hounding Lance for Heat 2 , and we try to make "Boys of Flannel" happen. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "All I want to do is graduate from high school, go to Europe, marry Christian Slater, and die." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992) Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui Written by Joss Whedon Starring Kristy Swanson , Donald Sutherland , Paul Reubens , Rutger Hauer , Luke Perry , Hilary Swank , Stephen Root , and David Arquette ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 30:07 - "The Shpiel" 1:01:10 - Film Breakdown 01:57:50 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Oct 15
The Ultimate Clash of the Forces of Evil The Mad Monster Party rages on with the one-week return of a Ben and Lance classic: HOWL-O-WEEN. For the werewolf installment of TMMP, we are returning to the Howling franchise which Ben and Lance covered way back during the initial Hardee's Boys run. A mysterious drifter arrives in a small desert town and becomes entangled with a sinister carnival. As the full moon approaches, he must confront both his inner demons and the eerie forces lurking behind the carnival's twisted attractions. Oh yeah!! Next up: 1991's Howling VI: The Freaks . Also this week: Using hot perogies to cool down, when to never pull two cats apart, and what the heck is a "Paraben"? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "You're the worst kind of freak, one who tries to control it." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Howling VI: The Freaks (1991) Directed by Hope Perello Written by Kevin Rock Starring Brendan Hughes , Michele Matheson , Sean Sullivan , Antonio Fargas , Bruce Payne , and Deep Roy ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 29:33 - "The Shpiel" 46:19 - Film Breakdown 01:43:20 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Oct 8
Some assembly required THE MAD MONSTER PARTY continues: Movies about classic Halloween monsters! Next up: Frankenstein's Monster! And boy do we go classy as our good friend and filmmaker John Guinane joins us this week. After his fiancée is killed in a bizarre lawnmower accident, a deranged inventor scours the streets for body parts to resurrect her, unleashing a grotesque and chaotic creation. Oh boy. We're covering the 1990's outrageous camp classic FRANKENHOOKER Also this week: Lance settles his ground beef with John G, the Coke vs Pepsi debate, and what it feels like to get punched in a news van. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "Want a date?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Frankenhooker (1996) Directed by Frank Henenlotter Written by Robert Martin and Frank Henenlotter Starring James Lorinz , Patty Mullen , and Louise Lasser ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 32:09 - "The Shpiel" 44:18 - Film Breakdown 01:39:19 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Oct 1
Welcome to the Witching Hour A new theme for Halloween! THE MAD MONSTER PARTY: Movies about classic Halloween monsters. First up: Witches! A troubled teen transfers to a new high school and befriends three outcast girls who practice witchcraft, forming a coven that unleashes supernatural powers. As their magic grows, the girls face devastating consequences when their bond begins to unravel. That's right! This week we jump into 1996's THE CRAFT . Also this week: Ben sees a whole bunch of music, Lance's love/hate relationship with Empire Records , and Ben realizes what Adam Sandler's movie girlfriends have in common. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!! "We are the weirdos, mister." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- The Craft (1996) Directed by Andrew Fleming Written by Peter Filardi and Andrew Fleming Starring Robin Tunney , Fairuza Balk , Neve Campbell , Rachel True , Skeet Ulrich , Christine Taylor , and Breckin Meyer ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 32:15 - "The Shpiel" 53:33 - Film Breakdown 01:54:19 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Sep 24
Together forever. Or else. A patron pick episode from patron "Dr. Philth"! A teenage girl's budding romance with a charming older boy spirals into obsession and violence as his true nature is revealed. When her father tries to intervene, he becomes a target. This week we jump into 1996's FEAR . Vintage Mark Wahlberg. Feel it, feel it! Also this week: The big line that almost didnt make the movie, Mark Wahlberg's Reese's Cup, and Lance has too much wine. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "SO LET ME IN THE F---IN' HOUSE!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Fear (1996) Directed by James Foley Written by Christopher Crowe Starring Mark Wahlberg , Reese Witherspoon , William Petersen , Amy Brenneman , and Alyssa Milano ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 34:05 - "The Shpiel" 48:35 - Film Breakdown 01:54:20 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Sep 17
You are who you eat. A patron pick episode from patron "writhe"! A stranded military unit in 1840s California faces a terrifying truth when a mysterious visitor reveals a tale of cannibalism. When hunger takes hold, humanity is the first thing to go. This week we cover the 1999 cult classic RAVENOUS . Also this week: Lance isn't impressed by restaurants, David Arquette's WCW drama, and our Ravenous Evanescence Remix. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Bon appétit." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Ravenous (1999) Directed by Antonia Bird Written by Ted Griffin Starring Robert Carlyle , Guy Pearce , Jeffrey Jones , Jeremy Davies , Neal McDonough , and David Arquette ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 37:20 - "The Shpiel" 01:00:18 - Film Breakdown 01:46:48 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Sep 10
They're Coming! A patron pick episode from patron "Fush Yu Schlong"! A remote Alaskan town is plunged into darkness for a month, making it the perfect hunting ground for a savage group of vampires. The survivors must find a way to outlast the blood-soaked darkness. This week we're doing 2007's 30 DAYS OF NIGHT . Also this week: BIG Pittsburgh Hardees news, "E-Bens", and how Lance likes to eat his Muffins. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "God? ... No God." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- 30 Days of Night (2007) Directed by David Slade Written by Steve Niles , Stuart Beattie , and Brian Nelson Starring Josh Hartnett , Melissa George , Danny Huston , Mark Boone Junior , and Ben Foster ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 26:40 - "The Shpiel" 48:35 - Film Breakdown 01:45:25 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Sep 3
One was not enough! A young boy named Joshua tries to save his family from vegetarian goblins in the town of Nilbog, who transform humans into plants to devour them. Guided by the ghost of his grandfather, Joshua battles the goblin queen and her minions in this cult classic known for its bizarre plot and famously bad acting. That's right! To celebrate 8 years of the show (and one year since The Hardee's Boys took over), we are doing everyone's favorite best worst movie: 1990's TROLL 2. Also this week: Listener favorite episodes from the past year, Lance's Mac and Cheese dinos, and you'll never hear Ralph Nader's name the same way again All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "They're eating her! And then they're going to eat me... OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Troll 2 (1990) Directed by Claudio Fragasso Written by Claudio Fragasso & Rossella Drudi Starring Michael Paul Stephenson , George Hardy , Connie Young , Robert Ormsby , and Deborah Reed ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 27:50 - "The Shpiel" 47:07 - Film Breakdown 01:48:22 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Aug 27
This time he's coming to a different kind of jungle. In a sweltering, crime-ridden Los Angeles, a relentless alien hunter stalks the city's most dangerous criminals and law enforcement. A determined detective finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse as he uncovers the creature's terrifying purpose. BPO's Blake O'Donnell returns to to help us wrap up Action August with 1990's PREDATOR 2 . Also this week: Cracked vs Mad Magazine, Danny Glover's billowy pants, and Predator munchin' beef. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "S*** happens." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Predator 2 (1990) Directed by Stephen Hopkins Written by Jim Thomas & John Thomas Starring Danny Glover , Gary Busey , Bill Paxton , and Kevin Peter Hall ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 15:46 - "The Shpiel" 44:05 - Film Breakdown 1:54:48 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Aug 20
An immortal battle for supremacy. A centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves escalates when a mysterious outsider becomes the key to a powerful transformation, and one soldier uncovers a truth that could end their eternal conflict. Next up for Action August is the oh-so-2003 UNDERWORLD. Also this week: Guessing the plots of the XXX movies, "late summer vibes", and Lance recommends a great lozenge. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "What's... this... ruckus?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Underworld (2003) Directed by Len Wiseman Written by Kevin Grevioux , Len Wiseman , & Danny McBride Starring Kate Beckinsale , Scott Speedman , Michael Sheen , and Bill Nighy ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 31:30 - "The Shpiel" 56:07 - Film Breakdown 01:49:25 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Aug 13
One night is all that stands between them and freedom. But it's going to be a hell of a night. Action August continues with 1996's FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. Two fugitives take a family hostage and force them to drive to a remote bar in Mexico. Once there, they must all fight for survival when the bar's patrons reveal themselves to be bloodthirsty vampires. Also this week: Childhood pranks, we remember the band Godsmack exists, and is Ben a "Beach guy"? Warning: Lots of Tarantino impressions. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Why, out of all the God-forsaken s---holes in Mexico, do we have to meet here?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) Directed by Robert Rodriguez Written by Quentin Tarantino Starring George Clooney , Quentin Tarantino , Harvey Keitel , Juliette Lewis , and Salma Hayek ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 32:32 - "The Shpiel" 51:00 - Film Breakdown 01:41:15 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Aug 6
Survive the Horror. A new month! A new theme! Action August explodses with 2002's RESIDENT EVIL. A viral outbreak in a high-tech subterranean lab unleashes a horde of infected zombies, forcing a tactical response team to fight through deadly traps and mutated horrors. Amnesiac Alice discovers her tie to the experiment and the malevolent AI controlling it. Also this week: The movie's George Romero connection, whats wrong with the slogan "New Look Same Great Taste!", and questionable Milla Jovovich impressions, All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "You're all going to die down here." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Resident Evil (2002) Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson Written by Paul W.S. Anderson Starring Milla Jovovich , Eric Mabius , Martin Crewes , Colin Salmon , and Michelle Rodriguez ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 23:41 - "The Shpiel" 48:30 - Film Breakdown 01:39:32 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Jul 30
Welcome to Crystal Lake. Summer Slasher month concludes with the 2009 remake of FRIDAY THE 13TH. Jason Voorhees returns to terrorize a group of young people at Crystal Lake, turning their trip into a deadly nightmare as Clay's hunt for his sister leads him straight into Jason's deadly domain. Also this week: Drops doesnt like Tony Hawk, Lance and Ben share a big pretzel, and the eternal question is asked: Just where does Jason Voorhees poop? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Kill for Mother..." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Friday The 13th (2009) Directed by Marcus Nispel Written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift Starring Jared Padalecki , Danielle Panabaker , Amanda Righetti , Travis Van Winkle , and Derek Mears ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 31:44 - "The Shpiel" 47:22 - Film Breakdown 01:57:35 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Jul 23
In 1946 this man killed five people... Today he still lurks the streets of Texarkana, Ark. Slasher Summer continues with regular guest Amanda Waltz from Pittsburgh City Paper as we jump back into the '70s with 1976's The Town That Dreaded Sundown. In the aftermath of World War II, a quiet town is terrorized by a faceless killer targeting young lovers, plunging the community into paranoia and fear. Also this week: Lance's Billboard story, the new reality show "Mandy's Manor", Mystery Science Theater, and The legend of "The Sackler" All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Texarkana looked normal during the daylight hours. But everyone dreaded sundown.." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976) Directed by Charles B. Pierce Written by Earl E. Smith Starring Ben Johnson , Andrew Prine , Dawn Wells , and Charles B. Pierce ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 39:23 - "The Shpiel" 47:28 - Film Breakdown 01:55:30 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Jul 16
The most terrifying scream is always the last. Ben is BACK as Summer Slasher month continues with the 2000 sequel SCREAM 3. Sidney Prescott ( Neve Campbell ) must confront a killer who's using the Stab 3 film set as their hunting ground. With old friends and new victims caught in the chaos, a shocking connection to her past is revealed. Also this week: Lance's miserable movie theater experience, the "problem" with the Scream Lore, the multiple different drafts of this wacky movie, and Ben will take a Blue String Thing if you got it. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "All I know is that in the third one, all bets are off." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Scream 3 (2000) Directed by Wes Craven Written by Ehren Kruger Starring Neve Campbell , David Arquette , Courteney Cox , Lance Henriksen , Patrick Dempsey , Parker Posey , Scott Foley , and Patrick Warburton ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 36:50 - "The Shpiel" 59:00 - Film Breakdown 02:09:28 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Jul 9
It Happened To Someone Who Knows Someone You Know... You're Next. When real-life tragedy strikes and Ben unexpectedly steps out, musician Jordan Sloane (of Red Temple Pray and Groundstate) steps up to fill in just as he does for Pummeled! Summer Slasher month continues with the 1998's URBAN LEGEND. When a string of bizarre murders strikes a college campus, each mimicking a classic urban legend, a group of friends realizes the stories they once laughed at may be horrifyingly real. With time running out, they must uncover the killer's identity. Also this week: Remembering Stabbing Westward and other music talk, Lance's HS track and field career, and why does everyone at this college have the same parka? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "'Don't you want to be an urban legend? All your friends are now.'" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Urban Legend (1998) Directed by Jamie Blanks Written by Silvio Horta Starring Alicia Witt , Rebecca Gayheart , Michael Rosenbaum , Loretta Devine , Joshua Jackson , Tara Reid , Danielle Harris , Robert Englund , and Jared Leto ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 20:18 - "The Shpiel" 44:11 - Film Breakdown 01:46:40 - The Can't Hardly Wait Game & Outro
Jul 2
Some secrets will haunt you forever. A new month! A new theme! Summer Slasher month kicks off with the 1998 sequel I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. Still haunted by past horrors, Julie James ( Jennifer Love Hewitt ) wins a trip to a remote island where she hopes to escape her trauma. As a storm traps her group, the hook-wielding killer returns to finish what he started. Also this week: The new song "Poptart Girl", we meet Will, Ben's son, and what would Ben do if Lance died? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "'This island didn't have a murder rate until you people showed up!'" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) Directed by Danny Cannon Written by Trey Callaway Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt , Freddie Prinze Jr. , Brandy Norwood , Mekhi Phifer , Matthew Settle , Jeffrey Combs , and Jack Black (Uncredited) ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 29:15 - "The Shpiel" 45:49 - Film Breakdown 01:49:20 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Jun 25
When days turn to weeks... ZOOMbie Month conlcudes with the 2007 sequel 28 WEEKS LATER. Six months after the Rage virus decimates Britain, the U.S. military helps repopulate a quarantined London—but when the virus resurfaces, chaos erupts once again. A family's reunion inadvertently triggers a deadly resurgence. Also this week: A VH1 "Celebreality" history lesson, Lance remembers his time as the "Dairy Queen Q", and this movie's relation to the Iraq War. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "'Blood makes me nauseous.'" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- 28 Weeks Later (2007) Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo Written by Rowan Joffe and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo Starring Rose Byrne , Jeremy Renner , Robert Carlyle , Idris Elba , and Imogen Poots ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 29:07 - "The Shpiel" 42:35 - Film Breakdown 01:37:00 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Jun 18
The Days Are Numbered ZOOMbie Month zooms ahead with the 2002 modern classic 28 DAYS LATER. In a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by a rage-inducing virus, a handful of survivors struggle to stay alive amid chaos and despair. Their journey reveals that the true threat may not be the infected, but the remnants of humanity itself. Also this week: Controversial, hot-button HAT TALK, Mars Bar vs Milky Way, and Lance gushes over the movie. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "'Repent, The End Is Extremely F---ing Nigh'" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- 28 Days Later (2002) Directed by Danny Boyle Written by Alex Garland Starring Cillian Murphy , Naomie Harris , Brendan Gleeson , and Christopher Eccleston ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 27:24 - "The Shpiel" 45:20 - Film Breakdown 01:48:00 - The Brain Bucket & Outro
Jun 11
Experience Fear ZOOMbie Month continues with the 2007 Spanish Found footage classic REC . A television reporter and her cameraman follow a group of firefighters into a Barcelona apartment building, only to find themselves trapped inside as a mysterious infection spreads among the residents. As chaos escalates, their footage documents of the unfolding nightmare. Also this week: Ben rides a wild rollercoaster, an underrated Robin Williams role, and... Is Bob Hoskins in this movie? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "We have to tape everything, Pablo, for f---'s sake!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- REC (2007) Directed by Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza Written by Jaume Balagueró , Paco Plaza, and Luiso Berdejo Starring Manuela Velasco , Ferran Terraza , Jorge-Yamam Serrano , and Pablo Rosso ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 24:35 - "The Shpiel" 39:00 - Film Breakdown 01:20:55 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Jun 4
When there's no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth. (Again) It's time get speedy folks, in honor of the release of 28 Years Later, we're doing fast zombies all month! First off of the starting line is Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD. A ragtag band of strangers barricade themselves inside a shopping mall as a relentless horde of sprinting zombies overruns civilization. With danger closing in from all sides, they hatch a desperate, high-octane escape plan that could be their only shot at survival. Also this week: Ben's "Nerf Nail", Lance can't stop laughing about Ben's old classmate, and plenty of Zack Snyder talk. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "I like this song." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Dawn of the Dead (2004) Directed by Zack Snyder Written by James Gunn Starring Sarah Polley , Ving Rhames , Jake Weber , Ty Burrell , Mekhi Phifer , and Matt Frewer ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 25:07 - "The Shpiel" 45:55 - Film Breakdown 01:42:05 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
May 28
New Terror Surfaces. This week we dive into a film that somehow rips off the entire Jaws franchise at once : 1995's CRUEL JAWS. A rogue tiger shark, once a secret military weapon, escapes near Hampton Bay, FL, turning the waters deadly as the town prepares for a regatta. Meanwhile, struggling aquarium owner Dag Soerenson (Richard Dew) faces pressure from a corrupt landowner, unaware of the looming carnage. Also this week: Lance gets stung by another bee, Ben saves a baby bird, and all this film's stolen sharks. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "We're gonna need a bigger HELICOPTER!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Cruel Jaws (1995) Directed by Bruno Mattei Written by Bruno Mattei , Linda Morrison , and Robert Feen Starring David Luther , George Barnes Jr. , and Richard Dew ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 29:35 - "The Shpiel" 41:20 - Film Breakdown 01:29:23 - Brain Bucket & Outro
May 21
Bigger. Smarter. Faster. Meaner. This week we get deep with 1999's DEEP BLUE SEA. In an isolated underwater research facility, scientists experimenting on mako sharks to combat Alzheimer's disease inadvertently create hyper-intelligent predators that turn the lab into a terrifying battleground. The situation spirals out of control and the team must fight for survival against these super intelligent sharks. Also this week: Lance rallies against barbers, one of the of last big budget B movies, and we're going TOPSIDE again. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "What you've done is taken God's oldest killing machine and given it will and desire." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Deep Blue Sea (1999) Directed by Renny Harlin Written by Duncan Kennedy , Donna Powers , and Wayne Powers Starring Thomas Jane , Saffron Burrows , Samuel L. Jackson , Michael Rapaport , Stellan Skarsgård , and LL Cool J ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 28:28 - "The Shpiel" 44:03 - Film Breakdown 01:37:20 - Brain Bucket & Outro
May 14
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... It's sequel time! This week we dive in to 1978's JAWS 2. Amity is haunted once again by a terrifying shark, forcing Police Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) to confront the growing danger while others doubt his warnings (again). As tensions rise, a group of young sailors find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. Also this week: Lance's moving woes during a historic storm in Pittsburgh, Ben is curious about bird anatomy, and Roy Scheider really didnt want to do this movie. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Open wide OPEN WIDE! SAY 'AAH!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Jaws 2 (1975) Directed by Jeannot Szwarc Written by Carl Gottlieb and Howard Sackler Starring Roy Scheider , Lorraine Gary , and Murray Hamilton ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 21:44 - "The Shpiel" 38:19 - Film Breakdown 01:35:12 - Brain Bucket & Outro
May 7
You'll never go in the water again! Join us for our 400TH EPISODE as we celebrate by covering the massive classic 1975's JAWS. A small coastal town is terrorized by a monstrous great white shark, forcing police chief Brody (Roy Scheider), marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and grizzled shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) to join forces in a desperate battle against the relentless predator. Will The Boys be sunk? Find out here! Also this week: Lance tries his best at a Jaws Shpiel, Bruce Springsteen's thoughts on Soccer, and plenty of Quint and Hooper Impressions All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "You're gonna need a bigger boat." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg Written by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb Starring Roy Scheider , Richard Dreyfuss , Robert Shaw , and Lorraine Gary ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 29:25 - "The Shpiel" 52:40 - Film Breakdown 02:12:55 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Apr 30
God made him simple. Science made him a god. Our Crow Sister Amanda Waltz returns as Technology Terror month concludes with 1992's THE LAWNMOWER MAN. Dr. Lawrence Angelo (Pierce Brosnan) pushes the boundaries of science with his experiments in virtual reality and cognitive enhancement, seeking to unlock untapped human potential. But as his test subject, Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey), rapidly evolves beyond expectations, the consequences spiral into a dangerous struggle for control, morality, and the future of intelligence itself. Will our heroes make it to the next level? Find out here! Also this week: Rain sticks, punk spiderweb butthole tattoos, and Lance tells us the major differences between the director's and theatrical cuts. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "This universe is mine. I am GOD here!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- The Lawnmower Man (1992) Directed by Brett Leonard Written by Brett Leonard and Gimel Everett Starring Pierce Brosnan, Jeff Fahey, Jenny Wright, and Dean Norris ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 25:57 - "The Schpiel" 37:50 - Film Breakdown 01:57:40 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Apr 23
The ultmate shocker. Technology Terror month continues with 1988's PULSE. While visiting his father in Los Angeles, David (Joey Lawrence) stays home alone and notices strange disturbances in the electrical appliances, later learning from an old man that a deadly, intelligent pulse is running through the grid. As the pulse tightens its grip on the neighborhood, David races to warn his father and stepmother—unaware that the real nightmare is only just beginning. Will The Boys be shocked ? Find out here! Also this week: The "Mushroom Head Brothers", Ben's "chicken wing jeans", and there is no way you can go through life just eating pie. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "I heard a man on TV one time say that 'paranoia' is just another word for 'heightened awareness." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Pulse (1988) Written and Directed by Paul Golding Starring Joey Lawrence, Cliff De Young, Charles Tyner, and Roxanne Hart ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 31:40 - "The Schpiel" 49:45 - Film Breakdown 01:35:15 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Apr 16
Plug in to your worst nightmare. Technology Terror month continues with 1993's GHOST IN THE MACHINE. A serial killer's soul is transferred into a computer network after a freak accident, allowing him to continue his deadly spree through the electrical grid. As victims pile up, a determined woman, her tech-savvy son, and a skilled hacker team up to stop him before it's too late. Did The Boys find this one to be broad band quality or 56K? Find out here! Also this week: Our first computers, the return of "the butt cut", and Lance rants on A Minecraft Movie memes and a grumpy gas station Patron. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Excuse me... a little stiff. Caught a b**** of a virus." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Ghost in the Machine (1993) Directed by Rachel Talalay Written by William Davies and William Osborne Starring Karen Allen, Chris Mulkey, Ted Marcoux, and Will Horneff ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 37:00 - "The Schpiel" 45:42 - Film Breakdown 01:49:22 - Stump The Brainiacs & Outro
Apr 9
Play It To Death. Technology Terror month continues with 2006's STAY ALIVE featuring frequent guest/nemesis Blake O'Donnell from BPO films! After playing an underground horror video game, game-loving Hutch and a group of friends discover that their characters' deaths in the game mirror real-life tragedies, leading them to investigate its sinister origins. As they delve deeper, they uncover a chilling connection to a terrifying historical force that refuses to stay buried. Is Game Over for The Boys? Find out here! Also this week: '06 Video Game Culture, the worst moving van in Pittsburgh, and Blake's take on raising teenagers (it isn't so bad). All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "B****, that's cheating! I'm not even dead yet!" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Stay Alive (2006) Directed by William Brent Bell Written by William Brent Bell & Matthew Peterman Starring Jon Foster, Samaire Armstrong, Frankie Muniz, Jimmi Simpson, Sophia Bush, and Adam Goldberg ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 43:40 - "The Schpiel" &* Director's Cut Differences 52:25 - Film Breakdown 02:08:56 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Apr 2
Wanna play? I dare you. Technology Terror month begins with 1994's BRAINSCAN. When a horror-obsessed teen plays a mysterious game, he finds himself drawn into a twisted journey where the boundaries between virtual thrills and genuine terror dissolve. As the game's cunning host, The Trickster, pushes him toward terrifying choices, he must unravel the truth behind the game's grip before it consumes him completely. Will The Boys find themselves tricked or treated? Find out here! Also this week: '90s teen girl-lookin' windows, The Langella Jiggler, and A.I. Bits. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Real, unreal, what's the difference? So long as you don't get caught." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Brainscan (1993) Directed by John Flynn Written by Andrew Kevin Walker Starring Edward Furlong, Frank Langella, T. Ryder Smith, and Amy Hargreaves ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 26:00 - "The Schpiel" 41:42 - Film Breakdown 01:38:40 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Mar 26
The power of an immortal. The soul of a human. The heart of a hero. Superhero inSanity month concludes with 1998's BLADE. Wesley Snipes is Blade, a relentless vampire hunter who walks between the human and undead worlds. As a sinister vampire faction rises, Blade faces a deadly conspiracy threatening humanity while uncovering secrets tied to his own origins. With The Boys think this sucks in all the right ways? Find out here! Also this week: Sleep freaks Lance out, the movie that makes Ben go "Boi-oi-oi-oing", the sitcom "Grounded for Life", and a surprise guest schpiel! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Some motherf---ers are always trying to ice-skate uphill." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Blade (1998) Directed by Stephen Norrington Written by David S. Goyer Starring Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright, and Donal Logue ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 24:00 - "The Schpiel" - Guest Schpiel by CJ Lightbourn 44:30 - Film Breakdown 01:36:35 - Stump The Brainiac & Outro
Mar 19
Everything has a price... Superhero inSanity continues! A month of horror-adjacent superhero movies! This week your hosts jump into total insanity with 2000's FAUST: LOVE OF THE DAMNED. A tormented amnesiac armed with deadly gauntlets, unravels a sinister pact that binds him to a shadowy figure of immense power. As he battles his inner demons and a web of dark conspiracies, his journey hurtles toward a reckoning that could shatter the boundaries of life and death. Are The Boys put through hell again? Find out here! Also this week: Lance runs down the tracks from Pure Moods, The Legend of Peppermint the Cat, and one of the most "WTF?!" scenes in Neon Brainiacs history. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Too much blood? ...Or not enough?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Faust: Love of the Damned (2000) Directed by Brian Yuzna Written by David Quinn Starring Mark Frost, Jeffrey Combs, Isabel Brook, and Andrew Divoff ----- 00:00 - Intro & Opening Banter 27:00 - "The Schpiel" 42:00 - Film Breakdown 01:31:00 - Brain Bucket & Outro
Mar 12
Born in darkness. Sworn to justice. This week Amanda Waltz is BACK to help cover 1997's SPAWN as Superhero inSanity month continues! Killed and reborn as a Hellspawn, betrayed marine Al Simmons must wrestle with his haunting past and the dark deal that binds him to a demonic purpose. His journey builds to a decisive showdown that could alter his fate forever. Are The Boys going to be wormfood? Find out here! Also this week: Lance gives a detailed breakdown of Image Comics, Ben and Amanda tell pee stories, and the return of "Real Millvale Shit"! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Aren't there any normal people left on Earth? Or is everybody just back from Hell?" ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! ----- Directed by Mark A.Z. Dippé Written by Alan B. McElroy Starring Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, and Martin Sheen
Mar 5
Part human. Part alien. Pure superpower. Superhero inSanity month begins! A month of horror-adjacent superhero movies. We kick off with the 1991 cult classic THE GUYVER. Sean Barker bonds with a powerful alien biosuit becoming a target for a dangerous corporation and their mutated beasts. He must wield his newfound abilities to protect those he loves and uncover the truth behind the Guyver unit. Are The Boys transformed? Find out here! Also this week: Lance's malfunctioning soundboard, Craig is an evil name, lunchboxes, and nunchucks. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "You can't kill me. I've been rejected by death." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- The Guyver (2001) Directed by Screaming Mad George & Steve Wang Written by Jon Purdy Starring Mark Hamill, Jack Armstrong, and Vivian Wu
Feb 26
Infinite space - Infinite terror. This week your favorite spaces cases cover the 1997 sci-fi horror Event Horizon. In 2047, a long-lost starship mysteriously reappears in orbit around Neptune, prompting a rescue mission that quickly turns nightmarish. As the crew delves deeper into the ship's dark secrets, they encounter unimaginable horrors that push them to the brink of sanity. Were The Boys put through Hell? Find out here! Also this week: Stink bomb stories, the movie's relation to Doom and Hellraiser, and New Weird Candy returns! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Where we're going, we won't need eyes to see." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Event Horizon (2001) Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson Written by Philip Eisner Starring Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, and Kathleen Quinlan
Feb 19
We dare you to say his name five times! This week comedian and rapper Terry Jones join your hosts to talk about his new single "Swervin' Like Swayze" and to cover the 1992 classic Candyman! Helen Lyle, a graduate student, delves into the Candyman myth and accidentally summons the spirit, leading to a string of horrifying events. As she uncovers Candyman's tragic history, she becomes increasingly entangled in his deadly legend. Will The Boys succumb to his charm? Find out here! Also this week: Chicago's famous upside-down pizza, this movie's similarities to Ghostbusters, and why is there always a sled in Applebees? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Be my victim." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Candyman (1992) Directed by Bernard Rose Written by Bernard Rose Starring Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, and Xander Berkeley
Feb 12
Remember that kid everyone ignored on Valentine's Day? - He remembers you. Love is in the air this week your palentines cover the 2001 slasher Valentine. A vengeful masked killer targets former high school bullies on Valentine's Day. As the bodies pile up, the surviving friends must unmask the murderer before becoming the next victims. Will The Boys survive this St. Valentine's Day Massacre? Find out here! Also this week: Lance's summercamp heartbreak, Ben's plagarism of a Blink song, and the gift that keeps on giving: TLC's CrazySexyCool . All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! "Roses are red, Violets are Blue, They'll need dental records to identify you." ----- Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server! ----- Valentine (2001) Directed by Jamie Blanks Writen by Tom Savage, Donna Powers, and Wayne Powers Starring Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, and Marley Shelton
Feb 5
When you can't breathe, you can't scream. Snake fans rejoice! This week your hosts embrace a Patreon Pick brought to you by patron Jamie Derelict: 1997's Anaconda. Director Terri Flores and her team of documentarians venture deep into the Brazilian rainforest in search of a mysterious tribe, but soon find themselves ensnared in a deadly game when they encounter a mysterious adventurer and a monstrous anaconda. They then must fight for survival against the predator's tightening grip. Will The Boys get choked out? Find out here! Also this week: Lance and an A.I. song writer write an N.B. song, Dateline's Stoned Phillips, and the best Jon Voight impersonations on the web. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "This river can kill you in a thousand ways." ----- Directed by Luis Llosa Starring Jennifer Lopez, John Voight, Ice Cube, Eric Stoltz and Owen Wilson
Jan 29
Evil gets an upgrade. BANG-UARY concludes as your hosts return to their old buddy Jason Voorhees with the 2001 installment JASON X. Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the start of the 21st century, only to be discovered and revived in the 25th century where he stalks and kills the young crew of spaceship Grendel. Will The Boys make it to Earth II alive? Find out here! Also this week: Lance's snowmageddon story, "Foreplay the 13th", and the fim's amazing score. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Jason-f---ing-Voorhees, that's what's going on!" ----- Directed by James Isaac Starring Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, Chuck Campbell, and featuring David Cronenberg
Jan 22
The monster movie that breaks new ground. BANG-UARY continues! All bangers, all month! This week your hosts are joined by their old friend, Amanda Waltz, to cover the 1990 monster movie TREMORS! Giant underground worms terrorize the tiny community of Perfection, Nevada. It's up to two handymen and a seismologist to figure out and stop what's going on. Are The Boys going to be wormfood? Find out here! Also this week: Lance's "Crow sister", MEAN WORMS, and a stunning new revelation in the Can't Hardly Wait Game! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "I've got a goddamn plan!" ----- Directed by Ron Underwood Starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire
Jan 15
Somewhere between science and superstition, there is another world. The world of darkness. BANG-UARY continues! All bangers, all month! This week your hosts cover the 1973 classsic THE EXORCIST! An evil force has inhabited the boy of young Regan MacNiel. Assisted by seasoned excorcist Farther Merrin, Catholic counselor Father Karras must face his own crisis of faith before he can help the young girl. Are the boys be pea soup? Find out here! Also this week: Buffets, '90s Commercials, and the Pazuzu Pizza Hut Pizza All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "What an excellent day for an exorcism." ----- Directed by William Friedkin Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, and Max Von Sydow
Jan 8
Someone has taken their love of sequels one step too far. BANG-UARY continues! All bangers, all month! This week your hosts cover the 1997 sequel SCREAM 2! Two years after the events of the first film, a new Ghostface killer terrorizes Sidney Prescott and Windsor College. Will the boys live to see another sequel? Find out here! Also this week: "Mounds" stories, remembering *69 and caller ID, and why does Jamie Kennedy use a stupid English Accent? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "It's a perfect example of life imitating art imitating life."
Jan 1
Every puzzle has its pieces. Happy New Year! Get ready for BANG-UARY! All bangers, all month! To kick it off, your hosts jump in to the 2004 runaway success story SAW! Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon wake up on opposite ends of a dead body. They are the latest victims of The Jigsaw killer. They must either escape ot play by his sick rules. Is it GAME OVER for the boys? Find out here! Also this week: We go down a Burger King rabbit hole, the very American Dr. Gordon, and Big Saw Trap Pee Wee. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "I want to play a game."
Dec 25, 2024
Christmas is coming early this year... And it's murder. It's the conclusion of HoHo-HORROR Month! This week for our special Christmas Day episode your hosts dive to the 1974 classic: BLACK CHRISTMAS! A group of sorority sisters receive threatening phone calls during the Christmas season. As the tension escalates, a police officer and a sorority sister struggle to protect the girls and uncover the identity of a murderer. Will The Boys have a killer Christmas? Find out here! Also this week: Ben learns what Skibidi Toilet is, the one time Lance met Margot Kidder, and Bo Rics is definitely a real hair salon. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Just like having a wart removed."
Dec 18, 2024
He's making a list... Pray you're not on it. HoHo-HORROR Month continues as The Boys are joined this week by the director of the new film "Curtains For Christmas", Steve Rudzinski, to cover 2005's SANTA'S SLAY! Starring wrestler Bill Goldberg! It's been 1000 years and Satan's son, Santa, is free of the servitude that kept him giving. Now he can finally do what he does best: Slay. And he's starting in Hell... Township, Canada. Also this week: Steve's new Christmas movie reviews, a Home Alone Rabbit hole, Ben's Weezer Reddit fame, and the origins of "The Circle Game." All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "WHO'S NEXT?"
Dec 11, 2024
A new level of fear. It's HoHo-HORROR Month! This week our hosts explore 2007's P2! Corporate exec Angela finds herself trapped in her building's parking garage on Christmas Eve. She quickly learns that an obsessive security guard, Thomas, isn't there to help. Will The Boys get out or are they parked *very* long-term? Find out here! Also this week: The Millvale Grunch, Ben's love of Corn Bread, why Wes Bentley has zero memory of this movie, and we answer the age old question: What's Pauly Shore's best movie? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Way to ruin Christmas, assh*le."
Dec 4, 2024
And if I die before I wake... Thank you. It's HoHo-HORROR Month! To kick off the holiday hijinks, your hosts cover 1990's Silent Night, Deady Night 4: Initiation! During her investigation of a case of spontaneous combustion, reporter Kim discovers a cult dedicated to the Egyptian god, Isis. A cult that wants her very soul! Will The Boys be their next sacrifice? Find out here! Also this week: New Weird Candy is BACK! Lance is only happy when it rains, fart stories, and why don't they sell loose nuts anymore? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "No f@#%ing cheese!"
Nov 27, 2024
Some people will go to any lengths to stay young forever . GivingThanks month continues! All Patreon picks, all month! This week your hosts cover a pick from patron Dr. Kilometer: The 1992 classic Death Becomes Her! 14 years after her rival Madeline steals Helen's fiancé, Ernest, the former lovers hatch a plan to kill Madeline. However, an ancient elixir of enternal life makes things a little... complicated. Will The Boys choose to keep their youthful good looks or continue to age gracefully? Find out here! Also this week: Ben has sex questions, Lance's Opinions on soup, and Copious Dave Matthews Band talk. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Bottoms up!" **Misophonia warning: As this is a Patreon pick episode, we are continuing the "EAT" bit. If you are uncomfortable with or bothered by slight chewing sounds, you can skip to 16:00 minute mark and should be fine.
Nov 20, 2024
Dark days are coming. GivingThanks month continues! All Patreon picks, all month! This week your hosts cover a film requested from "Super Patron" Dr. Philth: 2007's Sunshine! It's the year 2050, and The Sun is destabilizing. The crew of the Icarus II is on Earth's second mission to reignite The Sun after a failed attempt seven years prior. They soon discover the fate of Icarus I, which could spell doom for the fate of earth. Do the boys light the fire or get sunburned? Find out here! Also this week: Our 2000s Pop Punk picks, Lance's advice to teens in haunted houses, and Ben's existential crisis of being the most annoying radio host. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "The last man. Alone with God." Misophonia warning: As this is a Patreon pick episode, we are continuing the "EAT" bit. If you are uncomfortable with or bothered by slight chewing sounds, you can skip to 14:00 minute mark and should be fine.
Nov 13, 2024
Humanity's last hope... rests on a high power machine gun! GivingThanks month continues! All Patreon picks, all month! This week your hosts cover a film requested from Patron Ameila: One half of the 2007 Grindhouse double feature -- Planet Terror! After an experimental nerve gas gets out, the population of Texas start to transform into fleshing-eating mutants! It's up to a ragtag band of well-armed townsfolk to survive the night. Will the boys make it til morning? Find out here! Also this week: Tarantino impressions, '80s vs '90s action movies, and Ben's possible crow wedding. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Give him the gun. Give him all the guns." Misophonia warning: As this is a Patreon pick episode, we are continuing the "EAT" bit. If you are uncomfortable with or bothered by slight chewing sounds, you can skip to 12:00 minute mark and should be fine.
Nov 6, 2024
It's a one-night stand with eternal complications! GivingThanks month begins! As a thank you to all the patrons, it's all Patreon picks, all month! This week your hosts kick it off with patron Torre's request: The 1985 film ONCE BITTEN! A 300 year old Countess needs the blood of a virgin by Halloween to keep her youth. Luckily a young Jim Carrey is there to quench her thirst! Will the boys really think this one truly... "sucks"? Find out here! Also this week: The film's similarities to Teen Wolf , Lance is in "a state of Cheez It", and "The Lip Line" is open for requests! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! Remember: Save your yolks for Ben! Misophonia warning: As this is a Patreon pick episode, we are continuing the "EAT" bit. If you are uncomfortable with or bothered by slight chewing sounds, you can skip to 12:00 minute mark and should be fine.
Oct 30, 2024
It's going to be one hell of a family reunion. He's back! That's right! This week your hosts jump into 1998's HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER. They are also joined by filmmaker Blake O'Donnell of BPO Films to promote his new film Guerrilla Dogs! 20 years ago Laurie Strode watched her psychopathic brother die after his historic Halloween night massacre... Or did she? Michael Myers returns to find his sister for a confrontation decades in the making! Will the boys survive this family reunion from Hell? Find out here! Also this week: The secret origins of "Party Parkin", chunky '90s Vans, Frankenstein, and disgusting urinal pubes! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "It's Halloween. I guess everyone's entitled to one good scare."
Oct 23, 2024
Always Check Your Candy. Don't blow out that Jack-o-Lantern!! This week your hosts cover the 2007 Halloween anthology gem TRICK 'R TREAT. It's Halloween night in Warren Valley, Ohio. We follow four spooooky tales as they intertwine to form a love letter to all things Halloween. Will the boys respect tradition or fall victim to the hijinx of little Sam? Find out here! Also this week: Ordering a Big Sausage Pizza, Ben's Billy Corgan impression, and I didn't realize these Juju Fruits were SO HARD! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! Charlie Brown is an assh***!
Oct 16, 2024
I know what a Lycanthrope is. That's right! It's time to feel that special kind of early 2000s angst 'cause your hosts are covering the 2000 canadian classic GINGER SNAPS. Patrons Shane and Jordan bring us this Halloween Patreon Pick. Something has been killing dogs in the town of Bailey Downs. When B's sister Ginger is attacked, her body starts undergoing... changes... causing a rift between the two. Is it puberty or is it a horrific, body-altering curse? It's dog-eat-dog this week, so can the boys keep up? Find out here! Also this week: Piercings, the movie's less-impressive working title, and you DO NOT wanna live in these guys heads-- They are NOT NORMAL. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! This is a patron picked episode, so in case you are wondering: YES EAT.
Oct 9, 2024
JACK-O IS BACK-O. Halloween Month continues as your hosts cover 1995's JACK-O. Little Sean Kelly is his town's only hope when a sorcerer's curse reemerges on Halloween night. Will the boys escape the dreaded Mr. Jack The Pumpkin Man or will they find themselves carved up? Find out here! Also this week: "Wacko Jacko", the questionable ending of Disney's Blank Check, the dystopian meal that is a Lunchables, and the strong feelings of Ben's dad regarding pool usage. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! What are you waiting for? Give it a listen, ya punkin' head!
Oct 2, 2024
It's time to throw on that greasy '90's slacker outfit, because this week your hosts are covering the 1999 horror slacker comedy IDLE HANDS. Idle hands really are the devil's playground when stoner Anton's hand gets possessed and goes on a killing spree. With a killer '99 cast, and an even more killer '99 soundtrack, what sort of shi-HAND-igans will the boys get up to this week? Find out here! Also this week: Buying weed in the '90s. Zap a shnack! Brands of clothing our mother's wouldn't let us buy. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! As usual, Neon Brainiacs save an otherwise disastrous day.
Sep 25, 2024
It's time to head to The Promised Land this week as your hosts do their first Patreon listener pick! Patron GaryAM brings us the 1983 folk horror nugget: EYES OF FIRE. Deep in the wilderness of the colonial frontier, a father tries to rescue his family from both an adulterous preacher and malevolent spirit lurking out in the forest. It's Little House on the Carrie as only the magic of a strange woman can help him. Will the boys make it out or will they find themselves trapped in the woods (literally) FOREVER? Find out here! Also this week: Lance grills Ben on his time working at Burger King (Or is it that he "flame broils" Ben?) The jingle for "The Po-ta-to Boat". And a cow that truly whips ass at making milk! All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! It's time to get crazier than a rat in a brandy keg!
Sep 18, 2024
You just can't keep a good guy down. This week your hosts came to play with 1991's CHILD'S PLAY 3. It's been eight years, and Chucky returns to track down Andy at his military school. Will Charles Lee Ray break everyone's favorite podcast boy toys? Find out here! Also this week: Who was it that made light up shoes? Remember when yo-yos were cool again in the '90s? And Metallica's "Load" album cover is made of WHAT? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! And remember: Don't [F-WORD HERE] with the Chuck.
Sep 11, 2024
In space no one can hear you guffaw at the NEON BRAINIACS! That's right! This week your hosts cover a real heavy hitter: 1979's ALIEN. The crew of the deep-space hauling vessel Nostromo is at the mercy of an unspeakable, otherworldly creature. Will the boys make it out alive or will they become fodder for a phallic extraterrestrial chestbaby? Find out here! Also this week: Chat-LTP is set on spicy, New Weird Candy returns, and just what in the hell is a freezerino? All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! And, in case you are wondering, Lance is still NOT in a band.
Sep 4, 2024
Ben and Lance fly out on their own from the nest of mama Gregg for the seventh year of Neon Brainiacs! This week the format blows WIDE OPEN as the boys talk 1997's I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. A hook-wielding killer is hunting down the one-and-only Jennifer Love Hewitt and her friends. Will the boys survive to see next summer? Find out here! Also this week: The smoldering love scene between Anne Heche and Harrison Ford in Six Days and Seven Night s, learning what a crock of shit actually is, and Freddie Prinze Jr is just SO POOR. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Put down that Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOOOOR??"
Aug 28, 2024
It's showtime, maniacs! This episode is a monumental occasion for many reasons. Not only is A Comedy Of Horrors coming to an end, not only is it our seven year anniversary, but it's also Gregg's final episode as a full-time host. For these reasons, we had to end on an absolute home run, so we're prepping for the upcoming sequel and discussing Beetlejuice from 1988. Grab a Zagnut and tune in as we break down the flick and talk about other topics such as the inexplicable Pittsburgh connections to this movie, Alkaline Trio suits versus Smash Mouth suits, and how this PG movie is definitely not for kids. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a little game Gregg cooked up called Pit Or Pass? Six songs have been selected, all cover songs by late 90s and early 00s nu-metal bands, and we decide whether we hit the pit if it's good or we check out the merch booth if it's bad. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! This episode contains Pittsburgh acting legend Michael Keaton, so you probably want more episodes featuring actors from Pittsburgh! Check out our previous episodes containing the work of Tom Atkins: Halloween III ( episode 7 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), The New Kids ( episode 87 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Maniac Cop ( episode 130 ), and The Fog ( episode 296 ). We've also discussed the late great Kevin Peter Hall in Predator ( episode 204 ) and One Dark Night ( episode 301 ). And who could forget Jeff Goldblum in The Fly ( episode 76 )?
Aug 21, 2024
Cue the laugh track, maniacs! We're bringing a deep cut to the table as part of A Comedy Of Horrors with the 1988 shot-on-video cult flick Woodchipper Massacre. Tune in as we discuss the movie and other topics such as receiving packages in the mail in the 90s, adding a new phrase into our vocabularies, and probably the most anyone has talked about The Ground Round in decades. Make sure to check out the end of the episode for an important announcement as well. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a little game Gregg cooked up called Pit Or Pass? Six songs have been selected, all cover songs by late 90s and early 00s nu-metal bands, and we decide whether we hit the pit if it's good or we check out the merch booth if it's bad. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to check out more of our discussions of shot-on-video horror? Check out our previous episodes on Hollow Gate ( episode 109 ), Things ( episode 217 ), Heavy Metal Massacre ( episode 306 ), Video Violence ( episode 316 ), Blood Lake ( episode 321 ), and Tales From The Quadead Zone ( episode 349 ).
Aug 14, 2024
Unpleasant dreams, maniacs! A Comedy Of Horrors continues and we're checking in with one of the most revered horror hosts of the 80s and discussing Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark. Tune in as we break down the flick and talk about other topics such as positive goofballs versus negative goofballs, Boss Boy, and our collective opinions on orange Tic-Tacs. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a little game Gregg cooked up called Pit Or Pass? Six songs have been selected, all cover songs by late 90s and early 00s nu-metal bands, and we decide whether we hit the pit if it's good or we check out the merch booth if it's bad. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want some more chuckles from other horror comedies? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Return Of The Living Dead Part II ( episode 116 ), Return Of The Killer Tomatoes ( episode 158 ), The Burbs ( episode 200 ), and Summer School ( episode 312 ).
Aug 7, 2024
Check the calendar, maniacs! The gang is all here this week as we start a new theme, A Comedy Of Horrors, with the 1981 lampoon Saturday The 14th. While we break down this goofy flick, we also discuss other topics such as watching movies on half speed, Tin Pan Alley, and our opinions of the combination of chicken and peanut butter. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a little game Gregg cooked up called Pit Or Pass? Six songs have been selected, all cover songs by late 90s and early 00s nu-metal bands, and we decide whether we hit the pit if it's good or we check out the merch booth if it's bad. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on haunted houses? Check out our previous episodes on Cellar Dweller ( episode 11 ), Bloody New Year ( episode 16 ), Night Of The Demons ( episode 58 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), Slime City ( episode 233 ), House ( episode 236 ), and Blood Theatre ( episode 245 ).
Jul 31, 2024
Don't look in the corner, maniacs! 2000s Month comes to an end with some witchcraft hysteria in Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. Your two favorite knuckleheads, the Hardee's Boys, wrap up the month with this ill-advised sequel and discuss other topics such as Ben's reaction to watching Short Circuit 2, giving Wicca a bad name, and our new favorite character: Sheriff Craisins. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on witches? Check out our previous episodes on Witchtrap ( episode 144 ), Witchboard ( episode 194 ), Pumpkinhead ( episode 218 ), The Serpent And The Rainbow ( episode 220 ), Inferno ( episode 232 ), Suspiria ( episode 267 ), Troll ( episode 280 ), and Warlock ( episode 323 ).
Jul 24, 2024
Watch your fingers, maniacs! 2000s Month continues with the 2008 deep cut creature flick Splinter. Tune in as we discuss this indie horror gem and other topics such as Lance's hot take on Newman's Own Italian dressing, Ben's new version of the song "Duke Of Earl", and the new beer flavor sweeping the nation. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear about more creature features? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), The Fly ( episode 76 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), Rawhead Rex ( episode 124 ), Brain Damage ( episode 159 ), Gremlins ( episode 172 ), Slugs ( episode 189 ), Ghoulies ( episode 243 ), It's Alive 3 ( episode 258 ), Nightbeast ( episode 262 ), Ghoulies 2 ( episode 311 ), and Of Unknown Origin ( episode 342 ).
Jul 17, 2024
Our dogs are barking this week, maniacs! The Hardee's Boys continue 2000s Month with the 2002 werewolf flick Dog Soldiers. Tune in as we break down this modern cult classic and discuss other topics such as Lance's love for the reality game show Survivor, the famous actors who almost ended up in this movie, and our new favorite catchphrase. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more werewolf talk? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog ( episode 28 ), Silver Bullet ( episode 32 ), The Company Of Wolves ( episode 50 ), Wolfen ( episode 146 ), The Howling ( episode 166 ), An American Werewolf In London ( episode 197 ), and Bad Moon ( episode 345 ).
Jul 10, 2024
Don't take off those glasses, maniacs! 2000s Month continues with the supernatural horror flick Thir13en Ghosts from 2001. Tune in as we break down the movie and discuss other topics such as Matthew Lillard's penchant for spittle, the nu-metal music video editing style of the film and Lance explains what a "french fry loomster" is. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more talk of ghosts? Check out our previous episodes on Bad Dreams ( episode 35 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), Witchtrap ( episode 144 ), Lady In White ( episode 162 ), Blood Beat ( episode 169 ), Ghostkeeper ( episode 173 ), Poltergeist II: The Other Side ( episode 185 ), Witchboard ( episode 194 ), Poltergeist ( episode 277 ), The Fog ( episode 296 ), Poltergeist III ( episode 298 ), House III: The Horror Show ( episode 302 ), and Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II ( episode 338 ).
Jul 3, 2024
Now boarding Flight 180, maniacs! We kick off 2000s Month with a bang (literally) with Final Destination. With Gregg on the bench for July, The Hardees Boys return to break down the flick and discuss other topics such as Tom Sawyer movies with butt cuts, Lance's Whopper-eating technique and we fondly remember the big khakis of Y2K. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions revolving around aircraft? Check out our previous episodes on Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ), Sole Survivor ( episode 221 ), Dawn Of The Dead ( episode 266 ), and Twilight Zone: The Movie ( episode 351 ).
Jun 26, 2024
We're taking a trip to the furniture store this week, maniacs! We're checking out the 1988 slasher Hide And Go Shriek. Tune in as we discuss this paint-by-numbers horror flick and other topics such as Ben ghosting bartenders, Wall Street Beavis, and the benefits of watching a film at double speed. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more slasher flicks from 1988? Check out our previous episodes on Child's Play ( episode 41 ), Hack-O-Lantern ( episode 57 ), Hollow Gate ( episode 109 ), Halloween 4 ( episode 112 ), Maniac Cop ( episode 130 ), Sleepaway Camp 2 ( episode 150 ), Edge Of The Axe ( episode 176 ), Doom Asylum ( episode 202 ), Cheerleader Camp ( episode 264 ), and The Carpenter ( episode 309 ).
Jun 19, 2024
Beware the incubus, maniacs! This week we're delving into a deep cut in the Wes Craven filmography with 1981's Deadly Blessing. Tune in as we break down this religious thriller and other topics such as the band Incubus and their foray into Hackey Sack Purgatory, Sharon Stone's star-making role in Police Academy 4 and Lou Bega's surprise at the trumpet. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we busted out a fifth edition of the Back In The Day Blitz, where we discuss the intersection of news and pop culture in the 90s as well as Sunday afternoon movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on the films of Wes Craven? Check out our previous episodes on A Nightmare On Elm Street ( episode 74 ), The Hills Have Eyes Part II ( episode 83 ), Shocker ( episode 85 ), The Serpent And The Rainbow ( episode 220 ), Swamp Thing ( episode 227 ), Deadly Friend ( episode 255 ), Invitation To Hell ( episode 263 ), and New Nightmare ( episode 282 ).
Jun 12, 2024
Everybody have fun tonight, maniacs! We're checking back in with Tobe Hooper and talking his 1981 carnival slasher The Funhouse. Tune in as we break down this bizarre piece of early 80s ephemera and discuss other topics such as the Dorf universe, our own Kennywood memories, and a classic duck joke. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we busted out a fifth edition of the Back In The Day Blitz, where we discuss the intersection of news and pop culture in the 90s as well as Sunday afternoon movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on the work of Tobe Hooper? Check out our previous episodes on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Lifeforce ( episode 228 ), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre ( episode 265 ), Poltergeist ( episode 277 ), and Invaders From Mars ( episode 290 ).
Jun 5, 2024
There goes the neighborhood, maniacs! We're finally wrapping up the 80s installments of the Friday The 13th series this week, ending on a doozy in Part VII: The New Blood. Tune in as we break down the first appearance of Kane Hodder in the franchise and other topics such as Ryan Gosling as hunky Beavis, Gregg wowing a crowd on a drum simulator, and the long-lost art of keeping photos in your wallet. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we busted out a fifth edition of the Back In The Day Blitz, where we discuss the intersection of news and pop culture in the 90s as well as Sunday afternoon movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us talk more about Friday The 13th? Of course you do! Check out our previous episodes on the original ( episode 300 ), Part 2 ( episode 147 ), Part 3 ( episode 260 ), The Final Chapter ( episode 45 ), A New Beginning ( episode 18 ), Jason Lives ( episode 182 ), and Jason Takes Manhattan ( episode 82 ).
May 29, 2024
We're traveling through another dimension this week, maniacs! Anthology Month comes to a close and we cap it off with 1983's adaptation of The Twilight Zone: The Movie. We unpack all that comes with this movie (content warning for the on-set accident 28:15-36:05) and other topics such as smoking indoors, our salad bar strategies, and the Twilight Zone ride at MGM Studios. Plus we have a new mini segment up front: New Weird Candy! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a rousing game of Two Truth & A Lie. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Joe Dante directed one segment so you know Dick Miller is in this thing. Want more from him? Check out our previous episodes on Chopping Mall ( episode 14 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), The Howling ( episode 166 ), Gremlins ( episode 172 ), The Burbs ( episode 200 ), and The Terminator ( episode 326 ).
May 22, 2024
Keep your eyes peeled, maniacs! Anthology Month continues with the 1989 deep cut Terror Eyes. What a way to celebrate 350 episodes! Tune in as we break down the movie and other topics such as our snack selections at the drive-in last week, inconvenient wallet-stealing scenarios, and how much practice you need to make a hot dog. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a rousing game of Two Truth & A Lie. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more off-the-wall fare from 1989? Check out our previous episodes on Iced ( episode 25 ), Parents ( episode 115 ), Witchtrap ( episode 144 ), Family Reunion ( episode 170 ), Offerings ( episode 190 ), Dead Dudes In The House ( episode 210 ), Things ( episode 217 ), and Blades ( episode 278 ).
May 15, 2024
Time for a story, maniacs! We're in the midst of Anthology Month and this week finds us recording live at the Riverside Drive-In during their April Ghouls Monster-Rama, where we discuss the highly expensive 1987 shot-on-video anthology Tales From The Quadead Zone. We're also joined spontaneously by frequent guests during these drive-in episodes, Josh Allshouse and Jamie from Neo Trash Video. While we uncover some factoids about this deep cut, we also discuss topics such as fancy Kool-Aid pitchers, the sounds of a ghost child, and what the hell is a quadead anyway??? Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a rousing game of Two Truth & A Lie. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss some more shot-on-video flair? Check out our previous episodes on Hollow Gate ( episode 109 ), Things ( episode 217 ), Heavy Metal Massacre ( episode 306 ), Video Violence ( episode 316 ), and Blood Lake ( episode 321 ).
May 8, 2024
Dance with us, maniacs! We continue Anthology Month with the scraps that make up 1985's Night Train To Terror. Tune in as we discuss the film and other topics such as the multiple cameos by Bull from Night Court, Gerard Way's acting debut, and guys getting caught in nets. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a rousing game of Two Truth & A Lie. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more bizarre stories from 1985? Check out our previous episodes on Re-Animator ( episode 19 ), Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), and Ghoulies ( episode 243 ).
May 1, 2024
Monsters rule, okay!? We're kicking off Anthology Month by checking in with some vintage horror heavy hitters in 1981's The Monster Club. We talk all things Vincent Price, John Carradine, and Donald Pleasence as well as other topics such as how we enjoy preparing eggs, Eric the night manager at Sheetz, and interesting ways to pronounce "weird". Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we play a rousing game of Two Truth & A Lie. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Interested in more British flair from the show? Check out our previous episodes on Bloody New Year ( episode 16 ), Gothic ( episode 20 ), The Company Of Wolves ( episode 50 ), Don't Open Till Christmas ( episode 66 ), and An American Werewolf In London ( episode 197 ).
Apr 24, 2024
It's a wonderfull life, maniacs! We end 90s Month with 1990 cult sequel The Exorcist III. Tune in as we discuss all things Gemini Killer and other topics such as rejected title The Devil's Papers, the random outbursts of George C. Sock, and various pronunciations of "charcuterie board". Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on the actors from The Exorcist III? Check out George C. Scott in The Changeling ( episode 161 ) and Brad Dourif in Child's Play ( episode 41 ) and Child's Play 2 ( episode 239 ).
Apr 17, 2024
We're riding the silver bullet through the 90s, maniacs! 90s Month continues with the 1996 werewolf flick Bad moon. Tune in as we break this movie down and discuss other topics such as the job of third shift tree-looker, the acting prowess of the film's dog actors, and computer-generated effects akin to Windows 95 screensavers. Plus we dig into another segment of Maniac Feedback where we read your answers on air! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more looks at lycanthropes? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog ( episode 28 ), Silver Bullet ( episode 32 ), The Company Of Wolves ( episode 50 ), Wolfen ( episode 146 ), The Howling ( episode 166 ), An American Werewolf In London ( episode 197 ), Howling II ( episode 213 ), Howling III ( episode 214 ), Howling IV ( episode 215 ), and Howling V ( episode 216 ).
Apr 10, 2024
They're coming to get you, maniacs! We're in the thick of 90s Month and this week finds us discussing the 1990 remake of Night Of The Living Dead, directed by Tom Savini. Joining us to break this one down is author Adam Hart, who just released Raising The Dead: The Works Of George Romero. Tune in as we chat about this piece of local Pittsburgh lore and other topics such as one of Romero's more dubious lost scripts, Ben's new catchphrase, and quite possibly the best bonk in cinematic history. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more from the catalog of Tom Savini? Check out our previous episodes on The Burning ( episode 5 ), Eyes Of A Stranger ( episode 24 ), Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter ( episode 45 ), Alone In The Dark ( episode 46 ), The Prowler ( episode 96 ), Maniac ( episode 97 ), Monkey Shines ( episode 98 ), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ), Effects ( episode 208 ), Dawn Of The Dead ( episode 266 ), Friday The 13th ( episode 300 ), and Martin ( episode 317 ).
Apr 3, 2024
Crack open a bottle of Orbitz, maniacs, because April is 90s Month yet again! We're starting with 1998's Disturbing Behavior, starring James Marsden and Katie Holmes. Tune in to this totally razor episode where we discuss the flick and other topics such as the invented slang for this movie, David Duchovny's mnemonic devices, and Coal Chamber music videos. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more high school horrors? Check out our previous episodes on The Blob ( episode 29 ), Christine ( episode 37 ), Prom Night ( episode 38 ), The Majorettes ( episode 55 ), Society ( episode 77 ), The New Kids ( episode 87 ), Cutting Class ( episode 89 ), Evilspeak ( episode 246 ) and The Faculty ( episode 284 ).
Mar 27, 2024
Set those traps, maniacs! We're checking in with Peter Weller this week as he tries to catch a rat in the 1983 thriller Of Unknown Origin. Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as the movie's main character Ro-Bart-Cop, Jello Biafra's take on rat-catching, and what happens when Gregg has coffee in the afternoon. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear more discussions on creature features from 1983? Check out our previous episodes on Jaws 3-D ( episode 78 ), Cujo ( episode 80 ), Blood Beat ( episode 169 ), and The Being ( episode 179 ).
Mar 20, 2024
Make room for us, maniacs! This week we're finally revisiting a property we talked about in our infancy with the Terry O'Quinn sequel vehicle Stepfather II. While we chat about this movie and its impressive cast, we also discuss topics such as Angels In The Outfield, sawing wood while angry, and Comedy Central Presents. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more movies from the end of the 80s? Check out our previous episodes on The Church ( episode 33 ), Society ( episode 77 ), Friday The 13th Part 8 ( episode 82 ), Shocker ( episode 85 ), Phantom Of The Mall ( episode 90 ), Tetsuo The Iron Man ( episode 141 ), Puppet Master ( episode 238 ), The Dead Next Door ( episode 254 ), Amityville 4 ( episode 276 ), and Pet Sematary ( episode 308 ).
Mar 13, 2024
It's time to party, maniacs! This week finds us talking about the slasher whodunit Killer Party from 1986, and bringing us this flick are Zane Hershberger and Sable Griedel from Silver Springs Films. They're joining us to promote the Blu-Ray release of their new anthology Cryptids, which also stars Joe Bob Briggs. Tune in as we celebrate Zane's birthday and talk other topics such as our new movie idea for the late Paul Bartel, the definitely real X-rated Mrs. Henshaw cut of the film, and bitter beer face. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear about more fare from 1986? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), Spookies ( episode 62 ), Maximum Overdrive ( episode 73 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Neon Maniacs ( episode 156 ), Witchboard ( episode 194 ), Deadly Friend ( episode 255 ), and Troll ( episode 280 ).
Mar 6, 2024
We've come here to do two things, maniacs! This week we celebrate the 100th episode that all three of your favorite goofballs have appeared on together, and we're talking a doozy: John Carpenter's They Live from 1988. Tune in as we discuss this wild allegory and other topics such as turkey sandwiches, Ween, and how you truly know you've made it financially. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more of the Master Of Horror? Check out our previous episodes on Christine ( episode 37 ), The Thing ( episode 229 ), Prince Of Darkness ( episode 261 ), Halloween ( episode 268 ), In The Mouth Of Madness ( episode 285 ), and The Fog ( episode 296 ).
Feb 28, 2024
Wild horses couldn't make us stay away, maniacs! We're getting a little weird this week as we unpack the bonkers Canadian sequel Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II. And who better to join us on this journey than our friends Ande and Eanna from the Queens Of NC-17 podcast? Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as girl naps, confessional wafer Jeez-Its, Canadian Duckie, and of course Big Milk strikes again. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more crossover between us and the Queens? Check out our previous episodes on Blood Diner ( episode 128 ) and Deadly Friend ( episode 255 ). There's also the very funny Friday The 13th crossover between the two of us on Start The Beat With Sikes.
Feb 21, 2024
Woods are woods, maniacs! This week we're taking a look at the 1987 backwoods island flick American Gothic. While we parse through the plot, we also discuss topics such as offensive shirts of the 80s, Bazooka Joe's hard gum, and Lance's tramuatic story about The Clarks. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more slasher flick talk from 1987? Check out our previous episodes on Bloody New Year ( episode 16 ), The Stepfather ( episode 27 ), Stagefright ( episode 36 ), Blood Harvest ( episode 51 ), The Majorettes ( episode 55 ), Blood Diner ( episode 128 ), Slaughterhouse ( episode 133 ), Slumber Party Massacre II ( episode 178 ), and Blood Lake ( episode 321 ).
Feb 14, 2024
Love is in the air, maniacs! To celebrate the day of lovers in loving love, we're talking about the 1987 shot-on-video horror comedy Psychos In Love. Tune in as we break down this wacky mockumentary and other topics such as Ben's lost Primus song, this movie's hatred of all things grape, and our new catchphrase. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more side-splitting flicks? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), The Toxic Avenger ( episode 84 ), Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), Sleepaway Camp II ( episode 150 ), The Monster Squad ( episode 152 ), The Burbs ( episode 200 ), Blades ( episode 278 ), Vamp ( episode 292 ), and Summer School ( episode 312 ).
Feb 7, 2024
We're breaking the rules straight from Springwood, maniacs! It's the first week of February so you know what that means... we're revisiting the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise with what was DEFINITELY the last movie in the series, Freddy's Dead from 1991. Joining us to break this one down is friend of the show Jordan Sloan, who's promoting his band Red Temple Pray's new album Can It Get Any Worse? which drops this Friday. Tune in as we dissect this blemish on the résumé of Freddy Krueger and discuss other topics such as Lance's questionable Q-Tip usage, ways to derail Ben, and Aphex Twin. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more Freddy talk? Check out our previous episodes on the original ( episode 74 ), part 2 ( episode 231 ), part 3 ( episode 22 ), part 4 ( episode 125 ), part 5 ( episode 177 ), New Nightmare ( episode 282 ) and our lockdown bonus episode of our top 5 Elm Street entries.
Jan 31, 2024
Grab your pajamas, maniacs, because our DON'T theme comes to a close with the bonkers Elm Street clone Don't Panic from 1987. Tune in as we discuss the film and other topics such as the movie's villain Tony Kroger, what every guy needs in his dorm room, and Ben's new song "LousyBack". Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz where we talk various toys from our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more mindgame horror flicks? Check out our previous episodes on Death By Dialogue ( episode 12 ), Nomads ( episode 13 ), Bad Dreams ( episode 35 ), Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Manhunter ( episode 113 ), Pin ( episode 139 ), and Evil Dead Trap ( episode 252 ).
Jan 24, 2024
Just a coupla few episodes left in our DON'T theme for January, maniacs, and this week we're checking out the made-for-TV movie Don't Go To Sleep, which originally aired on ABC in 1982. While we dissect this weird ghost story, we also discuss topics such as Lance's sleeping habits, copious lizard reaction shots, and our new favorite Christmas figure: Donkey Ben. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz where we talk various toys from our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more made-for-TV movies? Check out our previous episodes on The Midnight Hour ( episode 56 ), Dark Night Of The Scarecrow ( episode 108 ), and Invitation To Hell ( episode 263 ).
Jan 17, 2024
Don't get your hopes up, maniacs! We're continuing our DON'T theme for January with another confusing trip to Italy in Don't Go In The Attic from 1982. Tune in as we discuss this gripping mystery and other topics such as Barfa The Secretary, a possible BPO movie idea Funny Disco, and more fake discount codes than you can shake a stick at. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz where we talk various toys from our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear some more of our classic Italian bullshit? Check out our previous episodes on The Church ( episode 33 ), Stagefright ( episode 36 ), Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), The Beyond ( episode 168 ), City Of The Living Dead ( episode 192 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), Inferno ( episode 232 ), Suspiria ( episode 267 ), Anthropophagus ( episode 269 ), The House By The Cemetery ( episode 288 ), Nightmare City ( episode 297 ), Opera ( episode 310 ), and Deep Red ( episode 319 ).
Jan 10, 2024
Grab a quarter for the pay phone, maniacs, because our DON'T theme for January keeps rolling with the 1980 thriller Don't Answer The Phone! While we try to break this one down, we also discuss other topics such as police forms, little fat ties, and inopportune times for your parents to walk in while you're watching a movie. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz where we talk various toys from our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more slashers from 1980? Check out our previous episodes on He Knows You're Alone ( episode 6 ), Prom Night ( episode 38 ), Motel Hell ( episode 94 ), Maniac ( episode 97 ), Don't Go In The House ( episode 123 ), Fade To Black ( episode 201 ), Effects ( episode 208 ), and Friday The 13th ( episode 300 ).
Jan 3, 2024
Don't touch that dial, maniacs! We're kicking off 2024 with a new theme: Don't! We're discussing movies with "Don't" in the title all month long and first up is the backwoods slasher flick Don't Go In The Woods. Tune in as we break down the movie and other topics such as "crick" versus "creek", a detailed retelling of the Look Who's Talking franchise, and the preferred breath spray of the 90s, Binaca. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! This month we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz where we talk various toys from our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more slasher flicks from 1981? Check out our previous episodes on The Burning ( episode 5 ), Home Sweet Home ( episode 11 ), My Bloody Valentine ( episode 23 ), Final Exam ( episode 39 ), The Prowler ( episode 96 ), Madman ( episode 140 ), Happy Birthday To Me ( episode 279 ), and The Hand ( episode 289 ).
Dec 27, 2023
Let's take a trip to Dayton, maniacs, as we close out 2023 and Action December with the guerrilla action flick Deadbeat At Dawn! Joining us to chat about this one is our pal Josh Allshouse, who you may know on Instagram as @joshgoestohell. While we tell some stories of the making of this movie, we also discuss other topics such as Dayton rock radio history, modern day biker gangs, and the time AquaPhor saved Lance's life. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more action/horror hybrids? Check out our previous episodes on Eyes Of A Stranger ( episode 24 ), Ten To Midnight ( episode 43 ), The Killing Hour ( episode 54 ), Trancers ( episode 88 ), Manhunter ( episode 113 ) and Cobra ( episode 205 ).
Dec 20, 2023
Welcome to the party, maniacs! Action December is still in full swing and what better movie to cover for the holidays than 1988's Die Hard? Joining us to unpack this one are Ben's film partners, Blake O'Donnell and Ryan Lintner, promoting their upcoming comedy Guerrilla Dogs. Tune in as we break this movie down and talk topics such as Lance's alter ego, Hans Gruber's novelty FBI shirt, and the important question: is John McClane this movie's Urkel? Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear more action movie talk? Don't miss our most recent episodes as part of Action December!
Dec 13, 2023
Prepare your Home Alone traps, maniacs, because Action December rolls on with Death Wish 3 from 1985! We dust off our Bronson impressions and discuss the film as well as topics such as villains as chain enthusiasts, K-Mart Ernest Borgnine, random horse posters, and the unbelievable drip Charles Bronson had in this flick. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on Chuck? We haven't done much but you can check out our previous episode on Ten To Midnight ( episode 43 ).
Dec 6, 2023
Come with us if you want to pod, maniacs! This month we're changing it up and bringing you Action December, and we're kicking it off with a doozy: the 1984 James Cameron classic The Terminator. Tune in as we discuss the iconic flick and other topics such as alternate titles for the movie, Lance's woods confession, and the triumphant return of a beloved segment up front. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more James Cameron fare? Check out our previous episodes on Aliens ( episode 206 ), The Abyss ( episode 250 ), and Pirahna II ( episode 271 ).
Nov 29, 2023
Hop on board, maniacs, as we take to the high seas to talk the 1987 feline creature feature Uninvited! Tune in as we dissect this goofy movie and other topics such as humorous songs about boats, the very real origins of the word "upbutt", and how much Ben loves peeing. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For November's bonus episode, we played a couple rounds of 20 Quest-yinz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more movies about cats? Check out our previous episodes on Re-Animator ( episode 19 ), Aliens ( episode 206 ), Cat's Eye ( episode 226 ), Amityville: The Evil Escapes ( episode 276 ), and Pet Sematary ( episode 308 ).
Nov 22, 2023
We're not the only ones who are back, maniacs! We're kind of talking about Jack The Ripper in the 1988 thriller Jack's Back. Tune in as we discuss this James Spader murder mystery and other topics such as how a scar and an earring can make you super hot, serious guy rock songs, and an early 2000s emo rabbit holes brought on by the appearance of Saucony shoes in this flick. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For November's bonus episode, we played a couple rounds of 20 Quest-yinz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more dramatic horror? Check out our previous episodes on Nomads ( episode 13 ), Ten To Midnight ( episode 43 ), The New Kids ( episode 87 ), Fatal Attraction ( episode 294 ), and Miracle Mile ( episode 295 ).
Nov 15, 2023
We're going into the future, maniacs, as we discuss the 1989 Julian Sands vehicle Warlock with Bryan and Peter from NPRmageddon ! Tune in as we chat about the flick and other topics such as people from olden times being tased, weather vanes as family heirlooms, and double decker airplanes. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For November's bonus episode, we played a couple rounds of 20 Quest-yinz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more supernatural-tinged horror flicks from 1989? Check out our previous episodes on The Church ( episode 33 ), Elves ( episode 65 ), Friday The 13th Part VIII ( episode 82 ), Shocker ( episode 85 ), Tetsuo: The Iron Man ( episode 141 ), and Puppet Master ( episode 238 ).
Nov 8, 2023
School is in session, maniacs! We're heading back to college this week to talk about the 1982 slasher The House On Sorority Row. Tune in as we break down this whodunit horror flick and discuss other topics such as canes with really sharp birds, Lance's Reddit Mushroom ID Discovery, and collectible E.T. sugar bowls used strictly for coffee. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For November's bonus episode, we played a couple rounds of 20 Quest-yinz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more slashers from 1982? Check out our previous episodes on Silent Rage ( episode 42 ), Alone In The Dark ( episode 46 ), The Killing Hour ( episode 54 ), Trick Or Treats ( episode 110 ), The Dorm That Dripped Blood ( episode 120 ), Slumber Party Massacre ( episode 127 ), Pieces ( episode 183 ), and Friday The 13th Part III ( episode 260 ).
Nov 1, 2023
Bust out the 12-pack, maniacs, because this week we're taking a trip to Blood Lake! While we try to make sense of this piece of shot-on-video history, we also chat about topics such as regular flavor toothpaste, having trouble deciphering our jokes from actual dialogue, and the insanity that is the film's soundtrack by Voyager. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For November's bonus episode, we played a couple rounds of 20 Quest-yinz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss some more shot-on-video fare? Check out our previous episodes on Hollow Gate ( episode 109 ), Things ( episode 217 ), Heavy Metal Massacre ( episode 306 ), and Video Violence ( episode 316 ).
Oct 25, 2023
It's all for you, maniacs! We're closing out 70s Month with the supernatural thriller The Omen from 1976. While we discuss this oft-praised film we also talk about other topics such as the Oasis/Blur feud of the 90s, Gregory Peck's woes of being a very young father, and an important zoological question: do baboons know their butts look funny? Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For October's bonus episode, we dug into the archives and unearthed an early episode of Lance's old podcast Life And Movies featuring Ben and Gregg talking about the video stores of their youths. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! We're also helping to spread the word on the new installment of IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS that's now available! IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: 1990-1994 can be pre-ordered here and will no doubt be a great deep dive into 90s horror. The pre-order closes on Halloween day so get yours now! Want more religious horror talk? Check out our previous episodes on The Seventh Sign ( episode 44 ), Rawhead Rex ( episode 124 ), 976-Evil ( episode 153 ), Prime Evil ( episode 180 ), Evilspeak ( episode 246 ), Prince Of Darkness ( episode 261 ), and Satan's Slave ( episode 299 ).
Oct 18, 2023
Break out the string cheese, maniacs, because 70s Month rolls on with some more Italian bullshit by the king himself: Dario Argento's Deep Red! We're still Ben-less this week so joining us to round out the trio is many-time guest Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast. While we don our leather gloves once again, we also discuss other topics such as this film's weird similarity to Over The Top, the fake fanciness of Spaghetti Warehouse, and we dig into another round of Maniac Feedback where you tell us your favorite horror movie dolls! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For October's bonus episode, we dug into the archives and unearthed an early episode of Lance's old podcast Life And Movies featuring Ben and Gregg talking about the video stores of their youths. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! We're also helping to spread the word on the new installment of IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS that's now available! IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: 1990-1994 can be pre-ordered here and will no doubt be a great deep dive into 90s horror! Want more episodes on Dario Sargento? Check out our previous episodes on Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), Inferno ( episode 232 ), Suspiria ( episode 267 ), and Opera ( episode 310 ).
Oct 11, 2023
Boyyyyyy are we excited, maniacs! 70s Month rolls on as we discuss the movie that put Don Coscarelli on the map: 1979's Phantasm. While we are Ben-less for this episode, we're joined by friend of the show and Locust Street Films co-conspirator Matt Schultz. While we lightly explore the entire Phantasm universe and try to make some sense of it, we also discuss topics such as Gregg's childhood living room wallpaper, our favorite prank show Jawa'd, and how this entire franchise makes zero sense. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For October's bonus episode, we dug into the archives and unearthed an early episode of Lance's old podcast Life And Movies featuring Ben and Gregg talking about the video stores of their youths. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! We're also helping to spread the word on the new installment of IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS that's now available! IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS: 1990-1994 can be pre-ordered here and will no doubt be a great deep dive into 90s horror! Want more conversations involving otherworldly beings? Check out our previous episodes on The Blob ( episode 29 ), Phantasm II ( episode 70 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), The Being ( episode 179 ), The Thing ( episode 229 ), The Stuff ( episode 234 ), Nightbeast ( episode 262 ), Bad Taste ( episode 272 ), The Faculty ( episode 284 ), and Communion ( episode 307 ).
Oct 4, 2023
We're going back in time, maniacs! This October brings us another edition of 70's Month and we're kicking it off in style with the locally-filmed George Romero vampire flick Martin. Tune in as we discuss this interesting take on vampires and other topics such as the various Pittsburgh locations in the movie, Lance's bee story, and we invent our own cereal: Golden Treasures. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For October's bonus episode, we dug into the archives and unearthed an early episode of Lance's old podcast Life And Movies featuring Ben and Gregg talking about the video stores of their youths. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more conversations about the films of George Romero? Check out our previous episodes on Monkey Shines ( episode 98 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ), and Dawn Of The Dead ( episode 266 ).
Sep 27, 2023
Let's take a trip to the video store, maniacs! We're diving into another shot-on-video entry in 80s horror with Video Violence from 1987. Bringing this flick to the table is Aaron Mook from Eerie Horror Fest . While we try to figure out what happens when renting isn't enough, we also discuss topics such as that one extra from She's Out Of My League, the origins of Lick-M-Aid, and the age old question of lemonade versus iced tea. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For September's bonus episode, we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss some more shot-on-video fare? Check out our previous episodes on Hollow Gate ( episode 109 ), Things ( episode 217 ), and Heavy Metal Massacre ( episode 306 ).
Sep 20, 2023
We're headed back to the cornfields, maniacs! Our patrons have spoken so we're finally covering Scarecrows from 1988. While we discuss the movie, we also chat about other topics such as our favorite nu metal songs containing the word "boom", memories of defunct Tex-Mex chain Don Pablo's, and that time John Popper of Blues Traveler got caught with a trunk full of guns. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For September's bonus episode, we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!
Sep 13, 2023
We're headed to the future, maniacs! 1997 to be precise, as we check out the 1987 Empire picture Creepozoids. Who better to join us than the hosts of the Charles Band-themed podcast Puppet Masters And Castle Freaks , Jarrod and Steve? While we hack into the mainframe to analyze this movie, we also discuss topics such as filming behind a Pizza Hut, reading out loud, and Charles Band's disguise for stealing props from other productions. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For September's bonus episode, we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Can't get enough talk about the Band-iverse? Check out our previous episodes on Re-Animator ( episode 19 ), TerrorVision ( episode 21 ), Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama ( episode 63 ), Trancers ( episode 88 ), Dolls ( episode 137 ), Puppet Master ( episode 238 ), Ghoulies ( episode 243 ), Troll ( episode 280 ), and Ghoulies II ( episode 311 ).
Sep 6, 2023
We're be-boppin' back to NYC, maniacs, so grab a big slice as we talk about the Larry Cohen monster movie Q: The Winged Serpent from 1982. Join us for copious amounts of Michael Moriarty impressions and other topics such as the one time Lance swore into a drawer, this movie's similarities to Baby's Day Out, and how one acquires the nickname Bango. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For September's bonus episode, we're doing another round of the Back In The Day Blitz. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more Larry Cohen talk from the Brain Boys? Check out our previous episodes on A Return To Salem's Lot ( episode 101 ), The Stuff ( episode 234 ), and It's Alive III ( episode 258 ).
Aug 30, 2023
School is in session, maniacs! To celebrate our six year anniversary episode, we decided to break format a little and cover a fun comedy from 1987: the Carl Reiner directed romp Summer School. This movie boasts an impressive cast, including Dean Cameron who we interview at the end of the episode! Tune in as we break down the flick and discuss other topics such as lies about celebrity deaths, the brilliance of the movie's script, and the classic 80s trope of having actors pushing 30 play high schoolers. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For August's bonus episode, which we're calling the Back In The Day Blitz, Lance prompts the table with some questions relating to our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us break down more comedies? Check out our previous episodes on Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), House II: The Second Story ( episode 111 ), Blood Diner ( episode 128 ), Return Of The Killer Tomatoes ( episode 158 ), Vampire's Kiss ( episode 167 ), The Burbs ( episode 200 ), and Army Of Darkness ( episode 240 ).
Aug 23, 2023
Step right up, maniacs! We're headed to the carnival this week as we talk about Ghoulies II from 1987. As we break down yet another Empire Picture, we discuss other topics such as Ben's wish for a Soft Kiss Checklist, Lance's unfortunate dunk tank story, and which cast member from the flick was prominent on Nickelodeon in the 90s. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For August's bonus episode, which we're calling the Back In The Day Blitz, Lance prompts the table with some questions relating to our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussion on miniature monsters? Check out our previous episodes on Child's Play ( episode 41 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), Monkey Shines ( episode 98 ), Dolls ( episode 137 ), Slugs ( episode 189 ), Puppet Master ( episode 238 ), Ghoulies ( episode 243 ), Children Of The Corn ( episode 281 ), and The Hand ( episode 289 ).
Aug 16, 2023
We're back on our Italian bullshit this week, maniacs, as we talk another Dario Argento joint with 1987's Opera! Tune in as we dissect the movie and discuss topics such as bird facts (real and fake), the composer of every 90s sitcom theme song, and the haunting repetition of claymation Lipton Brisk iced tea commercials. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For August's bonus episode, which we're calling the Back In The Day Blitz, Lance prompts the table with some questions relating to our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! If you want more Argento-flavored Italian bullshit, check out our previous episodes on Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), Inferno ( episode 232 ), and Suspiria ( episode 267 ).
Aug 9, 2023
Time to get the job done, maniacs! This week we're checking out the obscure Wings Hauser vehicle The Carpenter from 1988. While we try to make sense of what seems like a first draft script, we also discuss topics such as Hauser's bizarre dialogue, colleges that still have class bells, and tools stealing tools. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For August's bonus episode, which we're calling the Back In The Day Blitz, Lance prompts the table with some questions relating to our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more movies from 1988? Check out our previous episodes on Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), Hack-O-Lantern ( episode 57 ), Flesh Eater ( episode 95 ), Dead Heat ( episode 131 ), Slugs ( episode 189 ), Evil Dead Trap ( episode 252 ), and Poltergeist III ( episode 298 ).
Aug 2, 2023
Sometimes dead is better, maniacs! This week we're covering another classic from Stephen King in 1989's Pet Sematary. While we discuss the recent news involving the franchise, we also chat about topics such as eating an entire container of Bubble Tape, a very unsettling cartoon from the 80's, and how a certain line from a fast and furious film fits perfectly into the plot of Pet Sematary. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For August's bonus episode, which we're calling the Back In The Day Blitz, Lance prompts the table with some questions relating to our childhoods. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussion on Stephen King adaptations? Check out our previous episodes on Creepshow 2 ( episode 8 ), Silver Bullet ( episode 32 ), Christine ( episode 37 ), Maximum Overdrive ( episode 73 ), Cujo ( episode 80 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Cat's Eye ( episode 226 ), The Running Man ( episode 237 ), Firestarter ( episode 244 ), and Children Of The Corn ( episode 281 ).
Jul 26, 2023
We're headed back to space this week, maniacs, as we celebrate Lance's 100th appearance on the show and Ben's 300th appearance with 1989's alien abduction flick Communion. While we try to polish our Christopher Walken impressions, we also discuss topics such as Lance slowly turning into Jack Johnson, Walken as the Babadook, and the very confusing tone of this film. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For July's bonus episode, we performed our Ultimate 80s Horror Draft, picking one movie from each year of our beloved decade. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear more discussions of visitors from space from the Brain Boys? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), The Blob ( episode 29 ), Night Of The Creeps ( episode 52 ), The Being ( episode 179 ), Predator ( episode 204 ), Nightbeast ( episode 262 ), Bad Taste ( episode 272 ), The Faculty ( episode 284 ), and Miracle Mile ( episode 295 ).
Jul 19, 2023
Bang your heads, maniacs! This week we're jumping into the shot-on-video end of the pool with 1989's Heavy Metal Massacre. Joining us to discuss the flick is Tomm Jacobsen of Dude Bro Party Massacre III and the recently resurrected 5-Seconds Films . Tune in as we discuss other topics such as Ben's childhood hatred of E.T., guerrilla-style indie filmmaking techniques, and the dumbfounding nature of this film's MacGuffin: a unique necklace. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For July's bonus episode, we performed our Ultimate 80s Horror Draft, picking one movie from each year of our beloved decade. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more metal mayhem from the Brain Boys? Check out our previous epsiodes on Monster Dog ( episode 28 ), Rock 'n Roll Nightmare ( episode 47 ), Rocktober Blood ( episode 49 ), Hack-O-Lantern ( episode 57 ), Trick Or Treat ( episode 59 ), Zombie Nightmare ( episode 165 ), and Black Roses ( episode 256 ).
Jul 12, 2023
We're howling at the moon this week, maniacs, as we dive into our first entry of the oeuvre of Jess Franco with 1981's Bloody Moon. Bringing us this slice of cult cinema is author/artist/musician STEAK MTN aka Chris Norris, who has a new novel up for pre-order, The Holy Day . While we delve into Franco's work, we also discuss topics such as getting a haircut at Fantastic Sam's, our new fictitious clothing line Bungalow 13, and we dig up the name of the rooster from the Corn Flakes box. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For July's bonus episode, we performed our Ultimate 80s Horror Draft, picking one movie from each year of our beloved decade. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more 80s Spanish horror? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog ( episode 28 ), Edge Of The Axe ( episode 176 ), Pieces ( episode 183 ), and Slugs ( episode 189 ).
Jul 5, 2023
Our heads are spinning this week, maniacs, as we discuss a lesser-known Linda Blair vehicle in Grotesque from 1988. While we dissect this home invasion monster movie, we also discuss topics such as crappy movie punks, our Burger King orders, and we try to figure out who the main character is in this film. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! For July's bonus episode, we performed our Ultimate 80s Horror Draft, picking one movie from each year of our beloved decade. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more movie punks? Check out our episodes on Alone In The Dark ( episode 46 ), The Midnight Hour ( episode 56 ), Night Of The Demons ( episode 58 ), Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Witchboard ( episode 194 ), Doom Asylum ( episode 202 ), Black Roses ( episodes 256 ) and Sleepaway Camp 3 ( episode 257 ).
Jun 28, 2023
We're avoiding hugs this week, maniacs, as we dive into the 1980 toxic waste PSA that is The Children. Bringing us this weird slice of 80s horror are the hosts of Drive-In Asylum, Bill Van Ryn and Sam Panico. While we dissect the flick, we also discuss topics such as standard procedure for dealing with abandoned buses, old-time industry nicknames that sound like giallo film titles, and apple routes. And in true crossover fashion, Sam shares a movie-related cocktail recipe towards the end of the episode! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We resurrected an old bonus favorite and put together a mixtape draft of songs from teen comedy movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on killer kids? Check out our previous episodes on The New Kids ( episode 87 ), Cutting Class ( episode 89 ), Sleepaway Camp ( episode 122 ), Bloody Birthday ( episode 151 ), Scream ( episode 242 ), Evilspeak ( episode 246 ), and Children Of The Corn ( episode 281 ).
Jun 21, 2023
We're taking it to the house, maniacs! This week we're talking about the third installment in Sean Cunningham's secondmost famous franchise, House, with The Horror Show. Tune in as we talk about this shameless Elm Street/Shocker ripoff and other topics such as the stuff they're putting in Reese's Cups these days, Brion James' interesting laugh, and we accidentally create a new Street Sharks character. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We resurrected an old bonus favorite and put together a mixtape draft of songs from teen comedy movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more slasher-y goodness from 1989? Check out our episodes on Intruder ( episode 17 ), Friday The 13th Part VIII ( episode 82 ), Halloween 5 ( episode 164 ), A Nightmare On Elm Street 5 ( episode 177 ), Offerings ( episode 190 ), and Sleepaway Camp III ( episode 257 ).
Jun 14, 2023
We're getting spooky this week, maniacs, because we're discussing the 1981 Tom McLoughlin cult flick One Dark Night! Bringing us this weird slice of horror history is Fake Ritual podcast host Lucas Sloppy. Tune in as we dissect the movie and talk about other topics such as Great Value Andy Warhol, the return of an old show favorite, and a new unique insult we haven't heard before. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We resurrected an old bonus favorite and put together a mixtape draft of songs from teen comedy movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! For more E.G. Daily, check out our episode on Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), for more Meg Tilly tune in to our episode on Psycho II ( episode 149 ) and for more Adam West pop on our episode on Zombie Nightmare ( episode 165 ).
Jun 7, 2023
You're all doomed, maniacs! This week brings us episode 300 of the show and we're celebrating in style by talking about a behemoth of 80s horror: the original Friday The 13th. Tune in as we break down this classic and discuss other topics such as Ben and Lance's experience at the Blink-182 gig, all the legal mumbo-jumbo that plagues the Friday series, and Gregg teaches us about ice cream nachos. Make sure to stick around for an extended Maniac Feedback segment where you tell us your favorite episodes of Neon Brainiacs! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! We resurrected an old bonus favorite and put together a mixtape draft of songs from teen comedy movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more of us delving into Friday The 13th? We're almost through with the 80s portion of the franchise, so check out our previous episodes on Part 2 ( episode 147 ), Part 3 ( episode 260 ), Part 4 ( episode 45 ), Part 5 ( episode 18 ), Part 6 ( episode 182 ), and Part 8 ( episode 82 ).
May 31, 2023
We're taking a trip to Indonesia, maniacs! We wrap up our Rock & Shock II theme for the month of May with 1980's Satan's Slave. Joining us is returning guest and Tunnel Of Love drummer The Lo Fi Horror Guy , as well as Indonesian writer and literary critic Dimas Riyo . As the five us of dissect this international cult classic, we also discuss topics such as using a weedwhacker that makes you feel like a Ghostbuster, some scenes that remind us of Phantasm, and having cigarettes for dinner. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more international fare from the Brain Boys? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog ( episode 28 ), Road Games ( episode 72 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), Tetsuo: The Iron Man ( episode 141 ), The Beyond ( episode 168 ), Possession ( episode 184 ), City Of The Living Dead ( episode 192 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), Evil Dead Trap ( episode 252 ), and Suspiria ( episode 267 ).
May 24, 2023
We're back on the other side, maniacs! This week we continue Rock & Shock II with Poltergeist III, and returning to the show is musician/comedian Terry Jones, who has a new song out this Friday. Tune in as we dissect this wacky sequel and discuss other topics such as the time Vin Diesel filmed a movie in Pittsburgh, Gregg's defense of any and all generic Pop-Tarts, and the perfection that is the Hoss's salad bar. Stay tuned towards the end for quite possibly one of the best Brain Bucket segments ever where we answer your questions! Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear us discuss more PG-rated films? Check out our previous episodes on Road Games ( episode 72 ), Jaws 3-D ( episode 78 ), Return Of The Killer Tomatoes ( episode 158 ), Gremlins ( episode 172 ), Swamp Thing ( episode 227 ), Amityville 3-D ( episode 275 ), Poltergeist ( episode 277 ), and Invaders From Mars ( episode 290 ).
May 17, 2023
We love living in the city, maniacs, because this week finds us smack dab in the middle of our Rock & Shock II theme for May and discussing the 1980 Umberto Lenzi wild ride Nightmare City! Joining us is Last Gasp vocalist and owner of Cleveland-based Black Cat Barber Shop , Ryan Hardwick. While we unpack the immense body count in the flick, we also chat about topics such as Ben's California run-in with a beloved actor, televisions exploding for apparently no reason, and we dissect the different versions of this film that we all accidentally watched. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Wanna hear us discuss more Italian bullshit? Check out these episodes on The Church ( episode 33 ), Stagefright ( episode 36 ), Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), The Beyond ( episode 168 ), City Of The Living Dead ( episode 192 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), Inferno ( episode 232 ), Suspiria ( episode 267 ), Anthropophagus ( episode 269 ), and The House By The Cemetery ( episode 288 ).
May 10, 2023
Lock your doors, maniacs, as we take a look at the 1980 John Carpenter ghost story The Fog. For this episode we recorded live at the Riverside Drive-In during their April Ghouls Monster-Rama, and were joined by Zone Zero vocalist Jordan Sloan and filmmaker Zane Hershberger. We even get a few surprise drop-ins from friends of the show. While we take a trip to Antonio Bay we also discuss topics such as a mustache-less Tom Atkins, the film's similarities to Scooby Doo, and a Peepsi taste test. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! If you want more Carpenter discussions, check out our previous episodes on Christine ( episode 37 ), The Thing ( episode 229 ), Prince Of Darkness ( episode 261 ), Halloween ( episode 268 ), and In The Mouth Of Madness ( episode 285 ).
May 3, 2023
It's the end of the world as we know it, maniacs, because we're kicking off Rock & Shock II month with 1988's apocalyptic tale Miracle Mile from 1988. Joining us to dissect this one is documentarian Jon Nix, promoting his new Justin Pearson doc Don't Fall In Love With Yourself. While we soak in the endtimes in sunny Los Angeles, we also discuss topics such as Mare Winningham's hockey hair, a litany of big names in the cast, and an impressive LA landmark. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon ! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussion on the end of the world? Check out our previous episodes on Halloween III: Season Of The Witch ( episode 7 ), Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), The Blob ( episode 29 ), Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ), Dead End Drive-In ( episode 136 ), The Beyond ( episode 168 ), Night Of The Comet ( episode 224 ), Prince Of Darkness ( episdoe 261 ), and Dawn Of The Dead ( episdoe 266 ).
Apr 26, 2023
We're having a bad "hare" day, maniacs, because this week we're talking the 1987 blockbuster thriller Fatal Attraction! Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as the time Nickelodeon slime was too hot, the unlikely purgatory of The Drew Carey Show, and our absolute favorite Fatal Attraction character: Quincy the New York Dog. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon , as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more thriller talk from us? Check out our previous episodes on Eyes Of A Stranger ( episode 24 ), The Killing Hour ( episode 54 ), Stripped To Kill ( episode 129 ), Lady In White ( episode 162 ), and Tightrope ( episode 212 ).
Apr 19, 2023
Get ready for Audra, maniacs, because this week we're discussing the 1983 Canuxploitation slasher Curtains! While we dissect the various production issues this movie faced, we also talk about topics such as wrong ways to eat pizza, what the film's mask reminds us of, and flushing etiquette. Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon , as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! If you want to hear more discussions on Canadian slasher movies, check out our previous episodes on My Bloody Valentine ( episode 23 ), Prom Night ( episode 38 ), Terror Train ( episode 121 ), Ghostkeeper ( episode 173 ), and Happy Birthday To Me ( episode 279 ).
Apr 12, 2023
Don't forget to say Grace (Jones) this week, maniacs, because we're talking the wackadoo vampire comedy Vamp from 1986! Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as Lance's love for Twizzlers Pull 'N' Peel, what the Brain Boys order at Taco Bell, and just how many people from Seinfeld are in this movie? Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon , as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want more discussions on vampire flicks? Check out our previous episodes on A Return To Salem's Lot ( episode 101 ), Fright Night ( episode 102 ), Near Dark ( episode 103 ), Vampire's Kiss ( episode 167 ), Fright Night Part II ( episode 174 ), and The Lost Boys ( episode 196 ).
Apr 5, 2023
We're twinning this week, maniacs, as we take a look at David Cronenberg's 1988 thriller Dead Ringers! While we try to tell the Mantle twins apart, we also discuss topics such as things we shouldn't Google, production assistants who look like Lou Albano, and the burning question: is Dead Ringers a dinosaur movie? Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon , as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! If you want to hear us talk more about the warped mind of David Cronenberg, check out our previous episodes on The Fly ( episode 76 ), Videodrome ( episode 142 ), and Scanners ( episode 143 ).
Mar 29, 2023
M-A-R-S, maniacs. We're talking another Tobe Hooper joint this week in the Cannon Films remake Invaders From Mars from 1986! Joining us is someone who literally wrote the book on Tobe Hooper: Scout Tafoya! He's the author of Cinemaphagy: On the Psychedelic Classical Form of Tobe Hooper, as well as a filmmaker and critic for RogerEbert.com. While we learn a lot about the making of this film from Scout, we also discuss topics such as the short-lived Comedy Central sitcom That's My Bush, putting Certs in your coffee like normal humans do, and Mousehunt. Be sure to also check out our Patreon ! We recently hosted our first Discord livestream exclusive for patrons, and March's bonus episode features us and guest Matt Schultz playing the Can't Hardly Wait Game. Drop that Caramello and sign up for additional bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more! Want to hear more of our conversations about Tobe Hooper? Check out our previous episodes on Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Lifeforce ( episode 228 ), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre ( episode 265 ), and Poltergeist ( episode 277 ).
Mar 22, 2023
Hold your applause, maniacs, because this week we're talking another Michael Caine "paycheck" movie with 1981's The Hand, directed by Oliver Stone. While we get into how ridiculous this thing is, we also discuss topics such as buying milk with a ring, our pajama histories, and a lot of Black Sheep references. If you haven't subscribed to our Patreon yet, drop that Caramello and sign up! Tonight we'll be hosting our very first Discord livestream exclusive to patrons at 8 PM EST. Which yinzer trash-terpiece will we watch together: The Majorettes or Flesh Eater? The choice is yours! If you want to hear more episodes featuring the cast of The Hand, you can hear about more Michael Caine with Jaws: The Revenge ( episode 251 ), Viveca Lindfors in Creepshow ( episode 104 ) and Silent Madness ( episode 175 ), and Charles Fleischer in Bad Dreams ( episode 35 ), A Nightmare On Elm Street ( episode 74 ), and Deadly Friend ( episode 255 ).
Mar 15, 2023
Break out the Fiddle Faddle, maniacs! This week we wrap up Lucio Fulci's Gates Of Hell trilogy with 1981's The House By The Cemetery. While we try to dissect this wacky flick, we also discuss other topics such as Dane Cook movies, America's favorite cartoon character Yogi The Monkey, and what we love to dip pretzels into. Don't forget to check out our Patreon ! This month's bonus episode finds us playing the Can't Hardly Wait game. We're also one week away from our first Discord livestream, exclusive to patrons. Will we watch The Majorettes or Flesh Eater? The decision is yours if you drop the Caramello and sign up! Want to check out what we thought of the rest of Fulci's Gates Of Hell trilogy? Check out our previous episodes on The Beyond ( episode 168 ) and City Of The Living Dead ( episode 192 ).
Mar 8, 2023
Bust out those phone books, maniacs, because this week we're taking a look at the William Lustig slasher Relentless from 1989! While we unpack this stacked cast and drink our orange juice, we also discuss topics such as answering machine exposition, Robert Loggia at Taco Bell, and Bob Hoskins pajamas. Don't forget to check out our Patreon , as this month's bonus episode finds us playing the Can't Hardly Wait game! We'll also have our very first Discord livestream two weeks from now (March 22nd at 8 PM EST) and the only way to vote on which movie we'll do and watch it with us is to become a patron. Will we be watching The Majorettes or Flesh Eater? The choice is yours! Want more realistic slasher flick discussion? Check out our previous episodes on He Knows You're Alone ( episode 6 ), Eyes Of A Stranger ( episode 24 ), Final Exam ( episode 39 ), and The Killing Hour ( episode 54 ).
Mar 1, 2023
Hold onto your baguettes, maniacs! We're headed to Cannes for 1982's The Last Horror Film (aka Fanatic) starring everyone's favorite maniac, Joe Spinell. While we dissect this guerrilla-style film, we also discuss topics such as baked macaroni and cheese, the secret ingredient at Parkin's Pizzeria, and what happens when you stab someone in the back of their back. Check out our Patreon today, as we've posted a brand new bonus episode where we play the Can't Hardly Wait game. What is that, you ask? Sign up, tune in and find out! As a patron, you can also vote on our very first Discord livestream happening on Wednesday March 22nd at 8 PM EST. Will we watch The Majorettes or Flesh Eater? The choice is yours! Want more movies about movies? Check out our episodes on Death By Dialogue ( episode 12 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), Fade To Black ( episode 201 ), Effects ( episode 208 ), Scream ( episode 242 ), Blood Theatre ( episode 245 ), Popcorn ( episode 283 ), and In The Mouth Of Madness ( episode 285 )
Feb 22, 2023
Do you read Sutter Cane, maniacs? We're wrapping up this installment of 90s Month with the final entry in John Carpenter's apocalypse trilogy: 1994's In The Mouth Of Madness! Joining us to chat about this one is Lance's film partner Matt Schultz from Locust Street Media. While we take a trip to Hobb's End, we also discuss topics such as what toppings we would get on our free Book It pizzas, Gregg's aversion to book destruction, and pulling pranks on your passengers. If you haven't subscribed to our Patreon yet, check it out! February's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 Wes Craven films! Can't get enough of the Brain Boys talking about John Carpenter? Check out our previous episodes on Christine ( episode 37 ), The Thing ( episode 229 ), Prince Of Darkness ( episode 261 ) and Halloween ( episode 268 ).
Feb 15, 2023
Time to report to the principal's office, maniacs! The penultimate episode of 90s Month finds us in 1998 with the Robert Rodriguez flick The Faculty. While we break down this all-star cast, we also discuss topics such as this movie's similarities to Can't Hardly Wait, an unfortunate haircut, and the burning question we all ask: is the singer of Eve 6 in this movie? If you haven't checked out our Patreon yet, this month's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 John Carpenter movies. Tune in! Need more Neon Brainiacs episodes about high school? Check out our previous entries on Prom Night ( episode 38 ), The Majorettes ( episode 55 ), Trick Or Treat ( episode 59 ), Society ( episode 77 ), The New Kids ( episode 87 ), Cutting Class ( episode 89 ), Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), The Wraith ( episode 154 ), and Scream ( episode 242 ).
Feb 8, 2023
Hit the snack bar before tuning in, maniacs, because week 2 of 90s Month finds us talking the cult classic Popcorn starring Jill Schoelen and Dee Wallace from 1991. While we dissect this oft-hidden gem, we also discuss topics such as Lance's previous work hosting marathons in an old theater, what might be the worst haircut in cinema history, and which prop from this movie Gregg so desperately needs. And tune in for the triumphant return of Maniac Feedback at the end of the episode! Be sure to join our Patreon as well, as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our top 5 Wes Craven films! Want to hear us discuss more works from Jill Schoelen and Dee Wallace? Check out our episodes on The Stepfather ( episode 27 ), Cujo ( episode 80 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), Cutting Class ( episode 89 ), and The Howling ( episode 166 ).
Feb 1, 2023
Time to bust out those flannel shirts again, maniacs, because 90s Month is back! We're kicking it off with the return of Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven's New Nightmare. We chat about the film that kicked off the meta horror craze and discuss other topics such as Ben's disdain for a certain child actor, our new sitcom catchphrase, and what piece of clothing Lance sheds during every episode. It might not be what you think. Be sure to join our Patreon as well, as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our top 5 Wes Craven films! If you want to hear more discussion on our favorite Springwood slasher, check out our episodes on the original ( episode 74 ), part 2 ( episode 231 ), part 3 ( episode 22 ), part 4 ( episode 125 ), part 5 ( episode 177 ), and our lockdown bonus episode of our top 5 Elm Street entries.
Jan 25, 2023
Arrrrrre you rrrrrready, outlanders!? This week we're finishing January with another trip to the King well with 1984's Children Of The Corn. While we try (and fail) to keep the Korn jokes to a minimum, we discuss topics such as collect-call numbers from the 90s, living off of free Sheetz coupons in college, and we tell the tale of meeting the film's director on a chance encounter at our old alma mater. If you haven't checked out our brand new Patreon yet, please do! January's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 films by the Master Of Horror, John Carpenter. It's been a bit since we've covered a Stephen King adaptation, but if you wanna hear more about the GOAT, check out our episodes on Creepshow 2 ( episode 8 ), Silver Bullet ( episode 32 ), Christine ( episode 37 ), Maximum Overdrive ( episode 73 ), Cujo ( episode 80 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), Cat's Eye ( episode 226 ), The Running Man ( episode 23 7), and Firestarter ( episode 244 ).
Jan 18, 2023
We're talking about Harry Potter this week, maniacs, but it's probably not the one you're thinking. We're discussing Troll from 1986, featuring an all-star cast that includes everyone's favorite Neon Brainiacs regular, Michael Moriarty. Joining us to chat about the movie is the other half of Locust Street Entertainment, Matt Schultz! We also talk about other topics such as Sonny Bono's cool bachelor pad, why Torok likes Godzilla so much, and we also have a spirited discussion about Grape Nuts. Stick around for another round of Maniac Feedback too, where we discuss your least favorite creature effects! If you haven't checked out our brand new Patreon yet, please do! January's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 films by the Master Of Horror, John Carpenter. Wanna hear us discuss more of John Carl Buechler's special effects mastery? Check out our episodes on Cellar Dweller ( episode 10 ), Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), From Beyond ( episode 75 ), Trancers ( episode 88 ), Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers ( episode 112 ), A Nightmare On Elm Street Part 4: The Dream Master ( episode 125 ), Dolls ( episode 137 ), and Ghoulies ( episode 243 ).
Jan 11, 2023
It's our party and we'll die if we want to, maniacs! This week's episode drops on the eve of Gregg's birthday, so what better movie to discuss than the J. Lee Thompson slasher Happy Birthday To Me. We also discuss topics such as the haziness of the age of the main characters in this movie and what their school is exactly, cheating in a dirt bike competition, and our new favorite learning institution: Buttworth University. If you haven't checked out our brand new Patreon yet, please do! January's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 films by the Master Of Horror, John Carpenter. Want to hear about more slashers from 1981? Check out our previous episodes on My Bloody Valentine ( episode 23 ), Eyes Of A Stranger ( episode 24 ), The Prowler ( episode 96 ), Madman ( episode 140 ), and Bloody Birthday ( episode 151 ).
Jan 4, 2023
You're gonna need a bigger lawnmower this week, manias, because this week we're talking the 1989 Jaws parody Blades. Tune in as we discuss this goofy flick and other topics such as Ben's idea for a Doritos spokesperson, Lance's aversion to becoming a professional golfer, and a cast member who was also in "that sexy Amish movie". If you haven't checked out our brand new Patreon yet, please do! January's bonus episode finds us counting down our top 5 films by the Master Of Horror, John Carpenter. Wanna hear us talk about more silly 80s horror? Check out our episodes on Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Killer Klown From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), The Video Dead ( episode 69 ), Blood Diner ( episode 128 ), Return Of The Killer Tomatoes ( episode 158 ), Vampire's Kiss ( episode 167 ), C.H.U.D. II ( episode 187 ), and The Burbs ( episode 200 ).
Dec 28, 2022
They're here, maniacs! We're closing out 2022 with a total banger: Tobe Hooper's 1982 haunted house classic Poltergeist. While we talk about a ton of lore around this movie and franchise, we also discuss topics such as differing opinions on Pizza Hut, similarities to Nightmare On Elm Street, and everyone's favorite sassy Pittsburgh aunt Zelda Rubinstein. If you want to grab one of our new shirts, the pre-order closes in just a few days! The design can bee seen on our social media, and you can DM us or email us for ordering instructions. $30 gets you a shirt and some extra gooides shipped in the US. Live outside of America? No worries, just contact us and we'll work it out! For more talk on the directorial works of Tobe Hooper, check out our episodes on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Lifeforce ( episode 228 ), and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre ( episode 265 ).
Dec 21, 2022
Don't touch that lamp, maniacs! This week we're wrapping up our analysis of the 80s Amityville sequels with Amityville: The Evil Escapes, and this time it's not the house that's haunted... it's the lamp! Join us as we discuss this goofy made-for-television movie and other topics such as Pizza Hut's Book-It program, houses that fart through electrical cords, and our new son Peanut Head. Also, Lance implores our listeners to come up with Neon Brainiacs bingo cards! Our new t-shirt is up for pre-order until January 1st! You can check out the design on our Instagram and send us a DM or email for ordering instructions. Want to hear us talk about some other bizarre sequels? Check out our episodes on Friday The 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan ( episode 82 ), The Hills Have Eyes Part II ( episode 83 ), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episode 99 ), Return Of The Living Dead Part II ( episode 116 ), Silent Night Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out ( episode 119 ), Psycho II ( episode 149 ), Return Of The Killer Tomatoes ( episode 158 ), Slumber Party Massacre II ( episode 178 ), and Poltergeist II: The Other Side ( episode 185 ).
Dec 14, 2022
We're flying in 3-D this week, maniacs, as we continue our exploration of the Amityville sequels with 1983's Amityville 3-D! Joining us to dissect this one are Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast. While we chat about this early vehicle for both Meg Ryan and Lori Loughlin, we also discuss topics such as the horror of botflies, people whose faces look like rats, and stealing boats. Our new t-shirt is up for pre-order until January 1st! You can check out the design on our Instagram and send us a DM or email for ordering instructions. Wanna hear more episodes featuring the Ghouls? Check out our episodes on The Company Of Wolves ( episode 50 ), Friday The 13th Part VIII ( episode 82 ), A Return To Salem's Lot ( episode 101 ), Dial Code Santa Claus ( episode 171 ), The Lair Of The White Worm ( episode 199 ), Night Of The Comet ( episode 224 ), and Invitation To Hell ( episode 263 ).
Dec 7, 2022
We're headed to Ocean Avenue, maniacs! For the next three weeks we'll be digging into the first handful of sequels in the Amityville Horror franchise, starting with 1982's Amityville II: The Possession! While we talk about the varying degrees of upsetting elements of this movie, we also discuss topics such as spooky wind, showering at night versus showering in the morning, and the merits of mall pizza. Don't forget to get in touch with us to snag the new shirt we have for pre-order! You can check out the design/mockup on our social media profiles, and secure yours with a DM on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also email us if that's more your speed. They're $30 shipped in the United States along with some extra goodies. Live outside of the US? No worries! Get in contact with us and we'll work it all out. Want to hear us discuss more work by the stars of Amityville II? Listen to us discuss Diane Franklin in TerrorVision ( episode 21 ) and Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ); Burt Young in Blood Beach ( epsiode 91 ); and Jack Magner in Firestarter ( episode 244 ).
Nov 30, 2022
We're ready to pump you up, maniacs! This week we're talking about the exercise-sploitation slasher(?)/ghost(?)/corporate espionage(?) flick Death Spa from 1988! Tune in as we try to determine how many types of movies this film actually is and discuss other topics such as asking Ken Foree to sit on a grown man, a character who looks like a version of Jim Henson you don't want to meet in a bar, and all the wonderful things a computer ghost is capable of. Want to hear about more wacky ghost movies? Check out our previous episodes on Bad Dreams ( episode 35 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), Witchtrap ( episode 144 ), Blood Beat ( episode 169 ), and Poltergeist II: The Other Side ( episode 185 ).
Nov 24, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving, maniacs! We're doing some double-dipping ourselves this week and bringing you a special bonus episode where we re-discuss the topic of our very first episode, 1987's holiday slasher classic Blood Rage! We discuss the film (again) and talk topics such as bad places to keep extra dishes at work, having Thanksgiving dinner with strangers, and the lack of spatial awareness many characters possess in this movie. If you REALLY want to, you can check out our original episode on Blood Rage ; but fair warning, it hardly resembles the profile of our show today.
Nov 23, 2022
We've reached the finale of our Thanksgiving Buffet II theme and we're closing it out with the debut of a big-deal director: Peter Jackson's Bad Taste from 1987! While we make our way down to New Zealand, we also discuss topics such as tertiary characters from Full House, dangerous toys we had as children, and camera tricks on a budget. Wanna hear us get silly on the show? Check out these comedies we've covered in the past: Terrorvision ( episode 21 ), Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episode 26 ), Night Of The Creeps ( epsiode 52 ), Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Better Off Dead ( episode 100 ), Fright Night ( episode 102 ), Blood Diner ( episode 128 ), The Evil Dead ( episode 160 ), and The Burbs ( episode 200 ).
Nov 16, 2022
Watch out for flying fish, maniacs! We continue our Thanksgiving Buffet II theme this week with 1981's Piranha II: The Spawning, which may or may not have been directed by James Cameron. Tune in as we discuss this unnecessary sequel and other topics such as trading R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books, using the term "deader", and Lance Henriksen's aversion to touching a certain part of the male anatomy. Want to hear us discuss more films produced by Roger Corman? Check out our episodes on Chopping Mall ( episode 14 ), Mountaintop Motel Massacre ( episode 92 ), Hunter's Blood ( episode 93 ), Sorority House Massacre ( episode 126 ), Slumber Party Massacre ( episode 127 ), Stripped To Kill ( episode 129 ), Slumber Party Massacre II ( episode 178 ), Humanoids From The Deep ( episode 181 ), and Lords Of The Deep ( episode 249 ).
Nov 9, 2022
Hope you're still hungry, maniacs! We continue our Thanksgiving Buffet II theme for the month of November with the oddball deep cut Flesh Eating Mothers from 1988. While we try to remember watching this movie, we also discuss topics such as frozen Neptune bars, using the same room to film nearly every scene, and egregious New York accents. Want more flesh-eating goodness? Check out our previous episodes on Return Of The Living Dead ( episode 81 ), Flesh Eater ( episode 95 ), Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ), and Brain Damage ( episode 159 ).
Nov 2, 2022
Ring that dinner bell, maniacs! We're doing another helping of the Thanksgiving Buffet this month and kicking it off is the Italian cannibal flick Anthropophagus! Tune in as we discuss this flick and other topics such as Buckethead making an appearance, our favorite movie trope of characters just walking around, and stick around for an extended edition of Manic Feedback where you tell us the horror movie scenes that have stuck with you.
Oct 26, 2022
It's almost time, maniacs! We're closing out 70s Month with the classic namesake of our favorite holiday: John Carpenter's Halloween! We discuss the film and various factoids, as well as other topics such as Dr. Loomis ordering at Arby's, our opinions on William Shakespeare, and a weird similarity this movie has with Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Wanna hear more discussions on the works of John Carpenter? Check out our episodes on Christine ( episode 37 ), The Thing ( episode 229 ), and Prince Of Darkness ( episode 261 ).
Oct 19, 2022
Put on your dancing shoes, maniacs! 70's Month continues as we head back to the Italian horror well with Dario Argento's 1977 classic Suspiria! Tune in as we discuss this flick and other topics such as a character who's only trait is "ugly", a duo who reminds us of Toejam and Earl, and stick around for an extended Maniac Feedback segment where you tell us your favorite Italian horror films (and fight over who has the supreme Lance Parkin Fanclub). Do you dig when we talk Italian horror? Check out these episodes on just that: The Church ( episode 33 ), Stagefright ( episode 36 ), Phenomena ( episode 61 ), Demons ( episode 135 ), Ghosthouse ( episode 138 ), The Beyond ( episode 168 ), City Of The Living Dead ( episode 192 ), Tenebrae ( episode 198 ), and Inferno ( episode 232 ).
Oct 12, 2022
Time to do some shopping, maniacs, because 70s Month continues with the hyper-local (to us) zombie classic Dawn Of The Dead. While we talk about this peak of yinzer horror cinema, we also discuss topics such as the time Gregg was kicked out of Monroeville Mall, zombies with suspiciously large square heads, and America's Funniest Home Videos. Want more George Romero talk? Check out our episodes on Monkey Shines ( episode 98 ), Creepshow ( episode 104 ), and Day Of The Dead ( episode 114 ).
Oct 5, 2022
Rev up those chainsaws, maniacs! We are breaking the rules and diving into 70s Month during October, and we're kicking things off with a stone cold Tobe Hooper classic: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre! Tune in as we discuss Lance's favorite horror film of all time and other topics such as this movie's similarity to Mac and Me, Gunnar Hansen's stinky wardrobe, and a bucketload of factoids! Want to hear us discuss more Tobe Hooper works? Check out our episodes on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 ( episdoe 99 ) and Lifeforce ( episode 228 ). You can also go check out Ben and Gregg discussing Eaten Alive on Drive-In Asylum .
Sep 28, 2022
2-4-6-8, who do we decapitate!? We've got an obscure slasher this week, maniacs: 1988's Cheerleader Camp! Bringing this movie to the table is the vocalist of Griphook, Zach Butcher. While we try to figure out exactly how old these characters are supposed to be, we also discuss topics such as beer helmets, the musical stylings of Snow, and Big Milk invades the podcast yet again. Do you want to hear us discuss more obscure slasher flicks? Check out our episodes on He Knows You're Alone ( episode 6 ), Iced ( episode 25 ), Rocktober Blood ( episode 49 ), Hunter's Blood ( episode 93 ), The Mutilator ( episode 157 ), and Edge Of The Axe ( episode 176 ).
Sep 21, 2022
Check your mailbox, maniacs! This week we're talking the 1984 Wes Craven television flick Invitation To Hell, and joining us to unpack this one are Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul Podcast. We discuss the second best Craven film from 1984 and other topics such as bringing KFC to a friend's house without any sides, which actor from Home Alone appears in this movie, and we resurrect an old favorite impression. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear another edition of Maniac Feedback where we discuss your favorite films about Hell! Are you craving more discussion on the oeuvre of Wes Craven? Check out our episodes on A Nightmare On Elm Street ( episode 74 ), The Hills Have Eyes Part 2 ( episode 83 ), Shocker ( episode 85 ), The Serpent And The Rainbow ( episode 220 ), Swamp Thing ( episode 227 ), Scream ( episode 242 ), and Deadly Friend ( episode 255 ).
Sep 14, 2022
Get ready for a beast of a night, maniacs, as we discuss the 1982 creature feature Nightbeast! As we talk more Troma trash, we also discuss topics such as excessive raygun fights, useless bikers, and mild alcohol. Want some more space-based creature features? Check out our episodes on Killer Klowns From Outer Space ( episdoe 26 ), The Blob ( episodes 29 ), Critters ( episode 86 ), and The Being ( episode 179 ).
Sep 7, 2022
We're kicking off the sixth year of this show with a doozy: John Carpenter's underrated Prince Of Darkness from 1987! We discuss the flick and other topics such as Tom and Jerry cartoons, Jello water as a weapon, and our thoughts on various types of Oreos. Stick around for an extended Maniac Feedback segment where you tell us your favorite John Carpenter flicks! Want more of us praising John Carpenter? Check out our episodes on Christine ( episode 37 ) and The Thing ( episode 229 )!
Aug 31, 2022
We're wrapping up Vicious Vacations III with a gigantic episode: our 5 year anniversary! We close out our fifth year and this theme with a doozy: Friday The 13th Part III, taped live at Bryant Street Barber Shop in Pittsburgh. We do some special segments before and after the film discussion and also chat about topics such as this film's penchant for men who don't wipe their asses, Lance's burning hatred for Shelly, and how many pitchforks a farm should have. If you wanna hear us talk more Jason, check out our episodes on Part 5: A New Beginning ( episode 18 ), Part 4: The Final Chapter ( episode 45 ), Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan ( episode 82 ), Part 2 ( episode 147 ), and Part 6: Jason Lives ( episode 182 ). We also ranked our top 5 films of the franchise in this bonus epsiode .
Aug 24, 2022
We're headed back to the Bates Motel, maniacs, as we continue our Vicious Vacations III theme for the month of August with the Anthony Perkins-directed Psycho III from 1986! While we dig back into the saga of Norman Bates, we also discuss topics such as peanut butter and crackers, cult film director cameos, and Big Milk makes another incendiary appearance on our show.
Aug 17, 2022
Jump aboard the boat, maniacs, because we're heading to the islands! We're continuing Vicious Vacations III with the Larry Cohen sequel It's Alive III: Island of the Alive. Tune in as we break down this strange sequel and discuss other topics such as night clubs that look like Long John Silver's, Fidel Castro's involvement in the plot, and strap in for a TON of Michael Moriarty impressions.
Aug 10, 2022
Oh, we're all happy campers this week, maniacs! We're kicking off our Vicious Vacations III theme for the month of August and reuniting with Angela Baker for Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland from 1989. While we uncover how quickly this movie was thrown together, we also discuss topics such as the merits (or lack thereof) of wearing a new sweatshirt with no bra, Desert Storm trading cards, and the universal themes of Bruce Springsteen's lyrics.
Aug 3, 2022
Something is going on with the kids this week, maniacs! We're jammin' out to the sweet sounds of Damian and talking the 1988 rock & roll horror flick Black Roses! Join us as we break down this slice of satanic panic and discuss topics such as the depressing series finale of ABC's Dinosaurs, a certain scene's resemblance to Death Wish 3, and Big Milk rears its ugly pasteurized head once again.
Jul 27, 2022
Bring your basketball, maniacs, because this week we're covering a Wes Craven deep cut in 1986's Deadly Friend! Joining us to dissect this cult flick are Ande and Eanna from the Queeens Of NC-17 podcast! As we talk all things robots, we also discuss topics such as moving to a new house sight unseen, the unfortunate demise of Hitchbot, and the poor fate of the vested dirtbike tough's unmentionables. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for another edition of Maniac Feedback!
Jul 20, 2022
Load up the station wagon, maniacs! We're joining the zombie squad this week and talking the low budget zombie caper The Dead Next Door! Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as this film's involvement with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, its similarities to Ghostbusters, and our new catchphrase: "I'm a zombie now". And stay tuned until the end for a jam-packed Maniac Feedback segment on your favorite zombie films!
Jul 13, 2022
Get out your big pants, maniacs, because we're discussing a by-the-book slasher flick this week, 1985's The Deadly Intruder! This movie features Jim's mom from American Pie and everyone's favorite Partridge Family member, Danny Bonaduce! While we talk about the film we chat about other topics such as flatuent dogs, shipments of jeans, and what's under the hood of the second car ever made.
Jul 6, 2022
It's a trap, maniacs! Grab a hamburger and jump in the news van with us as we travel to Japan to discuss 1988's Evil Dead Trap. Joining us this week is special guest Adam Bailey from the Pittsburgh grindcore band Narakah. As the four of us discuss the flick, we chat about other topics such as wearing sandals in a dirty wet warehouse, vintage coffee dispensers, and the brutality of this film's villain who we dub Ponchoman. Stick around for a big helping of Maniac Feedback at the end of the episode!
Jun 29, 2022
This time it's personal, maniacs! Underwater Uneasiness is coming to an end with an infamous sequel: 1987's Jaws: The Revenge! While we decide where to place this entry in the Jaws franchise rankings, we also discuss topics such as running away during an important conversation, the phrase "stop busting my bunghie", and the best part of the movie: Michael Caine's character's name.
Jun 22, 2022
Time to dive in again, maniacs! We're still swimming down the Underwater Uneasiness theme for this month with James Cameron's sci-fi flick The Abyss! Tune in as we discuss other topics such as Cabin Boy himself Chris Elliot popping up in a cameo role, our loving nickname for Michael Biehn's wacko character, and an important question: did this movie introduce the world to the Nintendo Power Glove?
Jun 15, 2022
We're jumping further into the deep end, maniacs! This week we continue our Underwater Uneasiness theme for the month of June with 1989's Lords of the Deep, brought to us by prolific producer Roger Corman. While this episode goes off the rails, we discuss other topics such as obtaining props from Children's Palace, the game Apple Peaches Pumpkin Pie, and an important question: are the creatures in this movie Pokemons?
Jun 8, 2022
Get ready to go topside again, maniacs, because week two of Underwater Uneasiness is upon us! We're discussing the George Cosmatos flick Leviathan from 1989. While we geek out over the impressive cast of this film, we also discuss topics such as the return of the One Minute Manager, Robocop's social security number, and bird people.
Jun 1, 2022
All set to get wet, maniacs! We're kicking off a brand new theme for the month of June: Underwater Uneasiness! This week we're jumping into the deep end with 1989's Deepstar Six, from Friday The 13th director Sean Cunningham. We try to stay afloat while discussing topics such as everyone in the film wanting to go "topside", Seinfeld's Lloyd Braun showing up for extra shower time, and we learn a bit more about Lance's mom's taste in men.
May 25, 2022
Put this into your little computer, maniacs! We're talking the Clint Howard vehicle Evilspeak from 1981. While we try to figure out why technology was so scary in the early 80s, we also discuss topics such as things to do at the beach in the 1500s, animal husbandry at military academies, bed cubicles and potato parents.
May 18, 2022
It's opening night, maniacs! This week we're talking the obscure 1984 slasher Blood Theatre. Join us as we discuss this Mary Woronov deep cut and other topics such as the iconic(?) character The Original Owner, the overuse of a strange Jetsons-style "whoosh" sound effect, and stick around until the end of the episode for a very lengthy Manic Feedback on your favorite underrated horror films!
May 11, 2022
Back off, maniacs! This week we're digging back into the Stephen King vault with 1984's Drew Barrymore vehicle Firestarter! While we get fired up about the remake hitting theaters and Peacock this weekend, we discuss topics such as confusing David Keith with Keith David, staying at the only motel to take quarters, and we try out our best telekinetic sound effects.
May 6, 2022
April Ghouls, maniacs! We're bringing you a special bonus episode recorded live at the Riverside Drive-In during day two of the April Ghouls Monster-Rama. We were lucky enough to be joined by a lot of really great guests to talk about the event and lots of other topics. Guests include April Ghouls curators George Reis and Gene Caruso, Jamie from Neo Trash Video (and our Jaws 3-D episode), New York-based fan of the show Tracy, Drive-In Asylum founder Bill Van Ryn, friend of the show Josh (from our Texas Chainsaw 2 & Dead Heat episodes), Adam Bailey from local grind band Narakah, local cinematographer Jeff Smee, Lucas from Fake Ritual, and Drive-In Asylum contributor AC Nicholas.
May 4, 2022
Let's perform some rituals, maniacs! We're back to the 80s this week, where we discuss the 1985 creature romp Ghoulies! We try to navigate this weird flick and discuss topics such as Ocean Spray Cran-Apple masquerading as wine, painful green contact lenses, and a very important question: is Randy Quaid's cousin in this movie?
Apr 27, 2022
What's your favorite scary movie, maniacs? 90s Month ends with a hell of an episode as we discuss Wes Craven's 1996 horror blockbuster Scream! While we discuss how this film affected our childhoods, we also chat about topics such as SlasherPhone, Fun Lovin' Criminals, and a what-if scenario of who we would be without this script's horror movie references.
Apr 20, 2022
We're headed to North Dakota this week, maniacs, as 90s Month continues with 1993's Leprechaun! As we dissect this early role for Jennifer Aniston, we also discuss topics such as creepy singing child voices, the works of Mark Holton, and Leppy's penchant for small vehicles.
Apr 13, 2022
Hail to the king, maniacs! We're in the midst of 90s Month and we're talking Sam Raimi's legendary Army Of Darkness this week! As we geek out over this bonafide cult classic, we also discuss other topics such as Duke Nukem ripping off Ash's lines, the one time Bruce Campbell looked like Jay Leno, and we have a ton of "Maniac Feedback" from you, the listeners!
Apr 6, 2022
Sorry Jack, Chucky is back this week! That's right, maniacs, you did not read the episode wrong... We're breaking our own rules all month long and delving into the 90s, starting with 1990's Child's Play 2! As we reunite with Uncle Charles, we also discuss topics such as car phones, Chicago style sushi, and foster parents discouraging their foster kids from working.
Mar 30, 2022
The "Band" is back together, maniacs! This week we're talking the Full Moon classic Puppet Master, and we welcome full-time co-host Lance Parkin into the fray! While we discuss one of the more impressive films of Charles Band, we also chat about topics such as our nickname for Pinhead, Paul Le Mat's awkward acting style, and why this film wasn't called Ballroom Master.
Mar 23, 2022
We're getting punny this week, maniacs, as we try to catch Arnold in 1987's The Running Man! And guess who else is back? Ben! While we try to process all of the modern inventions this movie predicted, we also chat about topics such as someone you idolize knocking you out, Fleetwood Mac being too good for the future, and the Climbing For Dollars spinoff we never got.
Mar 16, 2022
Knock knock, maniacs! We're finally circling back to talk about the movie that started a very weird franchise, Steve Miner's 1985 horror-comedy House! While we unpack all of the popular names in horror and sitcoms that pepper the credits of this film, we also talk about topics such as uncomfortable chairs, intrusive late-night Chinese food deliveries, and Big Mouth Billy Bass.
Mar 9, 2022
Put on some jazz records, maniacs, because this week we're tackling the 1981 creepy town flick Dead And Buried! While we parse through the impressive cast and crew of this cult film, we also discuss topics such as duct tape accessories, the simple yet genius effects of Stan Winston, and Nine Inch Nails stage banter.
Mar 2, 2022
We just can't get enough this week, maniacs, as we discuss the 1985 Larry Cohen cult flick The Stuff! As we try to figure out what The Stuff is made of, we also discuss topics such as a split-second appearance by Eric Bogosian, the price of gas in 1985, and the actors acting like aliens acting like actors.
Feb 23, 2022
We're getting culty this week, maniacs, as we discuss the 1988 splatter flick Slime City! As we parse through the goopy effects of this one, we also talk topics such as garbage can dinner invitations, reverse video stores, and slimy interpretive dance.
Feb 16, 2022
We're on fire this week, maniacs, as we head back to Italy to discuss Dario Argento's second installment in the Three Mothers trilogy, 1980's Inferno! While Lance parses through his weird notes on this weird movie, we also discuss topics such as ska and its connection to the moon, the proper way to vacate a library, and the true meaning of running water in an Italian film basement.
Feb 9, 2022
We are finally reaching the end of the 80s entries of the Nightmare On Elm Street series and tackling Freddy's Revenge from 1985! While we discuss the world-building of this film and its various back stories, we also talk about subjects such as Freddy's lack of skull, getting Occam's Razor backwards, and quite possibly the best musical montage in cinematic history.
Feb 2, 2022
Oh brother, maniacs, do we have a movie for you this week! The musical chairs continue as we discuss the 1987 monster movie The Kindred. As we discuss the film, we also discuss topics such as using dirty receptacles for medical specimens, Rod Steiger as a crappy Robert Vaughn, and using "well-poisoner" as an insult.
Jan 26, 2022
Fire up your flamethrowers, maniacs! This week we are taking on an absolute banger of a movie with John Carpenter's The Thing from 1982! Joining us to break down the flick is Blake O'Donnell and Ryan Lintner of BPO films. Tune in as we try to figure out who is an alien in this flick and other topics such as Kurt Russell's enormous cowboy hat, how many Slim Jims were eaten by the dogs on set, and Ben's Wilford Brimley impression.
Jan 19, 2022
London's burning, maniacs! This week we're talking 1985's space vampire epic Lifeforce from director Tobe Hooper. Tune in as we break down this wacky Cannon flick and discuss other topics such as our great ideas for various Monkey themed movies, Tobe Hooper's demanding pubic hair preferences, and the Trent Reznor / Zack de la Rocha side project that never came to be.
Jan 12, 2022
Put on your galoshes, maniacs! This week we're heading to the swamp to talk about Wes Craven's Swamp Thing from 1982. Join us as we break down this flick and other topics such as indestructible nets, the great corn shortage of 2001 that never actually happened, and our hot takes on Speed 2: Cruise Control.
Jan 5, 2022
We've got the purr-fect episode to kick off 2022, maniacs! We're talking Stephen King's Cat's Eye from 1985 this week. Tune in as we claw our way through this anthology and discuss other topics like smoking sections in restaurants, Drew Barrymore being unrecognizable to us in a brown wig, and the 12 different cats they used to portray The General in this movie.
Dec 29, 2021
It's almost 2022, maniacs! What better way to count down to the new year than with John Russo's Midnight from 1982! Join us as we discuss this obscure Western PA slasher flick and other topics such as the lost art of the early 2000's Graduation Song, Lance's minimal flavor profile, and how to successfully pull off a Grocery Store Heist.
Dec 22, 2021
Have yourself a merry little apocalypse, maniacs! This week we're talking the 1984 Christmas themed Sci Fi/Thriller Night of the Comet with special guests Amanda and Sarah from the Ghoul on Ghoul Podcast! Join us as we discuss this end of the world flick and other topics such as bringing ginger snaps to a cookout, Micheal Phelps' McGriddles Diet, and The Ghouls profess their love for Garth Brooks' alter ego Chris Gaines.
Dec 15, 2021
Lock your doors, maniacs! This week we are talking about some unexpected Christmas guests in the 1987 thriller Night Visitors! Join us as we discuss the flick and other topics such as this film's similarities to Last House On The Left, using the term Pork Roast to describe sex, and is Ham Radio just for kids?
Dec 8, 2021
Are you ready to laugh, maniacs? This week we are talking about Comedy/Horror/Christmas film Lucky Stiff from 1988. Tune in to hear us break down the movie and other topics such as Anthony Perkins' directing career, which of these actors worked on Looney Tunes, and this film's relationship to Police Academy.
Dec 1, 2021
Put on your Santa Hats, maniacs! We're sleigh riding into another Christmas Block this week with 1984's (sort of) Christmas Horror film Sole Survivor! Join us as we discuss the flick and other topics such as Fun Zones in hospitals, the politics of acting in various warm drink commercials, and the wonderful world of Sex-cersizing!
Nov 24, 2021
Gas up your Tiny Helicopters, maniacs! This week we are heading to Haiti to talk Wes Craven's 1988 film The Serpent and the Rainbow! Lance Parkin is back once again and we're also joined by photographer and first time guest Bob Price! Listen in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as Chickens with Freddy Kreuger Claws, Sandra Bullock's love life, and our favorite Late Night hosts!
Nov 17, 2021
Sharpen your Number 2 Pencils, maniacs! This week we are heading back to High School with the 1989 slasher film Hell High! Lance Parkin is back this week to discuss the flick and other topics such as human bodies made out of foam, frighteningly aggressive boob grabbing, and do frogs have testes?
Nov 10, 2021
Rev up your Dirtbikes, maniacs! This week we are talking Stan Winston's Pumpkinhead from 1988! Lance Parkin brings along his co-star from "The Boonies" and "Bergeron Brothers: Wedding Videographers", Matt Schultz, to help us break it down! Tune in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as video store memories of yesteryear, Seinfeld's Todd Gack, and the price you pay to be Radical.
Nov 3, 2021
Grab your electric chainsaws, maniacs! This week we're heading back to Canada to talk about 1989's Super-8 cult classic "Things". Lance Parkin is back as co-host and we're also joined by first time guest, photographer and filmmaker, Cody Rhoades. Tune in to hear us try to describe this film and discuss other topics such as "Pittsburgh showers" in Canadian basements, electric toilets in Canada, and the film's similarities to Tim and Eric.
Oct 27, 2021
This is it maniacs! Our final installment of Howl-O-Ween is here and we're talking 1989's "Howling V: The Rebirth" this week. Lance Parkin is back to discuss the film and other topics such as Weird Gregorian Chants every time someone dies, 500 year old Castles that contain Sidewalk Chalk, plus the traditional Halloween Movies and Candy we enjoy!
Oct 20, 2021
It's still Howl-O-Ween, maniacs! We're continuing our journey through the Howling sequels this week with Howling IV: The Original Nightmare! Guest Co-Host Lance Parkin returns to discuss the film and other topics such as the very deep voices of two male actors in this film, Men getting angry at Female Ghostbusters, and Art Supply stores in abandoned towns.
Oct 13, 2021
Get ready to head down under, maniacs! This week we're continuing our Howl-O-Ween theme with the Australian set sequel "Howling III: The Marsupials" with guest co-host Lance Parkin. Also joining us this week is Filmmaker Steve Rudzinski promoting his new film CarousHELL 2! Listen in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as bartering Sony Walkmans for sex, The President working out at the Tromaville Gym, and Steve's love for Home Alone 5.
Oct 6, 2021
Happy Howl-O-Ween maniacs! Join us as we kick off our brand new theme this month with Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf from 1985. Guest co-host Lance Parkin is back this week to discuss this sequel and other topics such as Christopher Lee looking bored, another cast member from Herman's Pee-Wee, and how many boob shots is too many?
Sep 29, 2021
Do you feel lucky, maniacs? This week we're talking Clint Eastwood in the 1984 slasher flick Tightrope. Guest co-host Lance Parkin is back to dissect this Giallo flavored thriller with our best Clint impressions. We also discuss topics like killer Puma sneakers, the sadness of a grown man with a Grover doll, and Dan Hedaya only showing up when someone dies.
Sep 22, 2021
Load up your paintball guns, maniacs, because this week we're talking the 1986 action slasher hybrid The Zero Boys! Guest co-host Lance Parkin is back to discuss the flick and topics such as Joe Estevez's choice of footwear as a backwoods killer, the consistency of Dimetapp versus Blood, and another tasty review of the Millvale, PA Hardee's location.
Sep 15, 2021
Grab your tools, maniacs, and join us as we talk Dead Dudes In The House aka House on Tombstone Hill from 1989! Guest co-host Lance Parkin is back and we're also joined by filmmakers Zane Hershberger and Sable Griedel who are here to promote their new film Treaters which is currently crowdfunding now! Listen in as we discuss the film and other topics such as House Party-inspired VHS cover art, Spike Jonze in old lady makeup, and guys who really hate whistling!
Sep 8, 2021
Put on your space suits, maniacs, because this week we're talking 1985's Alien knock off Creature with guest co-host Lance Parkin! Join us as we discuss this totally original film and topics such as Hardee's Thickburgers turning you into a zombie, gently used chewing gum in space, plus heartwarming tales of Klaus Kinski and Werner Herzog trying to kill each other.
Sep 1, 2021
It's our 4 year anniversary, maniacs! In honor of this occasion, we decided to talk about the deep cut Pittsburgh flick "Effects" from 1980. Once again, we bust out our yinzer accents as we discuss topics such as Englishmen playing Pittsburghers, Tom Savini's underwear graffiti, and broken sinks at Hechinger's Hardware Store. Stick around for an important announcement at the end of this week's show.
Aug 25, 2021
Dead or alive, you're coming with us, maniacs! We wrap up Action August with an absolute doozy of an episode: 1987's Robocop! We geek out on this one pretty hard, if you can imagine. As we discuss all things Omni Consumer Products, we also discuss topics such as Paul Verhoeven's propensity for co-ed locker rooms, Robocop action figures (for the kids!), and tiny ponytails.
Aug 18, 2021
We're headed back to space, maniacs! For week 3 of our Action August theme, we're joined by Bergeron Brothers co-star Lance Parkin to talk James Cameron's 1986 epic Aliens! As we discuss the further adventure of Ellen Ripley, we also talk topics such as the franchise through Jonesy the cat's eyes, trying to buy fake things from the movie, and Big Milk strikes yet again.
Aug 11, 2021
Pizza scissors, maniacs! We continue Action August and our promotion of Ben's new film BERGERON BROTHERS: WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHERS with the Stallone/Cannon collab Cobra from 1986! Joining us is the co-writer and co-star of Bergeron Brothers, Blake O'Donnell. As we discuss this strange piece of grimy cinema, we also discuss topics such as Stallone's choice of accessories, the film's intersections with Seinfeld, and spark factories.
Aug 4, 2021
Get to the chopper, maniacs! We're kicking off Action August with a bona fide classic, the 1987 creature feature Predator! We're also celebrating the release of Ben's new movie, BERGERON BROTHERS: WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHERS, releasing to VOD August 10th, by bringing along some fellow cast members from the movie. Joining us this week is one-third of BPO Films and four-time guest, Ryan Lintner. While we try our best to refrain from doing too many Arnold impressions (which we fail at horribly) we also discuss topics such as which high school Kevin Peter Hall went to, tree juice and where it comes from, and we try to figure out what a "sexual tyrannosaurus" is.
Jul 28, 2021
We're headed to Miskatonic University this week, maniacs, as we dive into the Lovecraft-penned flick The Unnamable from 1988! As we make our way through the old creepy house that holds the titular monster, we also discuss topics such as cliché horror tropes, the contents of bowls in haunted houses, and how mirrors work.
Jul 21, 2021
Grab a can of spray paint, maniacs, because this week we're digging into a weird cult movie: 1988's Doom Asylum! While we discuss the acting debut of Sex And The City's Kristin Davis, we also talk about subjects such as easily avoidable car accidents, bad one-liners, and we work on our James Hetfield impressions.
Jul 14, 2021
We're getting meta this week, maniacs! On deck is the 1980 cinephile slasher Fade To Black. This movie follows movie fan Eric Binford on the path to becoming a killer. While we discuss all of the nods to the golden age of Hollywood, we also talk about subjects such as awkward breakfast exposition, making money off of movie trivia, and weird shortcuts.
Jul 7, 2021
We made it, maniacs! We've hit our 200th episode and we just had to pick a behemoth of a movie to celebrate, so this week we're talking about the 1989 Joe Dante cult classic The Burbs! We both love this movie and cannot wait to dig into it. While we discuss the film we also talk subjects such as the definition of "nebby", French serial killers, and the best horror movie garbagemen duos.
Jun 30, 2021
The penultimate episode of our Road To 200 is here, maniacs, and we're back to talking another wacky Ken Russell joint! Joining us to talk about 1988's The Lair Of The White Worm are the reigning champions of guesting on our show, Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast! While we try to record in person for the first time in over 16 months, we talk about subjects such as cool holes, Rusted Root, and the film's lack of subtlety.
Jun 23, 2021
The road to 200 is getting shorter, maniacs, and we've got a doozy of an episode for you today! We're going back to Italy to discuss Dario Argento's 1982 giallo Tenebrae, and joining us to talk about it is Tim from the Horror Flicks And Guitar Picks podcast as well as surprise guest Lance Parkin, director of The Boonies! While we discuss some listener mail and some podcast related run-in's we've had recently, we also discuss topics such as airplane etiquette, John Saxon's intense hat-wearing, and the intricacies put into the film by Argento.
Jun 16, 2021
Stay off the moors, maniacs! We continue our path towards our 200th episode with an absolute classic, 1981's An American Werewolf In London! And who better to join us to talk about this lycan tale than the host of Toxic Schlock, Michael Kent. While we talk about how this movie scarred us at various stages of our lives, we also discuss topics such as record scratch moments, knowing scenes from movies based on Mortician samples, the No Kid, and our aversion to glass contacts.
Jun 9, 2021
We still believe, maniacs! The road to our 200th episode gets ever shorter as we discuss the legendary 1987 vampire flick The Lost Boys with our friend Jesse from the Heartgod Media Sight And Sound Podcast! As we try not to fanboy out too much, we discuss topics such as garlic t-shirts, Alex Winter's directorial portfolio, and Big Milk rears its ugly head once more on our program.
Jun 2, 2021
The road to our 200th episode starts here, maniacs, and we're bringing some friends with us! We're joined once again by Adam and Rob from Stoopid Movies to talk the 1988 shlock horror flick Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers! While we opine about the reigning queen of Neon Brainiacs, Linnea Quigley, we also discuss topics such as the 90s insult restaurant fad, the local Nebraska cuisine of Runza, watching Meet The Feebles way too young, and the difficulties of starting a chainsaw.
May 26, 2021
Grab a planchette, maniacs, because this week we're channeling the 1986 Kevin Tenney flick Witchboard! As we discuss the life and times of this movie's star Tawny Kitaen, we also discuss topics such as lumberjack clocks, catchphrases that never quite catch on, and we bust some myths about Ouija boards.
May 19, 2021
We're headed to New Zealand for the first time, maniacs, as we discuss the first horror movie filmed there, 1981's Strange Behavior AKA Dead Kids! While we try to understand why New Zealand plays surrogate to Galesburg, Illinois, we also discuss topics such as using paper plates for breakfast pastries, police station beer fridges, and the history of Lou Christie.
May 12, 2021
We're back on the Fulci train this week, maniacs, as we visit the first installment in the Gates Of Hell trilogy, 1980's City Of The Living Dead! While we try to make sense of one of Lucio's masterpieces (again), we also discuss topics such as David Yow's looms, Italian depictions of American conversations, and Rob Zombie's lost song "Maggot Fan".
May 5, 2021
We're getting in our sensory deprivation chamber this week, maniacs, as we dive into the 1980 Ken Russell flick Altered States! Returning to chat about this one is co-star of The Boonies and one of Ben's film partners, Blake O'Donnell! While we all try to tap into our inner cavemen, we also discuss topics such as wilding out at Applebee's, crazy parties, and what kind of Tony Shalhoub we are in the sack.
Apr 28, 2021
The final installment of our Halfway To Halloween theme is upon us, maniacs, and we're wrapping it up by talking the 1989 slasher Offerings! While we try to maneuver through this movie's obvious nods to the John Carpenter classic, we also discuss topics such as professors who moonlight as standup comedians, having a non-regional accent, and Gregg's close call with owning a copy of today's film.
Apr 21, 2021
We're slipping into week 3 of our Halfway To Halloween theme with a returning director and some great guests, maniacs! We're joined by Lance Parkin and Matt Schultz, promoting their new film The Boonies which is available on VOD now, and discussing the 1988 Juan Piquer Simon film Slugs. While we chat about the flick, we also talk about topics such as imaginary sitcoms, greenhouse accidents, and weird side dishes.
Apr 14, 2021
We're shocking the monkey over our Halfway To Halloween theme this week, maniacs, as we dive into the 1988 deep cut Primal Rage! A virus overwhelms a college campus, turning students and faculty into bloodthirsty monsters. What could go wrong!? Topics include tug of war games at college, the Hunter Thompson obsession of post-adolescent males, the weird music used in the film, urinating on your friends, and how we cannot avoid the Noid.
Apr 7, 2021
We're going double CHUD this week, maniacs, and following up last week's episode with its 1989 sequel, C.H.U.D II: Bud The Chud! Joining us to talk about the movie is the director of the new Anti-Flag documentary Beyond Barricades, Jon Nix! As we make our way through this late 80s horror comedy, we also discuss topics such as the film's stellar cast, carpeted bathrooms, and can you be a boomer if you're under 40?
Mar 31, 2021
We're headed underground this week, maniacs, as we dive into the NYC-based monster movie C.H.U.D from 1984! Joining us to chat about the film is video game reviewer William Lowery. As we talk about this movie's killer cast, we also discuss topics such as being a Juggalo, fictitious government agencies, and this film's unintentional Jonathan Silverman cameo.
Mar 24, 2021
We love getting around, maniacs, and today we're finally getting to an entry in the Poltergeist series with Poltergeist II: The Other Side from 1986! Joining us to discuss the film is local Pittsburgh comedian and one of our co-workers, Terry Jones! While we do our best Reverend Kane impressions, we also discuss topics such as eel sandwiches, prank Playskool phone calls, and our favorite Reverend Kane quotes.
Mar 17, 2021
Grab your electric carving knives, maniacs, because this week we're diving into the 1981 Andrzej Zulawski film Possession! Returning to the show to join is is Dawson Kiser, vocalist of the band Porcupine, who just released a great record on New Morality Zine called The Sybil. While we compare the different cuts of the film we watched, we also discuss topics such as trashing a TGI Friday's, banana thieves, and Charles Bronson as Spagett.
Mar 10, 2021
This episode is exactly what you think it is, maniacs! This week we're putting together Pieces from 1982, and to help us discuss this very normal movie is Ben and Steve from the Dead And Lovely podcast! While we dissect the plot of the film, we also discuss topics such as what you should and shouldn't do on waterbeds, riveting tennis matches, and the burning question: is Pieces a giallo parody?
Mar 3, 2021
We're headed back to Camp Forest Green this week, maniacs, as we dig into one of the more revered entries in the saga of Jason Voorhees with Friday The 13th Part VI! As we rank our portrayals of Tommy Jarvis and talk a lot of behind the scenes factoids on this one, we also discuss topics such as beanbag chairs filled with popcorn, weird names for everyday items, and an extensive analysis of our job's lunch menus.
Feb 24, 2021
Women In Horror Month comes to an end with quite a controversial entry, the 1980 creature feature Humanoids From The Deep, directed by Barbara Peeters. Joining us to discuss this one is actor/director Rebecca Rinehart! As we unpack some of the more unsavory plot points and factoids of this one, we also discuss topics such as booger trails, jump scares from dirty dishes, and ventriloquism foreplay.
Feb 17, 2021
Week 3 of Women In Horror Month continues with Roberta Findlay's 1988 satanic panic deep-cut Prime Evil, and joining us to talk about it is actor Alyss Winkler! As we all watch this movie for the first time, we also discuss topics such as cool necklaces, interesting workout routines, and how phones work in 1988.
Feb 10, 2021
It's time to get radioactive, maniacs! We continue Women In Horror Month by talking about Jackie Kong's 1983 monster movie The Being, and joining us to chat about the film is Katey from the I Hope You Suffer Podcast! While we discuss our first Idaho-set feature, we also talk about topics such as car ID numbers, the amount of horrible children in the film, and arson for Jesus.
Feb 3, 2021
Rock and roll will never die, maniacs! We kick off Women In Horror Month with Slumber Party Massacre II, and returning to the show to talk about it with us is writer Breanna Whipple! While we discuss the origin story of this sequel, we also talk about topics such as Kettle Chips and their evergreen packaging, this movie's influence on a specific episode of Full House, and more about the history of Denny's.
Jan 27, 2021
It's a boy, maniacs! We're tackling our annual entry on everyone's favorite burned baddie, Freddy Krueger, and talking A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child! While we reflect on the Springwood Slasher, we also discuss topics such as the definition of Green Apple Quick Step, kid jargon, and the regional nature of the term "pop stand".
Jan 20, 2021
We'll give you the entire axe, maniacs, but you'll only need the edge! We're talking about the 1988 Spanish/English slasher flick Edge Of The Axe. While the axe comes down, we also discuss topics such as the hate for technology held by some of the film's characters, hot Coca-Cola, and stealing Wendy's coupons from dead people.
Jan 13, 2021
We're coming at you in 3-D this week, maniacs, as we discuss the recent Vinegar Syndrome release Silent Madness from 1984! As we discuss all three dimensions in this film, we also discuss topics such as Dragon's Lair, the Howard Johnson hotel chain, and mixing Coca Cola and cereal.
Jan 6, 2021
We're starting this brand new year in flight, maniacs, as we discuss 1988's oft-forgotten sequel Fright Night Part II! As we revisit Charley Brewster and Peter Vincent, we also talk about topics such as symphony ticket scalpers, speed reading and Jon Gries' proclivity for playing a werewolf.
Jan 3, 2021
It's a miracle, maniacs! After an extensive hiatus, Action Movie Sunday makes its (semi-regular) return, and this time we're talking another buddy cop movie, the very funny Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines vehicle Running Scared from 1986. As we maneuver our way through Chicago's landscape, we discuss topics like NFL allegiances, rude kids, and recognizable horror locations.
Dec 30, 2020
It's the end of 2020 and we say "snow" long to this weird year by talking the obscure Canadian New Year's film Ghostkeeper from 1982! While we opine about some of the things we enjoyed about the year, we also discuss some topics such as Ski-Doo products, Mr. Rogers, and this movie's similarities to a certain Stephen King story.
Dec 23, 2020
Let's grab a snack after midnight, maniacs, and wrap up our holiday season with 1984's Joe Dante classic Gremlins! Joining us is returning international guest Darren Hall to shed some light on the film's release in the UK. As we chat about this flick, we also discuss topics such as the origins of Gizmo's appearance, how much juice is in an American orange, and classic gremlin catch phrases.
Dec 16, 2020
"Je suis la jeune fille", maniacs! This week we're going international with 1989's home invasion thriller Dial Code Santa Claus and we're joined to talk about this one with five-time guests Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast! While we unpack the similarities this has to 1990's Home Alone, we also discuss topics such as cooking with Mountain Dew, mockups of famous 80s montage songs, and an extensive history of Minitel.
Dec 9, 2020
Week two of our Christmas horror theme this month brings good tidings, maniacs, as we continue with a real obscure one, 1989's Family Reunion! As we try to find nice things to say about this deep cut, we also discuss topics such as the cross-section of professional baseball players and actors in this film, South Park shop teachers, and Highlights magazine.
Dec 2, 2020
Do you hear those "slay" bells, maniacs? Must be another block of Christmas-themed horror this month on the show! We're starting off with a pretty bizarre selection, 1983's samurai ghost film Blood Beat. While we dissect this slice of Wisconsin horror history, we also discuss topics such as deer jerky, tiny televisions and all the mystical boinging going on in the movie.
Nov 25, 2020
Do not entry, maniacs, because this week concludes our Rock & Shock theme for November and we are closing it out with a doozy. End guitarist & owner of Silver Bullet Studios Greg Thomas joins us to talk about Lucio Fulci's 1981 classic The Beyond! While we talk about the legendary effects in this film, we also discuss topics such as deadly Gogurt, Pita Pit, and the infamous spiders in the very gross library scene.
Nov 18, 2020
We're busting out of our cages this week, maniacs, as we continue our Rock & Shock theme for November with the infamous Nic Cage film Vampire's Kiss! We're joined by friend of the show and Some Faith vocalist Indigo Baloch to unpack all the wild stories of how this movie was made. While we wait for our imported Mexican bats to arrive, we also discuss topics such as air piano players, Bagel Buffet and impressive box jumps.
Nov 11, 2020
Get ready to bark at the moon this week, maniacs, because week two of Rock & Shock month brings us 1981's The Howling with returning guest Michael Kent from the Toxic Schlock podcast! While we finally delve into the work of Joe Dante, we also discuss topics such as the Geico caveman, Clint Eastwood's reimagining of Dawson's Creek, and the oeuvre of our lord and savior Dennis Dugan.
Nov 4, 2020
Get ready for a ballroom blitz this week, maniacs, because we're starting our Rock & Shock theme for this month with another Jon Mikl Thor joint: 1987's Zombie Nightmare! We're joined to talk this weird cult flick by Tim from the Horror Flicks & Guitar Picks podcast. While we gawk at this movie's wild soundtrack, we also discuss topics such as uneven baseball scoreboards, the newspaper, and the magic of Velcro.
Oct 28, 2020
This year Halloween fell on a weekend, maniacs, so the Neon Brainiacs and Michael Myers are going trick or treating! We're rounding out our month-long celebration of the best holiday of the year with 1989's Halloween 5: The Revenge Of Michael Myers. While we discuss the film's position in franchise rankings, we also unpack topics such as Michael's stick-and-poke tattoos, the origin of Stone Sour lyrics, and buying flowers in traffic. And stick around to the end of the show to hear how you can pre-order our brand new t-shirt!
Oct 21, 2020
Grab a costume, maniacs, because week 3 of our Halloween spectacular this month finds us discussing the 1981 Linda Blair vehicle Hell Night! While we ask a lot of questions about the plot of this movie, we also talk about topics such as spooky cassette tapes, A Christmas Carol starring Charles Bronson, and pull-chain toilets.
Oct 14, 2020
Week two of our Halloween spectacular is here, maniacs, and this week it's an actual Halloween movie! We're discussing the 1988 New York ghost film Lady In White. While we dig into the flick, we also discuss topics such as our feelings about candy corn, Scatman John and Mona from Who's The Boss.
Oct 7, 2020
We're kicking off our Halloween sweeps week with a doozy, maniacs! We get spooky with 1980's haunted house flick The Changeling starring George C. Scott. While we discuss how undesirable it is to live in a giant haunted mansion by yourself, we also talk about topics such as college rock cover bands, infamous Pittsburgh punks, and weird ways of saying what year it is.
Sep 30, 2020
This week's episode comes to you from deep within the woods, maniacs, because we're discussing Sam Raimi's infamous 1981 film The Evil Dead! We're joined by friends of the show Cody Brown of Studiohouse Designs and designer Jeff Sotace to unpack all the legendary stories from the making of this flick. While we break down the origins of Ash Williams, we also discuss topics such as pencil terror, the infamous tree scene and Bruce Campbell: dinghy pusher.
Sep 23, 2020
Grab your protective headgear this week, maniacs, because we're busting into the 1988 Frank Henenlotter film Brain Damage! While we discuss all the great special effects this movie has to offer, we also talk about topics such as Pepsi Blue, the source of some of the sounds found within the film, and various New York businesses of the 80s.
Sep 16, 2020
We're playing "ketchup" this week, maniacs, as we're joined by our buddy The Lo Fi Horror Guy to discuss the 1988 comedy Return Of The Killer Tomatoes! While we discuss this early role for megastar George Clooney, we also discuss topics such as toy stores of our youths, how the Muppet Babies helped get this film made, and the connection between this film's score and Soundgarden.
Sep 9, 2020
We're going on a fall break this week, maniacs, as we kick off year four by diving into the North Carolina slasher The Mutilator, aka Fall Break! While we try (and fail) to get this film's theme song out of our heads, we also discuss topics such as old school Natural Light can art, our personal stances on Monopoly, and replicating Benny Hill gags.
Sep 2, 2020
We're celebrating pretty hard this week, maniacs! We've hit our three year milestone and finally tackling our namesake, 1986's Neon Maniacs! While we lament the last three years and dissect this bizarre cult flick, we also discuss topics such as the badass Neon Maniacs trading cards we never got in real life, using answering machines for exposition, Floam, and Big Milk strikes again.
Aug 26, 2020
This week we're clearing the creek for some white water rafting as we discuss 1983's obscure woods slasher The Final Terror! This one features some early roles for famous actors like Adrian Zmed, Daryl Hannah and Joey Pantoliano. While we discuss these cool cameos, we also discuss topics such as our affinity for peaches, the many ways Gerald Ford could have perished, and emergency exits on buses.
Aug 19, 2020
Let's race, maniacs! We've heard your pleas and cries for us to cover this movie, so we're finally doing The Wraith from 1986! While we talk about this so-bad-it's-good-to-some-people cult flick, we also discuss topics such as twenty-somethings as high schoolers, Hoss's Steak and Seahouse, and Gregg's new hit song, "I Gotta Do The Thing!"
Aug 12, 2020
We're making collect calls straight to hell this week, maniacs, because we're discussing Robert Englund's directorial debut with 1988's 976-EVIL with Jesse from the Heartgod Media podcast! While we phone it in (in the best way possible), we also discuss topics such as crucial Thompson Twins merchandise, tabletop jukeboxes, and what the heck is in a deviled egg sandwich?
Aug 5, 2020
This week we're talking some squad goals, maniacs, because we're talking about the legendary kindertrauma film The Monster Squad from 1987! And make sure to tune in after the episode because we've also got a bonus interview with the movie's star, Andre Gower! While we discuss the film, we also talk subjects such as cool treehouse hangouts, Burger King (again), and the underrated acting prowess of Tom Noonan.
Jul 29, 2020
Blow out those candles, maniacs, because we're celebrating Ben's birthday by talking about the 1981 killer kid flick Bloody Birthday! While we talk about how uncomfortable birthday wishes make us, we also discuss topics such as pickle sandwiches, what "get a Coke and talk about it" really means, and Mighty Mouse flatware.
Jul 22, 2020
Vicious Vacations is coming to a close this week, maniacs, and we're headed to Camp Rolling Hills! We're rounding out our theme with Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers. While we continue the saga of Angela, we also discuss topics such as the return of Big Milk, slasher satire, and our thoughts on The Boss.
Jul 15, 2020
Week 3 of Vicious Vacations is upon us, so let's take a trip to the Bates Motel as we discuss Psycho II! As we track Norman Bates' return to the infamous lodge, we also discuss topics such as meatloaf sandwiches, Kid Motel, and Robert Loggia's world-class orange juice schilling.
Jul 8, 2020
Week two of Vicious Vacations Part 2 is upon us, and we're headed to a cabin in the woods with some special guests! Joining us to talk Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn are Adam and Rob from Stoopid Movies. While we collectively fawn over this Sam Raimi masterpiece, we also discuss topics such as the first time we saw the film, outlined power tools, and the late great Danny Hicks.
Jul 1, 2020
Due to current public health concerns, we can't physically go on vacation, but we can take some Vicious Vacations! One of our favorite themes is back with a vengeance this summer, maniacs, and we're kicking it off with a doozy: Friday The 13th Part 2! While we nestle into camp five years after its closure, we also discuss topics such as working in fast food, Tiger Electronics, and the return of the "turkey" insult.
Jun 24, 2020
We're headed to New York City this week, maniacs, and we're not going alone. This week we're joined by co-host of the Kill By Kill podcast, Patrick Hamilton, to talk about 1981's Wolfen! While we debate this movie's reputation as a werewolf film, we also discuss topics such as Albert Finney's butt, shadowed dong, and the Gregory Hines/Tom Noonan buddy comedy we never got.
Jun 17, 2020
It's time to "wax" nostalgic, maniacs, because this week we're talking the 1988 flick Waxwork! We're joined by horror journalist Breanna Whipple to dissect all the exhibits of this film. While we break it down, we also discuss topics such as citrus and dairy (and why they don't mix), Grease 2, and falling asleep at a Denny's.
Jun 10, 2020
When the light turns green, maniacs, the trap is clean! This week we're joined by returning guest Chelsea from the Dead Meat podcast to talk another Linnea Quigley joint, 1989's Witchtrap! While we dissect the plot of this wacky film, we also discuss topics such as haunted bed and breakfasts, the deliciousness of okra, and this film's continuous similarities to Ghostbusters.
Jun 7, 2020
Another edition of our spin-off show ACTION MOVIE SUNDAY is here, and this month we're talking about the 1988 Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jim Belushi buddy cop film Red Heat! We talk about the perfect coffee-to-cream ratio, Pittsburgh-born Russian baddies, and rattle off our favorite one-liners from the movie.
Jun 3, 2020
This episode will make your heads explode, maniacs! We're wrapping up the Body Horror trilogy with another round of David Cronenberg and 1981's Scanners. We're joined by our musician friends Zach from Griphook and Dawson from Porcupine to help parse this one out. While we talk about the film, we also discuss topics such as food court etiquette, Dr. Ruth, and Canadian record stores' overflow of Frank Zappa albums.
May 27, 2020
See you in Pittsburgh, maniacs! Week two of our Body Horror trilogy continues with a little fruit from the David Cronenberg tree, 1983's Videodrome! We're joined by Ashleigh and Maggie from the very awesome Rock Candy podcast to discuss this feat of bizarre cinema. While we all try to wrap our heads around all the weirdness in the film, we also discuss topics such as AIM screen names, Arby's on the first date, and we learn some information about New York cuisine.
May 25, 2020
Welcome to bonus time, maniacs! This week we're counting down our top 5 lists for the man of your dreams, Freddy Krueger and the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise. After we chat about our lists, we play another rousing game of Stump The Brainiac!
May 20, 2020
Death to false metal, maniacs! This week we're kicking off another trilogy of body horror films and we're starting with 1989's bizarre trip Tetsuo: The Iron Man! While we try to make heads and tails of this movie, we also discuss topics such as David Byrne's dance moves, our first eBay purchases, and this film's bizarre connection to Ten To Midnight.
May 18, 2020
Get out those boomboxes, maniacs, because this week's bonus episode finds us doing a second round of our Horror Mixtape Draft! This one's a follow-up to our live set during the second iteration of Podcast Night At The Tolma a little over a year ago. While we draft our next set of ten songs, we also discuss Gregg's Saturday morning routine as a kid, Ben's band covering Dramarama, and our least favorite movie which happens to be one of our least downloaded episodes. And we round it out by playing another round of Stump The Brainiac!
May 13, 2020
Grab a spacesuit, maniacs, because this week we're going to Marz! We're joined by friend of the show Darren Hall all the way from London to talk about the 1981 camp slasher Madman. While we dig into the legend of the madman, we also discuss topics such as traveling abroad, Gustav Holst, and personalized belt buckles.
May 11, 2020
We've got another bonus episode taking "shape" this week, maniacs, and we're counting down our top 5 entries in the Halloween franchise! We also play another Myers-centric round of Stump The Brainiac.
May 6, 2020
Get ready for the weirdest anatomy lesson of your lives, maniacs, because we're rounding out our Deadly Dolls theme with the 1988 Canadian thriller Pin: A Plastic Nightmare! While we try to navigate through the bizarre nature of this movie, we also discuss topics such as Inside Out Boy, jorts, and yinzers at the symphony.
May 3, 2020
We're very excited to introduce our new bonus show, Action Movie Sunday! On the first Sunday of every month, we'll procure a bonus episode where we talk about a single action movie and break it down via some very fun segments. This week we kick off the series with Stakeout from 1987! We talk about stunts, bad guys, food, and more.
Apr 29, 2020
Week two of our Deadly Dolls trilogy is upon us, maniacs, and this week we're going back to Italy with 1988's Umberto Lenzi project Ghosthouse! While we unpack the film and talk about the infamous La Casa series in Italy, we also discuss topics such as post-coital chili, ham radio enthusiasts, and confusing an ax with a meat cleaver.
Apr 27, 2020
Who wants a double dose of bonus content!? First up, you'll hear an interview Gregg conducted with Sleepaway Camp star Felissa Rose and director James Cullen Bressack, who are both promoting their new film For Jennifer. After that is the audio from our Instagram livestream Q&A we held this past Saturday. We answer listener questions and a lot more.
Apr 22, 2020
We're kicking off a new theme this week - DEADLY DOLLS - and what better place to start than with the 1987 Stuart Gordon flick Dolls? While we talk about the goofy fun of this movie, we also discuss topics such as proficient child actors, Scholastic book fairs, and unlikable on-screen parents.
Apr 20, 2020
Grab your hockey masks and machetes, maniacs, because we're bringing you another safe-at-home bonus episode where we count down our top 5 favorite entries in the Friday The 13th series! We'll also talk about our old video stores and play another round of Stump The Brainiac.
Apr 20, 2020
Grab your hockey masks and machetes, maniacs, because we're bringing you another safe-at-home bonus episode where we count down our top 5 favorite entries in the Friday The 13th series! We'll also talk about our old video stores and play another round of Stump The Brainiac.
Apr 15, 2020
We're going down under this week, maniacs, because we're talking about the 1986 Australian dystopian thriller Dead End Drive-In! While we embarrass ourselves with our terrible Aussie accents, we also discuss topics such as fake Rambo sequels, Big Boss Pants, and Foster's: do they really drink it in Australia?
Apr 13, 2020
Who's ready for a bonus episode??? We figured to help everyone pass the time, we'd do a countdown of our top 5 movies filmed in our home city of Pittsburgh! We'll count them down and also share some interesting firsthand stories of our on-set adventures.
Apr 8, 2020
Let's hit the movies (metaphorically speaking) because this week we're talking about the 1985 Italian horror classic Demons with the host of the Toxic Schlock podcast, Michael Kent! What better guest to join us to talk horror and music? While we discuss the insane nature of this film, we also discuss topics such as Pittsburgh musical landmarks, Mortal Kombat and Christian hair metal bands.
Apr 1, 2020
Grab your jester hat and get ready to prank your friends because today is April Fool's Day, so naturally we're talking the 1986 slasher of the same name! While we try to make the most out of all the offscreen carnage in this one, we also discuss topics such as Sesame Street, the weird fashion choices of H&M and Pittsburgh catch phrases.
Mar 25, 2020
Get ready to pig out this week, maniacs, because we're talking about 1987's Slaughterhouse with our buddy Travis Ayers! He was the party responsible for putting together our live Q&A with George Hardy last year so we're very excited to have him on the show. While we dissect the Bacon clan's dirty deeds, we also discuss topics like the dangerous playgrounds of yesteryear, Warped Tour, David Letterman and Slaughterhouse reworked as a sitcom.
Mar 18, 2020
The final week of our cop trilogy is here, maniacs, and we're closing it out with 1989's Psycho Cop! As we try to make sense of this movie, we also discuss topics such as outdoor phones, boxed soup and the proper footwear for chopping wood.
Mar 11, 2020
You can't keep a good maniac dead! Week two of our cop trilogy is upon us and we're talking 1988's horror/action/comedy Dead Heat with returning guest Josh! While we get a little too excited over how much we enjoy this one, we discuss topics such as the realistic toy guns of our youths, the Criterion version of Bio-Dome, and our varying degrees of Vincent Price impressions.
Mar 4, 2020
You have the right to remain silent forever, maniacs, because we're kicking off three weeks of cop terror with the 1988 William Lustig flick Maniac Cop! We've got it all this week... Bruce Campbell! Tom Atkins! Robert Z'dar! Lots of great genre actors in this one.
Feb 27, 2020
Surprise, maniacs! We wanted to round out Women In Horror Month with something very special, so we were joined by our favorite ghouls, Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast, to do a bonus commentary track for Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout! You can find the movie on YouTube and follow along as we talk about what we all thought of this infamous piece of horror nostalgia. We'd also highly suggest donating to Linnea's Moulin Rouge dog rescue as well.
Feb 26, 2020
This week we're wrapping up Women In Horror Month on the police beat! We're joined by writer Chauncey K. Robinson to discuss Katt Shea's 1987 slasher mystery Stripped To Kill. While we discuss the subversion of this film's plot, we also talk about topics such as the VHS dubbing woes of our youth, receiving weapons as gifts, and Ben's favorite car: the Suzuki Samurai.
Feb 19, 2020
Week 3 of Women In Horror Month is upon us, maniacs, so let's grab a bite to eat at Blood Diner with our friends from the Queens Of NC-17 podcast! Ande, China and Eanna were gracious enough to join us in our friend (and two-time former guest) Brian's studio to discuss this 1987 cult flick. While we check out the menu, we also discuss topics such as real-life eye terror, sketchy parties and Sheetar: the guitar for girls!
Feb 12, 2020
Women In Horror Month continues on the show with a great movie and great guest. We're discussing 1982's Slumber Party Massacre with Jenn Wexler, director of The Ranger! We talk about her experience making films, what we've been watching recently, then discuss the topic at hand. While dissecting this feat of feminist horror, we also discuss topics such as Denny's, Kool-Aid, and Peter Steele's spread in Playgirl Magazine.
Feb 5, 2020
This week we're kicking off Women In Horror Month by talking about 1986's Sorority House Massacre with local Pittsburgh makeup effects artist and director Shay Francis! While we call out some of this movie's obvious influences, we also discuss topics such as 1-900 numbers, taking your pants off without removing your shoes, and local Pittsburgh athlete-themed food products.
Jan 29, 2020
Are you ready for Freddy, maniacs? This week we're tackling our annual Krueger entry with A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master with returning guest Steve Rudzinski. We discuss a lot of subjects in addition to the film: Dramarama! Tuesday Knight! Waterbeds! MTV bumpers of the 80s! Eating Spaghettios like Freddy!
Jan 22, 2020
We're raw and uncut this week, maniacs, because we're finally delving into the 1986 Clive Barker-penned flick Rawhead Rex! We're a little underwhelmed by the effects on ol' Rex but as we circumvent that, we also discuss church terms, Bebop from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even make up our own Irish hoagie.
Jan 15, 2020
We're burning up your feeds this week, maniacs, because we're talking about 1980's Don't Go In The House! While we sit around the campfire and discuss the movie we also chat about the Mallrats soundtrack, Bimbo Bread, Eve 6 and Crocodile Mile.
Jan 8, 2020
We're headed to Camp Arawak this week, maniacs, because we're talking Sleepaway Camp from 1983! While we dissect the details of this cult classic, we also discuss topics such as crop tops, short shorts, and our own camp memories.
Jan 1, 2020
New year, new episode, maniacs! We're kicking off 2020 with the locomotive slasher Terror Train. While we discuss the movie we also talk about the return of Jamie Lee Curtis to our program, hot peanuts and magic. Lots and lots of magic.
Dec 25, 2019
Ho ho ho, maniacs! We're wrapping up our Christmas block with the 1982 college slasher flick The Dorm That Dripped Blood! While we try to find nice things to say about this one, we also talk about generic Clint Howard/Art Garfunkel/Carrot Top, haunted Giant Eagles and crappy James Bond villain explanations.
Dec 18, 2019
Hide your brains under your beanies, maniacs, because we're doing yet another installment in the killer Santa franchise, Silent Night Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! While we talk about how horror legend Bill Moseley has NOTHING to do in this movie, we also discuss topics such as board games of our youth, old Memorex commercials and The Californians.
Dec 11, 2019
It's garbage day, maniacs! We're continuing our holiday block with Silent Night Deadly Night Part 2 from 1987. While we discuss the over-the-top insanity of this one, we also talk about topics such as pop-punk hairdos, movie theater disruptions, and who's the hotter Caldwell in this series: Billy or Ricky?
Dec 4, 2019
Prepare for some Christmas punishment, maniacs, because our first holiday episode finds us talking about one of the most infamous killer Santa flicks, Silent Night Deadly Night! Before we get into the episode, we dig into some listener mail. While we unpack the movie, we discuss topics such as kid mullets, egregious product placement, and we invent a new toy just in time for the holidays.
Nov 29, 2019
It's the Blackest Friday, the Devil's Friday, and we've got our 2019 Holiday Horror Fan Gift Guide ready for your ears! Think of this as a Sears Wish Book for horror weirdos such as ourselves. We talk about some great companies and great deals this weekend: Studiohouse Designs, Media Crypt, The Joe Bob Briggs Fanzine, Slashdance Zine, House Of Mysterious Secrets, Vinegar Syndrome, Lunaris Records, BPO Films and Retro Release Video. Go support small businesses and get some cool stuff for yourself or the horror fan in your life!
Nov 27, 2019
Save some room for dessert, maniacs, because we're wrapping up our Thanksgiving Buffet theme with Return Of The Living Dead II from 1988! This was Ben's first zombie movie viewing ever as a kid, so while he spins that yarn, we also discuss topics such as driving with headphones on, hanging out in unfinished housing developments, and the weird list of featured zombies in this movie.
Nov 20, 2019
Let's set the table for a wholesome family meal, maniacs, because our Thanksgiving Buffet marathon continues with the 1989 weirdo cannibal film Parents! While we uncover the Lynchian layers of this onion, we also talk about subjects such as meatloaf, stranger danger, The Big Bopper and our golf woes.
Nov 13, 2019
We're going underground, maniacs, because our Thanksgiving Buffet marathon continues with the partially-local zombie flick Day Of The Dead from 1985! To help us discuss this Romero classic, we're joined by our pal EK Wimmer from the Laser Graves podcast. While we talk about how bleak this film is, we also discuss alligators on the loose, musician zombie cameos, and being paid $1 to be a zombie.
Nov 6, 2019
Hope you're hungry, maniacs, because we're starting our Thanksgiving Buffet series this month with the 1986 thriller Manhunter! This one features a brief glimpse at infamous on-screen cannibal Hannibal Lecter. While we discuss the film we also talk about flashlight terror, our favorite cereals and we also conduct a brief TED talk on 90s emo.
Oct 30, 2019
Get ready to do it by the book, maniacs, because the final installment in our holiday spectacular is Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers from 1988! As we discuss the first franchise appearance of Jamie Lloyd, we also discuss keeping kitchen utensils in the attic, stranger danger, and cars with gas tanks behind the license plate.
Oct 23, 2019
Gather round, caterpuppies, because we're continuing our Halloween countdown with the Nickelodeon movie in disguise, House II: The Second Story! As we try to figure out how this kid-friendly movie slipped into our programming, we discuss topics such as hockey hair, Nickelback memes, Muppet Babies, and this film's many connections to the Friday The 13th franchise.
Oct 16, 2019
Grab your magic kits, maniacs, because our Halloween spectacular continues with the 1982 snoozefest Trick Or Treats! This cheap slasher clone has us bringing up many tangents, including paper Halloween decorations, hidden punk artifacts, and "junior" cartoons of popular properties.
Oct 9, 2019
Grab your costume, nutcakes, because week two of our Halloween extravaganza finds us tackling the 1988 shot-on-video flick Hollow Gate! How bad can it be? As we find out, we also discuss topics such as character's obsessions with sandwiches, debates about candy, and GOOD GOD BOBBING FOR APPLES IS BACK AGAIN. GROSS.
Oct 2, 2019
It's the most wonderful time of the year, maniacs! We kick off five weeks of Halloween-themed horror flicks with the 1981 TV movie Dark Night Of The Scarecrow! While we voice our disdain for the game of bobbing for apples, we also discuss topics such as garden gnome gardens, weird southern lingo, and flapjacks. Lots of flapjacks.
Sep 25, 2019
Grab your jester masks and fix your tractors, maniacs, because we're wrapping up our Back To School trilogy with the 1986 English slasher Slaughter High! This one's got gnarly effects but not much else. While we dissect the nasty kills, we also discuss topics such as terrifying tour stories, horror Fatheads, how to conceal a British accent, and once again the "free drugs" myth rears its ugly head!
Sep 18, 2019
Class Clowning 101 is in session this week, maniacs, because we're continuing our Back To School trilogy with the 1981 slasher parody Student Bodies! Topics include horse head bookends, sad Big Bird, and plenty of Seinfeld tangents for all.
Sep 15, 2019
Grab a glass of Nilbog milk, maniacs, because we've got a bonus live episode with actor/dentist George Hardy of Troll 2! We conducted a Q&A with George last night before a rowdy sold out screening of the film at Pittsburgh's own Row House Cinema and were able to capture it in all its wild glory. We talk about his life after Troll 2, his cult actor status, upcoming project he has in the wings, and there's even a surprise in the crowd towards the end. Eternal thanks to George for joining us, Travis for asking us to be a part of the event, Jamie and the rest of the crew at Row House for their hospitality (which they definitely did not piss on), and everyone that made the night a raucous success!
Sep 11, 2019
Take your seats, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off our Back To School trilogy! And what better way to start than talking about 1981's Night School? While we dissect this American giallo flick, we also discuss topics such as using the newspaper to find things to do around town, generic Kelsey Grammer, and Slimer's butt.
Sep 4, 2019
It's our two year anniversary, maniacs, and you know we've gotta get local! So to celebrate this new milestone we're tackling the locally filmed George Romero/Stephen King collaboration Creepshow from 1982! Topics include music references, Bob Newhart and Ben finally makes a Simpsons reference.
Aug 28, 2019
The sun's almost rising on our Vampire Weekend trilogy, maniacs, so that means we're closing it out with 1987's Near Dark! Our pal Brian from Start The Beat With Sikes joins us to discuss this cult horror flick. While we dissect all of Bill Paxton's amazing one-liners, we also talk about sick roller coasters, train math, a lengthy history lesson on King's Island, and ways to tell if your Sweetwater Sound representative is a vampire.
Aug 21, 2019
Lock your doors and windows tight, maniacs, because week two of Vampire Weekend brings us 1985's Fright Night! This is one of Ben's favorites so strap in. We'll talk about booking William Ragsdale when Crispin Glover isn't available, driving stories, and Chris Sarandon's A+ sweater game.
Aug 14, 2019
This theme sucks, maniacs! We're kicking off our Vampire Weekend trilogy with some returning guests, Sarah and Amanda from Ghoul On Ghoul, to discuss the Larry Cohen-directed sequel A Return To Salem's Lot from 1987. Topics include Canadian lingo and rituals, blood cake, and the darkness of child weddings.
Aug 7, 2019
We want our two dollars, maniacs, because we're celebrating our 100th episode! And to kick off the party, we're breaking format and talking about Gregg's favorite movie of all time, Better Off Dead! Returning to the show is Ben's film partner Blake, who watched this movie for the first time the night before we recorded. Topics include loose cereal, Ben's career as a paperboy, and weirdly sexual food signs in inappropriate places.
Jul 31, 2019
Stop by the Cut-Rite and grab yourself a few chainsaws, maniacs, because we're closing out Savini Splatter Fest by going down south to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2! We're joined by our good pal and VHS collector Josh (@joshgoestohell) to dissect this one. While we tend to our achin' bananas, we also discuss fake southern restaurants, Dennis Hopper's secret to acting drunk, and get a good dose of Texas history.
Jul 24, 2019
Let's go ape, maniacs, because this week we continue Savini Splatter Fest with the locally filmed George Romero flick Monkey Shines from 1988! While we tell you where some of these filming locations are, we also discuss side butt, economy cars of the past and present, and the origin of the Big Mac.
Jul 17, 2019
You're in luck, maniacs, because this week we're talking about you! Sort of. We kick off week 2 of Savini Splatter Fest with the 1980 film Maniac! As we follow Joe Spinell around the Big Apple, we share a story about Gregg's parents, our opinions on continental breakfasts, and was Frank Zito a prototype of Matt Foley? Tune in to find out!
Jul 10, 2019
Hope you're ready for the graduation dance, maniacs, because this week kicks off a new theme celebrating a local legend... Savini Splatter Fest! We begin with the 1981 Joseph Zito piece The Prowler! Tom Savini considers this his best work so strap in. Topics include cursive writing, fire hazards and poor bathroom etiquette.
Jul 3, 2019
Time to cure that undead appetite, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the locally filmed Flesh Eater from 1988! Joining us as our first three-time guest is Ryan from BPO Films! The three of us get super regional with our discussed topics: Beaver county, yinzer accents, Iron City beer, and Foodland.
Jun 26, 2019
Grab some fritters and your favorite critters, maniacs, because we're wrapping up Vicious Vacation with Farmer Vincent and the gang in the 1980 cult classic Motel Hell! While we wait to get to the exciting conclusion of this movie, we talk about subjects such as 8-track players, eating Pee-Wee Herman's suit, and whether or not we would put ketchup on chicken.
Jun 19, 2019
Grab your rifle and plenty of ammo, maniacs, because we're going on a hunting trip for week 3 of Vicious Vacations as we discuss the 1986 backwoods redneck slasher Hunter's Blood! Lots of really great actors in this one like Clu Gulager, Bruce Glover and even Billy Bob Thornton. As we try to dodge murderous hill people, we also discuss gender role reversals, Ren & Stimpy euphemisms, and all of the random wildlife you see in the background of this film.
Jun 12, 2019
It's time to check in, maniacs, because week two of our Vicious Vacations theme brings us 1983's Mountaintop Motel Massacre! This one's not great so we go on some wild tangents about Mike Lange catchphrases, Chingy, Alan Jackson, free sacks, and what the phrase "lemme get my shoes" really means.
Jun 5, 2019
Pack up the car and bring plenty of sunscreen because we're kicking off our Vicious Vacations theme with a trip to Blood Beach from 1980! Topics include weird food, Pure Moods, and the many ways we can make this movie better. Check out our bumper up front for details on our next live event!
May 29, 2019
Get ready to wheeze some juice this week, maniacs, because we're wrapping up Before They Were Famous with the early Pauly Shore vehicle Phantom Of The Mall: Eric's Revenge! The Sherman Oaks Mall makes an illustrious comeback in this modern Phantom Of The Opera adaptation. We discuss our own mall memories, toy stores of our youths, and Ninja Turtle living situations. This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
May 22, 2019
It's senior skip day, maniacs, so let's keep Before They Were Stars rolling and talk some Brad Pitt in the 1989 high school slasher Cutting Class! This one's also got the fantastic Jill Schoelen returning to our show as well as Martin Mull. Topics include flappy T-shirts, getting outwienered, and Scream as written and directed by Tommy Wiseau. This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
May 15, 2019
We're going back to the future this week, maniacs, as we dive into the 1984 Charles Band sci-fi flick Trancers! Week two of Before They Were Stars showcases a young Helen Hunt in this movie. While we discuss the insanity of Trancers, we also talk about Gregg's VHS woes, the term "squid" and really gross euphemisms that we hope never catch on. This week's episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
May 8, 2019
It's a full house this week, maniacs, as we kick off our Before They Were Stars block with the 1985 revenge thriller The New Kids starring James Spader and Lori Loughlin! We discuss Loughlin's stint in the news recently, but also talk about sweaty butts, water fountain terror, and Tom Green's rap career. This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
May 3, 2019
Bonus time, maniacs! Here is our live set from Podcast Night At The Tolma 2, which we shared with our buds Start The Beat and Thrifty. For this show, we drafted our own horror music mixtapes! We also made Youtube playlists of these, which we'll link to on our social media. This was a lot of fun, and thanks again to Brian for recording this and Toddy for opening his home for the show. Enjoy!
May 1, 2019
Hope you're hungry, maniacs, because this week we're taking a bite out of the 1986 creature feature Critters! While we discuss the fuzzy bundles of interdimensional terror, we also talk about Billy Zane's ponytail, Dee Wallace perpetually making breakfast in every 80s movie, and truck nuts in space.
Apr 24, 2019
No more Mr. Nice Guy, maniacs, because this week we're talking the 1989 Wes Craven flick Shocker! This one is really bizarre but has a killer soundtrack. While we talk about all that, we also discuss drive-thru pranks, Bobby's World, and this film's similarities to A Nightmare On Elm Street.
Apr 17, 2019
We're taking a trip to Tromaville, maniacs, because this week we're talking The Toxic Avenger with our buddy Lance Parkin from Locust Street Entertainment! While we discuss our histories with this franchise, we also talk about the vision boards of villains, the phrase "fix your wagon", and R-rated movies that spawned Saturday morning cartoons.
Apr 10, 2019
Grab a soft pretzel and a red Slushie, maniacs, because this week we're going to Hills... The Hills Have Eyes 2, that is. Joining us is our boy Toddy Tondera from Thrifty Podcast, plugging our collaborative live show, Podcast Night At The Tolma 2, happening this Friday! While we discuss the movie we also talk about the various lapses in logic in the film, dog flashbacks and ask the question: can you ride a dirtbike in a horror film and survive?
Apr 3, 2019
New York's alright if you like Jason Voorhees, maniacs! This week we welcome back our friends Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast to discuss Friday The 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan! It's a long one but trust us, it's worth it. Topics include landmark jewelry, Jason as a LifeAlert customer, wasting drugs on a stranger and we collectively decide what our new business Top Dollar Toot will sell.
Mar 27, 2019
It's party time, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1985 zombie classic Return Of The Living Dead with our new buds James and Chelsea from the Dead Meat podcast and YouTube channel! The four of us discuss topics such as movie punks (obviously), the excess of the 1980's and Linnea Quigley's perpetual state of undress. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce! Use code "neonbrainiacs" at checkout to save 20% until March 31st.
Mar 20, 2019
Sit! Stay! Kill! This week we're rounding out our Animal Terror trilogy with one of the most iconic horror dogs in the genre: Cujo from 1983! While discussing man's best fiend we also talk about kitchen television, laser tag, and we go on yet another rant about ketchup that isn't Heinz. This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets and Hellraising Hot Sauce!
Mar 13, 2019
Crikey! We're smack dab in the middle of our Animal Terror trilogy, maniacs, and this week we're tackling the 1980 Lewis Teague film Alligator. Join us down in the sewers as we discuss effective ways to store vinyl records, rollerblading and the bizarro version of Face/Off starring Nicolas Cage and an alligator. This week our show is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets and Hellraising Hot Sauce, who is offering our listeners 20% off your entire order with the code "neonbrainiacs"!
Mar 6, 2019
Is it Shark Week, maniacs? No! We're kicking off our Animal Terror trilogy with the most infamous animal in cinema history in 1983's JAWS 3-D! We're also joined by Jamie from Neo Trash Video who put together Bad Movie Bingo here in Pittsburgh. While we fish around for something nice to say about this movie, we also discuss Shamu, bumper boats, and ask what the hell is the game Standoff!? This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
Feb 27, 2019
Alright maniacs, we're rounding out our BODY HORROR trilogy by making some fine contributions to Society! While we talk about this bizarre 1989 Brian Yuzna flick, we also talk about a whole mess of our own bizarre topics: Sisqo! Gilmore Girls! Nick Arcade! Shoes! Pleated Pants! Check it out. This episode is sponsored by House Of Mysterious Secrets!
Feb 20, 2019
Be afraid, maniacs, be very afraid! This week we're continuing our BODY HORROR block with a flick from the king of body horror: David Cronenberg's 1986 masterpiece The Fly! Topics discussed include Norm MacDonald's run on SNL, Doug Funnie's wardrobe and Gregg offers up some journalism tips and tricks.
Feb 13, 2019
Bust out those resonators, maniacs, and let's get freaky... This week we kick off a new theme with our BODY HORROR trilogy! And what better place to start than 1986's From Beyond with our pal Brian from the Start The Beat With Sikes podcast! We get into all the goopy details of this movie and also discuss Spencer's Gifts, chalk outlines, unique insults and unintentional Pee-Wee Herman impressions.
Feb 6, 2019
Whatever you do, maniacs, don't fall asleep... because you might just miss us talk about an absolute modern classic, 1984's A Nightmare On Elm Street! This is where Freddy's legacy (as well as New Line Cinema's) all started. While we chat about our favorite dream demon, we also discuss topics such as baths, Clarissa Explains It All, and do women still wear nightgowns to bed? This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!
Feb 1, 2019
This episode is from our first ever live show as part of Podcast Night At The Tolma on January 25th, 2019, which also featured our buds at Ghoul On Ghoul, Thrifty Podcast and Start The Beat With Sikes. We discuss our memories of renting at the video store and also get some video store tales from the audience. You can find a video version on our social media as well. Big thanks to Toddy from Thrifty for putting the event together and Brian from Start The Beat for capturing the audio. Enjoy!
Jan 30, 2019
Who made who, maniacs!? This week we're rounding out our CAR TERROR trilogy with one of the more wacky auto-related horror movies: Maximum Overdrive! While we careen down the cocaine expressway to Stephen King's brain, we discuss Twisted Metal, the origin of "eat my shorts", and our opinions on AC/DC. This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!
Jan 23, 2019
We're going down under for week two of the CAR TERROR trilogy, maniacs! This week we're talking about Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis in Road Games from 1981.We also talk about Parks And Recreation, weigh stations and gross names for adult magazines. Don't forget about our live event this Friday, January 25th, with our friends at Ghoul On Ghoul, Thrifty and Start The Beat. This episode is also brought to you by Retro Release Video!
Jan 16, 2019
Hop in, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off a new trilogy: CAR TERROR! And what better place to start than with 1986's The Hitcher?! We talk about the movie Angus and its insanely good soundtrack, Jim Halsey's fresh Nikes and how perfect of a villain Rutger Hauer is. This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!
Jan 9, 2019
Graveside service is about to begin, maniacs! This week we're joined by friend of the show Steve Rudzinski, who is promoting the wide release of his movie Caroushell, to talk about the one and only Phantasm II. While we evade the Tall Man and his spheres, we discuss our collective apprehension of mausoleums, the danger of Reggie Bannister's sex appeal, and IS AUNT BECKY FROM FULL HOUSE IN THIS MOVIE?! This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!
Jan 2, 2019
Let's get some killer reception, maniacs! Join us this week as we tune in to the killer television movie The Video Dead from 1987. Topics include The English Beat, made-up college majors, and the endless struggle with rolls of masking tape. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!
Dec 26, 2018
Let the countdown begin, maniacs! For our final episode of 2018 we discuss the 1980 Cannon flick New Year's Evil. Topics include switchblade combs, MTV VJs of yesteryear and political outcomes being predicted in the movie's script. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!
Dec 21, 2018
Surprise, maniacs! About a month ago, Gregg chatted via Skype with Frank Farel, producer of Spookies and Street Trash. We talked about his early love of cinema, the tumultuous experience of Spookies, updates on an official release of the film, and the grittiness of Street Trash. Big thanks to Kara Jean of Night Flight for hooking us up with this opportunity.
Dec 19, 2018
Better watch out, maniacs, because Santa's on a killing spree this week! We're rounding out our trilogy of Christmas themed movies with 1980's Christmas Evil. We discuss brown paper grocery bags, how horrible cursive writing is, and Tim Allen's incessant grunting on Home Improvement. This week's show is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video! You can hear us sampling the wares of Hellraising Hot Sauce from 50:45-57:00.
Dec 12, 2018
If you're dressed as Santa, you'd better watch out! This week we're tackling the British holiday slasher Don't Open Till Christmas from 1984. This one may have broken us, maniacs, because we derail a lot. Topics include using the phone way too much, peep show prices in 80s England, and we finally break out our Jerry Seinfeld impressions. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!
Dec 5, 2018
These elves are not your buddy, maniacs... This week we kick off three weeks of Christmas-themed horror flicks with the 1989 head-scratcher Elves! This one is one of the more bizarre movies we've covered to date. Topics include a brief Greek history lesson, comparing crappy horror movie puppets and GOOD GOD HOW IS THIS A PG-13 MOVIE? Also, this week's episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!
Nov 28, 2018
This week we delve into some sweet suffering with Pinhead and the gang in Hellbound: Hellraiser II! This is the first franchise we've done in sequential order so don't be shy about checking out our prior Hellraiser episode before this one. We chat about the magnificent return of strategic non-boob showing, Cannibal Corpse album covers and the Hellraiser/Charles Bronson crossover movie we so desperately need.
Nov 21, 2018
Let's bowl some turkeys for Thanksgiving, maniacs, because this week we're hitting the lanes with Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama from 1988! While we analyze this bizarre low-budget flick, we discuss the defintion of "the whim-whams", 90's cereal mascots, Static-X and the bizarre novelty of a fully clothed Linnea Quigley.
Nov 19, 2018
Holiday horror movies are nothing new. One could argue they're a staple of the genre. Christmas and Halloween have been covered to death – literally – and even lesser revered holidays like Thanksgiving have gotten their fair share of screen time. From the greats like Blood Rage to the schlock-filled wastes of celluloid like Thankskilling, horror fans have loaded up on a cornucopia of Thanksgiving horrors. And what's a day like Thanksgiving without turkey? According to Dictionary.com, the use of the word turkey as an insult is used against "a person or thing of little appeal; a dud; a loser". It first appeared in 1927, referring to plays or shows that were colossal failures. It was later adapted for use against people deemed "stupid or ineffectual", which was the reputation of the bird by that time, by 1951. The slang term picked up steam in the 1970's before falling out of favor some time later. Much like the fashion of the decade, the use of "turkey" seeped its way into the 1980's before dying out before its end. The following five films we've covered previously contain the insult in all its cheesy glory. 21 - Terrorvision (1988) There's no better place to begin than Ted Nicolau's 1988 vessel TerrorVision. An experiment in hyper-colored optical vomit, this horror-comedy about a space monster who comes to earth via television satellite signal might sound ridiculous but it's a lot of fun. It also boasts an impressive genre cast including Mary Woronov, Gerrit Graham and Diane Franklin. Our instance of "turkey" as an insult comes from secondary character O.D. Riley, the walking definition of movie metalhead portrayed by Jon Gries, also of Fright Night and Napoleon Dynamite. The third act of the film kicks into kids comedy territory when O.D., his girlfriend Suzy and her younger brother Sherman decide to teach the space monster everyday earthly activities like eating food, listening to music – which is "almost as important as food" – and watching television. While partaking in the latter, the monster reels in horror at the commercials, to which O.D. proclaims, "hey, hold your horses, turkey!" 6 - He Knows You're Alone (1980) The next example is the oft-forgotten early slasher He Knows You're Alone from 1980. The film was the directorial debut of Armand Mastrioanni, who also worked on episodes of Tales From The Darkside and Friday The 13th: The Series, and was made to capitalize on the growing craze of Halloween clones. This time, the killer stalks and murders brides close to their wedding day. This deep cut has a few known actors within its ranks: Paul Gleason of The Breakfast Club, James Rebhorn of Independence Day, and the acting debut of Tom Hanks in a minor role. There's a good bit of leftover 70's fashion in the movie, which is always entertaining to see. The film's protagonist, Amy, runs into an old fling, Marvin, while exiting a drugstore After revealing he knew her whereabouts after speaking to Amy's younger sister, Marvin refers to her current fiance in bird terms: "She told me that turkey left town for his bachelor party." 23 - My Bloody Valentine (1981) While "turkey" usually denotes Thanksgiving as its designated holiday, the 1981 Valentine's Day horror classic My Bloody Valentine also contains the insult within its dialogue. Coming from deep within the annals of Canada, George Mihalka's exploration of a small mining town with longtime lore about a murderous mine worker who exacts his revenge on February 14th brings some great gore, an interesting love triangle sub-plot, as well as some amazingly thick Canadian accents. During a late-night hangout session in an auto wrecking yard, some of the mine workers are cooking microwave dinners on the engine block of a functioning car. While they murmur about how hungry they are, the mustached Hollis proclaims, "turkey for the turkey." 25 - Iced (1988) When Thanksgiving comes, snow is soon to follow, and perhaps it would be time to hit the ski slopes. 1988's Iced delves into a unique trope of a ski suit-clad killer stalking and murdering former friends on a ski trip in a remote cabin. It's not very good, but it does star Lisa Loring as Jeanette, who many readers would know as the original Wednesday Addams. During a scene where two of the main characters, Cory and Eddie, reminisce about their friend who died in a skiing accident four years prior to their trip. As the killer watches from the trees, they head back to the cabin with Cory yelling "wait up, you turkey!" 11 - Home Sweet Home (1981) Finally, an article about turkey wouldn't be complete without a Thanksgiving-based slasher movie. Perhaps one starring Body By Jake himself, Jake Steinfeld. Home Sweet Home – also released as Slasher In The House – finds Steinfeld playing an escaped mental patient named Jay Jones, who proceeds to go on a PCP-fueled killing spree and targets a large family at their home on Thanksgiving Day. The movie also marks the acting debut of Vinessa Shaw, who more famously portrayed Allison in the 1993 family-friendly Halloween flick Hocus Pocus. During a less than thrilling chase sequence where The Mistake, a mime who plays guitar through a backpack amplifier and also does magic tricks, is being pursued by hothead Scott. During the chase, Mistake turns to Scott and yells, "catch me if you can, turkey!" Perhaps these five films would make an unorthodox, but still entertaining, movie marathon this Thanksgiving. Maybe a lengthy pre-game for Shudder's Dinners Of Death marathon featuring the legendary Joe Bob Briggs. Whatever you watch this Turkey Day, just remember: that's not cranberry sauce.
Nov 14, 2018
It's a monster grab-bag this week, maniacs, as we discuss Spookies from 1986 with Zane Hershberger of 10/31 and The Barn. He's promoting the crowdfunding campaigns for a couple movies he's working on, The Barn 2 and Force To Fear, so go support those! In this episode we discuss kids' Halloween pageants, the lack of eloquence farting zombies bring to a movie and the unbelievably awful perils of making this film.
Nov 7, 2018
Hope you're ready for a dose of insects and monkeys, maniacs, because this week we're discussing Dario Argento's 1985 wacky masterpiece Phenomena (aka Creepers)! This one's pretty weird, and stars Jennifer Connelly and Donald Pleasance to boot. Topics include bizarre public buses, Beatles versus Rolling Stones talk, and the insane superiority of this movie's soundtrack.
Oct 31, 2018
Grab your Shatner masks and your blue overalls, maniacs, because it is Halloween and we are talking about the night after he came home: Halloween II! We mourn Ben Tramer and discuss topics like fictitious sitcoms, mushroom pizza, differences between the theatrical and television cuts of this flick, and Lowkey Loomis versus Looney Loomis.
Oct 24, 2018
Play this episode LOUD, maniacs, because this week we've got another Halloween-centered flick with the heavy metal horror movie Trick Or Treat! We talk lots of music: metal! ska! pop-punk! hardcore! We also discuss getting your cremated ashes pressed into vinyl, expensive Bad Brains records and Ben's first online screen name.
Oct 17, 2018
Get ready to party, maniacs, because this week we continue our Halloween-themed episodes with 1988's Night Of The Demons! As we discuss the exploits of Angela and company, we also talk about late 80s insults, our experiences in Los Angeles, and Martin Mull for Michelob Ultra.
Oct 10, 2018
Let's get sassy for Satan, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the cult Halloween flick Hack-O-Lantern (aka Halloween Night & Death Mask) from 1988. While doing our best Hye Pyke impressions, we discuss the music of Wishbone, butt tattoos, closet candle fire hazards, and the symbolism of black wreaths.
Oct 3, 2018
With a rebel yell, we present the first episode of our entire month of Halloween-related films: 1985's made-for-TV movie The Midnight Hour! This one's got everything: zombies, vampires, wolfmen, The Smiths, and even LeVar Burton! We talk about a smattering of topics including Chicken Littles from KFC, analysis of World Series broadcast rights, our hard stance on ketchup brands, and we talk about punk an awful lot.
Sep 26, 2018
Work on your routines, maniacs, because this week we're unpacking the 1987 locally filmed slasher The Majorettes with returning guest, Ryan from BPO Films! He's got a ton of familial connections to this one, which was largely filmed right near Ben's house where we record our show! While we talk about all the insanity, we also discuss different photography classes we've taken, Rick Springfield posters, and amazingly offensive novelty t-shirts.
Sep 19, 2018
Put on your detective hats, maniacs, because this week we're digging into the 1982 American giallo The Killing Hour! We follow a clairvoyant sketch artist as she assists the police in tracking down a handcuff-obsessed serial killer. We'll discuss our art class memories, cool diners, and the dating tips contained in this movie.
Sep 12, 2018
What's in the basket, maniacs? This week we're digging into our first Frank Henenlotter movie with 1982's Basket Case, and we're joined by both Allen and Katie from Werewolf Ambulance! They're promoting not only their podcast but their upcoming live show in Pittsburgh on October 5th. While discussing this MOMA-recognized flick, we talk about weird dates, nonsensical physics, Belial's dedication to the ketogenic diet and we teach Allen about Global Guts.
Sep 5, 2018
Thrill me, maniacs! This week we celebrate our one year anniversary!! And what better way to do so than to talk about the 1986 Fred Dekker classic Night Of The Creeps? It's got everything: horror, sci-fi, comedy and Tom Atkins! Some burning questions we discuss: who created the "Dream Weaver" moment? How is Gregg tangentially connected to Tom Atkins? Did American Horror Story rip off this movie?
Aug 29, 2018
Get ready to tiptoe through the tulips with us, maniacs, because this week we get weird with 1987's Blood Harvest starring Tiny Tim! We talk about weird 80's fashion, real life IP in this movie and teach a little impromptu class on copyright law.
Aug 22, 2018
Grab your red riding hoods, maniacs, because this week we're delving into some fairy tale mythos with 1984's The Company Of Wolves! We're joined by Amanda and Sarah from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast to help us unpack all the underlying messages of feminism and sex in this one. We talk about Pinterest-worthy weddings in the woods, Wes Anderson's bonerless aesthetic, and we figure out each of our Simpsons auras.
Aug 15, 2018
There's a killer on the loose, maniacs! This week we're wrapping up our three week rock block with 1984's Rocktober Blood. This one follows the band Headmistress after original singer and serial killer Billy Eye is executed and returns from the grave to pick off the group one by one. We talk about bad puns, bad acting, and badass metal jams.
Aug 8, 2018
Are you ready for some killer tunes, maniacs!? Week two of our rock block has us discussing the 1980 slasher Terror On Tour! There's not much terror nor much touring despite what the title would suggest. We forgot to share some of our own terror-filled tour moments so those stories will have to wait for another day. In the meantime we discuss Gregg's hatred of KISS, the idea of cocaine as an aphrodisiac, and cops that hate ulcers.
Aug 1, 2018
Get those lighters out and bang your heads, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off our Rock Trilogy with 1987's Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare starring Jon Mikl Thor! We'll talk about the Satanic Panic, the first song Ben ever learned on guitar, and we take a deep dive into pop-punk history.
Jul 25, 2018
Grab some candles and some protection, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1982 star-studded New Line classic Alone In The Dark! This wild ride features heavy hitters Donald Pleasance, Jack Palance, and Martin Landau in some wacky roles. Topics we'll discuss include punk rock, hockey masks and the Kermit/Batman fanfic no one asked for.
Jul 18, 2018
Where's the corkscrew, maniacs!? This week we're discussing the insanity that is Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter! We talk at length about how much we love Corey Feldman and Crispin Glover. As usual, we unpack lots of lore from the franchise and also discuss crappy parties, short shorts, and solve the mystery of the Jarvis sandwich.
Jul 15, 2018
For our first ever bonus episode, we discuss our watching of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs on Shudder. We live tweeted most of the event so we talk about that as well as the communal aspect of social media during an event like this. We had a blast with it!
Jul 11, 2018
Hope you're ready for Armageddon, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1988 religious apocalypse flick The Seventh Sign! This Demi Moore/Michael Biehn movie is kind of lame but we managed to have some fun with it. We talk about reusable shopping bags, early adoptions of YOLO, and our hotel breakfast strategies.
Jul 4, 2018
Grow a mustache and grab your Members Only jackets, maniacs, because this week we're ending our Three Weeks Of Chuck by finally delving into the work of Charles Bronson with 1983's Ten To Midnight! Trust us, there are plenty of Bronson impressions contained within. We also talk about egg shelves in old refrigerators, Larry David staring contests, and the lo-fi bedroom dreampop of 1983.
Jun 27, 2018
Three Weeks Of Chucks keeps rolling with one of the quintessential Chucks... Chuck Norris! We're talking about the supernatural action slasher flick Silent Rage from 1982. While discussing the film we'll talk about post-coital burgers, Devo suit ripoffs, and thick New York accents deep in the heart of Texas.
Jun 20, 2018
Wanna play, maniacs? This week we're kicking off a new theme: Three Weeks Of Chucks! And what better place to start than with the legendary Child's Play from 1988? Our bud Blake from BPO Films stopped by to help us talk this one out and discover a ton of trivia and facts about the flick. Topics include Kevin McCallister's chances against any horror villain, using The Lakeshore Strangler as a band name, and why children shouldn't be allowed to prepare breakfast unsupervised.
Jun 13, 2018
Grab your caps and gowns and try to survive, maniacs, because we're wrapping up our "End Of School" trilogy with the 1981 Troma slasher Graduation Day! This movie boasts a pretty impressive cast (including Vanna White) but not much else. Before we discuss the movie, we talk about our convention experiences at Horror Hotel and Living Dead Weekend. Some of our topics on the movie include killer cardigans, its similarities to other slasher movies and the horrendous nature of the band Felony.
Jun 6, 2018
Get your pencils out, maniacs, because part two of our "End Of School" trilogy is here: Final Exam from 1981! While we talk about this goofy slasher flick, we'll also chat about all things college: football, pranks, relationships, jump scares with books, and stranger danger PSAs.
May 30, 2018
Get ready to hit the dance floor, maniacs, because this is part one of our "End Of School" trilogy! To kick things off, we're talking about the 1980 classic slasher Prom Night! We talk a lot about KISS, disco, nu-metal, and ask the important question: at what age do parents stop dressing their twins identical?
May 23, 2018
Gas up your Plymouth Fury, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the Stephen King/John Carpenter joint Christine! We're also joined by Christine -- not the car, but our bandmate! The three of us chat about drive-ins, Baywatch, and we talk more about football than you would think. Also, give a listen all the way to the end to hear the world premiere of "II: The Secret Of My Excess" by our band Pummeled!
May 16, 2018
Grab your leotards and hit center stage, maniacs, because this week we're going back to Italy with 1987's Stagefright! In this episode we'll decipher some metaphors, talk about the origin of Arthur memes, and try to figure out if Gregg is indeed a sociopath.
May 9, 2018
This is no ordinary nightmare, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the 1988 flick Bad Dreams! This movie boasts an impressive cast and an uncanny resemblance to Dream Warriors. We'll talk about crappy punk bands covering Frank Sinatra, the "I've Been Terminated Box Of Stuff", and what Dean Cameron listened to on the way to his audition for the role of Ralph.
May 2, 2018
Grab a bottle of Viper, steal some raw chicken and join us this week as we analyze the 1987 cult film Street Trash! It's pretty sleazy but it's got some redeeming qualities to it. In this episode we talk about Rick Rubin doppelgangers, not-so-useful ways to fight constipation, and using Tommy Wiseau's pants to shoplift.
Apr 25, 2018
It's not your-gento or my-gento... this week, it's Argento! That's right, maniacs, this is our first foray into the works of Italian horror master Dario Argento with his 1989 mindfreak The Church. We discuss our hot takes on Archie comics, confusing stoners for demons, and Nine Inch Nails' infamous performance at Woodstock 1994.
Apr 18, 2018
Listen in awe and you'll hear him, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1985 Stephen King-penned werewolf flick Silver Bullet starring Corey Haim and Gary Busey. Topics include panty hose displays, crazy stories about Lawrence Tierney, and quite possibly the greatest extra in cinematic history.
Apr 11, 2018
We have such sights to show you, maniacs! This week we're talking about the Clive Barker project Hellraiser from 1987. Topics include 1987 fashion being very in vogue in 2018, Ben's hot take on crying babies, and our fake gore metal band Skinless Dangle. We also unbox one of the VHS copies of Ben's new movie Slaughter Drive, available now from SRS Cinema!
Apr 4, 2018
Rev up those fryers, maniacs! This week we're tackling the crappy craptastic crapfest that is 1983's Microwave Massacre. When we're not dumping on this flick, we manage to talk about Tiny Toons gags, Snoopy t-shirts and stories of Black Flag's eating habits.
Mar 28, 2018
We're finally in remake territory, maniacs! This week we're chatting about the 1988 revamp of The Blob with Kevin Dillon and Shawnee Smith. We talk about generic sandwiches, Pizza Hut cups, and the time Merle Haggard put a music producer in his place.
Mar 21, 2018
Welcome to our nightmare, maniacs! This week we're tackling the Alice Cooper & Claudio Fragasso vessel Monster Dog from 1984. Cooper plays Vincent Raven, a rock star filming a video in his old hometown during an epidemic of gruesome maulings by a local werewolf. Topics include accidentally urinating on toilet seat covers, local metal band Ashes To Ashes and the unintentional parallels between Monster Dog and the works of Chevy Chase.
Mar 14, 2018
Gather 'round for a family picture, maniacs, because this week we're talking about 1987's The Stepfather! Join us as we chat about the faux pas of mailing insecure envelopes, Christian pop-punk, and Gregg's inability to pick successful television shows.
Mar 7, 2018
The circus is in town, maniacs! This week we ride the wacky rollercoaster that is 1988's Killer Klowns From Outer Space with our bud Lance Parkin from the Life & Movies podcast. We talk about ice cream truck products, winning framed Ratt mirrors at the fun fair, and have more than a few chuckles at Mike Tobacco's ridiculous name.
Feb 28, 2018
The snow is falling, so let's hit the slopes! This week we're talking about the 1988 ski slasher Iced. A group of friends are terrorized at a resort by a skiing serial killer after a fatal accident four years prior. Topics include tiny male ponytails, why skiing with a flare is a bad idea, "Baby On Board" signs, and Ben's cosmic connection to lead actor Doug Stevenson.
Feb 21, 2018
We've got a sleazy one this week, maniacs. We're talking Eyes Of A Stranger from 1981. A news anchor tracks down a serial killer living in her neighborhood as she tries to protect her blind and mute sister from his wrath. Join us as we work on our Charles Bronson impressions and talk about cardigans, phone booths and prank calls.
Feb 14, 2018
Roses are red, violets are blue, Harry Warden is coming for you! To celebrate Valentine's Day today, this week we're talking about the 1981 Canadian slasher My Bloody Valentine! Topics include regional dialects, the geographical definition of a bluff, and the great hot dog debate: boiled or grilled?
Feb 7, 2018
Straight talk only on this podcast, maniacs! This week we're tackling our first Freddy flick, A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. You know it, you love it, you headbang to its theme by Dokken. Topics include Tool music videos, The Simpsons and the illustrious return of hitting a lock with a blunt object to open it.
Jan 31, 2018
Live from Pluton, we're talking about the 1986 sci-fi comedy TerrorVision! This movie rules and we had a lot of fun watching it. Topics include Mary Woronov's acting versatility, The Real Ghostbusters and which Bill And Ted movie is the superior flick.
Jan 24, 2018
This week we're taking a trip back in time with the 1986 supernatural movie Gothic! We follow Mary Shelley on one bizarre night in 1816 as she hatches the idea for her novel Frankenstein. While discussing the pure weirdness of this Ken Russell flick, we also talk about unintentional Gwar cameos, doorknob mirkins, and Nickelodeon's Inside Out Boy.
Jan 17, 2018
Rise from your graves, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1985 cult classic Re-Animator! This marks the second time Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton have shown up here and we could not be more stoked. Topics discussed include the Simpsons episode "Homer Goes To College", the horrible treatment of the mentally ill in the 80's, and this movie's obvious Little Rascals influence.
Jan 10, 2018
There's a man with no life in his eyes, and that man is Jason Voorhees! This week we're tackling the first in this robust franchise, Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning! We talk at great length about such topics as futuristic grave robbers, tense music in not-so-tense moments, and accidental impressions of Dave Chappelle doing a Rick James impression. We also shit all over the MPAA, Ben freaks out over Tom Morga's resume, and we ask the important question: does Jason Voorhees poop?
Jan 3, 2018
Time for a supermarket stab-a-thon! This week we're talking about the 1989 slasher flick Intruder with our bud Ryan, one of Ben's film partners in BPO Films. After hours, a night crew at a supermarket are picked off one by one in grisly fashion by a mysterious killer. Topics include the merit of high-waisted pants, cassingles (look em up, youngsters), and wheat germ being the true hero of this movie. We also talk about the ridiculously inaccurate packaging from the Wizard Video DVD release of Intruder!
Dec 27, 2017
Grab some fish and chips and a spot of tea because this week we're talking about the British paranormal horror flick Bloody New Year from 1987! A group of friends stumble upon a deserted island hotel, only to be tormented by the spirits trapped within. We'll chat about synchronized weapon wielding, using context clues to figure out British slang, and being terrorized by canned laughter in the woods.
Dec 20, 2017
Happy Holidays, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1980 Christmas slasher To All A Goodnight. After a hazing ritual gone wrong at a girls' school two years prior, a killer dresses as Santa Claus to get revenge on the current students. We'll talk about obvious red herrings, more creepy harbingers named Ralph, and nerds turning into Casanovas!
Dec 15, 2017
Hey maniacs, we're finally on Google Play and Stitcher! So if you're no slave to the ghost of Steve Jobs, you can finally take us on the go. Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/neon-brainiacs?refid=stpr Player.FM: https://player.fm/series/neon-brainiacs Thanks to everyone for checking out the show, tune in this Wednesday for To All A Goodnight!
Dec 13, 2017
"Attention, shoppers! The mall will be closing in five minutes for a bloodbath!" This week we're getting into the holiday shopping spirit by talking 1986's Chopping Mall. We'll discuss filthy pizza joints, a fear of technology versus a fear of lightning, and the insane amount of connections to huge horror franchises contained within.
Dec 6, 2017
Hey maniacs, we've finally got our first guest episode! This week we're joined by Allen from the fantastic podcasts Werewolf Ambulance and Marveling At Marvel's Marvels to talk about Nomads from 1986. This very confusing movie follows a nomadic tribe of demons, a French anthropologist and the doctor who witnessed his last moments alive. We'll chat about LA punk landmarks, the Nuge, and director John McTiernan's complete lack at understanding women.
Nov 29, 2017
It took 12 episodes but we're finally tapping a film from the Troma trough! This week we're dissecting the 1988 flick Death By Dialogue, in which a group of teens visiting an isolated house find a haunted movie script that starts to pick them off one by one. In between fits of us butchering character names, we discuss bad Geddy Lee impressions, volleyball montages, and an anecdote about Ken Sagoes' bird books.
Nov 22, 2017
What's that smell? Did someone burn the turkey? Nope, it's the steaming pile of Home Sweet Home from 1981! Body By Jake plays a PCP-fueled serial killer terrorizing a large family's ranch on Thanksgiving Day. Pass the stuffing and we'll talk about making Squidward noises in bed, Gregg's aversion to needle-based body horror, and this family's weird obsession with peas.
Nov 15, 2017
Excelsior, maniacs! This week we're jumping into the pages of the comic book-themed creature feature Cellar Dweller from 1988. A secluded art school is ravaged by a demon who comes to life in the real world via one comic artist's illustrations. Issues in this issue include hitting a lock with a blunt object to open it, 80s cleaning montages, and the Schmecronomicon (not to be confused with the Necronomicon).
Nov 8, 2017
Hide And Seek is the name of the game this week as we discuss 1989's weird horror/thriller Hider In The House! The prolific Gary Busey plays a recently discharged mental patient who shacks up in an unsuspecting family's attic. We'll discuss the oeuvre of Mimi Rogers, archaic technology, and accidental anti-John Carpenter propaganda.
Nov 1, 2017
Gather 'round, boys and ghouls, the Creep has some stories to share with us! Creepshow 2 is our movie this week and our first Stephen King project we're tackling. Topics include aspects of this film that definitely do not hold up in 2017, keeping your porno in the fridge, and the magic of car phones.
Oct 25, 2017
The clock is ticking! Join us for episode 7 where we talk through stuffy noses about the Myers-less Halloween III: Season Of The Witch! While it failed to launch the Halloween series as an anthology, it succeeded in warming our hearts. Topics breached include 80s Halloween costumes, the artistic merit of The Real Ghostbusters, and the persuasive powers of Tom Atkins' mustache.
Oct 18, 2017
Practice those wedding vows and lock your doors, because this week we're talking about He Knows You're Alone! A crazed killer stalks and murders brides-to-be before their big day, and he's got Amy Jensen in his sights. We'll gab about the music of Sesame Street, jogging with your hair down, badass amusement park rides, and the big screen debut of Tom Hanks!
Oct 11, 2017
Well, we picked a really bad week to review a movie with Harvey Weinstein's name on it. What a piece of trash. Anyway, make some smores and join us around the campfire because we're talking about The Burning from 1981. After a prank goes wrong, a horribly burned camp caretaker exacts his revenge on anyone in his way, which includes Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, Ned Eisenberg and Holly Hunter. We'll talk about bad John Travolta impressions, dancing pecs, and the unmatched technical prowess of Tom Savini.
Oct 4, 2017
Deep from outer space comes episode 4! Join us as we take a bite out of Critters 2: The Main Course. We'll discuss the cultural relevance of Madballs, using woods porn as currency, and the eternal argument of Van Halen vs. Van Hagar.
Sep 27, 2017
Join us as we dive into episode 3 and chat about 1987's The Gate! Stephen Dorff, in his film debut, accidentally summons demons in his backyard with the help of his metalhead friend Terry. We talk about weird family hobbies, cute lil' demons, and wearing two flannels at the same time.
Sep 20, 2017
Episode 2 is upon us and for this one we talk about the sci-fi/action/horror mash-up The Hidden. Kyle Maclachlan plays an FBI agent trying to track down a mysterious alien parasite possessing various people around Los Angeles to go on murderous crime sprees. We talk about fast cars and loud jams, various links between this movie and the Nightmare On Elm Street series, and the origin of the term "deadass".
Sep 13, 2017
Episode 1! For the premiere of Neon Brainiacs, we tackled Blood Rage (aka Slasher, aka Nightmare At Shadow Woods). This wacky slasher follows twins Terry and Todd after Terry commits murder at a local drive-in and frames Todd. Ten years later, Todd escapes to set the record straight. We'll talk about chipped ham, straight edge revenge and buying condoms from Ted Raimi in a public restroom.