Dead Ringers

11/01/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 31 - THE BEYOND. This Lucio Fulci film is a bit fractured story-wise but it exists on a level of pure atmosphere, descending into a bizarre nightmare. There is some truly beautiful imagery and some creative schlocky gore. If you are okay with a slow-paced affair, you may enjoy this journey into hell! Find THE BEYOND on Blu-ray & streaming on Peacock!

💀🎃💀

10/29/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 29 - BONES AND ALL. The horror genre is a versatile one and this film from Luca Guadagnino flexes the genres’ dramatic chops, telling a mesmerizing tale about growing up and self-discovery through the lens of cannibals. It’s very well acted, with Taylor Russell being the standout performance here, and features a score from Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. BONES AND ALL can be found on Blu-ray and streaming on Amazon Prime!

💀🎃💀

10/28/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 28 - FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S. Does this movie adaptation live up to the creepiness of the original games? No, not really. It doesn’t ever get into the realm of unsettling or terrifying, but it’s still a decent, albeit flawed, watch with a cast that is enjoyable. See it in theaters now or stream it on Peacock!

💀🎃💀

10/28/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 26 - MY BEST FRIEND IS A VAMPIRE. Today I’m letting my main squeeze Mandy do a guest pick today and she chose this ‘80s vampire comedy. She describes it a John Hughes movie for the horror crowd. Quirky friends experience the outrageous situation of a friend becoming immortal and it’s bloodsuckingly fun! Find it on Vestron Video Blu-ray and for rent on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/26/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 26 - GHOULIES. The poster for this flick is pretty iconic. The image of a little green creature popping out of the toilet has always stuck with me since seeing it on shelves in the old Blockbuster Video days. While the movie (sadly) doesn’t delve into any creature-in-toilet-looking-for-buttcheeks shenanigans, it is a weird kind of nonsensical movie that has some cheesy acting, fun effects and a silly charm that makes for an enjoyable watch. I viewed this on the new MVD Visual 4K release and wow, it looks REALLY good. GHOULIES is available on 4K/Blu-ray and for rent on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/25/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 25 - THE MIST. This is easily one of my favorite adaptations of a Stephen King story put to film. It’s a perfect microcosm, examining how fear can break down our society and is eerily representative of today’s culture. I watched the director’s cut (aka the black & white version) as it helps lend a lot more atmosphere and gravitas to the tale, which ends in one of the darkest tragic endings in a movie. It’s a super interesting watch. THE MIST is available on 4K/ Blu-ray, on Peacock, and for rent on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/25/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 24 - TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE. Featuring tales inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Steven King, this three-tale anthology doesn’t have a bad story in the bunch! The final segment, about a gargoyle come to life, is definitely my favorite though. It also has a lot of recognizable talent in front of and behind the camera, from George Romero to Steve Buscemi. TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE is available on Scream Factory Blu-ray and to rent on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/23/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 23 - FROSTBITER: WRATH OF THE WENDIGO. This movie may not have had much of a budget but the filmmakers didn’t let that lessen their ambition! The effects are all handmade and so much fun, often giving this lo-fi film an increased scope. Puppets, miniatures and stop-motion are all creatively employed here as the Michigan-based crew very much play in the EVIL DEAD sandbox. Its flaws lie in the, at times, abrasive Troma-style caricatures and weird music choices. Though there are at least two songs about chili in the movie that are pretty funny to hear. This is definitely a little gem of unknown horror cinema ripe for discovery. FROSTBITER (also known as WENDIGO) is available on Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray and to rent on Amazon Prime.

💀🎃💀

10/22/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 22 - SCREAM FOR HELP! From DEATH WISH director Michael Winner and writer Tom Holland (FRIGHT NIGHT) comes this B-movie about a young girl who suspects her stepdad is trying to kill her mom and will stop at nothing to expose him! This schlocky flick is the perfect party movie as you’ll no doubt have fun cackling at the bizarre choices the characters make, especially the main protagonist who is hilariously tenacious in her quest to find proof. I loved it! SCREAM FOR HELP is available on Blu-ray and available to rent on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/21/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 21 - HOST! If you are in need of a quick horror movie that still delivers the goods, this comes highly recommended! At a brisk 57 minutes, HOST is an efficient screen-life scarefest that is genuinely creepy and made me jump more than once. Watch with the lights turned off! HOST is available on Blu-ray and streaming on Shudder.

💀🎃💀

10/20/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 20 - THE BEING! From BLOOD DINER director Jackie Kong, this creature feature plays it fairly straight in regards to its B-grade monster movie roots. It has its charms, even if it ultimately is hesitant to show the creature for most of its runtime. I had a fun time watching it but set your expectations below the zaniness of BLOOD DINER. THE BEING is available on Blu-ray and streaming on Amazon Prime.

💀🎃💀

10/19/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 19 - OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN! Do you have a fear of rats? Well then I’ve got the movie for you! 🐀💀 This movie features Peter Weller vs a very conniving and pissed-off rat as the two duke it out for ultimate domination! There’s some silliness abound in the concept of this flick but don’t let it fool you, there’s some genuine thrills and creep factor afoot too! I had a good time with this one. OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN is available on Scream Factory Blu-ray and for rental on VOD.

💀🎃💀

10/18/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 18 - THE WICKER MAN! Considered to be one of the Unholy Trinity of films that birthed the folk horror genre and arguably the most well known of its kind. This provocative story has diegetic musical moments intertwined with a winding mystery that resolves itself in a horrifying manner. It’s taken a few watches to really allow this one to sink its teeth into me me admittedly, but on this viewing, I thoroughly enjoyed the eccentricity of the movie and its implications on puritanism and some of the hypocritical nature of a chosen religion. THE WICKER MAN is available on 4K/Blu-ray disc and streaming on Amazon Prime.

💀🎃💀

10/17/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 17 - POLTERGEIST! This movie is ‘80s horror perfection! When it’s not indulging in (amazing) spectral effects goodness, it’s spending time with the Freelings as they cope with what’s happening around them. The quieter moments of the film are where we see their personalities and bonds shine through, making for an endearing experience as the events unfold. Pair all that with Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score, and you’re in for a good time! POLTERGEIST is available on 4K/Blu-ray disc and streaming on Max.

💀🎃💀

10/16/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 16 - APPENDAGE! If the Babadook and Frank Henenlotter had a baby, it’d be this movie. This weird little flick does some solid work in manifesting mental illness (mostly anxiety and depression) into a monstrous creature intent on taking down the person it’s sunk its teeth into. What the main character feels is relatable and even visceral at times. The film has some flaws but it works where it counts and it’s not afraid to take a chance or two. APPENDAGE is available to stream on Hulu.

💀🎃💀

10/16/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 15 - SLUGS! This movie is bonkers and I love it! It’s full of characters with weird logic choices as they go up against killer carnivorous slugs! These tiny slimey creatures are shown as moving quite slow and yet they always manage to get the upper hand and their voracious appetites for human flesh result in many a moment of fun, gorey special effects! SLUGS is available on Blu-ray from Arrow Video and streaming on Tubi.

💀🎃💀

10/14/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 14 - THE HALLOWEEN TREE! From writer/narrator Ray Bradbury and producer David Kirschner, this 1993 animated Halloween tale follows kids on an adventure that traverses time to explore facets of the holiday’s history and its thematics of life and death as they try to save their dying friend. It features the voice of Leonard Nimoy as Moundshroud, the kids’ mysterious guide on their journey through the history of Halloween. I never knew of this film’s existence until very recently, thanks to our very own Paul Farrell, and it’s something I imagine that, had I been aware of it, it would likely have been a staple in my seasonal watches growing up. It’s an excellent film, lush with imagery and heart, that the whole family can watch to celebrate the traditions of the holiday, and maybe make your own Halloween tradition in the process. THE HALLOWEEN TREE is available on VOD for rent or purchase!

💀🎃💀

10/13/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 13 - FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES! It’s Friday October 13th, how could I not indulge in some Jason Voorhees mayhem?! My personal favorite of the series is PART IV: THE FINAL CHAPTER, however, I wanted to watch one that I hadn’t seen in a long while so I went with this commonly-touted franchise favorite. Plus I do like the zombified Jason look too. FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES is available on Blu-ray and streaming on Max!

💀🎃💀

10/12/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 12 - LET THE WRONG ONE IN! This Irish vampire comedy hails from Conor McMahon who brought us the hilarious supernatural-clown-slasher, STITCHES! McMahon intertwines a family drama with a more prominent comedic sensibility to great effect. The special effects in the movie are super fun, with plenty of blood-squirting in the mix and some truly delightful low-budget effects. For BUFFY fans, the movie also features Anthony (Stewart) Head in a Van Helsing-esque role. It’s probably a good idea to watch this one with subtitles on as the accents can be a bit thick and some of the vernacular is regional but if you are looking for a new vampire comedy to sink your teeth into, I recommend this one! LET THE WRONG ONE IN is available on VOD and streaming on Amazon Prime!

💀🎃💀

10/11/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 11 - BODY BAGS! This made-for-TV anthology film, featuring two tales directed by John Carpenter and a third by Tobe Hooper, doesn’t pull its punches thanks to Showtime footing the bill. Carpenter also steps in front of the camera to play a quirky undead host a la TALES FROM THE CRYPT. Not only is this a really fun watch but horror movie nerds will be delighted by appearances from Wes Craven, Sam Raimi, David Naughton, Roger Corman, and more! BODY BAGS is available on Blu-ray from Scream Factory and is streaming on Amazon Prime!

💀🎃💀

10/11/2023

[OFF-TOPIC] FANTASTIC FEST 2023 - (FIRST HALF feat. THE TOXIC AVENGER, WHEN EVIL LURKS, V/H/S/85, STOPMOTION, KILL, RIVER. On this episode, Nolan is joined by Ben McBride, Paul Farrell, and Emily von Seele to discuss the movies they saw during the first half of Fantastic Fest 2023.

Find more episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and more! Or listen to us on our website (link in bio)!

📼

On this Off-Topic episode, Nolan is joined by Ben McBride, Paul Farrell, and Emily von Seele to discuss the movies they saw during the first half of Fantastic Fest 2023.

10/10/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 10 - HELL HOUSE LLC! This is a found footage film that I have heard a lot about over the years that I just haven’t watched.. until now! It has some of the trappings of a low-budget found footage film (chaotic and murky camerawork, characters with dialogue that feels dramatically exaggerated) but it does excel in creep factor. This is a good one to turn off all the lights, sit in the dark and get scared as hell! HELL HOUSE LLC is streaming on !

💀🎃💀

10/09/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 9 - PHENOMENA! The Dario Argento film starring a young Jennifer Connelly that has 3 different versions and two titles (in the U.S. it was released as CREEPERS). I watched the original Italian cut (115 mins) and the International cut (110 mins), finding my preferred version to be the 110-min International version. So that would be the cut I recommend you seek out if you have the option. I didn’t bother with the CREEPERS cut as it edits out nearly 30 mins of the movie and I’ve heard it makes the movie more confusing. Now that we have that out of the way, I can say that I enjoyed the weirdness of PHENOMENA. Its pacing can run a little slow at times and some of the needle-drop music choices don’t quite fit in my opinion, though I did like the score. Plus we have Donald Pleasance in a small role as an entomologist with his caretaker chimpanzee, Inga. And once the movie reaches its (FRIDAY THE 13TH inspired?) conclusion, I was pleased to see it all play out. It’s not Argento’s best effort (cough..DEEP RED.. cough) but it’s a worthy watch! PHENOMENA is available on 4K/blu-ray from and streaming on !

💀🎃💀

10/08/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 8 - THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER! Much like with the HALLOWEEN franchise, David Gordon Green and company have decided to put their stamp on another horror franchise with this direct sequel to the original film. I think BELIEVER is a solid enough movie to warrant a watch but it does bring into question why they are making it a part of THE EXORCIST franchise. There’s some loosely connected threads, some original characters mentioned or appearing in the film but if you remove those few (arguably unnecessary) elements, this is just an another possession movie. Albeit, one with a pretty decent emotional through-line and thematics about surviving trauma and how we as humans are very capable of that. The possession elements feel pretty tame compared to the original film and BELIEVER feels a bit like the first act of a three-part story. So if this film is actually providing buildup to what comes next in this new trilogy, seeing the overall intent may boost this one once we see the complete story. But as a standalone, it feels it falls just a little short. THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER is currently in theaters!

💀🎃💀

10/08/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 7 - END OF DAYS! Arnold Schwarzenegger vs the Devil.. the ultimate matchup! Look, I’m going to be honest here.. this might be my favorite Arnold movie OF ALL TIME. I completely understand if you don’t agree with me but this is a $100 million dollar horror movie masquerading as an Arnold action vehicle. You get the big explosions, questionable CGI, a hard-edged Arnold telling the devil he’s a choir boy, and it’s just seeping with a fun aesthetic. I have a blast every time I watch it! END OF DAYS is available on Blu-ray and streaming on Tubi.

💀🎃💀

10/06/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 6 - TOWER OF TERROR! Steve Guttenberg and a teenage Kristen Dunst confront some ghosts in this TV-movie adaptation of the famous Disney theme park attraction. I wasn’t aware of the film’s existence until our very own Paul Farrell told me about it and realized this lesser known family-friendly affair may make for a good Halloween recommendation, even if it’s not as readily accessible. So if you’re looking for an all-ages horror film, a la something in the vein of GOOSEBUMPS or HALLOWEENTOWN, this would be a fun one to introduce some future horror aficionados to! TOWER OF TERROR is currently only available on DVD (though if you do a search on YouTube, you can find it there too).

💀🎃💀

10/05/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 5 - IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS! This Lovecraftian tale from John Carpenter breaks down the walls of reality as the investigation of a missing author (a Stephen-King stand-in) leads to madness and monsters! It posits the question.. is the difference between sanity and insanity only an accepted point of view? The movie features a fun performance from Sam Neill and some monstrous creature design from KNB EFX. I liked seeing Carpenter play around here with breaking the fourth wall and providing some fantastical visuals. An easy recommendation if you like some cosmic horror!IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS is available on Blu-ray from and streaming on Tubi.

💀🎃💀

10/05/2023

OFF-TOPIC EPISODE] SAWCAST: THE SAW FRANCHISE. Nolan is joined by Ben McBride, and Paul Farrell — as well as special guest Jason “Jinx” Jenkins from Scream Addicts and — to discuss their admiration for the SAW franchise, its endearingly convoluted plot, and all of the best death traps.

Find more episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and more! Or listen to us on our website (link in bio)!

📼

Nolan is joined by Ben McBride, and Paul Farrell — as well as special guest Jason “Jinx” Jenkins from Scream Addicts and Bloody Disgusting — to discuss their admiration for the Saw fran…

10/04/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 4 - HALLOWEEN H20: TWENTY YEARS LATER! Sometimes you just need a little Michael Myers in your seasonal movie watching so I opted to go with a little late 90s/Dimension-Films-era fun. This is an entertaining and breezy slasher, even if the Myers mask is a little wonky here. But when Jamie Lee screams “Michael!” while holding an axe… you know it’s on! H20 is available on 4K/blu-ray from and streaming on AMC+.

💀🎃💀

10/03/2023

[31 DAYS OF HORROR] DAY 3 - DARK TOWER! Starring Michael Moriarity and Jenny Agutter, this supernatural tale from 1987 could be described as THE LIFT meets a (long) TALES TROM THE CRYPT episode. Horror aficionados may find some fun with its silly seriousness and the element of an evil elevator, but most will likely find this one to be a bit bone dry in entertainment value. The finale of the movie was enjoyable enough for me that I ended up viewing this film favorably, though just barely. But that’s a part of the fun of my annual October horror movie adventures, I get to dive into the good, the bad, and the just-okay films of the genre. It’s all about the discovery for me! DARK TOWER is available on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome and is streaming on Tubi.

💀🎃💀