Episode 50 - The Psycho Franchise Afterthoughts

A notable occasion like our 50^th episode called for a big-time topic like the Psycho franchise and all of its legacy and clout. Well the first installment that is. But in reality the franchise by and large is a fairly strong one throughout. Most likely, fans have will continue to summarily dismiss the idea of sequels to a classic like Psycho. The sequel to The Birds certainly didn’t help the cause in years after for people potentially interested in exploring the idea.  HOWEVER, as we discussed on the episode, these should not be skipped.

No, they certainly are not great films, but for what the task at hand was they exceeded most expectations. They explore a richer story before and after what we know in the classic original. They handle it with kid gloves for the most part in all 3 of the original sequels. With a stylized approach and interest in really furthering the story and its characters; these sequels deliver in a very fulfilling way. On the show we disagreed on favorites and their strength in comparison to others, but that’s ultimately semantics. All three are worth watching and if even just one of you listeners watches them now because of the vote of confidence then I will consider our show a success!

Fifty episodes adds up to be quite a few to look back on and I can only hope we continue on just as far, or farther. I have the best time watching some of these flicks and talking about them to share with you. It is a fun regimented way to blossom my hobby and lifelong love affair with horror cinema. To the many of you who have joined us on our experience thus far, we thank you. Your support in varying fashion means so much to us. Heres to fifty more! Until next time…

Beware the moon

The Professor

(Am I tenured at 50?)

Episode 50 - The Psycho Franchise

We've survived all the way up to 50 episodes! We are excited to mark this small milestone by discussing the wildly popular and seminal original film Psycho, along with it's legacy and the franchise that it spawned. We hope you enjoy the show and remember that if some of our thoughts make you lose your mind, its okay....

we all go a little mad sometimes..

Episode 50 - The Psycho Franchise by Midwestmonsterspodcast on Mixcloud

Episode 49 - The Monster Mash VIII Afterthoughts

As we approach our 50^th episode it has been unbelievably refreshing to have three interesting and more importantly, new films to talk about. Horror has been through some real ups and downs so far in this young century. In this author’s humble opinion its been far more lows than highs thus far. In an age of rehashed new visions of classics (a fancy way of saying remake), regurgitated American versions of stand out foreign horror films, and mindless “torture porn”; it is a rare occasion where we have the chance to look at three new interesting films. 

Now to say that these are truly original ideas would be foolish, but as we are getting into a hundred years of motion pictures, you can only create a new plot so often. Whether you view these as rip-offs or just fresh, they are still worth talking about. The Babadook is the winner of the three because it managed to accomplish a rare feat in the horror genre by finding depth and poignancy while scaring you. It is a richly made film full of meaning and stylization. Wolfcop has been made before in a sense with Teen Wolf and it has its influences but it does its job well. The same can be said for Starry Eyes (although I was mainly the only supporter of this film) as it Rosemary’s Baby thrown on its head in Los Angeles. These films were all made well and worth the price of admission. They cover very different genre tropes and dig into very different topics raning from the absurd to the utmost of serious human frailty. 

They are modern horror. 

Films that caught their own wildfire without huge releases as the industry and fans continue to adapt to the film-going experience in 2015. I hope that this is the sign of the future. With films like It Follows recently coming out and some that are on the horizon, horror seems to be headed in a good direction again. 

Well for the moment at least… Until next time

Beware the moon

The Professor

Episode 49 - The Monster Mash VIII

Lend us your ears as we explore three films that caused a stir last year along the festival circuit and within the genre community. Wolfcop, Starry Eyes, and The Babadook all bring different elements worth seeing and ultimately for us, discussing. These films have recently been available on Netflix so check em out before you listen! We hope you enjoy friends!

Episode 49 - The Monster Mash VIII by Midwestmonsterspodcast on Mixcloud