Episode 41 - Adam Green

One of our longest episodes thus far because it is two shows combined! So much quickly evolved with Mr. Green's career and our fandom almost immediately after we recorded the first one  in the summer of 2013. So we tucked it away and let things grow before revisiting it, resulting in our now longest running show. We certainly think Adam was worth it. We hope you will too.

Episode 41 - Adam Green by Midwestmonsterspodcast on Mixcloud

Episode 40 - Horror Comedy Afterthoughts

Something must get into the air when Vinny sits in with us because the two times he has appeared I have been utterly shocked with opinions voiced. Not that these opinions are of any less merit than my own, they just surprise me. If you recall the Werewolf episode, Vinny sat in with us. During this episode we learned that I was the only one of four at the microphones that truly liked The Howling. I still have not recovered. Well it happened again, as I am sure you know from listening. The Grizz just does not get much from Young Frankenstein. Oh man, I better move along because I am getting dizzy thinking about this all over again.

Horror-comedy.

 An interesting marriage of film genres that have more in common than we sometimes realize.. Gallows humor is largely the reason for making these films so great. By laughing in the face of something upsetting, stressful, or flat out scary we in turn as viewers become engaged in the film. Additionally this process makes us at times, attached to the funny characters in a horror film (although the guy in Friday the 13^th Part 3 is an exception. I think we all wanted to see him go first, but I digress).My point is that by laughing a little it gives the viewer a chance to breath and absorb the intensity of many dark storylines. Something like An American Werewolf in London works so well because it entertains in a big way. It never goes too far into the laughs but it never turns away from the gruesome dark nature of its story.

The key to the magic is in the balancing act. Let me apologize in advance to Vinny and other Nightmare fans. Personally,as a viewer and fan, the Nightmare on Elm series was done after part 3. The two sequels already were dabbling more into the humor than the

horror and by 4 and beyond it was just a waste of a terrifying concept/character. I know many will vehemently disagree with me on this, but it is how I see them. Even as a youth I would quickly loose interest in a Freddy flick because there were too many distractions from the fear because of endless lowbrow puns. That balance was unfortunately too uneven for me to be taken seriously. Some of the most revered horror comedy films are quite aware of their identity and that is half the battle. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein or Young Frankenstein certainly are more grounded in comedy and never try to actually be very scary. Shaun of the Dead stays right in the middle of the legit zombie films and British humor. It is why these films are great. Tell us what you think of Comedy-Horror films! Favorites?  Worst ones? DO you enjoy them in general?

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Vinny and Brian for joining us. We had a wonderful time with them and hope you as listeners that you did also.

Be sure to check out their work at: https://www.facebook.com/freakhouseflicks

Until next time

Beware of the moon

The Professor

 

Episode 40 - Horror Comedy with special guests Brian Blair and Vinny Landfert

A new year is upon us and so is a new Midwest Monsters episode! This time we tackle the topic of horror comedy. A round-table discussion on the marriage of these two genres and some of the highlights of horror-comedy that have been put forth over the years. We are glad to have you with us as we rip into 2015! We hope you enjoy.

Episode 40 - Horror Comedy (w/ special guests Brian Blair and Vinny Landfert) by Midwestmonsterspodcast on Mixcloud

Episode 39 - A Very Merry Midwest Monster Christmas Afterthoughts

FACT: I love Christmas. Always have and always will.

This season is obviously different for many and for me it is not so much a religious time, but rather a frame of mind. You are aware of yourself and trying to be in general a little better. Blend this with finding yourself reminiscent of past holidays and you cannot help being a little swept up in the wonder of it all, even if you will never admit it.

It is the one time of year that I slow down on my diet of steady horror.

I stress the word SLOW because my horror intake doesn’t halt! We had the pleasure of covering 5 movies for this episode and to be perfectly honest my holiday horrors do not go much further than what we covered in this episode, but nonetheless it was fun to cover them. Especially Black Christmas, which remains one of my all-time favorite horror films in general and not from just a seasonal standpoint.

I just deleted words written on our personal experiences relative to this episode, because it just doesn’t seem appropriate. This is a happy hobby and a union of fans who find happiness in the macabre and each other’s company.

So I will just leave it at this.

It has not been the easiest year, but I am glad we are still here doing this and that you have joined us in some capacity, large or small. I look forward to that journey continuing.

Happy Holidays,

The Professor 

Episode 39 - A Very Merry Midwest Monster Christmas

Its the holidays, the time to visit with family, friends and of course the Midwest Monsters! Gather round the tree with us as we discuss 5 offerings of Yuletide terror! Just in time before Christmas! Thanks for listening everyone, and Happy Holidays!

Episode 39 - A Very Merry Midwest Monsters Christmas by Midwestmonsterspodcast on Mixcloud

Episode 38 - DOTD Chicago Afterthoughts

No narrative needed, we will just let the pictures tell the story of another fantastic weekend spent with Days of the Dead. Whether you were there or not, we hope you will join us next time!