The Video Verdict

#58 Chosen Survivors

This week we talk about the 1974 sci-fi/horror/disaster mash-up Chosen Survivors, an obscure film about nuclear holocaust, government cover-ups, and… killer bats! 

#57 Fright Night

After being laid to rest for several years, the vampire movie got a boost of 80s-infused energy with Fright Night, a stylish homage to the gothic (and sexy) vamp flicks of yesteryear. Written and directed by veteran horror screenwriter Tom Holland (Psycho II, Child’s Play), Fright Night abandons the old world setting of Dracula and Orlock for modern suburbia, and created a new breed of vampire film that laid the groundwork for The Lost Boys.  

#56 Little Shop of Horrors

In this episode we discuss how a micro budgeted Roger Corman horror comedy from 1960 transformed into a popular Off-Broadway musical, which bloomed into an Oscar-nominated Hollywood movie in 1986.

#55 Demons

A group of strangers become trapped in a movie theater as a demonic curse escapes from the screen and infects the audience, turning them—one by one—into bloodthirsty, possessed maniacs. Taking the Evil Dead premise to spectacular new heights, this cult favorite, produced by Dario Argento and directed by Lamberto Bava, is a high-energy, supernatural thrill-fest and a testament to the longevity of VHS-era horror. “It’s only a movie…” Until it isn’t. 

#54 Bad Ronald

After a teenage boy commits murder, his mother hides him inside the walls of their home. And he's still there when a new family moves in… This made-for-TV thriller, based on a novel by Jack Vance, has—since its original 1974 broadcast— become a cult classic and an unforgettable touchstone for viewers of a certain age. But how “bad” is Ronald, really? And how does it compare to its sinister source material? Find out in this week’s episode!

#53 Exists

The found footage subgenre has visited the legend of Bigfoot on several occasions—with mixed results— but this to-the-point 2014 thriller delivers legitimate frights under the helm of The Blair Witch Project’s co-director, Eduardo Sánchez.

#52 Creature from the Black Lagoon

The Gillman might not be as memorable as some of Universal Monsters past, but 1954’s Creature from the Black Lagoon remains a staple of quintessential ‘50s sci-fi/horror.

#51 Misery

Kathy Bates created a star-making role with her performance as homicidal Annie Wilkes in this superlative adaptation of the King novel. 35 years later—and a Best Actress Oscar— and Misery is still considered a classic of modern psychological horror. 

#50 Perfect Movies

This week, we celebrate our 50th episode by discussing what each of us considers to be flawless films. We might not always agree, but our genre-mixed roundup has at least one movie in common. Listen to this special episode and find out what classic film gets an A+ verdict from both of us!

#49 Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

Jason Voorhees meets his match in the form of a 12-year-old boy in what was supposedly the last hoorah for the masked madman. Eight sequels later and The Final Chapter is still considered a fan favorite, and for good reason. We go back down the Crystal Lake path and discuss in nerdy detail what makes Part 4 such a classic example of early 80s slasher perfection.