Food and Frightening Film Fanatics Podcast

The "House" franchise is sometimes considered the weirdest because the 4 movies have nothing to do with each other. Some people will remember the first "House" movie from it's interesting cover art. I'm sure that's why many (including myself) picked it up at the video store back in the day. Most would be hard pressed to remember the other three movies.  A fifth "House" movie is supposedly in the works but I cant' find anything else about it. I am interested to see how the movie will adjusted for a contemporary audience.  And since I had to find something with the word "house" in it, check out the recipe for delicious Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies at verybestbaking.com   Photo Credit: Here

This week I'm reviewing my favorite horror movies of last year. 2023 was known as the year of the "possession" movie. My list includes several possession movies as well as slashers, aliens, folklore, and a Frankenstein adaptation. Do your favorites match mine? Let me know in the comments below.   Photo Credit: Here

This week we're talking about another obscure franchise. It's "Basketcase". There are 3 movies total. The first movie was created on a shoestring budget and was never actually meant to be released to the public. Frank Hinnenlotter just wanted to make a movie. Who could have imagined that it would become a cult classic? The other two film in the series showcase a variety of "unique" people such as Rat Man, Frog Boy, Toothy, etc.  This week's dish was the most popular of 1982 (the year the first "Basketcase" was released). It was introduced at La Cirque in New York City and is now a restaurant staple. .  Photo Credit: Here

This week we're talking about a lesser known franchise-- it's "Poltergeist". There are 3 movies in the trilogy and a remake. The original 1982 movie was written by Steven Spielberg with Tobe Hooper ("Texas Chainsaw Massacre") directing. Despite it's age, the first movie holds up surprisingly well. Sure, tech has improved but the special effects are still fun (and all the corpses popping up are truly creepy). A number of catch phrases from the movie have also entered popular culture. Examples include: "They're here" and "Stay away from the light children". Everyone now knows it's a REALLY bad idea to build anything on top of an old cemetery. Clowns should also not be trusted-- especially those that drag you under your bed and try to strangle you.   And since the poltergeists/ghosts/whatever they are enter our dimension through the TV, I thought it would be fun to look at the origins of the TV dinner. They're still around today-- although we don't call them by that name. Today they're frozen dinners, ready made meals, etc,  I have a few in my freezer right now.  Source: here

This week I review my top 20 list for 2022. It started out as a top 10 list but, thanks to all the great movies this year, I ended up with 20. There was a little something for everyone in 2022-- found footage, slashers, folk horror, Lovecraftian horror, body horror, aliens, psychological horror, vampires, ghosts, demons, werewolves, etc. It's best to go into many of these movies knowing as little as possible. Let me know if your favorites match mine and where they differ.  Photo Credit: Here

This week we're covering a lesser known series. There are 4 movies in the "Pumpkinhead" franchise. Take my advice and stick with just the first one. It's an excellent example of how to make a good movie on a low budget and features the creature designs of Stan Winston. He also directed the first movie.  And if you need ideas on how to dispose of leftover pumpkins, check here  Photo Credit: Here

After an extended absence, I'm back. This week's topic is the "Blair Witch" franchise. Few people know there are actually THREE Blair witch movies plus a number of supporting videos, books, comics, and video games that cover the Blair Witch mythology. The original "Blair Witch" movie is credited as being the first found footage movie. Technically, it was "Cannibal Holocaust"-- but "Blair Witch" was the first commercial success. Back in the pre-Internet days people werent sure if these three kids were really dead or not. Obvs that couldnt happen so easily today... but it was tons of fun back then. Photo Credit: Here

I dare say 95% of the public has not heard of the "Killjoy" franchise. From Charles Band's Full Moon Features, this is bottom of the barrel entertainment. While the series starts out as horror, it switches to horror-comedy by the third movie. The best film in the bunch is the fifth-- "Killjoy's Psycho Circus". Dont expect these movies to make any sense. Just enjoy the over the top performances of Trent Haaga (as Killjoy) and Victoria de Mare (as Betty Boop).  And for the food/drink tie in, Killjoy Drinks provides a wide selection of non alcoholic beverages in every category: wine, beer/ale, liquors, mixes, etc. Check them out at killjoydrinks.com   Photo Credit: Here

This week I cover new additions to previously reviewed franchises. The past year has seen a number of new entries including: Texas Chainsaw MassacreScreamWrong TurnCandyManVHS94Spiral: From The Book Of SawSlumber Party MassacreResident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon CityThe Forever PurgeHalloween KillsThe Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do ItCube- released only in JapanParanormal Activity: Next Of KinAnd WAY too many Amityville Horror movies Photo Credit: Here

The week we're reviewing one of the big 3 of horror. It's Freddie Kruger and "A Nightmare On Elm Street". There are 9 movies and 2 seasons of a TV series. This killer is different from others in that Freddie haunts you in your sleep---- and everybody has to sleep at some point. Over the course of his run, Freddy has developed into a wise cracking trickster. Sure Jason and Michael will kill ya-- but Freddy will talk smack about ya before he does.    And 2 Geeks Who Eat have a "Nightmare" pairing here It, of course, contains lots of caffeine.   Photo Credit: Here

The week we cover the somewhat lesser known "Tremors" franchise. This horror comedy is a throwback to the creature features of the 1950s. There are seven movie and one season of a TV series. Burt Gummer (played by Michael Gross) becomes the franchise's lead character by movie three. He's paranoid gun toting conspiracy theorist who I just love. Be forewarned though-- the movies are a bit redundant. If you want to get a flavor of the franchise, check out the first movie, the third movie and the last movie (Shreiker Island).  And in honor of graboids everywhere, we have a recipe for cool edible worms from AshleeMarie.com here They would be a fun addition at Halloween or horror themed party.    Photo Credit: Here

After viewing some 130+ horror films released in 2021, I FINALLY have my top 10 list. Included are a few honorable mentions as well as movies by country of origin, studio, etc. Let me know if you're favorites match mine.  Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover a lesser known franchise. It's the seven movies of "Wrong Turn". I cant say they are great but if you like inbred hillbilly cannibals, this might be the series for you.  Also we cover a lesser known Appalachian food. It's ramps-- also known as wild leeks, spring onions or by several other names. Check out the link here for recipes that include this pungent and wild growing vegetable.  Photo Credits: https://itsastampede.com/2020/10/23/how-many-wrong-turn-movies-are-there/

This week we cover a lesser known anthology franchise. It's "VHS". There are four films total plus a spinoff. "Siren" is based on "Amateur Night" from the first movie. There's also a series of Snapchat shorts. The great thing about anthologies is if you don't like something, it will be over soon and you're on to something new.  And in honor of "VHS 94", we have the most popular food of that year. It's the Caesar salad. See this 1994 St Louis Dispatch article here for the origins of the dish and the recipe.   Photo Credit:  Here

This week we cove one of the icons of horror-- the chainsaw- wielding Leatherface. The "TCM" franchise is one of the strangest in terms of chronology. There are at least three different timelines with reboots, sequels and prequels. The original 1974 movie is considered a horror masterpiece. It is credited with starting the slasher craze and developed many of the common horror tropes we see today-- the final girl, an isolated location, an unstopable and nonverbal killer, etc. My suggestion is watch the original, the 2003 remake, and one of other films that contains Sheriff Hoyt and family. They are well worth a watch. Also if want something fun, check out the black commedy "TCM 2".  This week we also cover a few dishes popular in Texas. See Tasteofhome.com here for recipes (including many with a Tex Mex inspiration). Photo Credit:  Here

"American Psycho" with Christian Bale as iconic serial killer Patrick Bateman was released in 2000. It's based on a novel by Brett Easton Ellis. Most people are familiar with the movie due to it's over the top violence (which was pared down to get the movie an R rating instead of NC-17). Bateman is an unlikeable character (and possibly an unreliable narrator). The movie is a great depiction of the narcissistic, greed fueled 1980's. But did you know there is a second "American Psycho" movie? It's the direct to video "American Psycho 2: All American Girl" starring Mila Kunis (from "That 70's Show"). Feel free to skip this studio cash grab. It's a sequel in name only and has been denounced by everyone involved.  In honor of the original film, I've included a link to 25 classic 80's foods from EatThis.com here Does anyone remember Funny Feet Ice Cream? How about Dixie's Snack Crackers or Dr Pepper Gum? And I'm still eating some items on this list including Lunchables, Lean Cuisines, and my favorite Tostino Pizza Rolls.  Photo Credit: here

This week we cover the five movies of the "Underworld" franchise. All star Kate Beckinsale as the skin-tight-leather-clad-vampire-assassin named Selene. Vampires are in a centuries old battle with lycans (ie werewolves). Humans are non the wiser about either species until later in the franchise. I would suggest checking out the first movie and possibly the second ("Underworld: Evolution"). Later entries unfortunately are really more of the same.  And in keeping with the theme, The-Girl-Who-Ate-Everything.com has a recipe for edible fake blood. It's super easy and good for any Halloween/horror themed party. Check it out here Photo Credit: Here

The "Ju-On/The Grudge" franchise contains 13 films and a NetFlix series. The series is an interesting one. Takashi Shimizu created the franchise, and directed or produced six of the films. Besides the Japanese movies, there are 4 American entries-- "The Grudge", "The Grudge 2", "The Grudge 3" and "The Grudge" (2020). There's also a fun crossover with "The Ring" franchise with "Sadako vs Kayako". The franchise may be a bit hard for some viewers to follow. The pacing is pretty slow in the earlier entries. The stories are also told in a nonlinear fashion so you're not sure what/when everything happened. Still the series is one of the most prominent examples of J-horror. The death rattling Kayako and the meowing Toshio are iconic characters.    And for the food this week, i obviously went with Japanese cuisine. Check out the GoWithGuide.com here for some favorites.    Photo Credits: here

This week we're doing a single serving size episode. That's one which falls below my 3 movie minimum to be considered a franchise. The original "13 Ghost" premiered in 1960. Since it was a William Castle production, you can be there was a gimmick involved. The movie was promoted as having "Illusion-O"-- a pair of glasses that made the on screen ghosts more vivid.   The 2001 remake of "13 Ghosts" has some pretty heavy hitters in the acting department. It also has excellent production design and special effects. Too bad the story isn't on the same level. While the ghosts were way cool, I was annoyed by their constantly wondering around the house yelling for each other.    This week's recipe includes some fun suggestions for a ghost themed Halloween party. Check it out here    Photo Credit: Here

This week we're talking about one of the top horror directors. Lucio Fulci was prominent in the Italian gialo film movement (from the late 1960's through early 1980's). His three films in the "Gates Of Hell" trilogy are considered some of his best. They include; "City Of The Living Dead" (1980), "The Beyond" (1981), and "The House By The Cemetery" (1981).  I'm saving his other classic "Zombi"/"Zombie 2" for a later date. Hallmarks of Fulci films include: lots of gore, almost always an eye gouging scene, and an often confusing plot. Don't try to understand the specifics of what's going on. Instead view the movie as a dream and you'll enjoy it much better.       And in honor of Fulci's homeland, I've included some iconic Italian dishes. Number 1 is ALWAYS pizza but dont forget about lasagna, polenta, ossobuco, risotto, carbonara, focccia, and gelato. Check them out at WalksOfItaly.com here     Photo Credit: here