The fourth entry in the “Hell House LLC” series introduced viewers to a creepy new setting and a fresh new cast, including co-leads Bridget Rose Perrotta (Margot) and Destiny Brown (Rebecca). Tune in to hear how both stars prepared for their roles in this 2023 found footage film, the spooky occurrences that took place during production, and how bei…

Demonic possession is nothing new in the horror genre, but bringing it into a 1970s late night talk show — now that’s something we’ve never seen before. Tune in to hear us break down “Late Night with the Devil,” from its documentary setup to its climactic finale, and the most basic question of all — was it scary?…

Horror host and two-time Rondo-nominee STAN THE MECHANIC joins to discuss the 1992 queer staple of camp horror humor, DEATH BECOMES HER. We also talk the horrors of society's obsession with youth, Dean Cundey's oeuvre of sinister cinematography, and the utter perfection that is this film's cast. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.c…

Devon Sawa has made such an impact on horror over the last three decades — from starring in late 90s/early 00s favorites like “Idle Hands” & “Final Destination,” to more recent entries like “The Fanatic,” “Hunter Hunter,” “Black Friday,” and the “Chucky” TV series. Tune in to hear all about making some of his biggest horror flicks, the pitch for an…

A seedy motel in the middle of nowhere is always a good spot for a horror movie. Now add in some creepy ghosts and an escaped mental patient and you’ve got “Night Shift.” Tune in as we break down this new thriller — from its similarities to “Psycho” to that major twist at the end, and of course, what happened in the sinkhole.…

Horror Journalist (and personal friend) Justin Lockwood joins me to discuss the queerly-beloved cult classic HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II. We also discuss demonic rocking horses, the intimidating power of a fully nude stalking scene, and which other classic horror films this one MIGHT have borrowed from. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.Ric…

Jeff Wadlow’s latest horror film, “Imaginary,” was just released theatrically on March 8th, marking his 3rd collaboration with Blumhouse. Tune in to hear all about making this new supernatural flick and creating the “Never-Ever” imaginary world, the late addition to the film that came from the mind of James Wan, and the film festival win that led t…

The recipe for “Stopmotion” goes a little something like this: Take two parts live action, one part stop motion animation, a dash of childlike storytelling, a pinch of losing your mind, and mix them all together. Tune in as we break down every creepy figurine, every “is this real” or “is this a hallucination” moment, and the scene that might cause …

Peter Hatch, creator of the viral production company/YouTube channel DEFORMED LUNCHBOX, joins to discuss George A. Romero's 1978 "horror-movie-lover's'-horror-movie," DAWN OF THE DEAD. We also discuss the state of independent film distribution, the effectiveness of Savini's practical effects, and how, 45 years later, this film is (unfortunately) mo…

William Butler has quite the extensive horror résumé. He faced Jason Voorhees in “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood,” the Sawyer clan in “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III,” flesh-eating zombies in “Night of the Living Dead” (1990), and even appeared in 2 episodes of “Freddy’s Nightmares.” Tune in to hear all about his vast career …

Here’s something we learned from watching “Double Blind” this week: If a pharmaceutical company’s willing to pay you 30,000 euro to participate in a drug trial, get as far away as possible! Tune in to hear us break down this new Irish thriller — from all that haunting imagery, to what “double blind” actually means, and how grateful we were for a go…

This week, we're biting into the 2007 horror/dark comedy classic TEETH! My guests include the film's writer/director, Mitchell Lichtenstein, as well as the writers/composers of the new Off-Broadway musical adaption, Pulitzer & Tony winner Michael R. Jackson ("A Strange Loop") & award winner Anna K. Jacobs ("POP!"). Finally, activist/artist/burlesqu…

“The Latent Image” began as a short film and was adapted into a feature in 2022, with Joshua Tonks starring as a writer who is visited by a mysterious stranger while working on a story in a secluded cabin. Tune in to hear all about making this indie queer thriller, how Joshua felt about his character’s active imagination and motivations throughout …

Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, and Judah Lewis (from “The Babysitter” movies) all switching bodies with a horny demon? How could we resist? Tune in to hear us break down “Suitable Flesh” (now available on Shudder) — from all those body-swapping seizures, to the sexy scenes that made Tim blush, and whether it succeeded in balancing all that camp,…

Filmmaker Kyle Mangione-Smith joins this week to discuss the 2007 Spanish found footage opus, REC. We also discuss the creativity of found footage as a storytelling medium, the effectiveness of a contained, claustrophobic setting, the real life horrors of human behavior in the event of an outbreak, and the recent, exciting surge in queer horror fil…

Although Michael Tough only acted in a few films, we will always remember his iconic role as Jamie Lee Curtis’s little brother who (SPOILER ALERT) is revealed to be the masked murderer in “Prom Night” (1980). Tune in to hear all about making this disco slasher, what it was like working with JLC in her horror heyday, and his memories of portraying t…

A masked killer offing people on a holiday is one of our favorite horror formulas. But did this new slasher have us scared stiff, or did it dig its own grave? We’re joined by Katie Hettenbach, comedian and host of the Katie Afraidy podcast, to break down “Founders Day” — from all those eccentric characters, to all the crafty banners left by the kil…

Guests Jarrod Hornbeck & Steve Guntli, hosts of the podcast PUPPET MASTERS / CASTLE FREAKS, join to dissect the 1981 slashic, THE PROWLER. We also discuss the beauty of Tom Savini's practical effects, censorship in the early 80's, and the film's final girl's questionable choices in formalwear. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING. PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com…

We couldn’t have been happier to review a thriller that shares the name with our bold & beautiful co-host, Tim. And coincidentally, both our Tim and the movie’s T.I.M. are preppy, blonde, and love serving men! 😉 Tune in to hear us break down “T.I.M.” — from every laundry-sniffing moment, to how creepy that Technologically Integrated Manservant was,…

Bryce McGuire is making his directorial debut with “Night Swim,” the recently released aquatic horror flick from Blumhouse & Atomic Monster. Tune in to hear all about adapting his 2014 short into a feature film, how all those underwater scenes were created, and the cameo he makes in the movie (that you may not have caught).…

NYC horror drag icon Coma White joins the pod to discuss 1982's sleazy, grimy, gross-out cult classic BASKET CASE! We also discuss sex clubs in the 80's, exploitation acting techniques, terrible wigs, and the dangers of queer suppression. Let's go RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TIKTOK: @RickOrTreatPod YOUTUBE:…

You ever wonder what would happen if a courtroom stenographer — the one furiously typing away, recording everything that’s said — decided to take justice into their own hands? That’s the plot of “Walden.” Tune in to hear our thoughts on Emile Hirsch’s eccentric performance, that whodunit subplot and ending reveal, and whether it struck the right to…

It’s hard not to associate Jerry O’Connell with his role as young Vern in 1986’s “Stand by Me,” or as one of the current hosts of “The Talk.” But over the last four decades, he’s made quite an impression in horror. Tune in to hear stories about making so many memorable genre films — like playing Neve Campbell’s love interest in “Scream 2” and the r…

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Spookies! My guest this week is the incredibly talented Kristin Noriega – writer/director/star of the jaw-dropping short horror film, WHEN YOU'RE GONE. We're discussing the 1980 holiday slasher NEW YEAR'S EVIL. We also talk about practical creature effects, transcendental meditation, and our New Year's resolutions. LET'S GO RICK OR …

Merry Christmassacre, horror lovers! To make the holidays scary and bright, we chose Shudder’s new culty Christmas flick to discuss while you open presents and down eggnog today. Tune in to hear us break down “The Sacrifice Game” — from which characters we liked, to which we wanted to see more of (wink wink), to that unexpected twist and even more …

Hello, Spookies... I'M BACK! This week, my guests are writer/director Adam Mackie and TWO TIME Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Tracie Bennett! Join us as we discuss the iconic 1976 classic THE OMEN. We also discuss their upcoming short horror film, END OF STORY, Tracie's appearance in Stephen Sondheim's final musical, HERE WE ARE, surrealism …

From co-writing 2020’s body-swapping horror comedy, “Freaky,” to writing this year’s holiday slasher, “It’s a Wonderful Knife,” Michael Kennedy has a knack for creating a horror spin on classic films. Tune in to hear about what inspired these two memorable flicks, the time he cold-emailed Jason Blum and the ripple effect it had on his career, and t…

There have been horror films about gremlins, critters, ghoulies, creeps, leprechauns, etc. But Norwegian barn elves at Christmastime? Now that’s a first! 🧌 Tune in to hear us break down “There’s Something in the Barn” — from all those snowy settings, to how no one believes the poor kid in these movies, and overall, whether we elfin’ enjoyed it or n…

Kevin Brophy starred alongside Linda Blair and Peter Barton in 1981’s cult classic, “Hell Night,” where he delivered a monologue that none other than Quentin Tarantino considers one of the best in horror. Tune in to hear all about making this 80s slasher, how Kevin got his start in Hollywood, and the incredible gift left to him by a fan he had neve…

16 years after Eli Roth served horror fans a taste of an 80s-era holiday slasher called “Thanksgiving,” we finally got the main course — a feature film! Tune in to hear us break down every over-the-top kill, every Turkey Day reference, that horrifyingly real Black Friday opening, and whether by the end we were stuffed or hungry for more!…

As the first victim in the original “Black Christmas” (1974), Lynne Griffin holds a true place in the slasher hall of fame. But she also experienced the other side of the coin, playing an aspiring actress with homicidal tendencies in “Curtains.” Tune in to hear all about filming her iconic death scene (and getting that cat to lick her plastic-cover…

We hosted our first-ever live event on September 30, 2023 at the Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills, CA. It was a screening of the original "Hell House LLC" followed by a Q&A with the producer, Joe Bandelli, and star of the film, Ryan Jennifer Jones. This is the audio from the Q&A that directly followed the screening, where we chatted with Joe & Ryan …

The original “Hell House LLC” film made quite an impact on us, so we were highly anticipating the latest installment in this found footage franchise. Tune in to hear us break down “Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor” — from the new setting, to the new characters, to the scenes that gave us full body chills, and most importantly, all those…

This is an additional clip from our interview with Adrienne King where she talks about the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel series, “Crystal Lake.” Listen to find out more about what we should expect from the new show in 2024. *This clip was removed from our original release due to the actors/writers strikes. To hear the full interview, check out E…

"If you can't find a friend, make one." Steph Marie Oberle joins this week to discuss Lucky McKee's underrated 2002 indie cult classic masterpiece, MAY. We also discuss the joys of body horror, erotic cannibalism, lesbians eating melons, and chili dogs. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com INSTA: @RickOrTreatPod TIKTOK: @RickOrTr…

After Colin Krawchuk’s series of horror shorts captured the attention of Epic Pictures Group, he was asked to adapt them into a feature film. And thus, “The Jester” was born. Tune in to hear all about making this new horror movie (which was just released last month on VOD), thoughts on what the Jester character truly represents, and whether there c…

David Gordon Green has taken on yet another horror franchise with his “The Exorcist” legacy sequel — 50 years after the original was released. And to commemorate this milestone, we invited Scott & Pete (co-hosts of Movies That Made Us Gay podcast) to discuss it with us. Tune in to hear us break down “The Exorcist: Believer” — from its new character…

"It's time! It's time!" Screenwriter and board member of the NYC Horror Film Festival Brian W. Smith guest hosts to discuss all things HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH. We also talk writing horror for the screen, 80's synth scores, and the John Carpenter-esque "every-man" character trope. LET'S GO RICK OR TREATING! PODCAST: www.RickOrTreat.com IN…

Ahhhh, the 80s. Such simpler times. Just not for the main character in “Totally Killer,” who time travels back to this decade to try and prevent a masked killer from murdering her mom’s friends. Tune in to hear us break down this horror comedy — from the lines that had us laughing out loud, to the gruesome murders that weren’t so humorous, and of c…

We decided to release this month’s bonus episode on our main feed, as we discussed a film that’s just too iconic not to share with all our listeners. “Halloween” (1978) is credited with launching the golden era of slasher films, the career of Jamie Lee Curtis, and must have made life suck for anyone named Michael Myers. Tune in to hear us break dow…

Not only did Lindsey Anderson Beer make her directorial debut in our favorite genre, but she co-wrote and directed a prequel to one of Stephen King’s most popular stories. Tune in to hear all about how she got involved with the recently released Paramount Plus exclusive, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” what it was like assembling and working with its s…

Tracie Savage starred as the playful, free-spirited Debbie in “Friday the 13th Part 3,” and her character became the only victim of Jason’s who happened to be… pregnant?! Tune in to hear all about making the 3rd installment in the F13 series, how that infamous hammock death scene was filmed, and her return to horror in 2021’s meta slasher, “13 Fanb…

Rue Morgue's online managing editor – and MY editor – William J. Wright joins the show this week to discuss 1992's made-for-BBC mock-newscast, GHOSTWATCH. We also discuss the impact of cinematic psychosis, the repercussions and responsibilities tied to creating horror art, and what it's like to write for one of the world's top horror publications. …

John Kramer, aka Jigsaw, is back in the 10th installment of the “Saw” series… but if we’re being sticklers for chronology, it’s more like “Saw 1.5.” Tune in to hear us break down all the new characters, all those gory traps, the more emotional approach this film took, and the biggest question of all — who we were supposed to root for.…

She made red caps stylish in “Carrie” and coined the word “totally” in “Halloween.” She’s P.J. Soles, and she starred in 2 of the most iconic horror films of all time. Tune in to hear all about playing Norma in “Carrie” and Lynda in “Halloween,” the different experiences she had with directors Brian De Palma and John Carpenter, and what Jamie Lee C…

Guest host Armando Muñoz joins me to celebrate the 35th anniversary of 1988's ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK. We also discuss Armando's upcoming novelization of the Christmas slasher classic, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, the lasting influence of Clive Barker, and my incredible weekend at CT HorrorFest where I finally met Elvira, herself, Cassandra Pet…

This is a clip from our latest bonus episode! The full ep, along with all our monthly bonus episodes, is available to patrons at Patreon.com/HappyHorrorTime If the two films within this month’s winning theme don’t fuel your love of full-speed horror, we aren’t sure what gets you in gear! More car puns, perhaps? 🚗 “Christine” is based on one of Step…

This week we ventured into the land of Agatha Christie to take on the Halloween whodunit murder mystery, “A Haunting in Venice.” Tune in to hear us break down all the suspects, whether the film was more supernatural horror or crime thriller, our thoughts on that ever-so-sweet addition to the story, and of course — Tina Fey!…

The Conjuring Universe has become the Marvel of horror, with plenty of creepy characters to carry their own movies. One in particular that has continued to terrify audiences is The Nun. Tune in as we break down “The Nun II” — from whether the sequel improved upon the original, to new characters like Sister Debra and that demonic goat, and of course…

Guest host George Streicher, composer of the haunting Halloween album MUSIC OF THE MACABRE, shares his insight on 1995's nostalgic gateway horror classic, CASPER. We also discuss impactful film scores, those shaking ghost decorations from our childhood that played spooky theremin music, and the absolute gift to the world that is Cathy Moriarty. LET…