Best Reel Rotten Podcasts (2024)

1
CF90: 555 (w/ Sean Abley) 1:10:04

2h ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Here at Certified Forgotten, we're sometimes surprised to find specific movies qualify for our "10-or-less reviews on Rotten Tomatoes" rule — 555 is not one of those titles. Joining us this week is Sean Abley (co-creator of Queer Horror: A Film Guide), who brings with him a piece of shot-on-video Chicago horror history. Wally Koz's microbudget proc…

1
Uncertified: Blink Twice 32:32

7d ago32:32

32:32

In this week's mini-episode of Matt on Matt podcasting action, your Certified Forgotten co-hosts share their thoughts on Zoë Kravitz's rageful debut, Blink Twice. How did she sneak a rape-revenge movie into theaters with mainstream appeal? By wrapping it in a Glass Onion meets Get Out meets The Hunt vision — and casting Channing Tatum helps. But th…

1
CF89: Death Spa (w/ Heather O. Petrocelli) 1:15:19

14d ago1:15:19

1:15:19

Want a killer workout? Then come on down to Michael Fischa's Death Spa, where the equipment is automated and only a handful of people (just a handful!) are killed by the ghost in the machine. Heather O. Petrocelli, author of Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator, joins Certified Forgotten to talk about '80s horror, queer film audience…

1
Uncertified: Alien: Romulus 37:05

26d ago37:05

37:05

Matthew Monagle loves the Alien franchise. Matt Donato loves Fede Álvarez. But did either of them love Alien: Romulus? Listen and find out! In this week's episode of Uncertified, Matthew and Matt tackle the new Alien prequel from Álvarez, which is gorgeous, bloody, and full of creative decisions that, ah, might've looked better on paper.…

1
CF88: Bruiser (w/ Adam Cesare) 1:20:38

28d ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Can you believe a George A. Romero title fits our "10 critic reviews or less" criteria for Certified Forgotten coverage? Neither can we! But here we are. Beloved horror author Adam Cesare of Clown in a Cornfield fame brings us another 2000s curiosity, this one by the master of zombie cinema himself, Bruiser. We'll talk about when movies felt like m…

1
Uncertified: Cuckoo 31:56

1M ago31:56

31:56

This week's Uncertified episode is a house divided. Join the Matts as they try to stave off madness when discussing Tilman Singer's Cuckoo. Neon hopes to continue their hot streak of horror releases with an out-there Alpine tale that announces Singer in a big way. Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens star in this kooky creature feature shrouded in mounta…

1
CF87: Down (w/ Jessica Scott) 1:10:17

1M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

It's one killer elevator, Michael, how much could it cost? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, we're joined by horror critic and cosplayer Jessica Scott (Fangoria, Inverse) to talk about Dick Maas's Down (aka The Shaft), a wild mashup of '80s scripts and '90s excess -- and, given its scheduled 2001 premiere date, perhaps the worst-timed …

1
Uncertified: New Life 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

When Matt Donato wrote his midyear article about the best horror of 2024, the one title that caught everyone by surprise was John Rosman's New Life. But you should know better than to doubt the Donato. In this week's episode of Uncertified, we break down why New Life offers a compelling mix of big ideas in a small box, and how it underscores the ve…

1
Uncertified: Longlegs 46:45

2M ago46:45

46:45

Matt Monagle's favorite horror movie is The Blackcoat's Daughter, and he's been a defender of Oz Perkins since the filmmaker's beginnings. Matt Donato has not liked any of Oz Perkins' first three movies to varying degrees. Finally, at long last, the Matts talk about The Great Perkins Divide and, more importantly, their thoughts on Longlegs. Will th…

1
Uncertified: Infested 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

Spiders. It had to be goddamn spiders. Big ol' spiders, and lots of 'em, are the subject of this week's Uncertified conversation. Listen to the Matts as they address their differing opinions on Sébastien Vanicek's full-throttle arachnid nightmare Infested, available now on Shudder. Some call it the best spider-focused horror movie since Arachnophob…

1
CF86: Landlocked (w/ Richard Whittaker) 1:17:15

2M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

This week's main episode traps the Matts and returning gust Richard Whittaker in a home video purgatory. Paul Owens' Landlocked repurposes the filmmaker's home movies to examine grief, liminal spaces, and being stuck in the past. It's an interesting slow burn that never lets us know what plane of existence the film chooses, becoming an endearing gu…

1
Uncertified: Exhuma 30:35

3M ago30:35

30:35

In this week's minisode, The Matts chat about what they agree is one of the year's best horror films (so far). Jang Jae-hyun's Exhuma is available now on Shudder, climbing to the top of the streamer's 2024 catalog despite including bangers like Stopmotion and Infested. South Korea flexes its horror muscles yet again in a culturally rich story that …

1
CF85: Livid (w/ Jenn Wexler) 1:08:28

3M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

How many genres is too many genres? For Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, the sky itself is the limit. Writer-director Jenn Wexler (The Ranger, The Sacrifice Game) joins Certified Forgotten to discuss her path through the film industry and Maury and Bustillo's Livid, a vampire/fantasy/steampunk/slasher/something that left an indelible mark.…

1
Uncertified: Chime 29:42

3M ago29:42

29:42

Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa is without a doubt one of the most talented horror filmmakers of the 21st century. But would you sign up for a new NFT service just to watch his latest 45-minute movie? Matt Donato and Matt Monagle did, and they're here to tell you that Chime is, shockingly, very worth the effort.…

1
CF84: III: The Ritual 1:04:47

3M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

In this latest episode of the podcast, the Matts look into an existential void to celebrate Matt Monagle's birthday! No, seriously. Mr. Monagle has chosen this episode's title flick, and it couldn't be more of a "Monagle Movie" (broody period vibes, religious overtones, Silent Hill parallels, slow-burn devastation). There will be horror genre talk …

1
Uncertified: In A Violent Nature 30:21

4M ago30:21

30:21

If you've seen one slasher, have you really seen them all? Chris Nash's In A Violent Nature begs to differ, which is the topic of our latest Uncertified conversation. Imagine Friday the 13th shot exclusively over Jason's shoulder. It's an experimental take on undead killers stalking victims through the wilderness, sure to divide audiences with its …

1
CF83: Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (w/ Ariel Powers-Schaub) 1:12:00

4M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

What does it mean to be the best movie in the Wrong Turn franchise? In our latest podcast episode, The Matts are joined by horror journalist and author Ariel Powers-Schaub, whose upcoming book (Millennial Nasties: Analyzing a Decade of Brutal Horror Film Violence) examines the many films in the torture porn movement -- including Joe Lynch's cult cl…

1
Uncertified: Abigail 31:17

4M ago31:17

31:17

In the first episode of Uncertified, Certified Forgotten's new series of 30-minute movie discussions, Matt Monagle and Matt Donato take on Radio Silence's Abigail. Does it get the balance between horror and comedy just right? Or does it stumble in its goal of being the best horror-comedy about ballerina vampires since, well, ever?…

1
CF82: When A Stranger Calls Back 1:08:23

4M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

In horror's illustrious history of films built around unwanted phone calls, When A Stranger Calls Back might be the oddest. This week's episode is about stalkers, sequels, final girls, and ... ventriloquism? We welcome horror journalist Gem Seddon (Vulture, Fangoria) onto the show for a discussion about a franchise continuation that is most unexpec…

1
CF81: Under the Bed 1:01:17

5M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

What's that, no guest? It's the dawn of a new era at Certified Forgotten, and Matt Donato and Matt Monagle are here to explain their vision for new episodes of the show. But new ideas doesn't mean saying goodbye to old favorites, which is why we've also got a full-sized conversation about Steven C. Miller's Under the Bed. Did Monagle like this old-…

1
Episode #164 - The Fresh Episode (2023)

5M ago

—

March Mike-ness has concluded and so has the movie year, so it is time to look back at the best moments and films of the year in the most positive show of the year, The Fresh Episode. The guys and Mike with a surprise producer Kyle break down their five best and worst films of the year and hand out this year's Roscoes (Rotten Oscars). Categories in…

1
CF80: Black Circle (w/ Sean Redlitz) 1:18:18

5M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

Are you a fan of Adrian Garcia Bogliano's Cold Sweat? Late Phases aka Night of the Wolf? Here Comes the Devil? Maybe even Scherzo Diabolico? Well, then you should heed The Sacrifice Game co-writer Sean Redlitz's recommendation and watch 2018's Black Circle, a more underseen Bogliano winner. Sean brings the Matts a low-budget, high-concept thriller …

1
Episode #163 - Madame Web

6M ago

—

He was working with my mother in the amazon when she died... is the only backstory this podcast is interested in for the rest of time. If her web connects us all, then we wrap us up like Frodo and suck the life out of us! That's right, we did the latest "superhero" movie and it was as "good" as everyone says it is. There is no better way to kick of…

1
Episode #162 - Airheads

7M ago

—

Ending Fraseruary with a hearty "Rock N Roll!" as the guys do the 1994 classic Airheads. With the help of first time guest Ryan they delve deep into Dog Day Afternoon meets Empire Records and discuss everything from whether the Lone Rangers are a good band to Adam Sandler as a physical specimen. They draft their top fictional bands and make the mov…

1
CF79: The Seventh Curse (w/ Meagan Navarro) 1:09:20

7M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Did anyone have Chow Yun-fat on their Certified Forgotten bingo card? We didn't either! But here we are, welcoming Bloody Disgusting's Meagan Navarro back to discuss Lam Ngai Kai's Hong Kong horror actioner The Seventh Curse. The film, based on the widely popular Dr. Yuen series, has a little bit of everything: blood curses, wriggly worm monsters, …

1
Episode #161 - With Honors

7M ago

—

We're so back! After a long winter break Reel Rotten is back in session and we're kicking off Fraseruary with a school movie about Brendan Fraser befriending an unhoused Joe Pesci! How could this movie be bad you say? It's not (that bad??)! For being 30 years ago this movie asks all the right questions, like do you have to be strong to train the Ha…

1
CF78: Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival (w/ BJ Colangelo) 1:12:32

7M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

There are many perks to hosting a podcast, one of which is that you can demand certain episodes. Hi, this is Matt Donato, and I demanded BJ Colangelo return to cover Darren Lynn Bousman's Devil's Carnival sequel, Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival. Everything is bigger, the stars are brighter, and we get more musical religious mayhem — but this time in…

1
CF77: Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire (w/ Harmony Colangelo) 1:11:35

8M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Whenever Harmony Colangelo pops in for a guest spot, you're in for a treat. What did they bring us this time? Oh, just "undoubtedly the only vampire snooker musical in cinema history" — a sports drama, a rock musical, and a vampire affair all rolled into one. Join Harmony and the Matts for an exquisitely 80s journey into career-defining tournaments…

1
CF76: The Boat (w/ Rob Hunter) 1:10:12

9M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are rejoined by Film School Rejects head film critic Rob Hunter, who last appeared on Episode 5 to talk about Cold Prey. In this episode, Rob weighs in on award season, his lackadaisical approach to release dates for year-end lists, and, of course, Winston Azzopardi's The Boat.…

1
CF75: Outpost (w/ John Torrani) 1:12:07

9M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, dig into the terrifying trenches of wartime horror. The Matts are joined by industry professional John Torrani to go head-to-head with Nazi ghosts in 2008's Outpost, paying respect to the late Ray Stevenson. The only good Nazi is a dead Nazi, so when they get back up, someone has to put them back down.…

1
CF74: A Horrible Way To Die (w/ Tyler MacIntyre) 1:10:02

10M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, we turn our sights to Christmas horror and mumblegore! Filmmaker Tyler MacIntyre (Patchwork, Tragedy Girls) returns to the podcast for an in-depth discussion about his new film It's a Wonderful Knife and the importance of Hallmark Christmas movies to his own career. Then, MacIntyre joins The Matts for …

1
Our top five favorite horror movies: A Halloween Special! 1:04:52

11M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

With guest Jairo Parra returning to our show we have our little Halloween special! We discuss some current events in the cinema world and then get into our top five favorite horror films. We're going old school, talking classic horror flicks to the latest chilling offerings. From Halloween to Hereditary, Wrong Turn to The Babadook, we'll discuss wh…

1
CF73: Doom Annihilation (w/ William Bibbiani) 1:25:04

11M ago1:25:04

1:25:04

Inevitably, when one of your podcast co-hosts is Matt Donato, all roads lead to Doom. Not in an existential way, but in rants about the 2005 video game adaptation. In this episode, the Matts are joined by the esteemed William Bibbiani to talk about 2018's Doom: Annihilation and how the underrated reboot stacks against not only the prior film, but v…

1
Episode #160 - One Missed Call

11M ago

—

Happy Spooktober to one and all. In honor of the season, everyone get out your Sidekicks, LG Envys and Blackberrys because we're missing a call from 2008! A 0% hall of fame film, One Missed Call (2008), the Japanese Horror remake. In a brisk, 75 minute podcast, Stevie Nicks break down the film that you may know the poster of, but definitely have ne…

1
Episode #159 - Night at the Roxbury

12M ago

—

What is Love? A question asked by philosophers and Haddaway since the beginning of time. Then in 1998, the question was answered (not really) with the premiere of cinematic classic Night at the Roxbury (1998). Reel Rotten's latest episode by real-life Steve and Doug Butabi as they celebrate the SNL production's 25th year anniversary. Stevie Nicks g…

1
Episode #158 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III

12M ago

—

Cowabunga dude! That's what we used to say in middle school but also how grotesque but lovable sea creatures turned ninjas greet each other. That's right it's turtle in a half shell time as the guys with new and turtley awesome guest D-Tedla. With the help of David the crew breaks down the third live TMNT from 30 years ago and get into everything f…

1
CF72: Last Shift (w/ Rachel Reeves) 1:15:42

1y ago1:15:42

1:15:42

If you're like us, you were probably surprised to find out that Anthony DiBlasi's Last Shift has less than 10 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. But despite being one of the formative indie horror releases of the 2010s, it turns out that Last Shift falls prey to many of the same challenges faced by other indie horror titles. Join the Matts and special gue…

1
Episode #157 - Summer Catch

1y ago

—

“Summer lovin is always better on the baseball field" - Some weird freak somewhere. But what better way to celebrate the year of #PunchDrunkLove than to punch a guy out (on strikes)! To drink cold ones with the boys in left field, and fall in love with teen idol Jessica Biel! This week, Reel Rotten along with new guest Eric Manlove go deep into the…

1
CF71: From a Whisper to a Scream (w/ Scott Drebit) 1:14:03

1y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Horror anthologies are a mixed bag by nature, which makes them a harder sell to audiences. No one knows this better than our latest guest, a Canadian import who you've heard and read on Daily Dead, Scott Drebit. He wrote the book on underseen horror (literally), and is bringing us an 80s horror anthology that hopefully will have more of you reachin…

1
The Triumphs and Pitfalls of Blue Beetle- Sincerely, two Latinos 49:46

1y ago49:46

49:46

We're delving into the character arcs and themes of Blue Beetle, from the dialogue to the character development of Jaime, and the rest of the cast. But that's not all; we discuss the themes of family and power that are woven throughout the film, and we're not afraid to point out its inconsistencies and disappointment in this Latino Superhero Film. …

1
Unveiling the Controversial Truths in Hollywood's Horrors: Jeepers Creepers 56:01

1y ago56:01

56:01

Ready for a chilling journey into the macabre world of cult classic slashers? Don your bravest face and step into the sinister shadows of revered classics like Jeepers Creepers. We also shine our floodlight on the lesser known, but equally spine-tingling, Wrong Turn and the 1993 cult hit, Leprechaun. The episode thickens as we unearth the controver…

1
CF70: Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (w/ Kim Morrison) 1:15:19

1y ago1:15:19

1:15:19

Direct-to-video horror sequels aren't exactly known for their staying power, but then again, most direct-to-video horror movies aren't directed by horror royalty Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary). In this episode of the podcast, The Matts are joined by Kim Morrison to discuss rape-revenge horror, parenting, and the dangers of CGI spiders.…

1
Episode #156 - The Machine

1y ago

—

In the season of Punch Drunk Love what better way to celebrate than with a new release that is exclusively about those things, The Machine! You’re probably wondering “How could a movie based on a 15 minute stand up bit be bad?” Well the answer is, in a lot of ways! So join the rotten bois and early podcast returning guest Eric as they dive deep int…

1
CF69: Pin (w/ Drew Dietsch) 1:16:15

1y ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Here at Certified Forgotten, we've seen some shit. Our guests love bringing us challenging genre films with varying amounts of "weird" and "obscure." Enter our guest Drew Dietsch and this week's focal title, 1988's Pin. You know, the one with a sexualized medical dummy who can "talk" and encourage murder? From Canada with love, baby.…

1
CF68: The Final Terror (w/ C. Robert Cargill) 1:16:07

1y ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Before he earned accolades for directing The Fugitive - hell, before he turned the heads of action fans with Steven Seagal's Under Siege, director Andrew Davis directed a 1983 low-budget wilderness slasher called The Final Terror. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts talk with novelist and screenwriter C. Robert Cargill (Sinister, The …

1
Hereditary - The Complete Breakdown 2:08:36

1y ago2:08:36

2:08:36

Hey family! This is a long one, but not only is it one Hector's favorite films but it's also one of the first times we got Slick to watch a horror movie. We have special guest Jairo Parra who joins us and we do a complete breakdown, scene by scene, of the entire film. Lots of good stuff so take your time and give it a listen! If you want to skip th…

1
CF67: Santa Jaws (w/ Michael Varrati) 1:15:19

1y ago1:15:19

1:15:19

If we've learned nothing over the past few weeks, it's that the ocean is a dark and terrifying place, home to crushing depths, revenge-fueled killer whales, and.... Santa Jaws?! That's right, in this week's episode, we're celebrating Christmas in June with screenwriter Michael Varrati (The Boulet Brothers' Dragula, Christmas With You) and discussin…

1
Episode #155 - Fast & Furious (2009)

1+ y ago

—

4 Fast! 4 Fourious! That's right, time to load up on nitro, get your sleeveless jean jacket and hop in our souped-up coup, because this week on Reel Rotten we get Fast & Furious (2009). A film that defies a number in the title (it's the fourth one) and defies critics everywhere. On this Stevie Nicks episode, the guys get deep under the hood of a cl…

1
Episode #154 - Just Married

1+ y ago

—

Half of the Reel Rotten podcast is married as hell and we decided to celebrate by doing a honeymoon from hell. The “classic” Just Married featuring Average Kutcher and the GOAT Brittany Murphy. With the help of new podcast host in-law and recurring guest Shelbey the group breaks down all the honeymoon hi-jinx from the film. They do their top 5 hone…

1
CF66: Father’s Day (w/ Josh Hurtado) 1:26:49

1+ y ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Dropping a Father's Day podcast episode in May, the month of mothers? That's how we roll here at Certified Forgotten. Join the Matts and their esteemed guest Josh Hurtado as they go head-to-head with Astron 6's goretastic Troma collaboration and live to tell about it.By certifiedforgotten

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