Back To The Blockbuster

This episode dissects Alexandre Aja’s remake of The Hills Have Eyes, exploring what makes it both faithful to and different from Wes Craven’s 1977 original. We discuss the updated setting, the intensified atmosphere, and the new practical effects that bring the ghastly inhabitants to life, courtesy of talent like Greg Nicotero and his team. Listen as we break down standout performances from Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, Vinessa Shaw, and Emilie de Ravin, and how actors such as Dan Byrd, Robert Joy, and Billy Drago contribute to the terrifying dynamic. Joining in for this spooky good chat are Alex and Dean of the Return Revenge Resurrection podcast and they’re ready to go all in on one of the most underrated horror remakes to emerge out of the craze that began with 2003’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Get ready for a special look at behind-the-scenes decisions, scares, and the film’s lasting impact on horror remakes.Links For Guests: Return Revenge ResurrectionWhere To Watch The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

In today’s episode, we break down the biggest movie news headlines, from Fede Álvarez not returning to direct Alien: Romulus, to Superman reportedly netting $125 million in theaters. We also explore The Conjuring: Last Rites' record-breaking global opening, and David F. Sandberg’s new Amityville project. Plus, a look at Scary Movie 6 with Anna Faris and Regina Hall returning. We cap it off with a glance at upcoming trailers: The Housemaid (Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried), Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, The Rip with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, The Smashing Machine, and Anniversary starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, and Dylan O’Brien.

In the first episode of our annual Tales of Horror series, we dive into John Landis’s iconic 1981 horror-comedy, “An American Werewolf in London.” Join us as we explore how this groundbreaking film stitched together raucous humor, visceral horror, and mournful tragedy to redefine the modern werewolf myth. We breakdown the chemistry between stars David Naughton and Jenny Agutter, the unforgettable performances of Griffin Dunne and John Woodvine, and the practical mastery of makeup artist Rick Baker that earned the movie its legendary status. From the youths’ fateful trek across the English moor to transformation scenes that remain some of cinema’s most grotesquely luminous moments, we discuss how Landis balances scares with sympathy, humor with heartbreak, and fate with humanity. We also examine the film’s production history, its influence on later horror-comedy, and the enduring legacy of its creature design. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the film for the first time, this episode unpacks why An American Werewolf in London continues to haunt and delight audiences decades later.Where To Watch An American Werewolf in London

In today’s episode, we break down the loudest headlines from the world of film and pop culture. Dive into trailer drops for Black Phone 2, a fresh look at Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, and explorations of titles like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, A House of Dynamite, Bugonia, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Good Boy, Marty Supreme, and Shelby Oaks. We also discuss major industry moves: the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow announcement, Street Fighter shifting from Sony to Paramount, Will Smith’s first-look deal with Paramount, Jordan Peele’s next project shifting off the 2026 schedule, the Star Wars: Starfighter cast reveal, Pedro Pascal joining Todd Haynes’ gay romance film after Joaquin Phoenix’s exit, and rumors of a Weapons prequel in development. 

Join us as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of “RoboCop 2,” a divisive but fan-favorite entry of this franchise. We explore the collaboration that brought the film to life: director Irvin Kershner steering a dystopian future, with Frank Miller’s lending his original takes to shape the story that were deemed “unfilmable” by Orion Pictures, which led to Walon Green being brought in to re-write it. We’ll revisit the key performances that defined the film: Peter Weller returning as the relentless RoboCop, Nancy Allen’s tough, street-smart officer, and Dan O’Herlihy lending his veteran gravitas. Belinda Bauer, Tom Noonan, and Gabriel Damon contribute to the film’s unsettling spectrum of villainous characters, pushing the city’s decay and corporate corruption to the edge. This episode examines the film’s ambition, its controversial moments, and how “RoboCop 2” fits into the legacy of a franchise that blurred the line between law, humanity, and machine. Tune in for production anecdotes, thematic analysis, and a look back at a cult classic that continues to spark conversations about justice, technology, and what it means to be human in a world gone corporate.Where To Watch RoboCop 2

Back To The Blockbuster reaches a huge milestone with Episode 250! To celebrate this special milestone, the hosts take time to reflect on what getting to this number of episodes means for the show and its future, share behind-the-scenes stories from the journey, and reveal a major announcement that signals major growth for the podcast. Also popping in for part of the announcement is Ty Ippolito, who is joining the team along with Dustin Rybka for an upcoming spin-off show that will take the Back To The Blockbuster universe to the next level. We know that we wouldn’t have gotten this far without our loyal listeners who have supported us for 250 episodes and several episodes of our built-in Deep Dive show that will play a big role in the new spin-off that we hope you all will equally enjoy. Thank you for being a part of this journey and a crucial part of the BTTB family. What makes this show what it is happens to be our collective love for film and the joy it brings to all of us. As we enter this next phase of the show, we’re proud that you’re a part of this evolution with us. So, grab your popcorn and join the celebration! Also, as a fun treat, we reveal our choices for our upcoming annual Tales of Horror showcase!

In this episode, we dive into the gripping horror movie, “Weapons,” written and directed by Zach Cregger, and starring a great ensemble cast that includes Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan. We discuss the film’s themes, standout performances, and the suspense and dark humor that drives the terror. Join us for a spoiler-driven breakdown and our take on why this horror movie lands as a modern classic that’s destined to be remembered.

Join us for a 25th-anniversary deep-dive into Scary Movie, the genre-blending parody that kicked off a beloved franchise. We break down how Keenen Ivory Wayans and his collaborators, including Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, along with a stellar ensemble cast that includes Jon Abrahams, Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, Regina Hall, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, and Dave Sheridan, stitched together a wink-and-a-nod homage to horror films while carving out its own outrageous voice. From its send-ups of Scream to its thunderous ensemble humor, we explore production notes, casting dynamics, cultural impact, and the legacy this comedy left on the horror genre as it was evolving into something exciting and new. Joining in for this discussion is none other than Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind Podcast, who is more than ready to dive into this horror parody that continues to resonate 25 years later. Links For Guests: Release Date RewindWhere To Watch Scary Movie

Batman Through the Ages: Celebrating Forever and the Dawn of Begins! This episode is a double dose of Dark Knight action! We're commemorating the 30th anniversary of Joel Schumacher's divisive "Batman Forever,” starring Val Kilmer as the caped crusader alongside Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face and Jim Carrey’s The Riddler, alongside Nicole Kidman and Chris O’Donnell’s Robin. We'll debate its campy charm, unforgettable performances and its rightful place in pop culture as we also leap forward to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking “Batman Begins.” Relive the gritty realism that redefined the genre, with Christian Bale's iconic portrayal, Michael Caine's wise Alfred, and Liam Neeson's chilling Ra's al Ghul, alongside a stacked cast that also includes Cillian Murphy, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, and more! From neon Gotham to a city shrouded in fear, we explore the evolution of Batman on the big screen during crucial milestones for both films.Where To Watch Batman ForeverWhere To Watch Batman Begins

Hold onto your popcorn! This week, the news is EXPLODING with movie magic. We're diving deep into the “Eddington” sequel rumors, Oz Perkins' chilling “The Keeper,” and Robert Eggers' highly anticipated “Werwulf” starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, gets a filming start date! Plus, a “Dune: Part 3” shakeup, Guy Ritchie bails on “Road House 2,” and Luca Guadagnino's “Artificial” adds a CRAZY cast list including Andrew Garfield, Cooper Koch, and more! We’ve got Michael Jackson biopic updates, Katie Holmes' directorial debut with former Dawson’s Creek co-star, Joshua Jackson, and a TRAILER BONANZA with “One Battle After Another,” “Five Nights at Freddy's 2,” “Mortal Kombat II,” “After The Hunt,” “Predator: Badlands,” and “Tron: Ares.” Buckle up, it's a WILD ride!

From “Do Revenge” to the shores of summer terror, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson takes on “I Know What You Did Last Summer!” We're breaking down the 2025 legacy sequel, discussing the fresh blood of Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, and Gabbriette Bechtel alongside the iconic return of Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. What can we expect from this new iteration? Did it live up to expectations or was this one legacy that should’ve been left in the late ‘90s? Joining in on this discussion is Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind podcast who brings some distinct opinions to the table about whether or not this is a Summer vacation worth taking.Links For Guests: Release Date Rewind Podcast

Back To The Blockbuster is revisiting Episode 52 of the podcast in honor of the I Know What You Did Last Summer legacy sequel opening this weekend! We took a look back at the 1997 original film for its 25th anniversary and we were joined by Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind podcast for the momentous occasion. Whether you’re discovering this episode for the first time or reminiscing along with us, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, HUH?!? Give this one a listen before you check out the continuation of this iconic franchise!  Hook... line... and sinker! This week we're reeling in some 90s nostalgia with “I Know What You Did Last Summer”! Join us as we laugh (and maybe scream a little) at the iconic slasher flick starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr.  It helped revamp ‘90s horror for a brand new generation and it’s a slasher film that still holds up with the fanbase. What are you waiting for? Time to get hooked once again!Links For Guests: Release Date Rewind PodcastWhere To Watch I Know What You Did Last Summer

This week we're EXPLODING with movie news! Denis Villeneuve tackling James Bond? YES, PLEASE! Doug Liman taking on Stephen King's “The Stand?” We're in! And HOLD ON... Jon Bernthal is BACK as The Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day alongside Tom Holland. PLUS: Kim K as a Bratz villain?! A *”Social Network” sequel from Aaron Sorkin?! A new “Harold & Kumar” adventure?! Clayface cast in the DCU?! And a TRUCKLOAD of trailers for “The Naked Gun,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” “Weapons,” “The Strangers: Chapter 2,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” and the Channing Tatum-starring *”Roofman!” Join us for all this and more in this latest episode of Back to the Blockbuster.

20 Years Later, Did We Judge it Too Harshly? Released in 2005 and directed by Ridley Scott and written by William Monahan, “Kingdom of Heaven” starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson was a box office disappointment and a critical punching bag. But 20 years on, does it deserve a second look? A director’s cut of the film offered a new perspective on the project with 45 minutes worth of scenes restored that was much more well-received by fans and critics alike. Join us as we debate the merits of this Crusades epic, its performances, its message, and whether time has been kinder to this ambitious, flawed, but ultimately fascinating film. We also get into the discussion regarding studio interference and if they should have the final say in the final cut of a film, especially with an auteur like Ridley Scott at the helm, or if creatives should remain the last voice in terms of a film’s final cut before it hits the big screen.Where To Watch Kingdom of Heaven

Twenty Years of Terror: A Deep Dive into Alexandre Aja's “High Tension!”Join us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking French horror film. We're dissecting every nerve-shredding scene of “High Tension” (or “Haute Tension” as it's known in France!), from the masterful direction of Alexandre Aja, to the unforgettable performances by Cecile de France and Maiwenn. Was this a turning point for French horror? Does it still hold up after two decades? Does THAT ending really work? We’re exploring it all with a little help from Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind Podcast! Definitely worth a listen if you’re a fan of this polarizing but always interesting horror film.Links For Guests: Release Date RewindWhere To Watch High Tension