That Was Pretty Scary

JLB concludes his deep dive of "The Life of Chuck,"  by exploring how the themes of disconnection, simulation theory, 'main character energy' and the human condition make this film the cosmic horror it is. JLB also shares a brief discussion he had with Mike Flanagan himself on whether the movie qualifies as horror. And make sure to listen til the very end! This weeks epilogue is one of the best yet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enjoy this encore presentation of our episode.  Join Jon Lee Brody as he takes a deep dive into the 'Happy Death Day' movies with special guests director Christopher Landon and star Jessica Rothe. In this exciting episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' they revisit both 'Happy Death Day' and 'Happy Death Day 2U,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exploring the emotional layers of the films, and discussing the potential for a third installment. Rothe and Landon open up about their creative processes, the film's deeper themes, and their genuine friendship. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that combines horror, heartfelt moments, and a lot of laughs! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first of a two part deep dive of 'The Life of Chuck", JLB explores how director Mike Flanagan adapted Stephen King's novella into a cinematic journey that makes you think, gets you all up in the feels and blazes a new trail for horror. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wheelers and electroshock therapy and a headless princess. Oh my! "Return to Oz" is the origin of many peoples' childhood trauma. But is it a horror movie? Today's episode explores this very question! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jon Lee Brody in a captivating conversation with Rachel Belofsky, the visionary founder of ScreamFest, as they delve into the evolution of horror films and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Discover how ScreamFest has become a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a legacy of innovation and passion. From the challenges of the early days to the triumphs of today, Rachel shares her journey and insights into the horror genre's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the power of creativity and the importance of providing opportunities for new voices in film. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

35 years ago 'The Simpsons' aired their first Halloween special. Horror & television were never(more) the same thereafter. Jon revisits the brilliance of the anthology formatted special with its nods to classic horror and EC comics DNA pulsing through it. Jon also unwraps how this TV special was such a game changer and how it made horror accessible for primetime television; and also how it has acted like a horror archive that preserves the legacies of the all the classics. The Simpsons is revolutionary in television but doesn't really get it's major kudos for its impact on horror...until now! Happy Halloween and stay scary!00:00 Game Changers in Horror History00:32 The Simpsons' Halloween Special: A Revolutionary Moment01:46 Welcome to the Special Halloween Episode02:28 The Simpsons' Impact on Horror03:32 The First Halloween Special: Treehouse of Horror06:03 The Segments of the First Halloween Special07:46 The Simpsons' Viewership and Cultural Impact10:19 The 1990s Television Landscape20:10 The Simpsons as a Cultural Phenomenon25:22 Animation as a Trojan Horse for Horror33:06 The State of Horror in 199034:20 The Simpsons' First Halloween Special34:51 Bad Dream House: A Clever Twist on Haunted House Tropes39:44 Hungry Are The Damned: A Parody of 'To Serve Man'44:02 The Raven: A Literary Gamble That Paid Off52:19 The Simpsons' Influence on Horror and Pop Culture58:42 The Legacy of The Simpsons' Halloween Specials01:03:39 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jon and Alex in a thrilling bonus episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as they dive into listener calls and questions. They explore horror origin stories, delve into horror movie suggestions, and reflect on underrepresented themes in the genre. Listeners like Kim, Camo, Jenna, Shari, and more share their horror experiences and queries, leading to engaging discussions about the scariest films that shaped their fears, the potential of horror miniseries, and the importance of identity in horror storytelling. Jon and Alex also tease future plans for the podcast, including exploring horror TV shows and miniseries. Don’t miss this interactive and insightful episode!00:00 Introduction and Listener Shoutout00:20 Special Bonus Episode Announcement00:42 Listener Calls: Kim's Horror Journey06:16 Listener Calls: Camo's Questions08:54 Listener Calls: Jenna's Nostalgic Picks14:42 Listener Calls: Shari's Miniseries Request15:53 Nostalgic TV Memories16:41 Exploring Horror in Television17:24 Future Plans for TV Horror Deep Dives20:11 Holiday Podcast Preview22:48 Underrepresented Themes in Horror26:50 Community Engagement and Future Plans28:38 Amityville Horror and Crossover Ideas  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon dives deep into the unsettling brilliance of 'Hell House LLC.' Released in 2015, this found footage horror has made waves with its hyperrealistic approach, reflecting the enterprise culture and media obsession of its time. Jon dissects the film's craft, likening its relatable scare tactics to real life experiences. With shoutouts to his listeners and fellow horror movie enthusiasts, Jon also shares personal insights on vulnerability, grief, and the psychology of fear. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of this low budget yet highly effective horror gem, and don't miss the epilogue where Jon and Alexis brainstorm future projects and address listener feedback.00:00 Introduction to Found Footage Horror01:10 Listener Picks and Personal Reflections06:45 Hell House LLC Overview07:28 The Making of Hell House LLC11:41 2015: A Year in Context22:14 Plot Breakdown and Analysis35:24 The Psychology of Found Footage Horror39:02 The Physiology of Fear in Horror Films39:18 Realism in Horror: The Mundane and the Terrifying40:42 Weaponizing Subtle Visual Disturbances43:44 The Craftsmanship Behind Found Footage Films45:38 The Business of Horror: LLC and Its Implications50:58 The Moral Undertones and Micro-Budget Realism54:39 Epilogue: Reflections and Future Projects Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October Listener Picks continue on TWPS with the 1993 hidden gem 'The Halloween Tree'. This 1993 made for TV animated film explores friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Halloween. With voice work from Leonard Nimoy and a story penned by Ray Bradbury, this episode offers a nostalgic trip back to the '90s while uncovering deeper themes of mortality and cultural traditions. 00:00 Introduction to a Forgotten Gem01:23 Listener Picks and Personal Memories04:29 The Halloween Tree: Basic Info and Background11:50 Ray Bradbury: The Myth Maker15:24 The Genesis of The Halloween Tree20:08 1993: A Year of Cultural Shifts24:38 The State of Horror in 199330:54 Plot Breakdown: The Halloween Tree37:59 Symbolism and Key Sequences39:50 Ray Bradbury's Influence and Symbolism40:30 The Four Costumes and Their Meanings42:29 The True Horror: Mortality43:56 Mount Shroud and The Halloween Tree46:37 The Cultural Significance of Jack-o'-Lanterns49:00 Themes of Friendship and Sacrifice53:00 Reflections on 90s Animation and Music58:04 Potential for a Live-Action Adaptation01:07:13 Listener Picks and Community Engagement Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 'That Was Pretty Scary' October Listener Picks continue with the 2006 animated film 'Monster House'. Explore the unique blend of Pixar-level heart and DreamWorks-level sarcasm that 'Monster House' brought to the screen. Jon discusses how this film dared to be different with its chilling story, innovative performance capture CGI, and surprisingly deep emotional themes of trauma, grief, and letting go. Jon delves into the influence of Spielberg and Zemeckis in the film's production, the movie's place in the horror animation lineage, and its lasting impact. Monster House crawled so the likes of Paranorman and Coraline would truly run!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TWPS October Listener Picks are underway and being kicked off with the bold and misunderstood 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' Jon takes you back to 1982 when audiences were left scratching their heads at the absence of Michael Myers, and explores the cult following that this daring film has since garnered. Dive into the film’s unique take on Halloween lore, its commentary on consumerism, media brainwashing and the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Join the discussion on how experimental horror can earn a timeless, albeit delayed, appreciation.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for selecting projects, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic instincts. Sarah also shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on 'Popeye the Slayer Man' and the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of one of horror's hardest-working actresses! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the innovative narrative style. Plus, Jon gives a heartfelt shoutout to the film's canine star. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this captivating episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody dives into a WHAT IF scenario of Halloween 4.  Ten years after Michael Myers, evil remains, but in a new, chillingly abstract form. Jon breaks down Carpenter's original plan, examines how it could have altered horror history, and offers a deep analysis of the potential ripple effects on pop culture and the film industry. If you're a fan of Halloween, this episode is a must-listen for discovering what might have been! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jon Lee Brody as he revisits the 2007 horror film, 'Dead Silence,' directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. This episode delves into why the film was initially panned by critics and how it has grown to become a cult favorite over the years. Jon breaks down the movie's plot, explores the horror landscape of 2007, and discusses how our perceptions of art can change over time. Plus, stay tuned for an in-depth discussion about anchoring bias and the successor problem. Don't miss the epilogue where Alex and Jon discuss ventriloquist dummies and the possibility of a sequel to 'Dead Silence.' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jon Lee Brody presents a spoiler-free review of 'The Long Walk,' a new thriller directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a novel by Stephen King. Highlighting notable performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and more, Jon dives into the movie's setup, differences between the book and film, and the intense themes of human endurance and totalitarianism. He praises the diverse cast and unique character portrayals, particularly Ben Wang's role as Hank Olson. Jon concludes with his rating, emphasizing the movie's lasting impact and its thought-provoking nature. Tune in for an engaging take on this haunting adaptation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jon reviews 'HIM' the latest sports horror film from Universal Pictures and Monkey Paw Productions. He explores how the movie blends football with mythological themes, discusses standout performances—especially Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White—and explains why 'HIM' is more than just a sports movie. Tune in for insights on sacrifice, authenticity, and what makes this film a must-watch for both horror and sports fans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this enlightening episode of Scary Talk, Jon Lee Brody welcomes the talented filmmaker Justin Tipping. Best known for his work on acclaimed projects like 'Kicks' and 'Dear White People,' Justin dives deep into his journey as an Asian American director. They discuss his early work, including the short film 'Nani,' and his latest project, 'Him,' a sports horror movie. Listen as Justin shares his unique perspective on identity, the pressures of athletic excellence, and the horror genre. This conversation offers a revealing look at how personal experiences shape creative storytelling. Don't miss out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon Lee Brody takes a deep dive into the iconic 1928 silent film, 'The Man Who Laughs'. Jon explores the film's profound impact on popular culture, highlighting its influence on characters like Batman's Joker and the Universal Monsters. Learn about Conrad Veidt's unforgettable performance as Gwynplaine, the tragic origins of the Joker, and the masterful makeup work by Jack Pierce. Jon also delves into the emotional and psychological depths of the film, making connections to modern-day themes of mental health and appearance versus reality. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of horror cinema history and its timeless relevance. Don't miss the epilogue with Alexis Cardoza, where they discuss insights from fans and future directions. Plus, find out how you can get involved in the conversation! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jon Lee Brody in a special bonus episode for a spoiler-free review of The Conjuring: Last Rites. This episode delves into the tenth and final film of the Conjuring saga, directed by Michael Chaves. Jon discusses the unique character arcs, offers insights into the movie's themes, highlights key moments, and shares personal anecdotes related to the franchise's journey since 2013. Don't miss the heartfelt tribute to the creators, especially his dear friend and mentor James Wan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.