Welcome to Horror

Christmas has been and gone, it’s roast dinner farts lingering like slush on the street as we pitch towards New Year’s Eve, and our extended festive holiday in New York draws to an end with “Ghostbusters II”. A film in which Nancy Spungen predicts the end of days; Bill Murray seeks psychiatric help from his own brother; and, once more, New York is portrayed as a festering hotbed of aggression, with a toxic sludge running beneath its streets. Much like the subject of our previous episode - “Ghostbusters II” came too late to ride the seismic wave of popularity the original generated. Unlike “Gremlins 2”, however, it doesn’t particularly offer anything new, with many noting the similar story beats to the first film. Oddly for a tale about negative emotions feeding supernatural events, it’s also softer and less cynical in its outlook, presumably part of efforts to aim it more for the kids who had unexpectedly embraced the original. For those of us young enough, it still holds an affectionate place in our hearts as we finally got more “proper” Ghostbusters, but, as far as the studio was concerned, this failed to catch the lightning a second time, and any further talk of sequels were shelved for nearly thirty years. Whist not a patch on the original, but with interesting moments, good gags, exemplary effects and great additions to an already perfect cast, “Ghostbusters II” doesn’t deserve the poor reputation it’s had over the years. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s part 3 of our ‘New York’ marathon and we’re in up in the skyscrapers for “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”. A film in which John Glover portrays a thinly veiled Donald Trump in a far more sympathetic light than would be possible these days; Hulk Hogan is revealed to be younger than any of our hosts; and Christopher Lee has already got rabies. The belated sequel to Joe Dante’s original failed to ignite the box office, and seems to have a annoyed many fans of that first film, possibly for the crime of trying to be a bit different, but we find it impossible to not get swept up in the glorious glee with which the titular monsters, and their director, wreak havoc with this movie. Unfettered from the control of his producers, Dante ramps up everything to the point of absurdity, channeling his love of Looney Tunes (including a specially produced Bugs and Daffy intro from the mighty Chuck Jones) with satirical swipes at Corporate culture, the diminishing returns of sequels, and postmodern references to the first film. Packed with cameos and references, this is a non-stop assault, which manages to be both utterly daft and really smart all at once. Watch (re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s part 2 of our ‘New York’ series - the city so nice they podcasted about it twice - and we finally get to “Ghostbusters”. A film in which… well, it’s “Ghostbusters”. Surely you’ve seen it? The original and still best; whatever your take on the films that followed; this is a stone cold 100% classic. With visual effects and character comedy that (pretty much) stand up to this day, it surely counts as one of the finest celebrations of the Big Apple as ever put on the silver screen. A true family film (if you ignore to supernatural blowie) with jokes for the adults, and rip-roaring adventure for the kids, it’s those kids that it first entranced who are now spearheading the renewed interest and revival of the franchise . With that design classic of a logo and Ray Parker Jr.’s ear worm title song simply everywhere, 1984 belonged to the Ghostbusters (despite the release of a number of other incredible films that year) and it was, to quote Dr Peter Venkman, “a legitimate phenomenon”. Watch (or, more likely, re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s part 1 of our ‘New York’ series, and we take a slow boat to the Big Apple with “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan”. A film in which a group of students get ripped off when they hire a “cruise ship”; New York City is a seething cesspool of crime and toxic waste; and Kane Hodder gets to pre-emptively leather the bloke who eventually nicked his job. “Jason Takes Manhattan” has our hockey-masked antihero bludgeneoning his way through yet another group of annoying teens; whilst also ticking off other touchstones of the “Friday…” franchise, such as an over-lit flashback and even a crazy harbinger. Despite this, the film somehow lacks something, maybe it’s the fact that we take far too long to get to NYC, or that, by this point, we’ve seen it all once too often. However, like most good slasher films, as a party movie with friends and/or your recreational substance of choice, it’s still a lot of daft fun. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us

Welcome To Horror Presents: “The Return of We Have Been Watching”. Just in time for Halloween (or maybe just after, depending on the schedule) here’s a round up of all the spooky shit the WTH team have been shoving up their brains. This episode we discuss “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024); “Tucker & Dale Vs Evil” (2010); Abattoir Fermé’s “Hotel Poseidon”(2021); “Apartment 7A” (2024); “The Descent” (2005); “Eat Locals” (2017); “Salem’s Lot” (2024); and the podcast series “The Department of Midnight” and “Baron Sodor’s Theatre of the Doomed” (thanks to Joe Watson for that one). Along the way, Chris basically plans our schedule for the next 6 months, and we have the first (and probably last) Welcome To Horror Quiz! Been listening for a while? Pit your knowledge of the show against two of the hosts (who will be judged accordingly). No need to prep for this ep, but listeners beware, as here be (possible) spoilers and (definite) swearing. Join us!

It’s time to act like professional gravy tasters and take stock. For over 200 episodes, Chris has been exposed to all manner of horrors by Lee and Adam, and it now feels like high time that the Padawan has achieved the rank of master, and is granted a place on the council (because we know how it plays out if we don’t). A little look back over the span of Welcome To Horror up to the present; we hope this is a nice summary of Chris’s journey through horror. No homework needed, although it may be a weird place to start your own journey with the podcast, but everyone’s welcome so join us.

It’s part 2 of our ‘Behind the scenes’ series, and we spend some time in the “Shadow of the Vampire”. A film in which we learn that Count Orlok was a pioneer of ASMR videos; a ferret is no substitute for a fresh young cameraman; and Cary Elwes can do a pitch perfect impression of Jürgen Prochnow. A wonderful blur of fact and fiction in which FW Murnau employs a real vampire to portray the lead in the silent classic “Nosferatu”, this is both a darkly comic slice of pseudo-history and a satire on the filmmaking process; with the driven director becoming an amoral monster, and his monster becoming a precious diva. An absolutely perfect cast bring this vision to life, with beautiful cinematography and loving recreations of the sublime original. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

Adam’s back in the Library with a bonus episode of extra gubbins left over from our recent episode on “Late Night With The Devil” As always, we recommend you listen to our main episode (number 207) first, before diving into this swirling hypno-disc of fact. We hope you enjoy this little transmission from the Welcome To Horror Fact Library.

We go back in time to remember a Halloween past, and become embroiled in a diabolical ratings war as we watch “Late Night With The Devil”. A film in which we learn that Scoleciphobia and Hypnosis are a very potent mix for light entertainment; that a TV producer can invoke more terror than an actual demon; and that the owls are not what they seem. Drawing from a number of real-life sources for its world-building; along with a pitch perfect recreation of 70s American TV, this film, certainly initially, could easily pass for a real piece of archive television. The writer/director team of brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes have assembled a cast and crew who absolutely bring their fantastic vision to life, with the linchpin being David Dastmalchian’s spot-on performance; his Jack Delroy has both the superficial charm and charisma of his on-screen persona, as well being a very real and genuine flawed human when the cameras are off. This film surely deserves to become a classic, its richness bears repeated viewing, and is already spawning multiple discussions over both its influences, and its own mythology. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s a bit of a different ep this week as Chris and Adam discuss (in a hopefully mostly spoiler-free way) the brand new film from Mattioli Productions; “Guys At Parties Like It”, streaming now on Tubi and Apple TV. “Guys At Parties Like It” focuses on a College Fraternity Party; where the men collectively revel in a crucible of pathetic hazing rituals and toxic masculinity, which results in one targeted woman literally fighting for her life. Events spiral out of control for everyone, with characters revealing either hidden reserves of fortitude or the basest of vile instincts. This is a sometimes uncomfortable watch in terms of subject matter, with some realistically unpleasant characters who having you hotly anticipating their comeuppance. Despite some story beats that may trip close to cliche, this independent feature is shot with a real cinematic polish and flair that belies its small budget, with some incredible gore effects that really add to the horror. This film from directing team Colton David and Micah Coate, described as “a #metoo inspired horror” feels like a response or antidote to those 80s frat comedies that really don’t play in the modern climate. A massive thank you to AJ Mattioli, owner of Mattioli Productions, for reaching out and giving us the chance to view this; check out their website www.mattioliproductions.com for more films and news.

Welcome To Horror Presents: “The Memoirs of We Have Been Watching”. It’s been a little while - but here’s one of our regular instalments of “We Have Been Watching”, in which we discuss all our extracurricular viewing. This ep covers “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”; Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin”; Gareth Tunley’s “The Ghoul” (2016); a “Nightmare on Elm Street” double bill of Part 2 “Freddy’s Revenge” and Part 3 “Dream Warriors”; an Alfred Hitchcock triple bill of “Rope”; “The Birds” and “Rear Window”; “Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose”; The TV series of “Interview with the Vampire”; 2011 French horror “Livid” (aka “Livide”); and Tigon classic “The Sorcerers”. No need to prep for this ep, but listeners beware, as here be (possible) spoilers and (definite) swearing. Join us!

Here’s Adam with a bonus episode of all the factoids and thingamajigs we didn’t quite get to on our recent “Sightseers” episode. We recommend you listen to our main episode (number 204) first, before diving into this cooling yet petrifying well of information. Hope you enjoy this little transmission from the Welcome To Horror Fact Library.

It’s time for that summer break you deserve, as we turn our attention to Lady Jennifer’s Birthday choice - Ben Wheatley’s magnificent “Sightseers”. A film which teaches you that G.B.H. stands for Great British Holiday; that dogs and knitting don’t mix; and that, at a push, faecal matter can be an interesting alternative to lipstick. The minds of writers/stars Alice Lowe and Steve Oram blend perfectly with director Ben Wheatley’s cinematic (and sometimes brutal) vision in this pitch black comedy that pulls no punches; transposing the serial killer road movie over the mundanity of a pair of British misfits on a camping holiday. A film for anyone who knows that true horror is being trapped in a caravan, having a row, in the pouring rain. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

We’re taking a look at another “locally-sourced” horror; the time-tangled psychedelic noir that is “Burnt Flowers” from Director/Writer/Actor Michael Fausti. Spanning across 3 eras, a Police Detective on a missing person’s case in the 90s finds it somehow links to a series of unsolved murders around the shady world of 60s gangland, and also to her own family past. As this is a new film that’s still making waves at various Festivals, this episode is in two stages; first off a general discussion, hopefully giving you an idea of what the film is like, and then we’ll give you fair warning before moving into spoilers. This is a whole-hearted recommended watch from the Welcome To Horror team, and if you get the chance, we urge you to check it out. With a magnificent cast, a haunting premise and a cinematic look and flair that surpasses it’s small budget and then some; this is a real treat for seekers of the smart and strange in horror. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s taken far too long, but here we go with The Chiodo Brothers’ “Killer Klowns From Outer Space”. A film in which Dean Wormer is still having trouble with disrespectful young punks; we discover quite how bad popcorn can be for your health; and reveal the safest place to hide in an ice cream van, in the event of an explosion. A perennial of the video shop, and many a young horror fan’s gateway to the genre; “Killer Klowns…” still looks magnificent, mostly due to the Chiodo Brothers’ mastery of practical effects and unique style. Embracing its B-Movie premise (it’s similarities to “The Blob” are marked), with performances to match; this film knows its ridiculous and revels in it’s cartoonish silliness. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

We turn our attention to a cracking little historical horror from Actor, Director, Writer (and all round top bloke) Andrew Elias. “Tales From The Great War” begins with 4 British soldiers stationed in the trenches of the Western Front being “volunteered” for a mission behind German lines, where, it soon transpires, things more terrible than the enemy are stalking the blasted landscape. The narrative shifts in time at various points to give us the separate back stories of how these individuals ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time; before tying all of them together. This episode is in two stages, at first we attempt to give a flavour of what to expect and then we’ll warn you as we move into spoiler territory. Be under no doubt, we all highly recommend you seek this film out (it is currently available for rent on Amazon) - it’s small budget belies its quality and polish, with a strong script and an excellent cast (including some familiar faces) this is a real gem, that manages to pack more into its 60 minute run time than some movies manage in 3 hours. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s our 200th episode (well, it’s actually our 246th, but who’s counting?) and to celebrate we’re holding the inaugural Welcome To Horror Hall of Fame Awards (or “Welkies” as all the cool kids are calling them). Lee, Chris and Adam have chosen favourites from 4 categories - best trope, best performance, best film and best cinema experience. No prep needed here, just join us for the ceremony live from Essex’s glittering west end, and see if you agree with our choices.

Here’s Adam with a bonus episode of all the facts and gubbins we didn’t quite get to on our “The World’s End” episode. We recommend that you listen to our main episode (number 199!) first, before diving into this moras of info; and take a shot every time he manages to crowbar in a mention of Doctor Who. We hope you enjoy this little transmission from the Welcome To Horror Fact Library

It’s the conclusion of our watch through of Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy as we reach “The World’s End”. A film in which we learn what that thing above the door is called; another Bond gets the chance at some classy villainy; and we can all acknowledge that the Sisters of Mercy are fucking awesome. The Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy ends by combining the story of five school friends growing apart, with a sci-fi conspiracy of body-snatching alien invaders. There’s a few new faces in the cast, but essentially this is a victory lap for many of those we’ve seen before. Whilst it may be the lesser of the three films, that’s still no slight when you consider the quality of the first two. Still funny, still wonderfully executed, and possibly the best way to round things off, this is still great movie, even if it doesn’t quite match the dizzying heights of its predecessors. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

Adam brings us another bonus episode of random facts and things about “Hot Fuzz” that we didn’t quite get round to on our main episode. This time round he overuses the word “stalwart” and, once again, recommends you listen to the main episode first! We hope you enjoy this little transmission from the Welcome To Horror Fact Library