Happily Ever Slasher

This week, we’re welcoming our very first guests - Sam and Shelby from The Rom Complex podcast. Because we’re gracious hosts, we let them choose the movie and they did not disappoint. It’s a musical, it’s a romance, it’s 110% a horror movie - we’re talking about THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (2004). From problematic age gaps (in what timeline could Patrick Wilson and Emmy Rossum be childhood sweethearts?) to a failed attempt at making Gerard Butler grotesque, this movie has all the trappings of a slasher. Masked killer, check. Obsession with an innocent ingenue, check. Characters doing the one thing that will probably get them killed, check. We’re waiting in the catacombs when you’re ready. Join us, won’t you?  For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher (and follow @theromcomplex while you're there!)

We didn't have a Bennifer reunion on our 2021 bingo card, but since we're here, we thought we'd use this opportunity to discuss what's often described as the "Worst Move Ever Made" – 2003's GIGLI, or as we like to call it Fragile Masculinity: The Movie.  If there was ever a romantic comedy that was *actually* a horror movie, it’s this iconic flop that brought Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez together. Affleck plays a misogynist who refuses to believe that the object of his affection (played by JLo, duh) is a lesbian, no matter how many times she tells him. But, in his defense, the movie doesn't believe her either. It's like no one on this film saw Chasing Amy - oh wait.  So, join us, won't you, as we travel back in time to our lord's year 2003. If anyone can find true love while making this dumpster fire of a film, we have to believe it’s the real thing. So here’s to those two crazy kids making it work in 2021. We're here for this reboot – but please, for the love of film and feminism and all things good, let's hope they don't give us a Gigli sequel. For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

This week, we're comparing two movies that are not discussed together nearly enough. Both are cult classics about subliminal messages in the media and the evils of mindlessly conforming to the whims of a capitalist society. But, ya know, one does it with evil aliens hell-bent on world domination and the other does it with villainous record execs and early-00s pop-punk bops.  It's John Carpenter’s sci-fi horror classic THEY LIVE (1988) and Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont’s musical comedy JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS (2001). From the evils of capitalism to the importance of accessorizing, this episode is totally jerkin.  So put on your magic sunglasses and limited edition cat ear headphones and join us. And don’t pay any attention to that hidden track. Happily Ever Slasher is the best podcast ever. We came here to chew bubblegum and compare movies, and– well, you get the idea.  For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Hold onto your Croaker Queen crown, we’re back, baby! And we’re kicking off season 2 with a classic tale of star-crossed high school sweethearts brought together by a shared interest. Ya know, being stalked by a vengeful fisherman armed with a hook. Talk about a meat cute! It’s the classic 90s s̶l̶a̶s̶h̶e̶r̶ rom-com I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. Can these crazy kids overcome the obstacles standing in their way – 'til death do they part? I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER is a rom-com and we’re here to prove it. What are you waiting forrrrrr? Listen now. For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

The title alone is a straight-up horror movie. So how was WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING a 90s rom-com classic? This week, we’re here to prove it’s more like a psychological thriller.  . If you grew up swooning over Sandy B deceiving a grieving family to find love, this is the podcast for you. Because, same. If Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher weren’t charming AF, would this even be a movie?  . Amanda and Brooke debate which of the characters (who are all 100% psychopaths) is the least problematic. Spoiler alert, it’s definitely not Joe Jr. Let’s revisit this 90s staple from an older, wiser perspective and all agree that it would have been better served by embracing the fact that it’s actually terrifying. . For more, find us at HappilyEverSlasher.com or on Instagram @happilyeverslasher.

We’re getting into the holiday spirit - 2000s style - with two movies about orphans finding their own family in a group of unsuspecting sorority girls. So grab your low-rise Santa suit with rhinestone bedazzled buckle and hold onto your eyeballs as we go back to school just in time for winter break with BLACK CHRISTMAS (2006). And since we’ve been extra aughty this year, we’re comparing it to that other 2000s sorority classic, THE HOUSE BUNNY (2008).  . Join us as we ask the hard questions like how feminist are these two girl-powered movies and can a candy cane *actually* be used as a shiv? We also call back to BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974) because it’s a true holiday classic. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

This week, we're talking one of our favorite movies – Wes Craven’s SCREAM (1996). Sure, it may be known as the groundbreaking slasher movie that reinvigorated horror in the 90s, but it’s also a love story. And we’re not just talking about the actual rom-com that is Gale and Dewey. (Strip away the murders, set it at Christmas and Hallmark would be all over it.) . From all the ways it’s a love letter to horror itself to one couple that should have been canon, the love is very very real. Plus, if you’re over 21 and not driving, play along as we drink every time Amanda calls a scene her favorite. Spoiler alert: It's a lot. How do we love SCREAM? Let us count the ways... . For more, find us at HappilyEverSlasher.com or on Instagram @happilyeverslasher. 

It's our favorite time of year. And, this week, we're getting into the spirit of the spooky season with two of the most Halloween movies ever made - HOCUS POCUS (1993) and HALLOWEEN (1978).  . If you've ever had basic cable during the month of October, you've seen HOCUS POCUS at least 437 times. And, unless you've been living under a jack o' lantern for the last 42 years, statistically, you've probably seen at least one of the 12 HALLOWEEN movies. While you could say the theme of this episode is Halloween nostalgia, these two movies actually have an unnatural amount in common.  . From exploring the complexities of sibling relationships (brothers are always causing trouble, amirite?) to the importance of being a virgin on Halloween (whether it's the power to light the black flame candle or survive the night in Haddonfield, virginity has its perks!).  . So, put on your best Halloween costume (or just find a cheap William Shatner mask and give it a coat of spray paint), grab a family-size bag of mini Snickers and join us for a Halloween night in the suburbs. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

This week, we’re revisiting Halloween classic PRACTICAL MAGIC (1998). This wacky witchy romp is often billed as a romantic comedy – but is it though? What if it’s actually been a horror movie the whole time?!  . Millennials grew up thinking this was a rom-com and could you blame us? It’s got Nicole Kidman, Sandy B, a couple of eccentric aunts AND midnight margaritas! But is a family curse that causes the gruesome deaths of numerous men spanning generations and culminating in murder, corpse reanimation and finally an exorcism *actually* romantic or have we been lied to our entire lives?  . Join us as we discuss this cult fave and talk ways the film could have been (and mayybeeee already is) a horror movie. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t take much. . For more, find us on the interwebs or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher.

Happily Ever Slasher is back after a brief intermission – and we have a new co-host! This week, Tara says goodbye and we welcome Brooke to the podcast. She’s been a horror fan since THE RING prevented her from getting a good night’s sleep as a kid and her superpower is correctly guessing the ending to any movie in the first 20 minutes. In this bonus episode, Amanda and Brooke play an eye-opening game of horror and rom-com themed “Would you rather?”. You may not learn our deepest, darkest secrets but you will find out whether we'd rather make out with Pennywise or Freddy Krueger and who we'd choose as our early aughts rom-com sidekick - Judy Greer or Kathryn Hahn. Join us and play along! Share your own answers with us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher.

It’s another week at Camp Happily Ever Slasher. And this week, we’re going back to the 90s with two movies about what happens when kids are left to their own devices… with very different results. We’re talking about the batshit crazy Christopher Lloyd-fronted comedy CAMP NOWHERE (1994) and the film adaptation of LORD OF THE FLIES (1990). . Both movies feature groups of kids surviving on their own with the presence of one adult who is in no condition to be responsible for multiple children. (In LORD OF THE FLIES, this character is critically injured and dies halfway through; in CAMP NOWHERE it’s Christopher Lloyd.) . What is it about Christopher Lloyd befriending a plucky high school kid that's just always so damn good? Also, how does CAMP NOWHERE have an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes? It’s a national treasure! . The lesson this week? Growing up is a trap. Sure, we can make our own bedtime and eat whatever we want – but at what cost?! Are adults *actually* smarter than any of these minors? We want to say yes, but LORD OF THE FLIES feels weirdly relevant. Pass the conch and join us, won't you? .  For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

This summer, Happily Ever Slasher is going to camp – with 4 episodes featuring at least one movie that takes place at a summer camp! This week, get ready for all the camp hijinx and twice the recommended amount of Lindsay Lohan with Nancy Meyers’ 1998 favorite THE PARENT TRAP. But don’t get too comfortable – it’s double trouble x 2 as an unsuspecting family finds themselves on summer vacation – it’s Jordan Peele’s 2019 horror masterpiece US.  . What’s the deal with the isolation cabin at Camp Walden? Should it have really taken Hallie and Annie *that* long to realize they’re twins? And is Meredith *actually* the villain or was it really Hallie this whole time?  . If you haven’t seen US, we recommend watching it before you tune in. Spoiler alert: It was one of our favorite horror movies we’ve done on the pod (and maybe of all time). What are you waiting for? Tether yourself to your nearest listening device and join us. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

This summer (or at least for the next 3 weeks), Happily Ever Slasher is going to camp! And, if we’re going to do this, there’s only one place to start. Ch ch ch ch ha ha ha. We’re talking about the 1980 iconic slasher FRIDAY THE 13TH and the 2001 camp comedy WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER. . Summer camp is dangerous! For the counselors but also for the kids. Sure, FRIDAY THE 13th may feature the most well-known serial killer of the week but let’s not forget Paul Rudd’s character in WET HOT straight-up murders a whole bunch of children. But most of these deaths could have been prevented if a couple of horny counselors just kept it in their pants. . Who wears short shorts? Literally every person in the 80s and we’re here for it. While neither film is perfect, WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER remains a completely absurd romp and FRIDAY THE 13TH is still iconic in the genre (although it’s neither of our favorites of the franchise).  . Plus, we get nostalgic about our own summer camp experiences and, you know, spending extended amounts of time outside and around people. But Camp Crystal Lake can keep the Strip Monopoly. There are easier ways to sit around in your underwear for 6 hours. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Young love is complicated! This week, we’re going back to high school with two movies about teen girls exploring their sexuality despite the presence of evil - be it a literal demon or a figurative one in the form of a gay conversion camp. We’re talking about the iconic 1999 satire BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER and the 2009 horror-comedy JENNIFER’S BODY.  . We’re answering the important questions, like how were low-rise jeans ever a thing, and why couldn’t they have gone the way of bisexuality in both of these movies and just ceased to exist? The bi-erasure is real.  . But despite that, we’re celebrating a week where both films are made by female filmmakers! Is BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER as campy and wonderful as ever? Is JENNIFER’S BODY actually the feminist horror film it was intended to be? And can we all agree that regardless, Megan Fox deserves an apology for the YEARS of bullshit she’s had to put up with in Hollywood?  . Both films tackle serious subjects through the lens of dark humor and satire while also depicting the beauty and angst of teen romance. Ultimately, the lesson is simple: Love is love. Unless, you know, it’s an actual succubus out to devour your flesh.  . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

It’s our 10th episode! And in honor of this milestone, we’re tackling one of the most iconic AND most problematic romantic comedies ever made… It’s the classic tale of girl meets boy, boy pays girl $3,000 – PRETTY WOMAN (1990). And, alongside it, we’ve got a neo-noir erotic thriller, BODY DOUBLE (1984).  . Both movies feature Hollywood-based sex workers being paid to play a role that’s not quite what they signed up for. In one, it’s an unrealistic love affair, in the other, it’s a needlessly complicated murder plot. Both are equally absurd.  . And there are so many unknowns… like what do any of the female characters in either of these movies want – aside from helping men with their problems? How many times did Brian DePalma jerk off to VERTIGO while writing the script for BODY DOUBLE? And who needs the Bechdel test when a woman doesn’t even speak words for the first half of the film?  . Can we call ourselves feminists and still enjoy these movies? (We can and we do.) But we can admit it’s a BIG problem. BIG. HUGE. The lesson this week: Life is not a fairytale. Princesses need to save themselves. So pry yourself away from the telescope and join us. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

From the gates of hell to the fountains of Rome, cursed objects ain’t nothing to mess with. This week, we’re learning the hard way – don’t take things that don’t belong to you – whether it’s coins from a fountain or an old lady’s house. We’re talking about the 2009 horror favorite DRAG ME TO HELL and the 2010 rom-c̶o̶m̶ bomb WHEN IN ROME.  . With so many jump scares, the most frightening part of Drag Me To Hell is still an old lady taking out her teeth inside a bank, which is just not okay in a post-covid world (but also was it ever okay?). . We’re getting on our feminist soapbox because WHY do women constantly need to choose between compassion and success? It’s the 21st century, can we not have it all? *checks notes* No, guess not. The lesson this week: Patriarchy is a curse, but it’s one we’ll keep fighting to break. . We also play a rousing game of F*ck, Marry, Kill where there are no winners - except possible Danny DeVito. So grab the person in your life who knows WAY too much about curses (everyone has one, right?) and buckle in for our latest episode. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Oh, baby! Break out the hamburger phone and novelty “it’s a demon!” cigars for an episode 9 months in the making.  We’re talking about the 2007 rom-com JUNO and the 1968 horror classic ROSEMARY’S BABY. . You may not immediately think a quirky early-aughts comedy and a satanic horror film from the 1960s would have much in common, but think again. Both movies involve complicated pregnancies and eccentric older couples who are extra invested in the baby.  . We’re tackling the tough topics, like are either of these movies pro-choice? And how surprised are you that the more pro-choice film might not be Juno? But don't worry, we're also tackling the not-so-tough topics... like anagrams. Clever plot device or lazy writing? . So pour yourself a Tannis root smoothie or grab that family-size jug of Sunny D and join us. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Being a female FBI agent looks EXHAUSTING... This week we say f*ck your boys club. So swap your sweatpants for your best business casual and aviators. We’re talking about THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) and MISS CONGENIALITY (2000). . We’re asking the important questions, like how does any woman succeed without a queer or queer-coded male mentor? Why do all dramatic FBI transactions require an airplane hanger? And where are the HR departments in either of these movies?! Sure Anthony Hopkins deserved the Oscar despite his limited screen time, but where’s William Shatner’s award for stealing the entire show?  . It’s hard to believe these movies have as much in common as they do - about as hard to believe as Sandy B requiring a team of people to get her pageant-ready. So pour yourself a nice glass of Chianti (hold the fava beans) and join us. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Fact: Just because you can’t see him, doesn’t mean he’s not creepily following you around. This week, it’s all about what you can’t see. So put on some Unchained Melody, grab a seat at the closest pottery wheel and settle in - we’re talking the 1990 box office romance GHOST and the just-released 2020 horror film THE INVISIBLE MAN. Surprise! . Next time your cat hisses at an empty room, remember it could be a ghost with unfinished business... or it could be a megalomaniac who invented an invisible suit - either way, someone’s always watching. . Tara geeks out over Universal Monsters mythos, Amanda dusts off her old college film theory textbook and we both fangirl HARD over the iconic performance by Elisabeth Moss. Get ready to be a believer. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher

Repeat after us... stalking is not romantic. This week, we’re talking two first love cautionary tales both involving high school girls falling for possessive older men who are also definitely murderers. It’s the 2008 box office hit TWILIGHT and the 1996 Marky Mark-led thriller FEAR. . Who would have thought a teen vampire romance would have so much in common with a 90s psychological thriller? And we’re not just talking about the fact that they both take place in Washington and are scored by the same composer - two things we didn’t know when we picked them for this episode. . In this very special super-sized episode of the podcast, we reflect on some of the most nostalgic and cringey movies of our youth. And we have some questions. Like what movie did Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson think they were signing up for? Can Mark Wahlberg play a character who's not from Boston, or do they have to write an East Coast backstory into all his roles to justify the accent? And how is everyone okay with Edward climbing into Bella's window and watching her sleep for MONTHS without her consent. . So what did we learn? Aggressive stalking is not a healthy start to any relationship. Never give out your alarm code. And if he scares you, don’t question it, just run. . For more, find us at happilyeverslasher.com or follow us on Instagram @happilyeverslasher