This May Hurt a Bit (James Strayer and John C Meyers)

In this introductory episode, James and John lay out the thesis for the podcast and talk about their history with horror films. 

We discuss the first film in the Friday the 13th franchise- how it came to be and what it started. 

Let's return to Camp Blood! We discuss the first sequel where we get the Baghead. 

"A New Dimension in Terror". It's back to Camp Blood but this time, everything is very... in your face, from machetes to yo-yos. 

Join us as we hang out with Crispin Glover and Corey Feldman at Camp Crystal Lake. Let's see YOUR dance moves to Lion. 

Do you want your Jason movies to be trashier and full of yelling? This one's for YOU!

You screamed when he wasn't in the 5th film, so they brought him back. With some laughs!

It's Kane Hodder's first appearance in Jason vs Carrie! Will this inventive take breathe new life into Jason's corpse? 

Jump on the boat and let's head from Crystal Lake right to New York City!

Before we can go to Space, first we must go to HELL. 

We finally make it to space. Join us in our long conversation where James mainly complains about all the "Aliens" rip offs. 

Also, find below  the link to purchase your own Fight like a Final Girl T - shirt, all proceeds going to abortion rights organizations. 

https://poltergeistsandparamours.com/collections/fight-like-a-final-girl?page=1

You want more blood? More nudity? More Hard Core everything? Let's revisit the remake!

Having finished up the series, we take a look back! Favorite Kills. Favorite Final Girl. How did it shift and change, likes and dislikes. With special guest and long time Crystal Lake Guru and illustrator-  Greg Bigoni! Hear his tales of the cast and filmmakers finding and purchasing his work.

You can find Greg's art here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/gregbigoniart/

We decided to release the full interview with local Crystal Lake Guru, Greg Bigoni! We cover his personal history with the series and more details on selling art to the cast.

This will be our last episode on the "Friday the 13th" series as we gear up for our examination of "Phantasm" next!

We review "Phantasm" from 1979, directed by Don Coscarelli. Quite the about face from the Friday the 13th series!

Musician Michael Holloway joins us to talk through this classic sequel. The Guy from Singles is now Mike! Reggie boogies down. Are the Lurkers actually Minions? 

Find Michael's music including his self titled doom jazz project as well as industrial band Dead When I Found Her here: https://michaelarthurholloway.bandcamp.com/

The driving continues as we follow Mike and (horndog) Reggie across Oregon in their pursuit of the Tall Man. We meet Tim and his Clown full of Knives and Rocky! 

Who knew- Phantasm 4 is really pretty good! Wanna know some Tall Man back story? Mike as traveling Goth? Tune in!

18 years after part 4, those scrappy filmmakers pull everything they got into one last ride for a divisive yet full of heart final Phantasm film. This is the ending through Reggie's eyes. 

And we're done. All 5 Phantasms. What was your favorite kill, favorite Reggie moment or makeup effect? What surprised you? And who won the Kill Count and takes home the Golden Scrimm? 

What happens when a premonition causes a Rift in Death's Design? Death catches up to you.  We make a big jump into the 2000s teen horror franchise, leaving our 80s credentials at the door. 

We welcome Dan McCoy from The FlopHouse Podcast! He joins us to discuss the funnier and more gruesome sequel in the series. 

Thoughts on American politics post 9/11 and the Devil's testicles. Kind of hard hitting commentary here at "Hurt a Bit". And this series is most definitely Q Anon's favorite horror.

Finally, in 3D!

What happens when a studio exec decides that the FD films need to be more like "The Office"?

We take a look at the franchise as a whole. How did they progress? What's the best inciting incident? Best Kill? And of course- did John or James come closest in the Kill Count Prediction?

We break from format to talk about what we've been watching this horror season. 

Hey you Moon Goons, settle into the Christmas Season as we return to discuss the first of six "Silent Night, Deadly Night" films! Those concerned parents who had this pulled from the theater in 1984 can't tell you what to do now. 

It's finally Garbage Day! We still manage to talk for the same amount of time considering half of this film is recycled footage from Part 1. 

Twin Peaks actors merge with the SNDN franchise to hunt down Bill Mosely as our new zombie Ricky. 

Ready for a Christmas movie? Definitely a Christmas movie about... a woman being initiated into a witch's coven and a greased up Clint Howard. 

We are joined by good friend of the show, Justin Weise to discuss all things Toymaker and late career Micky Rooney. Come for the gore, stay for "The Milky Life"!

On this Christmas Eve, join us as we discuss the Nu Metal remake of "Silent Night, Deadly Night."

After 6 films, we discuss how they all fit together (or don't), favorite performances, best kills and of course- see who won in the Kill Count Guess. 

Flophouse host Stuart Wellington joins us to discuss Wishmaster- starring Robert Englund, Ted Rami, Kane Hodder and Tony Todd. 

A Djinn with unlimited powers is released from his prison and.. goes directly to prison. And then to a casino. Thrill at these locations (and a few neat gore effects) as we discuss "Wishmaster 2"!

Oh boy how we miss Andrew Divoff in this college based Wishmaster sequel. Can't we just get beyond The Gates of Hell? 

Join us as we discuss the fourth and final Wishmaster film. And we still miss Andrew Divoff instead of this... "Djinn-cel" stalking our hero. 

We discuss the series as a whole, favorite kills, best makeup effects and where we'd like to see a Part 5 take us. 

We are joined by Becky Darke to discuss the first installment of the Saw franchise. Grandfather of Torture Porn or gritty Seven-inspired police procedural? 

And... is Billy the Doll cute? 

Tobin Bell gets to do some acting and people yell at eachother a whole bunch. And more Canadian Doors!

We are joined by David Weiner to talk about the third part in his 14.5 hr documentary on 80s horror! How do you go about deciding what to include? Who do you interview? 

This doc is a great way to hear about the films you love and also start making a new checklist of any of the gems you missed. 

Go to https://80shorrordoc.com/ to get your blu ray copy. 

Let's track Jigsaw's moral compass for a bit... and talk about pig slop and the further examples of his Rise and Grind Do Better philosophy!

A new creative team led by Dunston, checks in to start up a mini trilogy within a franchise. Does learning more about Jigsaw help or hinder? 

I start to feel a little bad talking poorly about a franchise that a lot of people love but c'mon- Hoffman? It'd be nice to see this story move forward. Still- Jigsaw would make a great Willy Wonka!

 Jigsaw takes on the insurance industry in a movie that goes over big with fans of getting gooshed!

We are joined by Rob Campbell from the Green Shirts podcast, the Road House Play in Portland and www.shirtnerdery.com and his brick and morter store- Made in Milwaukee. 

Oh and we talk about Saw 3D!

Ever wanted to know the origin of Jigsaw even though the filmmakers and studio don't seem to be entirely dedicated to showing said origin? Ever wanted to see possibly the most eye rolly twist in a Saw film? Hit play on that device!

Chris Rock and Sam Jackson want to play a game. Finally, our curiosity is satiated. 

We go over all 9 Saw films. Favorite trap? Favorite Jigsaw Acolyte? Favorite twist ending? And the all important Franchise Kill Count results. 

We discuss the Alfred Hitchcock classic, "Psycho"- the impact on early slashers, film exhibition and- how this could possibly spawn a franchise? 

Is the sequel to one of the greatest films actually Good? Yes. Yes it is. We're not trying to tempt you with a click, yes it's good. And Sandwiches. 

Anthony Perkins directs this next sequel that goes a little more slasher and a little more camp. 

We get flashbacks and more flashbacks about how Norman became Norman! This rounds out the original series of Psycho!

We finally get to the remake and what to make of all of it. It's actually... interesting. 

Which of these sequels would you watch again? We say- ALL OF THEM! What a real nice surprise, Clark. 

Stan Winston steps up to the director's plate with his first film, "Pumpkinhead"! All creature, all atmosphere, all annoying kids. How does this stack up to "A Gnome Named Gnorm?" Listen along to find out. 

Also, as mentioned, friend of the show Becky Darke does a nice write up of the new Arrow release of "Psycho". Well timed after our run of the films. Check it out here:

https://www.arrowfilms.com/blog/features/our-favourite-psycho-norman-bates/

Fresh thoughts from the latest "Saw" film- just a couple hours after seeing it. First 10 minutes or so are spoiler free, then we get into the meaty details. 

Is this an anthology sequel? What does this have to do with Part 1? Either way, let's throw the lore out the window with the first followup. 

Can a returning Lance Henricksen and Doug Bradley save this sequel? Well, it's better than Wishmaster 3. 

We attempt to find... anything interesting to talk about in the fourth Pumpkinhead film.  I think we'll be happy to leave this series in the pumpkin patch.

We are joined again by friend of the show Michael Holloway to discuss what (non franchise) horror movies we've been watching for the Halloween season. 

We come to the end of the patch and discuss all four films and how they relate and grow... or wilt... into a franchise. Which was your favorite? Have a favorite kill? Favorite... Vengance Seeker? And stay tuned to hear what we'll be covering next. 

We dive into our first Stephen King adaptation. Biggest takeaway- everyone needs a Judd to have a beer with at the end of the day. But is he the biggest villain of the movie? What differences from the book are we into and not? 

Talk about a tonal shift- we go from the dread inducing folk horror of the first one to the unabashed B movie schlock of part 2. All worth it for Clancy Brown. AND! Check out our contest announcement at the top. 

Can John Lithgow save this remake? Does the big Switcharoo work?

Sorry, but we're just harsh on this one. Just what happens when movies become "content." 

We discuss the franchise as a whole! How does the lore shift? Who's your favorite Judd? What tone works best for this series and where to go from here? And of course- who was closest in the Kill Count Estimate!

The 70s had a great run of Satanic horror and we focus on one of the best examples this week. And what could make that better? David Warner. 

We welcome special guest, costume designer and fashion historian, Jolene Richardson to discuss this 1978 sequel! She brings her crack knowledge to our usual nonsense. 

You can listen to her podcast "Hanging by a Thread" and find her writing in Fangoria!

Can an early Sam Neil performance save this Omen sequel? Who trained these monks? And who let the boy scouts into the army of Satan? Lots of laughs in this one which should come as no surprise on an episode where we are joined once again by Becky Darke!

Be sure to follow her for links to her writing as well as her appearances on The Evolution of Horror and her own show, Don't Point that Horror at Me!

Not a ton to talk about in this one but still managed to talk almost as long as the movie- and boy our inner 10 year old boys came out in this one. And who is that special cameo??

We discuss (and find the good) in this completely unnecessary remake.  The only movie we can think of that was created solely for a fun release date on the calendar- 6.6.06.

We discuss the pilot of Twin Peaks, published on this, February 24th- Twin Peaks Day. 

Let us know what you think and if you'd like to hear more from the show! It's a favorite of ours and we may do the whole series, perhaps as a Patreon. 

We wrap up the Omen franchise! Best Damien, Order we'd watch again and of course, revealing that Kill Count for all five movies. So now... what's next?

We go from classy to grimey in Frank Henenlotter's "Basket Case". We love this one in all of its early 80s grindhouse New York glory. Who doesn't love that little guy, Belial. Well, ok... I understand if not. 

John's co-host of "John and Alexx Hate Stuff", Alexx Bollen joins us to discuss "Basket Case 2". You gotta admire Hennelotter for just going Silly for the sequel. 

Alexx's writing

Dead When I Found Her

Can we get goofier than part 2? Yes. Yes, I think we can. 

Is the legacy of Basket Case more wacky than grimy? Favorite kill? Where to go from here? Stay tuned here to find out which franchise we tackle next!

We discuss William Lustig's 1988 film, "Maniac Cop" with guests Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum! We also talk about their latest comic series from Dark Horse Comics, "Minor Threats". What grindhouse filmmaker would best adapt this comic? What is it like working in an already established franchise vs creator owned comics? And why is Tom Atkins the sexiest man alive?

Pick up your Minor Threats books at Dark Horse Comics!


Movies Discussed

The Honeymoon Killers (1970)
The Lineup (1958)
The Warriors (1979)
Combat Shock (1984)
Life is Hot in Cracktown (2009)
Lawman (1971)
Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950)
The Prowler (1951)
On Dangerous Ground (1951)
I Wake Up Screaming (1941)
Ghoulies (1984)
The Terminator (1984)
Martin (1977)
God Told Me To (1976)
RatPfink and Boo Boo (1966)
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
The Fog (1980)
Night of the Creeps (1986)
Any Which Way You Can (1980)
GETEVEN (1993)
House 2: The Second Story (1987)
Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors (1987)
New Nightmare (1994)
Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2
Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street(2019)
Christmas Evil (1980)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

Cordell returns with bigger action, bigger set pieces and more kills! What do you think of him hanging out with another killer? Do you like the bigger version of it all? Would you like to have a Cop-E-Cat?

And please do click through to hear Jay Chattaway's "Maniac Cop" rap.

Our friend who joined us for Silent Night, Deadly Night 5 makes good on his request to come back for Maniac Cop 3! It's not nearly as bad as people think. 

We conclude our series on Maniac Cop! With just three, how did it change? Atkins vs Davi? Who would be the right fit for a reboot? 

Which was your favorite?

Let's dive into what could be the greatest horror film of all time. Any first time watchers out there? 

We are joined by special guest, Michael Holloway! We discuss his new album, "Night Shifting" as well as ... chili recipes. You want Itallo Funk Disco Horror? You should honestly check out this album. 

https://hauntedhospital.bandcamp.com/album/night-shifting

We are firmly into franchise territory as we see the first New Line Chainsaw film. Gone is the darkness of the first and the odd comedy of the second and now we're with a new family in the woods. Can Viggo save this one? Jeff Burr does what he can. 

On this episode, we discuss...! Well, the next one. The Next Generation. But this time, with Dan McCoy of The Flop House Podcast! This is the one with Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger and boy oh boy do we go off the rails!

Check out Dan's show, The Flop House, below!
https://www.flophousepodcast.com/

We are joined by Kelly Woessner to discuss this 2003 remake! How does anyone capture the magic of the original? Well... they don't- they do their own thing, for better or for worse. Do you like this kind of Polished Grit? Did you see this before the original? 

Let's travel back to the beginning of this particular timeline with a really mean and nasty origin story for Leatherface and the family. Tommy gets a Saw!

Special Guest Rob Campbell, the Titan of 3D Entertainment, returns to discuss this 3D sequel. Let's all appreciate for a moment that Rob went out and bought a used 3D home television with glasses AND- a 3D DVD to bring you his analysis. 

https://www.shirtnerdery.com/

We can't make heads nor tails of the continuity and references in this one and it turns into a pretty wild and wholly conversation about (another) origin of Leatherface. 

Rounding out this franchise with the straight to Netflix, 9th film in the franchise. Sally returns to help out some gentrifying teens in a small Texas town. We find a few positives, but this is a rough one. 

It's been a long hot summer. We conclude our series on TCM by wrapping up the whole franchise. Favorite Kill? Favorite final girl? Favorite Leatherface? 

We dive into a new franchise with "Critters"! Little tiny creatures from outer space, rasclin' around a small farm in Kansas. But wait, there area also intergalactic bounty hunters and Neelix! 

Our favorite little rascals are back and have certainly upped the ante in the realm of Rasclin'. More comedy this time around, more cartoon-ish, and a bit of a lighter tone. This should be in your regular Easter Horror movie rotation each year. 

Also thanks to Variety for our little blurb in Best of October:
https://variety.com/lists/horror-movies-to-watch-october-2024/

And make sure to see "Terrifier 3" in theaters and see the work of friend of the show, Jolene Marie in the wardrobe department!

We are joined once again by Michael Holloway to discuss the horror movies (non franchise) that we have been watching for the Halloween season!

• In a Voilent Nature
• The Tingler
• The Substance
• Terrifier 3
• The Spider Labyrinth
• Hush
• Oddity
• Abigail 
• Misery
• Don’t Look Now
• Dr. Giggles
• Pieces
• Blood Lake
• Cyclops
• Rabid
• Night Screams
• Graduation Day
• Frankenstein
• I Saw the TV Glow 
• Angst 
• Night of the Creeps
• The Alien Factor 

Bonus Episode! We talk about the Darkhorse Comics release,  "Loving, OH" with writer Matt Erman! He talks about working with artist Sam Beck, growing up in Ohio, his cult upbringing which is the inspiration for the book, and how it all ties in with “It Follows!”

https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-202/Loving-Ohio-TPB

We welcome John Bolds from the "Open Pike Night" podcast to discuss the Leonardo DiCaprio vehicle, "Critters 3". These Critters sure are huge and Charlie gets a solid arch - but what happened in between Part 2 and 3? 

We make it to space in four movies! This actually makes sense for this series since that's where we started. Holy moly, look at this cast though. Angela Bassett, Brad Dourif... Eric DaRe!

The 5th and final entry in the Critters saga, some 27 years after the previous. Does "Aunt Dee" rise to the ranks of a Lori Strode of Sally Hardesty for one last ride? Does the late entry of a Mogwai like creature help? These answers are "no" of course, but still fun to talk about.