Neon Brainiacs (A Retro Horror Movie Podcast) (Neon Brainiacs)

You have the right to remain silent forever, maniacs, because we're kicking off three weeks of cop terror with the 1988 William Lustig flick Maniac Cop! We've got it all this week... Bruce Campbell! Tom Atkins! Robert Z'dar! Lots of great genre actors in this one.

No more Mr. Nice Guy, maniacs, because this week we're talking the 1989 Wes Craven flick Shocker! This one is really bizarre but has a killer soundtrack. While we talk about all that, we also discuss drive-thru pranks, Bobby's World, and this film's similarities to A Nightmare On Elm Street.

Part human. Part alien. Pure superpower.

Superhero inSanity month begins! A month of horror-adjacent superhero movies.

We kick off with the 1991 cult classic THE GUYVER.

Sean Barker bonds with a powerful alien biosuit becoming a target for a dangerous corporation and their mutated beasts. He must wield his newfound abilities to protect those he loves and uncover the truth behind the Guyver unit. Are The Boys transformed? Find out here!

Also this week: Lance's malfunctioning soundboard, Craig is an evil name, lunchboxes, and nunchucks.

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

"You can't kill me. I've been rejected by death."

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Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server!

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The Guyver (2001)

Directed by  Screaming Mad George & Steve Wang

Written by Jon Purdy

Starring Mark Hamill, Jack Armstrong, and Vivian Wu

Gas up your Plymouth Fury, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the Stephen King/John Carpenter joint Christine! We're also joined by Christine -- not the car, but our bandmate! The three of us chat about drive-ins, Baywatch, and we talk more about football than you would think. Also, give a listen all the way to the end to hear the world premiere of "II: The Secret Of My Excess" by our band Pummeled!

We're breaking the rules straight from Springwood, maniacs! It's the first week of February so you know what that means... we're revisiting the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise with what was DEFINITELY the last movie in the series, Freddy's Dead from 1991. Joining us to break this one down is friend of the show Jordan Sloan, who's promoting his band Red Temple Pray's new album Can It Get Any Worse? which drops this Friday. Tune in as we dissect this blemish on the résumé of Freddy Krueger and discuss other topics such as Lance's questionable Q-Tip usage, ways to derail Ben, and Aphex Twin.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! This month we counted down our top five 1990s comedies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more Freddy talk? Check out our previous episodes on the original (episode 74), part 2 (episode 231), part 3 (episode 22), part 4 (episode 125), part 5 (episode 177), New Nightmare (episode 282) and our lockdown bonus episode of our top 5 Elm Street entries.

Watch your fingers, maniacs! 2000s Month continues with the 2008 deep cut creature flick Splinter. Tune in as we discuss this indie horror gem and other topics such as Lance's hot take on Newman's Own Italian dressing, Ben's new version of the song "Duke Of Earl", and the new beer flavor sweeping the nation.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! This month we lean into our 2000s theme and talk all about movies from the turn of the century, including the films of Tom Green, The Cell, Training Day and more. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want to hear about more creature features? Check out our previous episodes on Terrorvision (episode 21), Night Of The Creeps (episode 52), The Fly (episode 76), Critters (episode 86), Rawhead Rex (episode 124), Brain Damage (episode 159), Gremlins (episode 172), Slugs (episode 189), Ghoulies (episode 243), It's Alive 3 (episode 258), Nightbeast (episode 262), Ghoulies 2 (episode 311), and Of Unknown Origin (episode 342).

Cue the laugh track, maniacs! We're bringing a deep cut to the table as part of A Comedy Of Horrors with the 1988 shot-on-video cult flick Woodchipper Massacre. Tune in as we discuss the movie and other topics such as receiving packages in the mail in the 90s, adding a new phrase into our vocabularies, and probably the most anyone has talked about The Ground Round in decades. Make sure to check out the end of the episode for an important announcement as well.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! This month we play a little game Gregg cooked up called Pit Or Pass? Six songs have been selected, all cover songs by late 90s and early 00s nu-metal bands, and we decide whether we hit the pit if it's good or we check out the merch booth if it's bad. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want to check out more of our discussions of shot-on-video horror? Check out our previous episodes on Hollow Gate (episode 109), Things (episode 217), Heavy Metal Massacre (episode 306), Video Violence (episode 316), Blood Lake (episode 321), and Tales From The Quadead Zone (episode 349).

We love living in the city, maniacs, because this week finds us smack dab in the middle of our Rock & Shock II theme for May and discussing the 1980 Umberto Lenzi wild ride Nightmare City! Joining us is Last Gasp vocalist and owner of Cleveland-based Black Cat Barber Shop, Ryan Hardwick. While we unpack the immense body count in the flick, we also chat about topics such as Ben's California run-in with a beloved actor, televisions exploding for apparently no reason, and we dissect the different versions of this film that we all accidentally watched.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more!

Wanna hear us discuss more Italian bullshit? Check out these episodes on The Church (episode 33), Stagefright (episode 36), Phenomena (episode 61), Demons (episode 135), Ghosthouse (episode 138), The Beyond (episode 168), City Of The Living Dead (episode 192), Tenebrae (episode 198), Inferno (episode 232), Suspiria (episode 267), Anthropophagus (episode 269), and The House By The Cemetery (episode 288).

Get ready for a beast of a night, maniacs, as we discuss the 1982 creature feature Nightbeast! As we talk more Troma trash, we also discuss topics such as excessive raygun fights, useless bikers, and mild alcohol.

Want some more space-based creature features? Check out our episodes on Killer Klowns From Outer Space (episdoe 26), The Blob (episodes 29), Critters (episode 86), and The Being (episode 179).

Happy Holidays, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1980 Christmas slasher To All A Goodnight. After a hazing ritual gone wrong at a girls' school two years prior, a killer dresses as Santa Claus to get revenge on the current students. We'll talk about obvious red herrings, more creepy harbingers named Ralph, and nerds turning into Casanovas!

Get ready for Audra, maniacs, because this week we're discussing the 1983 Canuxploitation slasher Curtains! While we dissect the various production issues this movie faced, we also talk about topics such as wrong ways to eat pizza, what the film's mask reminds us of, and flushing etiquette.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon, as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more!

If you want to hear more discussions on Canadian slasher movies, check out our previous episodes on My Bloody Valentine (episode 23), Prom Night (episode 38), Terror Train (episode 121), Ghostkeeper (episode 173), and Happy Birthday To Me (episode 279).

We're headed back to space, maniacs! For week 3 of our Action August theme, we're joined by Bergeron Brothers co-star Lance Parkin to talk James Cameron's 1986 epic Aliens! As we discuss the further adventure of Ellen Ripley, we also talk topics such as the franchise through Jonesy the cat's eyes, trying to buy fake things from the movie, and Big Milk strikes yet again.

All set to get wet, maniacs! We're kicking off a brand new theme for the month of June: Underwater Uneasiness! This week we're jumping into the deep end with 1989's Deepstar Six, from Friday The 13th director Sean Cunningham. We try to stay afloat while discussing topics such as everyone in the film wanting to go "topside", Seinfeld's Lloyd Braun showing up for extra shower time, and we learn a bit more about Lance's mom's taste in men.

You're all doomed, maniacs! This week brings us episode 300 of the show and we're celebrating in style by talking about a behemoth of 80s horror: the original Friday The 13th. Tune in as we break down this classic and discuss other topics such as Ben and Lance's experience at the Blink-182 gig, all the legal mumbo-jumbo that plagues the Friday series, and Gregg teaches us about ice cream nachos. Make sure to stick around for an extended Maniac Feedback segment where you tell us your favorite episodes of Neon Brainiacs!

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! We resurrected an old bonus favorite and put together a mixtape draft of songs from teen comedy movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more of us delving into Friday The 13th? We're almost through with the 80s portion of the franchise, so check out our previous episodes on Part 2 (episode 147), Part 3 (episode 260), Part 4 (episode 45), Part 5 (episode 18), Part 6 (episode 182), and Part 8 (episode 82).

Grab a costume, maniacs, because week 3 of our Halloween spectacular this month finds us discussing the 1981 Linda Blair vehicle Hell Night! While we ask a lot of questions about the plot of this movie, we also talk about topics such as spooky cassette tapes, A Christmas Carol starring Charles Bronson, and pull-chain toilets.

We're kicking off the sixth year of this show with a doozy: John Carpenter's underrated Prince Of Darkness from 1987! We discuss the flick and other topics such as Tom and Jerry cartoons, Jello water as a weapon, and our thoughts on various types of Oreos. Stick around for an extended Maniac Feedback segment where you tell us your favorite John Carpenter flicks!

Want more of us praising John Carpenter? Check out our episodes on Christine (episode 37) and The Thing (episode 229)!

Let's bowl some turkeys for Thanksgiving, maniacs, because this week we're hitting the lanes with Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama from 1988! While we analyze this bizarre low-budget flick, we discuss the defintion of "the whim-whams", 90's cereal mascots, Static-X and the bizarre novelty of a fully clothed Linnea Quigley.

This episode will make your heads explode, maniacs! We're wrapping up the Body Horror trilogy with another round of David Cronenberg and 1981's Scanners. We're joined by our musician friends Zach from Griphook and Dawson from Porcupine to help parse this one out. While we talk about the film, we also discuss topics such as food court etiquette, Dr. Ruth, and Canadian record stores' overflow of Frank Zappa albums.

Rev up those fryers, maniacs! This week we're tackling the crappy craptastic crapfest that is 1983's Microwave Massacre. When we're not dumping on this flick, we manage to talk about Tiny Toons gags, Snoopy t-shirts and stories of Black Flag's eating habits.

We're back on the Fulci train this week, maniacs, as we visit the first installment in the Gates Of Hell trilogy, 1980's City Of The Living Dead! While we try to make sense of one of Lucio's masterpieces (again), we also discuss topics such as David Yow's looms, Italian depictions of American conversations, and Rob Zombie's lost song "Maggot Fan".

Due to current public health concerns, we can't physically go on vacation, but we can take some Vicious Vacations! One of our favorite themes is back with a vengeance this summer, maniacs, and we're kicking it off with a doozy: Friday The 13th Part 2! While we nestle into camp five years after its closure, we also discuss topics such as working in fast food, Tiger Electronics, and the return of the "turkey" insult.

We're kicking off our Halloween sweeps week with a doozy, maniacs! We get spooky with 1980's haunted house flick The Changeling starring George C. Scott. While we discuss how undesirable it is to live in a giant haunted mansion by yourself, we also talk about topics such as college rock cover bands, infamous Pittsburgh punks, and weird ways of saying what year it is.

Let's set the table for a wholesome family meal, maniacs, because our Thanksgiving Buffet marathon continues with the 1989 weirdo cannibal film Parents! While we uncover the Lynchian layers of this onion, we also talk about subjects such as meatloaf, stranger danger, The Big Bopper and our golf woes.

Week 3 of Vicious Vacations is upon us, so let's take a trip to the Bates Motel as we discuss Psycho II! As we track Norman Bates' return to the infamous lodge, we also discuss topics such as meatloaf sandwiches, Kid Motel, and Robert Loggia's world-class orange juice schilling.

Let the countdown begin, maniacs! For our final episode of 2018 we discuss the 1980 Cannon flick New Year's Evil. Topics include switchblade combs, MTV VJs of yesteryear and political outcomes being predicted in the movie's script. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!

Whatever you do, maniacs, don't fall asleep... because you might just miss us talk about an absolute modern classic, 1984's A Nightmare On Elm Street! This is where Freddy's legacy (as well as New Line Cinema's) all started. While we chat about our favorite dream demon, we also discuss topics such as baths, Clarissa Explains It All, and do women still wear nightgowns to bed? This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!

Class Clowning 101 is in session this week, maniacs, because we're continuing our Back To School trilogy with the 1981 slasher parody Student Bodies! Topics include horse head bookends, sad Big Bird, and plenty of Seinfeld tangents for all.

Everybody have fun tonight, maniacs! We're checking back in with Tobe Hooper and talking his 1981 carnival slasher The Funhouse. Tune in as we break down this bizarre piece of early 80s ephemera and discuss other topics such as the Dorf universe, our own Kennywood memories, and a classic duck joke.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! This month we busted out a fifth edition of the Back In The Day Blitz, where we discuss the intersection of news and pop culture in the 90s as well as Sunday afternoon movies. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more discussions on the work of Tobe Hooper? Check out our previous episodes on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (episode 99), Lifeforce (episode 228), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (episode 265), Poltergeist (episode 277), and Invaders From Mars (episode 290).

If you're dressed as Santa, you'd better watch out! This week we're tackling the British holiday slasher Don't Open Till Christmas from 1984. This one may have broken us, maniacs, because we derail a lot. Topics include using the phone way too much, peep show prices in 80s England, and we finally break out our Jerry Seinfeld impressions. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!

These elves are not your buddy, maniacs... This week we kick off three weeks of Christmas-themed horror flicks with the 1989 head-scratcher Elves! This one is one of the more bizarre movies we've covered to date. Topics include a brief Greek history lesson, comparing crappy horror movie puppets and GOOD GOD HOW IS THIS A PG-13 MOVIE? Also, this week's episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce!

Evil gets an upgrade.

BANG-UARY concludes as your hosts return to their old buddy Jason Voorhees with the 2001 installment JASON X.

Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the start of the 21st century, only to be discovered and revived in the 25th century where he stalks and kills the young crew of spaceship Grendel. Will The Boys make it to Earth II alive? Find out here!

Also this week:  Lance's snowmageddon story, "Foreplay the 13th", and the fim's amazing score.

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord!

"Jason-f---ing-Voorhees, that's what's going on!" 

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Directed by James Isaac

Starring Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, Chuck Campbell, and featuring David Cronenberg

There's a killer on the loose, maniacs! This week we're wrapping up our three week rock block with 1984's Rocktober Blood. This one follows the band Headmistress after original singer and serial killer Billy Eye is executed and returns from the grave to pick off the group one by one. We talk about bad puns, bad acting, and badass metal jams.

We're slipping into week 3 of our Halfway To Halloween theme with a returning director and some great guests, maniacs! We're joined by Lance Parkin and Matt Schultz, promoting their new film The Boonies which is available on VOD now, and discussing the 1988 Juan Piquer Simon film Slugs. While we chat about the flick, we also talk about topics such as imaginary sitcoms, greenhouse accidents, and weird side dishes.

Oh, we're all happy campers this week, maniacs! We're kicking off our Vicious Vacations III theme for the month of August and reuniting with Angela Baker for Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland from 1989. While we uncover how quickly this movie was thrown together, we also discuss topics such as the merits (or lack thereof) of wearing a new sweatshirt with no bra, Desert Storm trading cards, and the universal themes of Bruce Springsteen's lyrics.

Rise from your graves, maniacs! This week we're talking about the 1985 cult classic Re-Animator! This marks the second time Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton have shown up here and we could not be more stoked. Topics discussed include the Simpsons episode "Homer Goes To College", the horrible treatment of the mentally ill in the 80's, and this movie's obvious Little Rascals influence.

We're going down under for week two of the CAR TERROR trilogy, maniacs! This week we're talking about Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis in Road Games from 1981.We also talk about Parks And Recreation, weigh stations and gross names for adult magazines. Don't forget about our live event this Friday, January 25th, with our friends at Ghoul On Ghoul, Thrifty and Start The Beat. This episode is also brought to you by Retro Release Video!

Let's get sassy for Satan, maniacs, because this week we're talking about the cult Halloween flick Hack-O-Lantern (aka Halloween Night & Death Mask) from 1988. While doing our best Hye Pyke impressions, we discuss the music of Wishbone, butt tattoos, closet candle fire hazards, and the symbolism of black wreaths.

This year Halloween fell on a weekend, maniacs, so the Neon Brainiacs and Michael Myers are going trick or treating! We're rounding out our month-long celebration of the best holiday of the year with 1989's Halloween 5: The Revenge Of Michael Myers. While we discuss the film's position in franchise rankings, we also unpack topics such as Michael's stick-and-poke tattoos, the origin of Stone Sour lyrics, and buying flowers in traffic. And stick around to the end of the show to hear how you can pre-order our brand new t-shirt!

We've got another bonus episode taking "shape" this week, maniacs, and we're counting down our top 5 entries in the Halloween franchise! We also play another Myers-centric round of Stump The Brainiac.

Stay off the moors, maniacs! We continue our path towards our 200th episode with an absolute classic, 1981's An American Werewolf In London! And who better to join us to talk about this lycan tale than the host of Toxic Schlock, Michael Kent. While we talk about how this movie scarred us at various stages of our lives, we also discuss topics such as record scratch moments, knowing scenes from movies based on Mortician samples, the No Kid, and our aversion to glass contacts.

We're headed to Ocean Avenue, maniacs! For the next three weeks we'll be digging into the first handful of sequels in the Amityville Horror franchise, starting with 1982's Amityville II: The Possession! While we talk about the varying degrees of upsetting elements of this movie, we also discuss topics such as spooky wind, showering at night versus showering in the morning, and the merits of mall pizza.

Don't forget to get in touch with us to snag the new shirt we have for pre-order! You can check out the design/mockup on our social media profiles, and secure yours with a DM on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also email us if that's more your speed. They're $30 shipped in the United States along with some extra goodies. Live outside of the US? No worries! Get in contact with us and we'll work it all out.

Want to hear us discuss more work by the stars of Amityville II? Listen to us discuss Diane Franklin in TerrorVision (episode 21) and Better Off Dead (episode 100); Burt Young in Blood Beach (epsiode 91); and Jack Magner in Firestarter (episode 244).

We're getting in our sensory deprivation chamber this week, maniacs, as we dive into the 1980 Ken Russell flick Altered States! Returning to chat about this one is co-star of The Boonies and one of Ben's film partners, Blake O'Donnell! While we all try to tap into our inner cavemen, we also discuss topics such as wilding out at Applebee's, crazy parties, and what kind of Tony Shalhoub we are in the sack.

They're here, maniacs! We're closing out 2022 with a total banger: Tobe Hooper's 1982 haunted house classic Poltergeist. While we talk about a ton of lore around this movie and franchise, we also discuss topics such as differing opinions on Pizza Hut, similarities to Nightmare On Elm Street, and everyone's favorite sassy Pittsburgh aunt Zelda Rubinstein.

If you want to grab one of our new shirts, the pre-order closes in just a few days! The design can bee seen on our social media, and you can DM us or email us for ordering instructions. $30 gets you a shirt and some extra gooides shipped in the US. Live outside of America? No worries, just contact us and we'll work it out!

For more talk on the directorial works of Tobe Hooper, check out our episodes on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (episode 99), Lifeforce (episode 228), and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (episode 265).

Bust out those resonators, maniacs, and let's get freaky... This week we kick off a new theme with our BODY HORROR trilogy! And what better place to start than 1986's From Beyond with our pal Brian from the Start The Beat With Sikes podcast! We get into all the goopy details of this movie and also discuss Spencer's Gifts, chalk outlines, unique insults and unintentional Pee-Wee Herman impressions.

It's our 4 year anniversary, maniacs!  In honor of this occasion, we decided to talk about the deep cut Pittsburgh flick "Effects" from 1980.  Once again, we bust out our yinzer accents as we discuss topics such as Englishmen playing Pittsburghers, Tom Savini's underwear graffiti, and broken sinks at Hechinger's Hardware Store.  Stick around for an important announcement at the end of this week's show.

A new level of fear.

It's HoHo-HORROR Month! This week our hosts explore 2007's P2!

Corporate exec Angela finds herself trapped in her building's parking garage on Christmas Eve. She quickly learns that an obsessive security guard, Thomas, isn't there to help.

Will The Boys get out or are they parked *very* long-term? Find out here!

Also this week: The Millvale Grunch, Ben's love of Corn Bread, why Wes Bentley has zero memory of this movie, and we answer the age old question: What's Pauly Shore's best movie?

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord!

"Way to ruin Christmas, assh*le." 

Hold your applause, maniacs, because this week we're talking another Michael Caine "paycheck" movie with 1981's The Hand, directed by Oliver Stone. While we get into how ridiculous this thing is, we also discuss topics such as buying milk with a ring, our pajama histories, and a lot of Black Sheep references.

If you haven't subscribed to our Patreon yet, drop that Caramello and sign up! Tonight we'll be hosting our very first Discord livestream exclusive to patrons at 8 PM EST. Which yinzer trash-terpiece will we watch together: The Majorettes or Flesh Eater? The choice is yours!

If you want to hear more episodes featuring the cast of The Hand, you can hear about more Michael Caine with Jaws: The Revenge (episode 251), Viveca Lindfors in Creepshow (episode 104) and Silent Madness (episode 175), and Charles Fleischer in Bad Dreams (episode 35), A Nightmare On Elm Street (episode 74), and Deadly Friend (episode 255).

Put on your space suits, maniacs, because this week we're talking 1985's Alien knock off Creature with guest co-host Lance Parkin!  Join us as we discuss this totally original film and topics such as Hardee's Thickburgers turning you into a zombie, gently used chewing gum in space, plus heartwarming tales of Klaus Kinski and Werner Herzog trying to kill each other.

Welcome to the party, maniacs! Action December is still in full swing and what better movie to cover for the holidays than 1988's Die Hard? Joining us to unpack this one are Ben's film partners, Blake O'Donnell and Ryan Lintner, promoting their upcoming comedy Guerrilla Dogs. Tune in as we break this movie down and talk topics such as Lance's alter ego, Hans Gruber's novelty FBI shirt, and the important question: is John McClane this movie's Urkel?

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want to hear more action movie talk? Don't miss our most recent episodes as part of Action December!

Let's take a trip to Dayton, maniacs, as we close out 2023 and Action December with the guerrilla action flick Deadbeat At Dawn! Joining us to chat about this one is our pal Josh Allshouse, who you may know on Instagram as @joshgoestohell. While we tell some stories of the making of this movie, we also discuss other topics such as Dayton rock radio history, modern day biker gangs, and the time AquaPhor saved Lance's life.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more action/horror hybrids? Check out our previous episodes on Eyes Of A Stranger (episode 24), Ten To Midnight (episode 43), The Killing Hour (episode 54), Trancers (episode 88), Manhunter (episode 113) and Cobra (episode 205).

Week two of our Christmas horror theme this month brings good tidings, maniacs, as we continue with a real obscure one, 1989's Family Reunion! As we try to find nice things to say about this deep cut, we also discuss topics such as the cross-section of professional baseball players and actors in this film, South Park shop teachers, and Highlights magazine.

It's almost time, maniacs! We're closing out 70s Month with the classic namesake of our favorite holiday: John Carpenter's Halloween! We discuss the film and various factoids, as well as other topics such as Dr. Loomis ordering at Arby's, our opinions on William Shakespeare, and a weird similarity this movie has with Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.

Wanna hear more discussions on the works of John Carpenter? Check out our episodes on Christine (episode 37), The Thing (episode 229), and Prince Of Darkness (episode 261).

We're taking a trip to Indonesia, maniacs! We wrap up our Rock & Shock II theme for the month of May with 1980's Satan's Slave. Joining us is returning guest and Tunnel Of Love drummer The Lo Fi Horror Guy, as well as Indonesian writer and literary critic Dimas Riyo. As the five us of dissect this international cult classic, we also discuss topics such as using a weedwhacker that makes you feel like a Ghostbuster, some scenes that remind us of Phantasm, and having cigarettes for dinner.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! The patrons spoke and we delivered: May's bonus episde is a discussion of the big-screen premiere of Ernest P. Worrell with 1987's Ernest Goes To Camp! For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more international fare from the Brain Boys? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog (episode 28), Road Games (episode 72), Ghosthouse (episode 138), Tetsuo: The Iron Man (episode 141), The Beyond (episode 168), Possession (episode 184), City Of The Living Dead (episode 192), Tenebrae (episode 198), Evil Dead Trap (episode 252), and Suspiria (episode 267).

We're starting this brand new year in flight, maniacs, as we discuss 1988's oft-forgotten sequel Fright Night Part II! As we revisit Charley Brewster and Peter Vincent, we also talk about topics such as symphony ticket scalpers, speed reading and Jon Gries' proclivity for playing a werewolf.

Get ready to head down under, maniacs!  This week we're continuing our Howl-O-Ween theme with the Australian set sequel "Howling III: The Marsupials" with guest co-host Lance Parkin.  Also joining us this week is Filmmaker Steve Rudzinski promoting his new film CarousHELL 2!  Listen in as we discuss the flick and other topics such as bartering Sony Walkmans for sex, The President working out at the Tromaville Gym, and Steve's love for Home Alone 5.

We're going down under this week, maniacs, because we're talking about the 1986 Australian dystopian thriller Dead End Drive-In! While we embarrass ourselves with our terrible Aussie accents, we also discuss topics such as fake Rambo sequels, Big Boss Pants, and Foster's: do they really drink it in Australia?

Vicious Vacations is coming to a close this week, maniacs, and we're headed to Camp Rolling Hills! We're rounding out our theme with Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers. While we continue the saga of Angela, we also discuss topics such as the return of Big Milk, slasher satire, and our thoughts on The Boss.

Hop in, maniacs, because this week we're kicking off a new trilogy: CAR TERROR! And what better place to start than with 1986's The Hitcher?! We talk about the movie Angus and its insanely good soundtrack, Jim Halsey's fresh Nikes and how perfect of a villain Rutger Hauer is. This episode is sponsored by Retro Release Video!

We're riding the silver bullet through the 90s, maniacs! 90s Month continues with the 1996 werewolf flick Bad moon. Tune in as we break this movie down and discuss other topics such as the job of third shift tree-looker, the acting prowess of the film's dog actors, and computer-generated effects akin to Windows 95 screensavers. Plus we dig into another segment of Maniac Feedback where we read your answers on air!

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! This month we're covering the 90s on the bonus episode as well, where we go back for another round of the Back In The Day Blitz, discussing 90s sitcoms and the decade's works of Kevin Smith. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more looks at lycanthropes? Check out our previous episodes on Monster Dog (episode 28), Silver Bullet (episode 32), The Company Of Wolves (episode 50), Wolfen (episode 146), The Howling (episode 166), An American Werewolf In London (episode 197), Howling II (episode 213), Howling III (episode 214), Howling IV (episode 215), and Howling V (episode 216).

It's time to head to The Promised Land this week as your hosts do their first Patreon listener pick!

Patron GaryAM brings us the 1983 folk horror nugget: EYES OF FIRE.

Deep in the wilderness of the colonial frontier, a father tries to rescue his family from both an adulterous preacher and malevolent spirit lurking out in the forest. It's Little House on the Carrie as only the magic of a strange woman can help him.

Will the boys make it out or will they find themselves trapped in the woods (literally) FOREVER? Find out here!

Also this week: Lance grills Ben on his time working at Burger King (Or is it that he "flame broils" Ben?) The jingle for "The Po-ta-to Boat". And a cow that truly whips ass at making milk!

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

Hey! Put down that ghaddang Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord!

It's time to get crazier than a rat in a brandy keg!

Let's hit the movies (metaphorically speaking) because this week we're talking about the 1985 Italian horror classic Demons with the host of the Toxic Schlock podcast, Michael Kent! What better guest to join us to talk horror and music? While we discuss the insane nature of this film, we also discuss topics such as Pittsburgh musical landmarks, Mortal Kombat and Christian hair metal bands.

We're twinning this week, maniacs, as we take a look at David Cronenberg's 1988 thriller Dead Ringers! While we try to tell the Mantle twins apart, we also discuss topics such as things we shouldn't Google, production assistants who look like Lou Albano, and the burning question: is Dead Ringers a dinosaur movie?

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon, as this month's bonus episode finds us discussing our creative influences in podcasting, music, film and more. This was a patron suggestion (thanks Bobby!) and for as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, exclusive merchandise and more!

If you want to hear us talk more about the warped mind of David Cronenberg, check out our previous episodes on The Fly (episode 76), Videodrome (episode 142), and Scanners (episode 143).

We're getting meta this week, maniacs! On deck is the 1980 cinephile slasher Fade To Black. This movie follows movie fan Eric Binford on the path to becoming a killer. While we discuss all of the nods to the golden age of Hollywood, we also talk about subjects such as awkward breakfast exposition, making money off of movie trivia, and weird shortcuts.

Gather round, caterpuppies, because we're continuing our Halloween countdown with the Nickelodeon movie in disguise, House II: The Second Story! As we try to figure out how this kid-friendly movie slipped into our programming, we discuss topics such as hockey hair, Nickelback memes, Muppet Babies, and this film's many connections to the Friday The 13th franchise.

With a rebel yell, we present the first episode of our entire month of Halloween-related films: 1985's made-for-TV movie The Midnight Hour! This one's got everything: zombies, vampires, wolfmen, The Smiths, and even LeVar Burton! We talk about a smattering of topics including Chicken Littles from KFC, analysis of World Series broadcast rights, our hard stance on ketchup brands, and we talk about punk an awful lot.

You can't keep a good maniac dead! Week two of our cop trilogy is upon us and we're talking 1988's horror/action/comedy Dead Heat with returning guest Josh! While we get a little too excited over how much we enjoy this one, we discuss topics such as the realistic toy guns of our youths, the Criterion version of Bio-Dome, and our varying degrees of Vincent Price impressions.

Week 3 of Women In Horror Month continues with Roberta Findlay's 1988 satanic panic deep-cut Prime Evil, and joining us to talk about it is actor Alyss Winkler! As we all watch this movie for the first time, we also discuss topics such as cool necklaces, interesting workout routines, and how phones work in 1988.

Live from Pluton, we're talking about the 1986 sci-fi comedy TerrorVision! This movie rules and we had a lot of fun watching it. Topics include Mary Woronov's acting versatility, The Real Ghostbusters and which Bill And Ted movie is the superior flick.

Get ready to go topside again, maniacs, because week two of Underwater Uneasiness is upon us! We're discussing the George Cosmatos flick Leviathan from 1989. While we geek out over the impressive cast of this film, we also discuss topics such as the return of the One Minute Manager, Robocop's social security number, and bird people.

This week we're talking some squad goals, maniacs, because we're talking about the legendary kindertrauma film The Monster Squad from 1987! And make sure to tune in after the episode because we've also got a bonus interview with the movie's star, Andre Gower! While we discuss the film, we also talk subjects such as cool treehouse hangouts, Burger King (again), and the underrated acting prowess of Tom Noonan.

Practice those wedding vows and lock your doors, because this week we're talking about He Knows You're Alone! A crazed killer stalks and murders brides-to-be before their big day, and he's got Amy Jensen in his sights. We'll gab about the music of Sesame Street, jogging with your hair down, badass amusement park rides, and the big screen debut of Tom Hanks!

Straight talk only on this podcast, maniacs! This week we're tackling our first Freddy flick, A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. You know it, you love it, you headbang to its theme by Dokken. Topics include Tool music videos, The Simpsons and the illustrious return of hitting a lock with a blunt object to open it.

We're not the only ones who are back, maniacs! We're kind of talking about Jack The Ripper in the 1988 thriller Jack's Back. Tune in as we discuss this James Spader murder mystery and other topics such as how a scar and an earring can make you super hot, serious guy rock songs, and an early 2000s emo rabbit holes brought on by the appearance of Saucony shoes in this flick.

It's still Howl-O-Ween, maniacs!  We're continuing our journey through the Howling sequels this week with Howling IV: The Original Nightmare!  Guest Co-Host Lance Parkin returns to discuss the film and other topics such as the very deep voices of two male actors in this film, Men getting angry at Female Ghostbusters, and Art Supply stores in abandoned towns.

This week we're wrapping up Women In Horror Month on the police beat! We're joined by writer Chauncey K. Robinson to discuss Katt Shea's 1987 slasher mystery Stripped To Kill. While we discuss the subversion of this film's plot, we also talk about topics such as the VHS dubbing woes of our youth, receiving weapons as gifts, and Ben's favorite car: the Suzuki Samurai.

Get ready to tiptoe through the tulips with us, maniacs, because this week we get weird with 1987's Blood Harvest starring Tiny Tim! We talk about weird 80's fashion, real life IP in this movie and teach a little impromptu class on copyright law.

Let's get some killer reception, maniacs! Join us this week as we tune in to the killer television movie The Video Dead from 1987. Topics include The English Beat, made-up college majors, and the endless struggle with rolls of masking tape. This episode is sponsored by Hellraising Hot Sauce and Retro Release Video!

It's the end of 2020 and we say "snow" long to this weird year by talking the obscure Canadian New Year's film Ghostkeeper from 1982! While we opine about some of the things we enjoyed about the year, we also discuss some topics such as Ski-Doo products, Mr. Rogers, and this movie's similarities to a certain Stephen King story.

Grab your jester hat and get ready to prank your friends because today is April Fool's Day, so naturally we're talking the 1986 slasher of the same name! While we try to make the most out of all the offscreen carnage in this one, we also discuss topics such as Sesame Street, the weird fashion choices of H&M and Pittsburgh catch phrases.

Grab some fish and chips and a spot of tea because this week we're talking about the British paranormal horror flick Bloody New Year from 1987! A group of friends stumble upon a deserted island hotel, only to be tormented by the spirits trapped within. We'll chat about synchronized weapon wielding, using context clues to figure out British slang, and being terrorized by canned laughter in the woods.

Grab some fritters and your favorite critters, maniacs, because we're wrapping up Vicious Vacation with Farmer Vincent and the gang in the 1980 cult classic Motel Hell! While we wait to get to the exciting conclusion of this movie, we talk about subjects such as 8-track players, eating Pee-Wee Herman's suit, and whether or not we would put ketchup on chicken.

Our heads are spinning this week, maniacs, as we discuss a lesser-known Linda Blair vehicle in Grotesque from 1988. While we dissect this home invasion monster movie, we also discuss topics such as crappy movie punks, our Burger King orders, and we try to figure out who the main character is in this film.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! For July's bonus episode, we performed our Ultimate 80s Horror Draft, picking one movie from each year of our beloved decade. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want more movie punks? Check out our episodes on Alone In The Dark (episode 46), The Midnight Hour (episode 56), Night Of The Demons (episode 58), Return Of The Living Dead (episode 81), Witchboard (episode 194), Doom Asylum (episode 202), Black Roses (episodes 256) and Sleepaway Camp 3 (episode 257).

"Je suis la jeune fille", maniacs! This week we're going international with 1989's home invasion thriller Dial Code Santa Claus and we're joined to talk about this one with five-time guests Sarah and Amanda from the Ghoul On Ghoul podcast! While we unpack the similarities this has to 1990's Home Alone, we also discuss topics such as cooking with Mountain Dew, mockups of famous 80s montage songs, and an extensive history of Minitel.

Come with us if you want to pod, maniacs! This month we're changing it up and bringing you Action December, and we're kicking it off with a doozy: the 1984 James Cameron classic The Terminator. Tune in as we discuss the iconic flick and other topics such as alternate titles for the movie, Lance's woods confession, and the triumphant return of a beloved segment up front.

Drop that Caramello and check out our Patreon! We're bringing the action vibes to our partons and resurrecting Action Movie Sunday, where we discuss the Pittsburgh giallo Striking Distance. For as little as $2 a month you can get in on the action as well with bonus episodes, Discord privileges, livestreams, exclusive merchandise and more!

Want to hear us discuss more James Cameron fare? Check out our previous episodes on Aliens (episode 206), The Abyss (episode 250), and Pirahna II (episode 271).

Grab your hockey masks and machetes, maniacs, because we're bringing you another safe-at-home bonus episode where we count down our top 5 favorite entries in the Friday The 13th series! We'll also talk about our old video stores and play another round of Stump The Brainiac.

When you can't breathe, you can't scream.

Snake fans rejoice! This week your hosts embrace a Patreon Pick brought to you by patron Jamie Derelict: 1997's Anaconda.

Director Terri Flores and her team of documentarians venture deep into the Brazilian rainforest in search of a mysterious tribe, but soon find themselves ensnared in a deadly game when they encounter a mysterious adventurer and a monstrous anaconda. They then must fight for survival against the predator’s tightening grip. Will The Boys get choked out? Find out here!

Also this week:  Lance and an A.I. song writer write an N.B. song, Dateline's Stoned Phillips, and the best Jon Voight impersonations on the web.

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord!

"This river can kill you in a thousand ways." 

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Directed by Luis Llosa

Starring Jennifer Lopez, John Voight, Ice Cube, Eric Stoltz and Owen Wilson

Women In Horror Month continues on the show with a great movie and great guest. We're discussing 1982's Slumber Party Massacre with Jenn Wexler, director of The Ranger! We talk about her experience making films, what we've been watching recently, then discuss the topic at hand. While dissecting this feat of feminist horror, we also discuss topics such as Denny's, Kool-Aid, and Peter Steele's spread in Playgirl Magazine.

It's a boy, maniacs! We're tackling our annual entry on everyone's favorite burned baddie, Freddy Krueger, and talking A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child! While we reflect on the Springwood Slasher, we also discuss topics such as the definition of Green Apple Quick Step, kid jargon, and the regional nature of the term "pop stand".

Infinite space - Infinite terror.

This week your favorite spaces cases cover the 1997 sci-fi horror Event Horizon.

In 2047, a long-lost starship mysteriously reappears in orbit around Neptune, prompting a rescue mission that quickly turns nightmarish. As the crew delves deeper into the ship's dark secrets, they encounter unimaginable horrors that push them to the brink of sanity. Were The Boys put through Hell? Find out here!

Also this week: Stink bomb stories, the movie's relation to Doom and Hellraiser, and New Weird Candy returns!

All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

"Where we're going, we won't need eyes to see."

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Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord server!

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Event Horizon (2001)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson

Written by Philip Eisner

Starring Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, and Kathleen Quinlan

It's not your-gento or my-gento... this week, it's Argento! That's right, maniacs, this is our first foray into the works of Italian horror master Dario Argento with his 1989 mindfreak The Church. We discuss our hot takes on Archie comics, confusing stoners for demons, and Nine Inch Nails' infamous performance at Woodstock 1994.

We're headed to New Zealand for the first time, maniacs, as we discuss the first horror movie filmed there, 1981's Strange Behavior AKA Dead Kids! While we try to understand why New Zealand plays surrogate to Galesburg, Illinois, we also discuss topics such as using paper plates for breakfast pastries, police station beer fridges, and the history of Lou Christie.

Ben and Lance fly out on their own from the nest of mama Gregg for the seventh year of Neon Brainiacs! This week the format blows WIDE OPEN as the boys talk 1997's I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.

A hook-wielding killer is hunting down the one-and-only Jennifer Love Hewitt and her friends. Will the boys survive to see next summer? Find out here!

Also this week: The smoldering love scene between Anne Heche and Harrison Ford in Six Days and Seven Nights, learning what a crock of shit actually is, and Freddie Prinze Jr is just SO POOR. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS!

Put down that Caramello and check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord!

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOOOOR??"