068 - The Howling (1981) & Ginger Snaps (2000) →

CW: Rape, Suicide, Pedophilia

It's another Werewolf Week on Pod Sematary! Recommended by listener TheChikapedia, these two movies have some to say about the nature of both humans in general and women in particular, respectively.

The Classic Film: The Howling (1981)
After a bizarre and near-deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem. When man's animal instincts struggle against their better nature, can they find a balance?

The Modern Film: Ginger Snaps (2000)
Two death-obsessed sisters, outcasts in their suburban neighborhood, must deal with the tragic consequences when one of them is bitten by a werewolf. The curse of the moon takes a double meaning in this flick focused on becoming a woman.

Get more at podsematary.com!

Audio Sources:
"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"Blazing Saddles" produced by Crossbow Productions & Warner Bros.
"Ginger Snaps" produced by Lions Gate Films, et al.
"The Howling" produced by Embassy Pictures, et al.
"New Year's Evil" produced by Golan-Globus Productions
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones

067 - The Legend Of Hell House (1973) & Winchester (2018) →

CW: Suicide

Worst of 2019 - #7 Winchester

It's another Haunted House episode of Pod Sematary! This week, Chris & Kelsey discuss two films whose endings don't earn them any favors!

The Classic Film: The Legend of Hell House (1973)
This one is incredibly well filmed with tons of dramatic angles and beautiful shots. It handles the concept of hauntings so well that the very end makes you go, "Wait, what?"

The Modern Film: Winchester (2018)
At first, we thought the hate for this film was over-blown. It didn't seem THAT bad. But as it went on, the bad editing, basic structure problems, over-arching thematic issues, and failure to execute on even simple filmmaking skills set it up to fall even flatter as a whole than the ridiculous climactic scenes.

Plus!
We talk about the popular mommy-horror Bird Box and relationship-horror You!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1084328197334872069

Audio Sources:
"Clue" produced by Paramount Pictures, et al.
"Dungeons & Dragons" performed by The Dead Alewives
"The Legend of Hell House" produced by Academy Pictures Corporation
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Poltergeist" produced by Amblin Entertainment, et al.
"Scream" produced by Dimension Films & Woods Entertainment
"Winchester" produced by Blacklab Entertainment & Imagination Design Works

066 - Ghostkeeper (1981) & The Children (2008) →

CW: Abortion, Pedophilia, Rape

Happy New Year from Pod Sematary! Chris and Kelsey wrap up their two-week new year celebration with two horror movies that have something surprising in common: talented direction without the resources to execute!

Our classic film is 1981's Ghostkeeper, a little-watched atmospheric horror from Canada about the legend of the Wendigo! When three friends visiting the Canadian Rockies for the new year get lost on their snowmobiles, they’re forced to find shelter in a run-down lodge. While there, they meet a strange old woman who is protecting more than her rustic way of life. Did a dwindling budget ruin what could have easily become seasonal hit?

Then it's on to our modern film, 2008's The Children, a low-budget British flick that takes the Jaws route of suggestion over more explicit gore. What happens when two loving families become the victims of a disease that makes their children violent? Will they be able to keep it together long enough to make it to the new year? Is it surprising when a talented director can't write a coherent script?

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1081663761583407104

Audio Sources:
"Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" produced by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, et al.
"The Children" produced by Vertigo Films, et al.
"Ghostkeeper" produced by Badland Pictures
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones

065 - New Year's Evil (1980) & Antisocial (2013) →

CW: Suicide, Mental Illness

Worst 2017/18 - #9 Antisocial

Happy New Year, Pod Sematary Fossors! Chris & Kelsey are celebrating two weeks of New Year's horror "fun"!

First up is a New Year's classic we've seen before an totally forgot about if that tells you anything: 1980's New Year's Evil! Famous New Wave DJ Blaze is hosting a rocking celebration on the last night of the year! Meanwhile, a killer calling himself "Evil" is on the prowl murdering women every time it strikes midnight across the various time zones of the contiguous United States.

Then it's on to a movie with "a lot to say," 2013's Antisocial! This is a horror movie that thinks it's high-minded commentary on our society's connection to technology and social media. "Thinks" is the operative word here...

Plus, a Pod Sematary Year* in Review(s)!
--Our bottom ten lowest reviewed movies!
--The ten biggest disagreements with the "critical consensus"!
--Our top ten highest reviewed movies!
--The ten biggest discrepancies between Chris' and Kelsey's ratings!
(*Actually, 15 months)

Find more on podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at: https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1079570442854297600

Audio Sources:
"An American Werewolf in London" produced by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment & Lycanthrope Films
"Antisocial" produced by Black Fawn Films & Breakthrough Entertainment
"Babadook" produced by Screen Australia, et al.
"Baseketball" produced by Zucker Brothers Productions
"Beetlejuice" produced by The Geffen Company
"Cabin in the Woods" produced by Lionsgate, et al.
"Dracula Untold" produced by Legendary Entertainment, et al.
"Get Out" produced by Monkeypaw Productions, et al.
"It Follows" produced by Northern Lights Films, et al.
"New Year's Evil" produced by Golan-Globus Productions
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Rosemary's Baby" produced by William Castle Productions
"Sesame Street" produced by Children's Television Workshop (CTW), et al.
"Se7en" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"Silence of the Lambs" produced by Strong Heart/Demme Production & Orion Pictures
"The Wolf Man" (1941) produced by Universal Pictures

064 - Gremlins (1984) & Krampus (2015) →

CW: Suicide, Misgendering

The holiday season continues on Pod Sematary, as Chris and Kelsey tackle one of the biggest Christmas horror movies of all time and another that has the potential to become a classic!

First up is the legendary Gremlins from 1984! This franchise scared Kelsey for years as a child, but she's grown to love it since. Is it the mix of true terror and nonsensical silliness that has given this horror movie the staying power of other Christmas staples?

Then it's on to 2015's Krampus! The silliness of this one seems more at odds with its otherwise self-serious tone than in Gremlins. But will you agree with Chris that its incredible practical effects and character design from Weta Workshop go a long way to making up for any of its shortcomings?

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1077074050000646149

Audio Sources:
"Beetlejuice" produced by The Geffen Company
"Billy Madison" produced by Universal Pictures & Robert Simonds Productions
"Gremlins" produced by Warner Bros. & Amblin Entertainment
“Krampus” produced by Legendary Entertainment & Universal Pictures
"The Making of Gremlins" produced by Nice Guy Productions
"Spaceballs" produced by Brooksfilms & MGM

063 - Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) & Santa's Slay (2005)

CW: Sexual assault, attempted rape, child abuse

The Christmas Season begins this week on Pod Sematary when Chris & Kelsey talk about homicidal Santas!

First up is the controversial 1984 classic: Silent Night, Deadly Night! When a young boy witnesses his parents murdered by a maniac in a Santa costume, Billy is scarred for life. But will playing Santa at the toy store where he works finally push him over the edge? Yes. Yes, it will. Punish!

Then it's on to 2005's Santa's Slay! Professional wrestler Goldberg plays a demon named Santa, cursed to bring joy to children all over the world. But when the curse expires, Nicholas needs to find a way to stop Santa's Dag of Mord! Does a movie get more points if it knows exactly what it is?

Get more at podsematary.com!

Audio Sources:
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Santa's Slay" produced by Media 8 Entertainment, et al.
"Silent Night, Deadly Night" produced by TriStar Pictures & Slayride
"The Stinkers of 1984" (At the Movies S03, E19) hosted by Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert

062 - Lady In White (1988) & Monster House (2006) →

CW: Child Molestation and Murder

This week on Pod Sematary, it's haunted houses and even haunteder women! Chris and Kelsey tackle two kids horror movies that maybe aren't for kids?

First up is 1988's Lady in White! In this family comedy, Lukas Haas plays a young boy who also dies at the hands of a serial child murderer! When the ghost of one the victims begs Lukas to help her mom, will Lukas be able to convince the adults to do something or will he have to go it alone? Lady in White is tonal whiplash in the kind of way that makes it absolutely remarkable!

Then it's on to the oft-overlooked Monster House from 2006! Two young boys have to stop their dead neighbor's house from eating children on Halloween night! You could be forgiven if you never saw this one because you assumed it was just another Burton or Pixar rip-off, but do yourself a favor and watch it along with us!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1071898132932288512

Audio Sources:
"Bobby's Girl" (Bobby's World S03E11) produced by Alevy Productions, et al.
"Get Out" produced by Blumhouse Productions, et al.
"Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment" (The Simpsons S08E18) produced by Gracie Films & 20th Century Fox Television
"Jurassic Park" produced by Amblin Entertainment & Universal Pictures
"Lady in White" produced by New Sky Communications Inc.
"M" produced by Nero-Film AG
"Monster House" produced by Amblin Entertainment, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Sitting Pretty" produced by Paramount Pictures
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.

061 - Burnt Offerings (1976) & Rose Red (2002)

CW: Sexual Assault

This week on Pod Sematary, Kelsey & Chris are watching two movies all about haunted houses that feed off their living inhabitants!

First up is Burnt Offerings from 1976! A small family rents a run-down mansion as a summer home that seems too good to be true. As the mother falls more and more in love with the property, the father and son find more reasons to be worried. This film was critically derided in is day and Chris & Kelsey can't for the life of them figure out why!

Then it's on to the 2002 television miniseries event, Rose Red! A team of psychics with unique skills investigate the most haunted house in America, but this dead cell is not as dormant as it seems! Stephen King wrote this one directly for the small screen, but is that combination its downfall? Not if you ask Kelsey!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/i/moments/1069815323816222722

Audio Sources:
"Billy Madison" produced by Universal Pictures & Robert Simonds Productions
"Burnt Offerings" produced by Produzioni Europee Associate & Dan Curtis Productions
"The Langoliers" produced by Laurel Entertainment Inc., et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Rose Red" produced by Greengrass Productions, et al.
"The X-Files (Theme)" written and produced by Mark Snow

060 - The Devil's Rain (1975) & Hereditary (2018) →

CW: miscarriage, death of a child, threats of suicide, suicide

Oh, my god! It's a week of demonic family curses on Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey cover two movies all about satanic cults afflicting generations of troubled families!

First up is 1975's The Devil's Rain! Ernest Borgnine plays a satanic cult leader determined to get a book of names from William Shatner and Tom Skerritt's family. What is the Devil's Rain and how does it factor into everything? Who knows!? But the melting effects are awesome!

Then it's on to the arty powerhouse from this year, 2018's Hereditary! Kelsey wasn't so charmed the first time around when we talked non-spoilers in episode 039 -- will a second viewing reveal the remarkable impact of this powerful family drama... horror... drarror? Horma? (Spoilers: Yes!)

Plus we give our non-spoilery thoughts on the Suspiria remake! That movie was something!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1066888352002015232

Audio Sources:
"BASEketball" produced by Zucker Brothers Productions
"The Devil's Rain" produced by Sandy Howard Productions
"The Devil's Rain" written by Jerry Only and performed by The Misfits
"Double Team" written and performed by Tenacious D
"Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" produced by Avalon Television & Channel 4 Television Corporation
"Hereditary" produced by PalmStar Media
"Masters of the Universe" produced by Golan-Globus Productions, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones

059 - Home Sweet Home (1981) & Kristy (2014)

Worst of 2017/18 - #6 Home Sweet Home

It's Thanksgiving on Pod Sematary this week! Chris and Kelsey watch two completely different slashers (if you can call them that) all centered around the most gratitude-filled of holidays here in the States.

First up is 1981's Home Sweet Home, a delightful and dreadful little romp that has more in common with Alien(s) than you might expect! Marvel as a homicidal lunatic all hopped up on goofballs leaps at his victims from just off-screen! An extended "family" gathers in a wooded homestead to celebrate Thanksgiving, and maybe just kill each other before the villain gets to them! (Wocka Wocka!)

Then it's on to the little-known Kristy from 2014! Thanksgiving is the reason Justine (no, not Kristy) is all alone on her college campus, and she'll really need to show what she's made of to survive being hunted by homicidal internet trolls. This one is both wonderful and frustrating in equal measure! What's the whole point of it all? We're not really sure even the movie itself knows!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1062856813597601797

Audio Sources:
"Die Hard" produced by Twentieth Century Fox, et al.
"Home Sweet Home" produced by Intercontinental Releasing Corporation & Movies Anonymous Partnership
"Kristy" produced by David Kirschner Productions, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Tombstone" produced by Hollywood Pictures, et al.