078 - Slaughter High (1986) & April Fool's Day (2008) →

CW: Suicide, Bullying, Date Rape, Homophobia

Worst of 2019 - #3 April Fool’s Day (2008)

It's April Fool's Day on Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey discuss an 80s slasher that's greater than the sum of its parts and a remake of an 80s classic that never should have been made!

The Classic Film: Slaughter High (1986)
"Eight people are invited to their old high school for their ten-year reunion where a fellow former student, disfigured from a prank gone wrong, is out to seek revenge" (IMDb.com). It's a worn-out plot. It's made by people with little knowledge of the country where it was supposed to take place. The accents are so bad that they're funny. It has a twist that makes the movie worse. But if you love 80s slashers, this one is a can't-miss!

The Modern Film: April Fool's Day (2008)
"A year after an April Fool's Day prank which resulted in the death of one of their set, a group of friends find themselves targeted by someone who is out for revenge" (IMDb.com). This was supposed to be a remake of the 1986 original of the same name (the reason Slaughter High had to change its name), but when they couldn't get the rights, they were forced to reWRITE instead. With our affection for the original and the quality of this stinker, that was probably for the best...

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1112104098378047488

Audio Sources:
"April Fool's Day" (2008) produced by 360 Pictures
"Bring It On" produced by Wonderworks Films, et al.
"Clue" produced by Paramount Pictures, et al
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Pretty in Pink" produced by Paramount Pictures
"Science Fiction/Double Feature" written by Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley and performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
"The Secret Fate of All Life" (True Detective S01E05) produced by Parliament of Owls, et al.
"Slaughter High" produced by Spectacular Trading International
"Split" produced by Universal Pictures, et al.
"Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers" (Saturday Night Live S03E18) produced by NBC Productions & National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

077 - They Live (1988) & Signs (2002) →

CW: Antisemitism, Racism, Mass Shooting

The aliens have invaded Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey discuss two films with radically different perspectives during an alien invasion!

The Classic Film: They Live (1988)
"A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth" (IMDb). Can a fight scene go on TOO long? Can a man be TOO rowdy? Can a Keith be TOO David? The answer to all of these questions is "Hell no."

The Modern Film: Signs (2002)
"A family living on a farm finds mysterious crop circles in their fields which suggests something more frightening to come" (IMDb). One of Shyamalan's "Good Ones," this movie proves that, in capable hands, a story about a family in mourning can be more compelling than the alien invasion during which it's set.

Plus:
--Supernatural Check-In!
--WAY too much wrestling!
--Nazi Punks Fuck Off!
--Two separate Harry Potter references!
--R.I.P. Larry Cohen!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts about this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1109992816158007296

Audio Sources:
"Carry On Wayward Son" written by Kerry Livgren and performed by Kansas
"Clerks" produced by View Askew Productions & Miramax
"The Final Countdown" (The IT Crowd S04E02) produced by Talkback Thames & Channel 4 Television Corporation
"The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" (The Simpsons S08E14) produced by Gracie Films & 20th Century Fox Television
"Jordan Peele Breaks Down 'Get Out' Fan Theories from Reddit | Vanity Fair" via Vanity Fair @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBvcngHRTFg
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"S&M Present" (Robot Chicken S01E09) produced by Stoopid Monkey, et al.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" produced by Universal Pictures, et al.
"Signs" produced by Touchstone Pictures, et al.
"They Live" produced by Alive Films & Larry Franco Productions
"WWE: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper - 'The Green Hills Of Tyrol' - Official & Final Theme Song" via TheAlfaOriginal @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3WG0e1Ts58

076 - The Changeling (1980) & Ghost Stories (2017) →

CW: Suicide, Filicide, Ableism, Depression, Pregnancy Complications

It's another Haunting Week on Pod Sematary! This time, Chris & Kelsey discuss two movies that may have stolen each other's twist structure!

The Classic Film: The Changeling (1980)
"A man staying at a secluded historical mansion finds himself being haunted by the presence of a spectre." The Changeling is responsible for many long-tested horror tropes, but is it even that scary itself?

The Modern Films: Ghost Storeis (2017)
"Skeptical professor Phillip Goodman embarks on a trip to the terrifying after being given a file with details of three unexplained cases of apparitions." Is this creatively re-inventive premise undermined by its own twist?

Plus!
--The definition of portmanteau
--Spoilers for "Stay" (2005)
--The point of this entire podcast
--Stories about watching Fight Club

Get more at podsematary.com! Check out our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1107120447156613120

Audio Sources:
"The Big Shot" (Ren & Stimpy S01E01) produced by Nicktoons Productions, et al.
"The Changeling" produced by Chessman Park Productions
"Ghost Stories" produced by Lionsgate, et al.
"Jurassic Park" produced by Universal Pictures & Amblin Entertainment
"Monster Mash" written by Bobby Pickett & Leonard L. Capizzi and performed by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones

075 - God Told Me To (1976) & Holidays (2016) →

CW: Suicide, Mass Shooting/Killing, Transphobia, Interphobia, Miscarriage, Rape, Abortion

It's St. Patrick's Day on Pod Sematary! That means Chris & Kelsey are going to once again find some flimsy connection to the Irish holiday!

The Classic Film: God Told Me To (1976)
"A New York detective investigates a series of murders committed by random New Yorkers who claim that 'God told them to.'" This classic, exploitation-style, 70s horror flick certainly goes some places, but will it really give you nightmares... forever?

The Modern Film: Holidays (2016)
"Holidays is an anthology feature film that puts a uniquely dark and original spin on some of the most iconic and beloved holidays of all time by challenging our folklore, traditions, and assumptions." Will the hit-or-miss natures of these vignettes ruin the movie's chances of becoming an all-time anthology classic?

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1104211421850562561

Audio Sources:
"The Alternate Side" (Seinfeld S03E11) produced by Shapiro/West Productions & Castle Rock Entertainment 
"Atlanta" from Nice Try, The Devil written and performed by Pete Holmes 
"Beetlejuice" produced by The Geffen Company
"Clue" produced by Paramount Pictures, et al
"Dracula Untold" produced by Universal Pictures, et al.
"Fright Night" produced by Columbia Pictures Corporation, et al.
"God Told Me To" produced by Big Hit Productions & New World Pictures
"Holidays" produced by XYZ Films, et al.
"The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" (The Simpsons S08E14) produced by Gracie Films & 20th Century Fox Television
"Jingle All the Way" produced by 1492 Pictures & Twentieth Century Fox
"The Neverending Story" produced by Constantin Film, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"POWER" written and produced by Kanye West, et al.
"Smuckers Ad (1975)" via Chuck D's All-New Classic TV Clubhouse @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGAUcoBjDhU
"Split" produced by Universal Pictures, et al.
"We're the Millers" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.

074 - Scream 2 (1997) & Don't Hang Up (2016) →

It's Prank Call Killers Week on Pod Sematary, I guess? Chris and Kelsey tackle two films with killers who antagonize their victims over the phone!

The Classic Film: Scream 2 (1997)
Two years after the first series of murders, as Sydney acclimates to college life, someone donning the Ghostface costume begins a new string of killings. Does this sequel elevate this meta series or is it just more of the same?

The Modern Film: Don't Hang Up (2016)
An evening of some drunken prank calls becomes a nightmare for a pair of teenagers when a mysterious stranger turns their own game against them...with deadly consequences. Don’t watch this one expecting any twists and you may just enjoy it.

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1102382382403985408

Audio Sources:
"Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" produced by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, et al.
"Dine & Dash" (Kroll Show, S01E06) produced by Comedy Central
"Episode #2.6" (Chappelle's Show, S02E06) produced by Marobru Inc.
"Homer and Apu" (The Simpsons, S05E13) produced by Gracie Films & 20th Century Fox Television
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"The Price is Right" produced by Price Productions, et al.
"Red Right Hand" written by Mick Harvey, Nick Cave, and Thomas Wydler and performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
"Scary Movie" produced by Dimension Films, et al.
"Scream" produced by Dimension Films & Woods Entertainment
"Scream 2" produced by Dimension Films, et al.
"Scream 3" produced by Dimension Films, et al.

073 - Double Feature - The Omen (1976 & 2006) →

CW: Suicide

It's another Double Feature on Pod Sematary! This week, Chris & Kelsey discuss that all-time satanic classic, The Omen!

The Classic Film: The Omen (1976)
Mysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil's own son? Spoilers: Yes!

The Modern Film: The Omen (2006)
An American official realizes that his young son may literally be the Devil incarnate. Like this description, it retells the original story with only a vague understanding as to why.

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1099170854905102336

Audio Sources:
"Chain of Command: Part II" (Star Trek: The Next Generation S06E11) produced by Paramount Television
"Magnolia" produced by The Magnolia Project, et al.
"The Omen" (1976) produced by Twentieth Century Fox, et al.
"The Omen" (2006) produced by Twentieth Century Fox & 11:11 Mediaworks
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"The Prophecy" produced by First Look International, et al.
"Science Fiction/Double Feature" written by Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley and performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

072 - Double Feature - Poltergeist (1982 & 2015) →

CW: Severe Domestic Abuse & Homicide, Flashing Lights/Photosensitive Seizures

Best of 2019 - #6 Poltergeist (1982)

Worst of 2019 - #1 (Tied) Poltergeist (2015)

It's a Double Feature! This week on Pod Sematary, Chris & Kelsey watch one of Kelsey's favorite horror movies ever! And... its shiny, soulless remake!

The Classic Film: Poltergeist (1982)
All IMDB has to say about the plot of this Spielberg/Hooper horror is: "A family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts." Somehow, hidden in this straightforward plot is an honest portrayal of a family in turmoil.

The Modern Film: Poltergeist (2015)
A family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces must come together to rescue their youngest daughter after the apparitions take her captive. See? Even the plot summary feels like it has to be flashier than the original.

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1097330715866198016

Audio Sources: 
"Galaxy Quest" produced by DreamWorks & Gran Via Productions
"Lisa's First Word" (The Simpsons, S04E10) produced by Gracie Films and 20th Century Fox Television
"Miskel Spillman/Elvis Costello" (Saturday Night Live, S03E08) produced by NBC Productions
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Poltergeist" (1982) produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), et al.
"Poltergeist" (2015) produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), et al.
"Science Fiction/Double Feature" written by Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley and performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

071 - Play Misty for Me (1971) & Swimfan (2002) →

CW: Suicide, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Drug Addictions

Worst of 2019 - #1 (Tied) Swimfan

Happy Valentine's Day from Pod Sematary! This week, Chris and Kelsey discuss films about homicidal stalkers!

The Classic Film: Play Misty for Me (1971)
A brief fling between a male disc jockey and an obsessed female fan takes a frightening, and perhaps even deadly turn when another woman enters the picture. This calls for the "Eastwood Solution."

The Modern Film: Swimfan (2002)
A high school senior with a promising swimming career has a one-night stand with consequences. But is he too big of a douche-nozzle for us to care?

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1094745281927790593

Audio Sources:
"Bill Hader" (Conan S09E03) produced by Conaco
"Carry On Wayward Son" written by Kerry Livgren and performed by Kansas
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Play Misty for Me" produced by The Malpaso Company
"Runaway Bride" produced by Paramount Pictures, et al.
"Split" produced by Universal Pictures, et al.
"Swimfan" produced by Twentieth Century Fox, et al.
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day" produced by Carolco Pictures, et al.
"Zero Effect" produced by Castle Rock Entertainment, et al.

070 - Dreamscape (1984) & The Cell (2000) →

CW: Rape, severe mental and physical abuse of a child

It's Dream Week on Pod Sematary as Chris & Kelsey discuss two films about entering the dream world to save a life! Thank god we invented the... you know... whatever... device!

The Classic Film: Dreamscape (1984)
A young psychic on the run from himself is recruited by a government agency experimenting with the use of the dream-sharing technology. It's remarkable for a movie to "steal" so much from films that came out the very same year. Oh, and there's one other thing...

The Modern Film: The Cell (2000)
An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim. This Tarsem movie is the Tarsemest Tarsem movie that ever Tarsemed. Don't watch this film for the trite script or the mediocre acting - watch it for the stunning visuals and imagination!

Plus!
-We talk about recurring nightmares from our childhood
-We address why we're skipping Picnic at Hanging Rock
-We celebrate Dick Miller

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/i/moments/1091934337778384897

Audio Sources:
"The Birds" produced by Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions
"The Cell" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"Dreamscape" produced by Zupnik-Curtis Enterprises, et al.
"Full Metal Jacket" produced by Stanley Kubrick Productions, et al.
"Men in Black" produced by Amblin Entertainment, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (2010) produced by New Line Cinema & Platinum Dunes
"The One with the Hypnosis Tape" (Friends S03E18) produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions & Warner Bros. Television
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Snow Job" ("Cheers" S02E18) produced by Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions & Paramount Television
"Split" produced by Blumhouse Productions, et al.
"Thank You for Smoking" produced by Room 9 Entertainment, et al.
"The Warriors" produced by Paramount Pictures
"Weird Satanist Guy" via BowserVids @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=YErFwJX0HKE

069 - The 'Burbs (1989) & Slither (2006) →

It's Small Town Horror Week on Pod Sematary when Chris and Kelsey discuss two movies that might be more comedy than horror!

The Classic Film: The 'Burbs (1989)
An over-stressed suburbanite and his fellow neighbors are convinced that the new family on the block are part of a murderous Satanic cult. What is it about this critical and commercial flop from Joe Dante that made it charm on home video and TV? Probably Tom Hanks... and the rest of the killer cast.

The Modern Film: Slither (2006)
A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters. This one may not be quite as charming as The 'Burbs, but James Gunn's Slither is certainly faster, bigger, and nastier.

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1089679815467249664

Audio Sources:
"Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" produced by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG), et al.
"The 'Burbs" produced by Imagine Entertainment
"Children of the Corn" produced by Hal Roach Studios, et al.
"Familyland" (American Dad! S09E10) produced by Underdog Productions, et al.
"Four Creepy Hidden Truths Behind Popular Scary Stories | After Hours" via Cracked @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAR1fp1tbds
"Magnolia" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"More Napalm & Silly Putty" written and performed by George Carlin
"Patton March" composed by Jerry Goldsmith from the film "Patton"
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Slither" produced by Gold Circle Films, et al.
"Split" produced by Blumhouse Productions, et al.