170 - Scream 3 (2000) & Scream 4 (2011) →

CW: Sexual Assault

Read our afterthoughts for this episode here!

It’s a Scream Week on Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey finish the last half of the Scream franchise all in one go and also talk too much about Josie & the Pussycats.

The Classic Film: Scream 3 (2000)
"While Sidney and her friends visit the Hollywood set of Stab 3, the third film based on the Woodsboro murders, another Ghostface killer rises to terrorize them” (IMDb.com). Scream 3 isn't as bad as we remembered, but that doesn't mean it's very good. Despite the fact that there are some very lovable characters and moments, it's obvious that no one's heart was in this one.

The Modern Film: Scream 4 (2011)
"Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer” (IMDb.com). Scream managed to get to four entries without having a terrible one, but we still haven't captured the magic of the first again, despite how hard this movie tries.

Audio Sources:
"Is This The End" written by Mark T. Tremonti & Scott A. Stapp and performed by Creed
"Music of the Heart" produced by Craven-Maddalena Films & Miramax
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Scream 3" produced by Craven-Maddalena Films, et al.
"Scream 4" produced by Dimension Films, et al.
"Tune Up #1" (from Rent -- Original Broadway Cast Recording) written by Jonathan Larson and performed by Anthony Rapp & Adam Pascal
"What If" written by Mark T. Tremonti & Scott A. Stapp and performed by Creed

133 - A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) & Dead Awake (2017) →

CW: Suicide, Self-Harm, Drug Addiction, Ableism

Worst of 2020 - #9 Dead Awake

Read our afterthoughts for this episode here!

It’s another Nightmare Week on Pod Sematary! Chris & Kelsey have a love/hate relationship with these night terrors (they love one and hate the other...)!

The Classic Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
"A psychiatrist familiar with knife-wielding dream demon Freddy Krueger helps teens at a mental hospital battle the killer who is invading their dreams” (IMDb.com). This movie is beautiful... and BAD (the good kind)!

The Modern Film: Dead Awake (2016)
"A young woman must save herself and her friends from an ancient evil that stalks its victims through the real-life phenomenon of sleep paralysis” (IMDb.com). Listen to Chris and Kelsey hate-discuss this movie, one that rushes through it's best parts, copies others from other movies wholesale, and features one of the most unlikeable heroines we've encountered yet!

Audio Sources:
"Dead Awake" produced by Gama Entertainment Partners, et al.
"Dream Warriors" written by George Lynch & Jeff Pilson and performed by Dokken
"Lawnmower Dog" (Rick and Morty S01E02) produced by Starburns Industries, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones

084 - A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) & The Nightmare (2015) →

CW: Rape, Suicide, Homophobia, Sleep Paralysis

It's Nightmare Week on Pod Sematary! Kelsey & Chris dip back into the Freddy Krueger well with the second film in the classic series along with a Netflix documentary about the most nightmarish scenario anyone could dream up!

The Classic Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 - Freddy's Revenge (1985)
"A teenage boy is haunted in his dreams by deceased child murderer Freddy Krueger, who is out to possess him in order to continue his reign of terror in the real world" (IMDb.com). This second installment in the Freddy Franchise is more than just one big camp reference to queer youth, even if they struggle to pin down exactly what makes Freddy "Freddy".

The Modern Film: The Nightmare (2015)
"A look at a frightening condition that plagues thousands: sleep paralysis" (IMDb.com). This horrifying documentary acts out the stories of eight sleep paralysis sufferers, but it doesn't go quite as deep as we would have liked.

Plus: Kelsey & Chris talk about what happens after you die!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1127683549698519040

Audio Sources:
"Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" produced by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, et al.
"Bring it On" produced by Beacon Communications, et al.
"Clueless" produced by Paramount Pictures
"Family Affair" written by Mary J. Blige, et al and performed by Mary J. Blige
"The Fifth Element" produced by Gaumont
"A Nightmare on Elm Street Soundtrack: Prologue/Main Title" composed by Charles Bernstein
"Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy" produced by 1428 Films & Panic Productions
"The Nightmare" produced by Zipper Bros Films, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge" produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"A Nightmare on My Street" written by Will Smith, Jeff Townes, and Clarence Holmes & performed by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Pool Party" written & performed by The Aquabats
"The Shining" produced by Warner Bros., et al.
"Touch Me (All Night Long)" produced and arranged by Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael & performed by Wish featuring Fonda Rae

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.

054 - Scream (1996) & The Cabin In The Woods (2012) →

Best of 2017/18 - #4 (Tied) The Cabin in the Woods

It's Horror Tropes Week on Pod Sematary! Chris and Kelsey get meta talking about some of the best examples of self-aware horror films that exist! (To be sure, there are more...)

First up is one we've been talking about since our first episode: 1996's Scream! Wes Craven got a bit meta with 1994's New Nightmare, but that movie only covered the one franchise: Freddy. Then along came Kevin Williamson and the two really got rolling with a film the transformed the whole genre for Generation X (for good or ill). Is this clever classic worth all of the not-so-great imposters?

Then it's on to the film that doesn't just want to observe the tropes but tear the whole genre down and start over: 2012's The Cabin in the Woods! Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard bring their experience and wit to address the big questions. Why do characters act like idiots in horror movies? Why only use that great weapon once? And what happens when the audience doesn't get what they expect?

Plus:
--a trip to Knott's Scary Farm!
--the new Pet Sematary trailer!

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at https://twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1051648875990118400

Audio Sources:
"The Cabin in the Woods" produced by Lionsgate, et al.
"Ice" (The X-Files S01E08) produced by Ten Thirteen Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television
"Jamie Kennedy Ruins E3 - Activision Press Conference 2007" via gamesradararchive @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IifE-EAuSAI
"Like Father, Like Son" produced by Partnership for a Drug-Free America
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Pet Sematary" (2019) produced by Alphaville Films & Paramount Pictures
"Red Dawn" produced by United Artists & Valkyrie Films
"Red Right Hand" written by Mick Harvey, Nick Cave, and Thomas Wydler and performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
"Roll with the Changes" written by Kevin Cronin and performed by REO Speedwagon
"Scream" produced by Dimension Films & Woods Entertainment

052 - The People Under The Stairs (1991) & The Harvest (2013) →

It's Hidden Kids Week on Pod Sematary! Chris and Kelsey discuss two movies about a similar topic (secret children) that couldn't be more different!

First up is the Wes Craven classic, 1991's The People Under the Stairs! It manages to ramp up the tension and then defuse it with some good ol' slapstick humor. All to the benefit of the core message of anti-greed and social consciousness. Oh, and there are monsters in the basement and a poor, poor puppy.

Then it's the IFC slow-burner, 2013's The Harvest. It's halfway through before anything remotely resembling horror manages to slip into this film, but that doesn't prevent creeping dread from permeating throughout. It's a killer concept with a great twist that is ill-served by an average production and poor writing. But there's Michael Shannon!

Audio Sources:
"The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" produced by Lucasfilm Ltd.
"Do The Right Thing" written and performed by Redhead Kingpin & The F.B.I.
"The Harvest" produced by 120dB Films, et al.
"The People Under the Stairs" produced by Universal Pictures & Alive Films
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Split" produced by Blinding Edge Pictures, et al.

051 - Wishmaster (1997) & Wish Upon (2017) →

It's Wish Week on Pod Sematary! Chris and Kelsey take on a couple of movies that teach you to be careful what you wish for!

First is the 1997 campy classic, Wishmaster, produced by horror icon Wes Craven! Don't expect another Scream (which came out right before this), but how this hasn't become a bigger late-night staple, we'll never know.

Then it's the much-maligned, modern take on the monkey paw fable, 2017's Wish Upon! We struggle to find the words, but it's as uninspired as you've been told. It's the anti-Wishmaster.

Thanks to listener Will for the recommendations!

Get more at podsematary.com!

Audio Sources:
"Be Careful What You Wish For" performed by Wayfarers
"The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. 
"Mallrats" produced by View Askew Productions, et al.
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"The Picard Song" produced by DarkMateria
"The Simpsons Already Did It" (South Park S06E07) produced by Braniff
"Wish Upon" produced by Broad Green Pictures & Busted Shark Productions
"Wishmaster" produced by Image Organization & Pierre David

045 - Double Feature - A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984 & 2010) →

CW: Child Molestation, Sexual Assault

Best of 2017/18 - #9 (Tied) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

This week on Pod Sematary, Chris & Kelsey are excited to discuss their favorite slasher villain! The Quipping Killer! The Dream Demon! The Springwood Slasher! The Bastard Son of One Hundred Maniacs! The Orangutan Goblin himself: Freddy Krueger! It's a Double Feature of A Nightmare on Elm Street!

First up is the 1984 classic! It has the best cop-out of all time because everything happens in dreams. They can do anything! This low-budget flick almost didn't happen but writer/director Wes Craven and producer Bob Shaye wouldn't stop until it was made and the world is all the better for it! Plus, will someone please analyze Kelsey's recurring nightmare?

Then it's the 2010 disappointment... Perhaps surprisingly, we'd really like to see a good Nightmare reboot, but boy did we not get one here. Unlike the Thing premakequel, which we decided was simply unnecessary, this remake is a wasted opportunity to reinvigorate the beloved franchise. But we try to find the good in it anyway... is there any?

Get more at podsematary.com! Read our afterthoughts for this episode at twitter.com/PodSematary/status/1028774860959281152

Audio Sources:
"Celebrities Read Mean Tweets #4" via Jimmy Kimmel Live @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrjp6e04dZ8
"Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy" produced by 1428 Films and Panic Productions
"Never Sleep Again: The Making of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'" produced by Automat Pictures (featurettes included in home release)
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) produced by New Line Cinema, et al.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (2010) produced by New Line Cinema and Platinum Dunes
"Pet Sematary" written by Dee Dee Ramone & Daniel Rey and performed by The Ramones
"Nightmare on My Street" written by Will Smith, Jeff Townes, & Pete Harris and performed by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (featuring "Theme from A Nightmare on Elm Street" by Charles Bernstein)
"Science Fiction/Double Feature" written by Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley and performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts