The Weekly Horrorscope

Body Horror

Body Horror represents a loss of identity or a transformation of self. Its terror stems from lack of control or defiance of the laws of nature and represents a large subgenre within film. These films are often special effects ladened and filled with disturbing imagery. Jerry & Matt look at two prime examples of this with Stuart Gordon's From Beyond from 1986 and James Wan's Malignant from 2021.

Won't Stay Dead

The idea of something refusing to stay dead is horrifying in both its objection to the laws of nature and the hopelessness it creates for the victims. What can one do when confronted by something that seemingly can't be killed? This idea has been explored in Romero's zombie films and King's Pet Semetary as well as countless others. This week, Jerry and Matt look at two examples with Friday the 13th Part 6, Jason Lives from 1986 and Planet Terror, from 2007.

Second Best Shark Movie

Since Jaws scared us out of the water in 1975, shark movies have been a standard creature feature concept re-visited repeatedly, with varying degrees of success. These movies strike a primal fear in us, portraying a terrifying natural predator in their world- a setting where humans are somewhat helpless and not in control. For these reasons, there will always be new shark movies to make us afraid to go in the water. Jerry and Matt pick their choices for second best shark movie with Matt selecting The Reef, from 2010 and Jerry going with The Shallows, from 2016. These films are very different in their approach to the material, but both effective at what they do.

Killer Thrillers

While typical thrillers operate on the periphery of the horror genre, there are great examples of these films exploring dark subjects and creating tension and imagery that rivals the most horrific films of any kind. A well made thriller that crosses over to the macabre can create a lasting gut-punch the viewer will never forget. Jerry & Matt look at two of these impactful crossovers with Seven from 1995 and Don't Breathe from 2016.

The Film Within

The "movie within the movie" is a Hollywood staple and has been used to various degrees of success throughout the history of cinema. In the horror field, this expands to certain found footage scenarios or haunted tapes that create doom upon viewing or other varying approaches that showcase the creativity of the genre. In episode 76, Jerry and Matt look at two very different ways a film within the film drives the plot with the meta world created in Wes Craven's New Nightmare from 1994, and the deadly super 8 reels of Sinister from 2012.

Top 20 Horror Directors

In horror, often working with smaller budgets and lesser known actors, the directors tend to be the draw and the real stars. Iconic directors have used signature styles and ground-breaking ideas to push the industry forward and pave the path for all who follow. From the early foundations to current superstar filmmakers, Jerry & Matt count down their top 20 horror directors of all time.

School Scares

School can be a time of uncertainty and angst as young people try to find themselves how they fit into the world. It is full of class and social barriers as well as cliques and bullies. For many, school is a time of trauma and fear, which makes it a perfect backdrop to expound upon its horrors. Jerry and Matt look at two very different examples of school scares, with the classic film Carrie from 1976 and the massively influential Battle Royale from 2000. As Alice Cooper once yelled, "School's out for- ever!"

Terror From the Sky

Humans have always looked skyward with a sense of wonderment. The beauty of the stars and the moon and the sun also create an unease regarding the infiniteness of all that is beyond and cast doubts on our place in it all. Add to that the forces of nature that can devastate us from above, the sky is a great place to find terror. Jerry and Matt look at two very different examples of this with The Birds from 1963 and Fire in the Sky from 1993. Heads up, for real!

Don't Go in the Cabin

Going into Memorial Day weekend, 2024, we are reminded of summer vacations and getting away. In the world of horror, be advised to NOT go to a cabin! Since Evil Dead introduced the concept in 1981, cabins, with their seclusion and disconnect from the outside world, have become a prime location for horror. Jerry and Matt look at two very different films that scream "Don't Go in the Cabin", with Cabin Fever from 2003 and The Ritual from 2017.

Dark & Stormy Nights

 A whip-crack of thunder and a flash in the sky. We get out our candles and hope the lights stay on. A dark, stormy night is when nature exerts its awesome power and all living things are subject to dread and anxiety- obviously a perfect setting for a horror movie. Jerry and Matt look at two very different examples of horror within a storm with Dark Water (2002) and The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016).