In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” come howling back for one last episode to close out Season 2 of The Monsters That Made Us! Join them as they dig into Leigh Whannell’s reinvention of the Wolf Man, along with all the new mythology and the slam dunk performance from Christopher Abbott (possibly the greatest Wolf Man performance ever?), as well as some its flaws, not limited to the half-baked script, the clunky cast chemistry, the wholesale omission of just about all traditio...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 27 min
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are hunting a ballerina vampire as they discuss 2024’s Abigail! Join them as they dive into all the gory details about the incredible ensemble cast (including plenty of gushing about Dan Stevens), the filmmaking duo Radio Silence and their knack for melding comedy and horror, and why Abigail is a fantastic take on the Dracula’s Daughter concept. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
Feb 28, 2025•2 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 17
All aboard! In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” set sail for England on the ill-fated merchant ship, Demeter. Join them as they discuss The Last Voyage of the Demeter‘s long road to production, from its conception in the early ’90s through the many personnel changes and script revisions, and finally to its big screen debut. Plus, they dive into the film’s fantastic cast, the challenges of shooting an entire film set at sea, the choice to go super heavy on digital effects as o...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dive into Chris McKay’s over-the-top, action-packed horror comedy, Renfield! Join them as they discuss the film’s origins as part of the Dark Universe and its evolution into the film it eventually became, the brilliant performances from Nicholas Hoult and the iconic Nicolas Cage, the jaw-dropping practical makeup effects and stunt work, the occasionally uneasy balance between the film’s horror and comedic elements, and why Renfield is ultim...
Dec 28, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Exit Alex Kurtzman, enter Jason Blum. In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” dive into Universal’s first theatrical monster movie since the death of the Dark Universe. Join them as they discuss writer/director Leigh Whannell’s bold new vision for the Invisible Man, including shifting the perspective to the victim, the clever camera work, the stunt choreography, changing the invisibility serum to an invisibility suit, and why a smaller, more intimate story–rather than a huge, glo...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this second episode of The Monsters That You Made, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” chat with filmmaker Jakob Skrzypa, producer and co-writer of the new horror comedy, Vampire Zombies… From Space! Join them as they discuss Jakob’s history with the Universal Monsters, growing up with The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Wolf Man, discovering the films of Ed Wood, and the 10+ year journey of breathing new life into a project that began way back in high school and finally getting it ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” head back to ancient Egypt for one last ride with the Scorpion King! Join them as they discuss their experience working through Universal’s first Universal Monsters spin-off franchise and how it did (or didn’t) live up to expectations, as well as its final installment, its new lead actor, and why The Scorpion King: Book of Souls is arguably the best of the Scorpion King sequels. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they say hello and goodbye to Universal’s short-lived Dark Universe. In this episode, they discuss the origins of 2017’s The Mummy, its evolution into a launching pad for an enormous shared cinematic universe, the tumultuous early stages of its production, the brilliant action set pieces, the horrifying mummy moments, the questionable casting decisions, and why, despite its flaws, they still wish they had gotten to see more of the Dark Universe! If ...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” continue their journey through the world of straight-to-video Scorpion King installments. Join them as they discuss Victor Webster’s second film as Mathayus, the return of Will Kemp to the Universal Monsters Universe, the star-studded supporting cast, the blatant Indiana Jones rip-offs, the impressive fight sequences, and whether a more pronounced shift towards comedy helps or hurts The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power. If you enjoy this ep...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they turn the clock all the way back to the 15th century to witness the transformation of Vlad Dracula, the Prince of Wallachia, into one of the most legendary monsters the world has ever seen. They discuss Luke Evans’ fantastic performance as the warrior Dracula, the feature film debut of director Gary Shore, the undeniable influence superhero movies had on Dracula’s origin, all the cool vampire stuff that is (or should’ve been) in this movie, and ...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Not long after he was crowned the Scorpion King, Mathayus has lost his wife, his kingdom, and is back to his old mercenary ways. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they head to the Far East for the first direct sequel to 2002’s The Scorpion King. They discuss the new Mathayus, the myriad cost-cutting measures and low-budget filmmaking techniques employed by director/cinematographer Roel Reiné, the supporting cast of movie stars (and future movie stars), including a brilliant, scenery...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” got that dog in ’em! Join them as they discuss Universal’s back-to-basics approach to their 2010 remake, The Wolfman, as well as the last minute personnel changes, the reshoots a year after principle photography wrapped, the differences between the theatrical cut and the (superior) unrated director’s cut, Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup, and so much more! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patre...
May 31, 2024•2 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 8
“The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” kick off a brand new feature where they sit down with fellow monster fanatics to discuss their Universal Monsters-inspired creations! Join them as they chat with Jason Ginsburg, the producer and co-writer of the brand new monster-themed rock song, “Children of the Night”! They discuss the entire creative process of bringing Jason’s song to life, as well as his history with the monsters, his experience as a Universal Studios tour guide, and so much more! “Ch...
Apr 29, 2024•45 min
It’s time to head back to kingdom of Akkad to witness the birth of a legend! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss young Mathayus in his first straight-to-DVD adventure which takes him deep into the Underworld to retrieve the Sword of Damocles, fight Randy Couture, and become the new Scorpion King. They get into the new cast, the (better) original title, the (mostly) excellent use of low-budget special effects, and why The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is, ultimately, ...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 7
“The Invisible Dan’ and “Monster Mike” leave the desert sands of Egypt and head deep into ancient China to wrap up Stephen Sommers’ Mummy trilogy with 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor! Join them as they discuss the personnel changes among the cast and crew, as well as the addition of some Honk Kong action legends, and why this third installment still manages to be entertaining despite its flaws. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Long before the Dark Universe, Universal had plans to build a massive franchise around the world’s most famous monster hunter, but unfortunately, it never got past the first installment. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Van Helsing as a perfect concept to unite a shared monster universe, and how Stephen Sommers’ over-the-top, more-is-more approach may have ultimately doomed it from the start. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreo...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” go WAY BACK to about 3,000 B.C. to witness the rise of the legendary Scorpion King! Join them as they discuss the first Universal Monster spin-off, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s debut as a leading man, the terrific practical effects, the horror roots of director Chuck Russell and co-star Kelly Hu, and why, despite leaving the monsters behind, The Scorpion King still succeeds as a pulpy, throwback, Conan the Barbarian rip-off by playing to eve...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Nearly a decade after the events of The Mummy, Imhotep is back, Rick and Evy have a kid, and they’re all searching for the secret resting place of the fabled Scorpion King! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they travel back to Egypt, then to London, then back to Egypt to discuss all the twists and turns and Stephen Sommers action crammed into 2001’s The Mummy Returns! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
It’s time for more mummy action as “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” discuss one of the biggest films of 1999! Join them as they dive into the 10+ years of The Mummy‘s development, including the various concepts from some well-known horror icons, plus some alternate casting choices, the genius blend of traditional practical effects with state-of-the-art digital effects, the similarities and differences between this film and its 1932 counterpart, and how The Mummy reinforces the idea that th...
Nov 24, 2023•2 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 2
“The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” have returned from the grave to talk more Universal Monsters! Join them as they sink their teeth into 1979’s Dracula, starring Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier and Donald Pleasance! They revisit the original play, which served as the basis for this film, much like Tod Browning’s original film, and discuss how the two films compare, plus Frank Langella’s unique approach to the title role, Donald Pleasance’s scene-stealing techniques, the incredible practical...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the season 1 finale, we’re heading back to the Sunshine State for one last Gill-man adventure! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss the new Gill-man suit (and his clothes!), why so much of the underwater footage looks familiar, and why, despite a script that’s padded with a lot of science talk, philosophical nature vs nurture stuff, too many doctors, and a superfluous love triangle (or square?), the Gill-man still makes The Creature Walks Among Us a worthwhile adventure...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 32
We interrupt your regularly scheduled Gill-Man mayhem to bring you Abbott and Costello’s final monster movie! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they dive back into the the world of horror comedy for the iconic comedy team’s encounter with the mummy! They talk about Marie Windsor’s electrifying performance, the multitude of Batman connections in the cast, the incredible dance troupes showcased in this one, and why, unfortunately, none of it really makes up for all the stale jokes and...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen because “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are heading down to the Ocean Harbor Oceanarium in sunny Florida to check out their latest attraction: the Gill-Man! Join them as they discuss more similarities to King Kong and Jaws, shooting entirely in Florida, the changes to the Gill-Man suit, the new Gill-Man actor, why Helen Dobson ranks among the best of the Universal Monsters heroines, and a certain Hollywood icon who made their first film appearance in R...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 30
All aboard! In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” cruise deep into the Amazon in search of a creature which may bridge the evolutionary gap between man and fish! Join them as they discuss the Gill-man’s painstaking design process, the narrative similarities to King Kong, the breathtaking underwater photography, and why Creature from the Black Lagoon is unquestionably one of the all-time great monster movies. Check out the original Gill-man test suit here! If you enjoy this epis...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 29
There’s a two-faced killer on the loose, and Abbott and Costello are hot on his trail! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss the iconic comedy duo’s third monster encounter, the return of Boris Karloff, more Batman connections, and how Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde succeeds as a horror comedy by being a horror film first and a comedy second. Check out Carl Laemmle’s 1913 silent Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here! If you enjoy this episode, and want to support t...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Good evening, fright fans! Abbott & Costello are back, and they’ve dialed up the slapstick for their meeting with the Invisible Man! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they break down Universal’s second monster flick with the iconic comedy duo. They discuss some of the fun cameos, Universal’s new go-to director for Abbott & Costello films, and maybe the best invisible effects to date, plus the gags they love, the many they don’t, and the pacing issues caused by trying to sque...
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 27
We’ve got scares and laughs in equal measure as the world’s greatest comedy duo come face-to-face Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Frankenstein Monster! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Universal’s corporate restructuring, the challenges of working with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, the return of Bela Lugosi in the role that made him a horror icon, and why Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is quite possibly the greatest horror comedy ever made! If you enjoy this...
Nov 25, 2022•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Well, folks, Universal Studios horror has come to an end. For now, anyway. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Universal’s decision to stop producing the horror films that had propped them up in their infancy, as well as the myriad problems with She-Wolf of London, the cast connections to some other CageClub Network shows, and why the once-effective Val Lewton-style unseen horror approach may have been too little too late for the struggling studio. If you enjoy this episo...
Oct 28, 2022•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 25
It’s an undead man’s party as Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s monster descend on the Visarian home of Dr. Franz Edelmann! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” for another monster rally where they talk about the Wolf Man vs. Dracula movie that almost was, why House of Dracula might be better than House of Frankenstein, and bid farewell to Erle C. Kenton, Jack Pierce, Lionel Atwill, and a few others. If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
Sep 30, 2022•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 24
The mummy’s on the loose, and he’s dancing with the devil! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” for the thrilling conclusion of the Kharis saga with 1944’s The Mummy’s Curse! They discuss the rumors about whether or not Lon Chaney actually performed inside the mummy wrappings, the series’ overall consistency, why that works in its favor (and why the continuity doesn’t), and perhaps the single greatest sequence ever constructed for a mummy movie since the original! Mrs. Olson Folgers Compi...
Aug 26, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 23
