It's the start of October, so that means the second annual Season of Spoop™ (TM TM TM) kicks off! This year, the bois have chosen "witches" as their cinematic theme. For their first choice, they tackle one of the quintessential witch horror movies with 2015's "The Witch" (also known as "The Witch: A New England Folktale" or "The VVitch") directed by Robert Eggers. Joining them on such a task is returning guest Heather Murray. They discuss the historical aspects of the production, the portrayal o...
Oct 01, 2020•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 49
This week, Aaron and Derek are joined by Sean Marz to dig (pun intended) into 1990's creature feature "Tremors" directed by Ron Underwood. They discuss how well it holds up, if it should be considered a classic, the amazing design of the monster, and the "man vs nature" aspects that constitute it being a horror movie. They also touch on the casting and crazy franchise history. Derek also makes a hot take that might be too outrageous for anyone else to agree with. He's shouting it from a rock whi...
Sep 22, 2020•2 hr 25 min•Ep. 48
Watch If You Dare tackles the 1960 horror masterpiece "Psycho" directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Coinciding with the film's US debut 60th anniversary, Derek and Aaron are joined by Jim McDevitt and Eric San Juan, authors of "A Year of Hitchcock: 52 Weeks with the Master of Suspense," "Hitchcock’s Villains: Murderers, Maniacs, and Mothers Issues," and other titles. They discuss the impact of this film on the entire genre and tropes of horror, history of Hitchcock and production, how it remains effect...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 47
This week, Aaron and Derek dig into 2015's horror film "The Invitation" directed by Karyn Kusama. They discuss Kusama's directing history, how this film is especially effective horror for adults, and parallels to real trauma and relationships. They also talk about the balance of bleakness and glimmers of hope by the end of the film. Derek and Aaron really want you to drink from a suspicious glass and give this episode a listen. We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Stitcher, Spotify, Cas...
Aug 26, 2020•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 46
For the first time ever, the Spoop Bois Aaron and Derek recorded a commentary track. Their first choice is the insane 1983 slasher film "Sleepaway Camp" written and directed by Robert Hiltzik. Match up your movie watch with their commentary to hear them talk about the dangerous nature of the film, discuss the problematic elements, and laugh at all the ridiculous acting and dialogue choices. They also cover some of the cast and franchise history. Just in time for summer! We are on PodBean, Apple ...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 45
This week, James Hales returns to the podcast to discuss 1981's Italian supernatural horror film "The Beyond" directed by Lucio Fulci with the Spoop Bois, Derek and Aaron. They discuss the surreal and ridiculous nature of this film, Fulci movies, and Italian horror in general. They also dig into the portrayal of Louisiana, the insane amount of gore, Fulci's obsession with eye trauma, the plot details behind the horror, among other details. James, Aaron and Derek face the sea of darkness, and all...
Jul 28, 2020•2 hr 21 min•Ep. 44
This week, Aaron and Derek put on their sunglasses and watch 1988's science-fiction action horror film "They Live" directed by the great John Carpenter. They discuss the movie's politics and relevancy to today as well as whether or not this is considered a horror classic. They also gush about Roddy Piper and Keith David, dig further into Carpenter's brand, and touch on all the societal satire in general. Put on this podcast or start eating that trashcan. We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podcha...
Jul 14, 2020•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 43
This week, Aaron and Derek tackle 1997's science fiction horror film "Event Horizon" directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. They discuss the nostalgia and cult status surrounding the film, the use of mid to late 90s effects and dialogue, and what it borrows from other franchises. They also dig into the possibility of the director's cut and extended footage of the "hell scenes." Aaron doesn't need eyes to see. Derek brought something back with him. We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Stitcher...
Jun 30, 2020•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 42
This week, Aaron and Derek return to South Korean horror with 2016's supernatural thriller "The Wailing" directed by Na Hong-jin. They discuss why "The Wailing" is a horror modern masterpiece and further talk about the quality of Korean cinema in general. They also dig into the brilliant snap tone shifts, the ritualistic nature of supernatural and demonic activity, and the historical undertones with Korea's relationship with outside cultures portrayed in the film. Aaron saw something in the wind...
Jun 16, 2020•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 41
The Spoop Bois Aaron and Derek are joined by friend and director Zach Lamplugh to discuss 2014's found footage psychological horror film "Creep" directed by Patrick Brice. They discuss how the cast being limited to 2 people works, the tight budget and runtime adding to the quality of the movie, and the effectiveness of found footage and improvisation in enhancing the horror. They also take time to discuss Zach Lamplugh's movie "The VICE Guide to Bigfoot," and his experience with it making the fe...
May 29, 2020•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 40
Mother's Day may have just passed, but the Spoop Bois are still celebrating! This week, Aaron's lovely mother Tammy joins them to discuss 1982's supernatural horror classic "Poltergeist" directed by Tobe Hooper and written and produced by Steven Spielberg. They discuss the "cursed" tragedy surrounding the franchise, whether this feels more like a Spielberg or Hooper movie, and bombastic nature of the film's horror tropes. They also talk about motherhood and being proactive in regard to the well-...
May 14, 2020•2 hr 48 min•Ep. 39
On the last part of the Twin Peaks series, Derek, Aaron and Meryl go through the murder of Laura Palmer in the final scenes of 1992's "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" directed by David Lynch. Among the things covered, they discuss Lynch's use of lighting, the horrific nature of BOB's host, the retrospective evaluation of the film, etc. They also skim through some of the extended media, specifically "The Missing Pieces" and recent novels. Theories are shared. Some of it is solved. Many questions r...
Apr 30, 2020•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 38
With part 2, Aaron, Derek, and Meryl continue to dig into the world of Twin Peaks and specifically 1992's film "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" directed by David Lynch. This episode, they finally meet Laura Palmer herself, explore her frantic habits and relationships, see the influence of the Black Lodge in her life, and begin to unravel the dark nature of her past and family life. They also continue to deep dive into the esoteric themes surrounding the franchise at large and share their own inte...
Apr 21, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 37
With our first multi-part series, the Spoop Bois with guest and close friend Meryl Dakin enter the town of Twin Peaks! They tackle Twin Peaks the series as a whole while focusing specifically on David Lynch's 1992 followup film "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me", which took the franchise in an even darker, more horrifying direction. In part 1, they discuss the background production of "Fire Walk with Me," it's initial evaluation by fans, what it adds to Twin Peaks lore, and how important it is to t...
Apr 13, 2020•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 36
Aaron and Derek continue their horror journey through these quarantine days. This week, they consume 1985's satirical science fiction horror flick "The Stuff" written, produced, and directed by Larry Cohen. They touch on Cohen's approach towards consumerism with "The Stuff" and what makes this and his other films subversive. They also discuss his creative process in regard to schlock quality, control, and views on society. Why is that yogurt substance that Aaron and Derek keep eating now moving ...
Apr 02, 2020•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 35
Society may be quarantined, but the spoop bois Derek and Aaron are still here to deliver the scares. This week, they discuss 2016's Irish-British independent horror film "A Dark Song" written and directed by Liam Gavin. They dig into the quality of acting done between a mostly two person cast, the handling of magic compared to reality and other media, and the emotional toll it had specifically on Derek. They also go through how the movie portrays themes and horror related to long term indoor iso...
Mar 19, 2020•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 34
In this special episode, the Spoop Bois finally take on another juggernaut of horror cinema. Scientist and personal friend of the show Devin joins Aaron and Derek to discuss 1982's science fiction horror masterpiece "The Thing" directed by John Carpenter. They dig into the themes of distrust and isolation, how the horror holds up decades later, what else can be said about a film that has been thoroughly discussed, the expanded lore shown in the comics, etc. They also go through a brief history o...
Mar 05, 2020•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 33
This week, Aaron and Derek dig into the 2016 South Korean zombie film "Train to Busan" directed by Yeon Sang-ho. They discuss the emotional weight from this film, what constitutes "good" zombie stories, returning to the fears of parenting, and the quality of Korean horror and cinema in general. They also talk about the amazing cast and credits, and their connections with other projects. All aboard, Derek and Aaron! Are those bite marks on your arms? We are on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, ...
Feb 20, 2020•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 32
This week, Derek and Aaron tackle 2015's haunted house flick "We Are Still Here" written and directed by Ted Geoghegan. They discuss how it has a more Fulci vibe compared to Argento, the effective use of ghost story tropes, the shocking amount of gore, among many other topics. They also sample some choice music influenced in horror as well as other usual horror recommendations. Did Derek make it through a movie containing his greatest fears? Is Aaron ever going to fix the furnace in the basement...
Feb 06, 2020•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 31
Following the holiday break, Aaron and Derek are joined by returning guest Lauren to tackle 2001's psychological horror film "Session 9" directed by Brad Anderson. They discuss the movie's production and aesthetic with the use of an actual mental hospital, the aspects of masculinity with the main characters, and possibility of supernatural influence. They also touch on the portrayal of mental health in regard to context of the film and past covered flicks. Also, David Caruso is in this movie. Wi...
Jan 21, 2020•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 30
It's the 2019 Christmas episode! Aaron and Derek celebrate with 1974's Canadian slasher "Black Christmas" directed by Bob Clark. They discuss how the movie remains horrifying 40+ years later, what sets it apart from the recent string of films they've done, and why they chose to watch it for the holidays. They also cover the serious issues the film tackles, plot similarities to serial killers and other genre flicks, the juxtaposition of Christmas and horror, Olivia Hussey's accent, and much more....
Dec 24, 2019•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 29
This week, the spoop bois Derek and Aaron are joined by returning guest Heather Murray to talk 1984's science fiction horror flick "Night of the Comet" directed by Thom Eberhardt. They discuss how the movie handles strong female protagonists, the horrors of post apocalyptic 80s teenage wasteland, and the portrayal of sisterhood and family. They also get into why Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney crush it in the main roles, and they take the time to discuss other horror recommendations lik...
Dec 12, 2019•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 28
That's not cranberry sauce, it's a podcast! This week, the Spoop Bois Derek and Aaron talk 1987's American slasher "Blood Rage" (also known as "Nightmare at Shadow Woods" and "Slasher") directed by John Grissmer. They discuss the connection to Thanksgiving, Louise Lasser's crazy performance, the ridiculous location of the film, over the top gore, and much more. They also give thanks to many who have supported them along the way. They aren't Todd, but they are the hosts. Cut your turkey and liste...
Nov 26, 2019•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 27
For the 25th episode, the spoop boys tackle their first documentary. With friend of the hosts Jeff Rogers (yes, he is a doctor) joining them, they discuss 2015's "The Nightmare" directed by Rodney Ascher. They talk about why the documentary works as a horror movie, they share stories about nightmares and sleep paralysis, and they examine possible theories and causes. Derek is tested by one of the scarier movies they've covered. Jeff is as eccentric as ever. Aaron thinks life is a dream. Sleep ti...
Nov 14, 2019•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 26
It's the first ever Halloween episode! Aaron and Derek put on their masks and discuss 1982's science fiction horror cult classic "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" directed by Tommy Lee Wallace. The boys explain why they chose this bonkers flick to close out the Season of Spoop™ instead of the classic Myers-based original. They also dig into a little bit of Halloween legend, talk about Tom Atkins (yet again), and recommend a chunk of other horror media to check out. It's almost time, kids. The...
Oct 29, 2019•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 25
The Season of Spoop™ rolls on! This week, Aaron and Derek tackle 2007's horror comedy film "Murder Party" directed by Jeremy Saulnier. This also marks the first time they've returned to a director (Saulnier directed "Green Room"). They discuss the absurd nature of the movie's set up, terrible art people from college, and tonal shifts in regard to the film's horror and gore. While the premise surrounds another party on Halloween, the spoop boys go through how "Murder Party" stands on its own and ...
Oct 17, 2019•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 24
The Season of Spoop™ (TM TM TM) starts here! Evan returns to join Derek and Aaron in discussing 1988's "Night of the Demons" directed by Kevin S. Tenney. They discuss the exaggerated fears associated with Halloween, reminisce about the weirdest places they've partied during the season, and say goodbye to an old friend, Podcoin. The boys also dig into the enjoyable trash that makes up this flick and why they went with it as their first choice for the October month. Will they escape the demons? Do...
Oct 03, 2019•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 23
This week, the spoop boys discuss 2017's action comedy horror film "Mayhem" directed by Joe Lynch. They discuss the horrors of American work life and culture, dig into the deterioration of an otherwise typical setting, analyze comparisons to "The Belko Experiment," and talk about the general production of the film. Derek likes to think "ham" is in "mayhem," and Aaron let's him embarrass himself. Grab your nearest power tool and prepare for a bloody good time! We are on PodBean, iTunes, Stitcher,...
Sep 19, 2019•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 22
On this special, extra manic episode, special guests Lauren and Jonathan join Aaron and Derek to discuss 1977's Japanese horror comedy film "House" (Hausu) directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. They dig deep into Obayashi's fever dream of a movie sharing fears and interpretations, discussing Japanese imagery, and doing their best to run through the euphoric nightmare-like plot. Fears are shared. Other horror is recommended. There are now four, but will it help them survive the House? Take a trip into t...
Sep 05, 2019•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 21
For a special 19th episode, Derek and Aaron are joined by guest Chrystle to discuss the 1976 demonic horror classic "The Omen" directed by Richard Donner. They discuss the psychological vs supernatural nature of the film, fears of parenthood, and other religious themes. They also share creepy child stories, Stephen King, and other horror related content. Is this arguably the most well known movie they've covered since episode 1? Check your skin for the Mark of the Beast and listen if you dare! W...
Aug 22, 2019•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 20
