We discuss tricks and treats with the family-friendly Halloween horror “Spirit Halloween: The Movie” and the dubious indie “Hayride to Hell”.
We begin, as always, by delving into the latest horror headlines.
Viewing habits have changed drastically over the years. We talk about how delays have become a bigger part of the film calendar than ever before and how it now seems to take more than tentpole franchises to draw audiences.
Plus, Mike Flannagan has another Stephen King adaptation coming, and you may be surprised to hear who is part of the cast.
Then, it’s on to our featured film reviews.
We have not done too many – if any – family-friendly horror. This may be because there is so little to find on Shudder. This week’s show covers both bases as we cover a scary movie that the kiddos can watch and enjoy from the supernatural streaming network. The fact that it takes place in a Spirit Halloween should seal the deal for all the young ones in your house.
Spirit Halloween: The Movie is a straightforward story about a group of friends who decide to spend the night in the titular store. While there, they must deal with a vengeful ghost.
There are no twists or surprises, and it is very much a “what you see is what you get” plot. It is perfect for a younger crowd, but it did not sit well with one of us.
Two horror icons teaming up for a horror movie centered around Halloween sounds like a good idea, especially with a premise as goofy as the one Hayride to Hell gives audiences.
But when the story is about a white man refusing to give up his land due to tradition, and that’s the least of the problems the writing has, you know you are in for a tough watch.
Hayride to Hell makes a strong case for most tone-deaf movies we have ever covered.
It’s bad enough that the protagonist is someone who does not feel he has to pay back his bank loans, respect his neighbors’ legitimate concerns, or hire police for the heavy traffic. But the film also happens to be incredibly misogynistic.
Even if it were a 1970s exploitation flick, you would think they went too far.
We were both on the same page scripting-wise, but we were in entirely different books regarding the performances. We all know Kane Hodder is a great villain, but how is he as a smarmy asshole? And is Bill Moseley’s wacky performance able to save this awful film?
ABOUT THIS PODCAST:
Every week AIPT Movie Editor Nathaniel Muir and his cinema partner in crime Blake Heath discuss indie and genre movies you have have never heard of, the ones you cannot hear enough about, and the ones you never want to hear about again.
Episode: 367: ‘Speed Demon’ (2026)
Over the years, we have seen and discussed how horror has become more acceptable in the mainstream. This week we talk about two of the most striking examples of this. One is interesting while the other is just straight up weird. But both have us interested.
The idea of a nun who has lost her faith is not strange for an exorcism movie. Having the first introduction of said nun has her completely nude and coked up after a threesome is a little different. After showing off this incredibly buff nun, the awesomely titled Speed Demon takes off from there.
The film is an example of less being more. It does not reinvent the wheel and tells the simple story of a person trying to overcome their personal demons in order to defeat a literal one. And it works thanks to its setting and quick pace.
But it is in the closing moments that Speed Demon truly shines. In a whirlwind of revelations, the most powerful people in the world become entrenched in Sister Lu’s world. It also sets up the promise of what could be an exciting franchise.
Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.
Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.
Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com
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Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror.
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