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.
Blade Runner is one of the most revered science fiction films of all time. It has spawned video games, books, a sequel, and an upcoming Prime series. People LOVE the movie. We talk about a major casting decision for the show and how the original movie is overrated.
The Strangers is one of the best home invasion movies of all time. Surprisingly, it did not lead to a larger franchise. As a matter of fact, there will be more installments this year than there have been in the previous decade and a half. That includes a potential four and half hour long cut of all three movies that will be coming out this year. Some horror is all about making audiences feel uncomfortable, but that may be a little too much.
Haunted house movies is one of the most popular sub-genres in horror and will will never go away. People love to hear stories about homes with violent pasts. This sub-genre has gone beyond just scaring people as more comedy horror movies may be about haunted houses than any other subject.
For Sale has a lot going for it. Its use of effects proves there is more that the practical vs CGI argument does not always matter. Essentially, it does more with less. It also has two great leads that have tremendous chemistry. There is an overall charm to the entire film.
Regrettably, it does not manage to close the deal. There are some genuinely funny moments and some really creepy ones, but the whole thing never settles on a tone. For Sale also never recovers from a major decision leading into the third act. Things grind to a halt leading to an ending that is more confusing than anything else.
As we head into the home stretch of Bruceploitation Month, we finally get to Dragon Lee. A few shows back, Blake talked about how much he was looking forward to covering the actor. Kung Fu Fever is a revelation and a disappointment. Dragon Lee is even more awesome than either of us could have imagined, but the print is of very poor quality.
Blake also presents a theory that is as zany as any of the films we have covered. It may be too far out there for some listeners to accept, but after watching Kung Fu Fever, some listeners may not think it is so ridiculous. One thing everyone will agree on; this is one of the most tasteless Bruceploitation movies ever made.
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
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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