Genre Exposure: A Film Podcast

Episode 017: TerrorVision (1986)

In this episode, the Halloween celebration continues as Michael launches us into another horror comedy taking us just one year earlier to 1986 with Ted Nicolaou's TerrorVision. This sci-fi tinged goofball comedy brings a lot of love for the classic monster movie while eagerly lampooning life in the 80s. The whole gang takes to the field defending this one while we ponder what people are smoking to allow this gem to sit with a 0% critic score on RottenTomatoes. But before that, Dustin finally gets the chance to bleed his heart out of all his love for Full Moon Features and its revolving cast of collaborators. Also, Jason and Dustin refuse to miss the chance to plug Phantom of the Paradise one more time. And so much more! 

What We've Been Watching:
-Michael: Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
-Jason: The Last Matinee (2020)
-Dustin: Paranoia Agent (2004)

Show Notes:
-Terrorvision Trailer
-Pick up Terrorvision on bluray from Scream Factory
-Check out Full Moon Features
-Related Film: Puppet Master
-Related Film: Subspecies
-Related Film: Bad Channels
-Related Film: Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys
-Related Film: Tourist Trap
-Related Film: Phantom of the Paradise
-Related Film: Amityville II: The Possession
-Related Film: Inferno
-Related Film: Napoleon Dynamite
-Related Song: W.A.S.P. - Tormentor
-Related Show: Face Off
-Related Film: Re-Animator
-Related Film: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood
-Related Film: Fright Night
-Related Film: The Giant Claw
-Related Film: Earth vs The Flying Saucer
-Related Film: Robot Monster
-Related Film: Slither
-Related Film: The Video Dead
-Related Film: Scary Movie

Next Time:
Trick or Treat (1986)

Episode 016: Blood Diner (1987)

In this episode, we kick into celebrating Halloween and the month of October with a supersized series of episodes. We will be having one episode a week all month, each one covering a horror film. We've got a secret theme that again developed accidentally but Dustin promised not to oversell it this time so play along and see if you can figure out the connection over the month. Today we're diving into the wonderfully crazy world of Jackie Kong's 1987 feature Blood Diner. A loving tribute to the works of the Godfather of Gore himself Herschell Gordon Lewis, the film pays love to classic gore-filled horror while being every bit the kind of comedy that only the 80s could spawn.  But before we gush about the film, Michael takes his own turn breaking the rules to talk about a bit of horror television. Dustin shares a bit about his experience attending Fantasia virtually. Jason hurls the gauntlet down finding himself underwhelmed with The Green Knight. And so much more! 

What We've Been Watching:
-Michael: Slasher: Flesh & Blood (2021)
-Dustin: Ultrasound (2021)
-Jason: The Green Knight (2021)

Show Notes:
-Blood Diner Trailer
-Stream Blood Diner on Shudder
-Check out Dustin's review for Ultrasound at the Grimoire of Horror
-Check out the Grimoire of Horror's 2021 Fantasia coverage
-Related Film: Motel Hell
-Related Film: Blood Feast
-Related Film: Two Thousand Maniacs!
-Related Film: The Wizard of Gore
-Related Film: Jigoku
-Related Film: The Being
-Related Film: Night Patrol
-Related Film: Psycho Goreman
-Related Film: Murder Rock
-Related Film: Frankenhooker
-Related Doc: In Search of Darkness II
-Related Song: Dino Lee – Stud Pony

Next Time:
TerrorVision (1986)

Episode 015: The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)

In this episode, Jason drags the gang into covering our first musical via a delicious slice of cult cinema with Roy Rowland's The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. from 1953. Spawned from the mind of none other than Dr. Seuss himself, the film follows the young Bart through a raucous phantasmagoric Seussian nightmare as he wrestles with the sinister machinations of his piano instructor: the titular Doctor Terwilliker. Michael shares his deep love for musicals in general. Jason champions the old Hollywood aesthetic the film thrives on. Dustin pours a hearty cup of haterade such that the other hosts can only justify his criticisms by blaming it on Jason Goes to Hell!?  Things get as zany as the film itself. But before that, we break down our personal favorite musicals. And so much more! So strap on your official Terwilliker Institute beanie and make sure your happy fingers are nice and limber!

What We've Been Watching:
-Dustin: Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
-Michael: Synchronic (2019)
-Jason: Skull: The Mask (2020)

Favorite Cult Musical:
-Jason: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
-Michael: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
-Dustin: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Favorite Mainstream Musical:
-Jason: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
-Dustin: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
-Michael: Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Show Notes:
-The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. Trailer
-Stream The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T on Crackle
-Related Film: The Jazz Singer
-Related Film: Phantom of the Opera
-Related Film: Clerks
-Related Film: Mallrats
-Related Film: Austin Powers
-Related Film: The Legend of the Stardust Brothers
-Related Clip: “Make 'em Laugh” from Singin' in the Rain
-Related Film: Whiplash
-Related Cartoon: Dudley Do-Right
-Related Cartoon: Futurama
-Related Cartoon: Halloween is Grinch Night
-Related Film: Chicago

Next Time:
Blood Diner (1987)

Episode 014: The Nightingale (2018)

In this episode, we tackle Jennifer Kent's follow-up to The Babadook with 2018's The Nightingale. An incredibly bold choice that abandons the metaphorical terror of its predecessor to show us the very real and very ugly horrors that humanity has inflicted upon itself. We preempt it in the episode, but if you enjoy watching along before listening in then consider this a content warning: The Nightingale deals with some heavy topics that are made all the worse with the fact it pulls from historical context. The film doesn't shy away from the awful truth and that may be too much for those sensitive to certain elements. As we always say, understand what you're comfortable with and there is nothing wrong with skipping out on a film for that reason. We do our best to do the material justice. And so much more!

What We've Been Watching:
-Michael: Freaky (2020)
-Jason: Shock Waves (1977)
-Dustin: The Raiders of Atlantis (1983) & Warriors of the Year 2072 (1984)

Show Notes:
-The Nightingale Trailer
-Stream The Nightingale on Hulu
-Related Film: I Spit on Your Grave
-Related Film: They Call Her One Eye
-Related Film: Revenge
-Related Topic: "Fridging"
-Related Topic: Van Diemen's Land
-Related Film: Tombstone
-Related Film: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
-Related Topic: The Australian Frontier Wars
-Related Film: The Babadook
-Related News Clip: Women in Public Bars: This Day Tonight (1974)
-Related Film: The Lighthouse

Next Time:
The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)

Episode 013: Devil‘s Pass (2013)

In this episode, we return to the found footage subgenre to tackle our first listener-requested episode by checking out Renny Harlin's Devil's Pass from 2013. This documentary-style horror flick is based on the many conspiracy theories surrounding the real world Dyatlov Pass Incident. We get into all that and some other conspiracies the film manages to cleverly wrap into its narrative. Jason debates what the best Renny Harlin film is. Dustin swings down the criticism hammer on poorly used CGI. Michael questions whether the film could be considered Lovecraftian or not.  And so much more!

Going forward we will start working in episodes based on listener-requested films as a regular part of the rotation. If you haven't noticed, we take turns with who pitches what we cover so it will be like you the listeners are the fourth member of the show. We want to cover it all. Whether it is a film that you think needs more love, a genre we don't tend to tackle as often, one you'd like to see some deeper discussion going on for, or even if you just want to troll by subjecting us to something crazy.  You can e-mail us at genreexposure@gmail.com or contact us directly on your favorite form of social media. 

We'd like to give a special thanks to Adrian for suggesting we check this one out.

What We've Been Watching:
-Michael: Vicious Fun (2020)
-Jason: The Last Slumber Party (1988)
-Dustin: Be My Cat: A Film for Anne (2015)

Show Notes:
-Devil's Pass Trailer
-Stream Devil's Pass on Amazon Prime via IFC Films Unlimited or AMC+
-Related Topic: The Dyatlov Pass Incident
-Related Film: Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
-Related Film: Diehard 2
-Related Film: Cliffhanger
-Related Film: The Long Kiss Goodnight
-Related Film: The Covenant
-Related Topic: Conspiracy Theory
-Related Film: The Blair Witch Project
-Related Topic: The Philadelphia Experiment
-Related Film: The Cloverfield Paradox
-Related Film: The Descent
-Related Topic: Time Loop
-Related Novel: Slaughterhouse-Five
-Related Series: Loki
-Related Game: Kholat
-Related Topic: Cosmicism

Next Time:
The Nightingale (2018)

Quick Cuts Episode 003: Breaking Down "Elevated Horror"

In this special bonus episode of Genre Exposure, spurred on by some listener feedback we circle around to reflect on the last three episodes of the show and clean house a little. We've been jokingly throwing around this term "Elevated Horror" without really doing it justice as far as detailing it out. Also, we're not sure just how much we even like the term so it seemed worth just a little extra discussion placing the nail in the coffin on this topic. We also list some of our personal favorites old and new that can fall under this banner.

Listen in for our take and as always we encourage you to write in and tell us what you think. We've got some fun stuff coming in the pipeline as we gear up to celebrate October and all things Halloween including our first listener-requested episode. Please write us and suggest movies for us to check out that you want to get a little more love for or want us to discuss and break down. Likewise, if you have questions or ever wish we would have gone a little deeper with a specific topic get in touch and let us know. We'll gladly write you back and, if we think it is worthwhile enough for a larger discussion, we will tackle it in a mini-episode like this one. 

Favorite Classic Film That Could be Flagged "Elevated Horror"
-Jason: The Wicker Man (1973)
-Michael: Freaks (1932)
-Dustin: Don't Look Now (1973)

Favorite A24 Film
-Jason: Hereditary (2018)
-Dustin: Midsommar (2019)
-Michael: The VVitch (2015)
-Group Honorable Mention: The Lighthouse (2019)

Episode 012: Under the Silver Lake (2018)

In this episode, we wrap up our special block of episodes exploring the much-discussed and often maligned, but perhaps misunderstood, subgenre of "Elevated" Horror. The final film is David Robert Mitchell's 2018 feature Under the Silver Lake. A curious follow-up to his horror hit It Follows (2014), this neo-noir black comedy weaves a complicated tale following Sam as he struggles between fantastical conspiracy theories and reality while undergoing a personal quest to investigate the disappearance of his neighbor. 

The gang charts out the many references and celebrates the vibe of old Hollywood throughout the film. Michael dives deep into the silver lake becoming completely enamored with the film. Meanwhile, Jason finds himself less impressed with its particular merits giving some balanced criticism. But before that, Dustin breaks all the rules presenting a rapid-fire account of the many films he managed to check out while on vacation. And so much more!

What We've Been Watching:
-Jason: Tenet (2020)
-Dustin's Vacation Special: The Invisible Man (2020) & Possessed (1947) & The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) & Knives Out (2019) & Searching (2018) & Benny Loves You (2019)
-Michael: Mulholland Drive (2001)

Show Notes:
-Under the Silver Lake Trailer
-Rent Under the Silver Lake on Amazon Prime
-Check out the Unsung Horrors podcast
-David Lynch Yelling Clip
-Related Film: It Follows
-Related Film: Rear Window
-Related Film: Seventh Heaven
-Related Topic: Synchronicity
-Related Band: Silversun Pickups
-Related Film: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
-Related Film: The Myth of the American Sleepover
-Related Film: Phantasm
-Related Song: “What's The Frequency, Kenneth?” By REM
-Related Film: Ju-On: The Grudge
-Related Film: The Rocketeer
-Related Film: 2001: A Space Odyssey
-Related Topic: Hobo Code
-Related Film: Midsommar
-Related Film: Into the Storm
-Related Film: Murder Death Koreatown
-Related Film: Neon Demon
-Related Game: The Last Ninja (C64)
-Related Film: How to Marry a Millionaire
-Related Film: The Big Lebowski
-Related Film: Donnie Darko
-Go deeper with the mysteries by checking out r/underthesilverlake

Next Time:
Devil's Pass (2013)

Episode 011: The Reflecting Skin (1990)

In this episode, we continue our special block of episodes exploring the much-discussed and often maligned, but perhaps misunderstood, subgenre of "Elevated" Horror. To do this, we're presenting something of an A24 sandwich made from two A24 releases and in the middle an earlier film that would certainly fit the criteria for an A24 release if it happened to come out modern day. That earlier film is the delightful middle section and it happens to be Phillip Ridley's The Reflecting Skin.

Through the disturbing American Gothic lens of a rural 1950's nowhere, we dive in to discuss the horrors of childhood and the very grim reality that awaits us all beyond. Jason falls in love all over again with the movie, but before that Dustin geeks out like crazy over the Saw franchise. Meanwhile, Michael gets a little lost in the visually lush wheat fields of the film while trying to make sense of it all. And so much more!

Special shout out to friend-of-the-show Adam, with who we had the pleasure of watching the film, and gave us some insightful comments that drove our discussion regarding the art Ridley drew from for inspiration.

What We've Been Watching:
-Michael: Boys from County Hell (2020) 
-Jason: The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
-Dustin: Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

Show Notes:
-The Reflecting Skin Trailer
-Stream The Reflecting Skin at Arrow-Player
-Related Film: The Passion of Darkly Noon
-Related Film: Heartless
-Related Film: Stand by Me
-Related Film: Only Lovers Left Alive
-Related Film: Demons
-Related Art: Andrew Wyeth
-Related Art: Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World
-Related Art: Edward Hopper
-Related Art: American Gothic
-Related Film: Tideland
-Related Novel: Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine

Next Time:
Under the Silver Lake (2018)

Quick Cuts Episode 002: Celebrating George A. Romero + The Amusement Park (1973)

In this special bonus episode of Genre Exposure, we celebrate the works of Master of Horror George A. Romero. We talk about our favorites among his many creations, share our fond memories, and then turn our focus onto his newly released “lost” film: The Amusement Park. Heads up, despite its critical acclaim we all walked away feeling pretty mixed about this curious piece of lost media. Listen in for our take and as always we encourage you to write in and tell us what you think.

Favorite “Dead” Series Film
-Jason: Dawn of the Dead (1978)
-Michael: Night of the Living Dead (1968)
-Dustin: Day of the Dead (1985)

Favorite “Other” Romero Film
-Jason: Martin (1977)
-Michael: Knightriders (1981)
-Dustin: The Crazies (1973)

Show Notes
-The Amusement Park Trailer
-Stream The Amusement Park on Shudder
-Lost Film: London After Midnight (1927)
-Related Film: Dawn of the Dead Remake (2004)
-Related Film: Night of the Living Dead Remake (1990)
-Related Film: Monkey Shines (1988)
-Related Film: Creepshow (1982)
-Related Show: Tales From the Darkside (1983-1988)
-Related Film: The Dark Half (1993)
-Related Film: Land of the Dead (2005)
-Related Film: Diary of the Dead (2007)
-Related Film: Survival of the Dead (2009)
-Related Music Video: The Misfits – Scream! (1999)
-Related Concept: Road of the Dead
-Related Book: The Living Dead (2010)

Let us know what you think of this format and if you'd like to see us do more broad-focused episodes celebrating a filmmaker.

Episode 010: Saint Maud (2019)

In this episode, we kick off a special block of episodes exploring the much-discussed and often maligned, but perhaps misunderstood, subgenre of "Elevated" Horror which we've had some fun discussing in the past. To do this, we're presenting something of an A24 sandwich made from two A24 releases and in the middle an earlier film that would certainly fit the criteria for an A24 release if it happened to come out modern day. To start we are deep diving with Rose Glass' debut feature from 2019: Saint Maud. The gang gets all kinds of serious as we talk religion and put forth the theory that the film has a whole lot more to do with mental illness than its marketing pushed for. And so much more!

What We've Been Watching:
-Jason: Feeding Frenzy (2010)
-Michael: The Reckoning (2020)
-Dustin: Winterbeast (1992)

Show Notes:
-Saint Maud Trailer
-Stream Saint Maud at Amazon Prime via EPIX or Paramount+
-Winterbeast Scene: “What Can The Matter Be?”
-Go check out Vinegar Syndrome
-Related Show: End of the Fucking World
-Related Film: Suspiria (Remake)
-Related Topic: Religious Ecstasy
-Related Topic: Self-Flagellation
-Related  Literature: William Blake
-Related Story: Book of Esther
-Related Film: Crawl
-Related Art: The Ecstasy of Saint Catherine
-Related Film: Hereditary

We spend a lot of the episode talking about Mental Health. While we are far from professionals on the topic, we want to encourage you that if you want more information or would like to speak with someone directly you should check out MentalHealth.gov. If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, know that you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline either at their webpage or by dialing 1-800-273-8255. You can also reach a crisis text line by texting "TALK" to 741741.

Next Time:
The Reflecting Skin (1990)