183: Hatchet (2006)

This week we wind down our Spooky Season extravaganza by checking out Hatchet (2006). We ponder what makes a film "airplane appropriate", explore the disparity in the quality of the cast's performances, and unpack the film's homages to past slashers. In this episode's b-side, we share our podcast regrets, debate the similarity of Jason Vorhees and Victor Crowley, and share our takes on physical media. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 37:46.

182: Hush (2016)

This week we check out the winner of the third round of our 2021 Cohost Clash: Hush (2016), nominated by Ryan. We discuss the power of sound in film, discuss how it separates itself from other home invasion films, and unpack the effectiveness of its small cast. In this episode's b-side, we share our lists of underrated horror films, lament the price of saffron, and define the term "tight 120". This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 31:40.

181: Malignant (2021)

This week our patrons have voted for us to explore James Wan's latest film, Malignant (2021). We discuss the film's absurd levels of camp, explore the beauty of its cinematography, debate the legitimacy of its twist, and discover the ways Wan infused his past films within this story. In this episode's B-side, we share the songs we'd slash to, Mack and Kris confess movies they've never seen, and we share concern over Alexis's TikTok habits. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:34.

180: Sphere (1998)

This week we check out the winner of the second round of our 2021 Cohost Clash: Sphere (1998), nominated by Mack. We discuss the terrors of the deep, discuss its parallels with Alien (1979), and debate the quality of its ending. In this episode's b-side, we share our personal definitions of horror, debate the differences between horror and thriller, and give our takes on whether or not The Shape of Water is a horror film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:22.

179: Halloween Kills (2021)

This week we reunite and head to the theaters to see Halloween Kills (2021). We unpack its approach to mob mentality, break down the intensity of The Shape's violent rage, and examine the film's parallels with Halloween II (1981) and Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988). In this episode's b-side, we discuss what makes our ideal slasher film cast or final girl, Paris and Ryan struggle to remember characters from the 1978 film, and Kris shares observations about how Ryan felt The Power of Dolby™️. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 39:58.

178: 4th Birthday Special - Are You The One: Isle of Paisley

This week the Hack or Slash team celebrates the show's fourth birthday by taking another stab at a horror adventure. Playing a group of singles invited to a mysterious weekend getaway, the group works together to solve the mystery of The One. This episode doesn't contain spoilers, but in keeping with modern cinema, the trailer certainly does.

177: The Neon Demon (2016)

Trigger warning: this episode features discussions about surviving sexual assault.

This week we check out the winner of the first ever Cohost Clash: The Neon Demon (2016), nominated by Paris. We explore its commentary on the fashion industry, hotly debate the quality of its story, and examine the brutality of its violence. In this episode's b-side, we share which horror movie we'd like to star in, Kris struggles with math, Mack conducts a case study, and we plan Alexis's next birthday gift. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 48:45.

176: Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

This week we keep the Spooky Season going by checking out Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021). We explore the emotional bonds between sisters, unpack its homages to other horror films, and debate the quality of its gore. In this episode's B-side, we take turns identifying what makes a movie a Slash for our co-hosts, Alexis stages a protest, and Ryan tries to explain what's in a name. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:41.

175: Trick (2019)

This week we check out Trick (2019), streaming on Hulu. We break down its parallels to other horror films, debate its entertainment value, and discover a new appreciation for Tom Atkins. In this episode's B-side, we share our formulas for ideal horror movies, lament the struggles of painting by numbers, and reveal the horrors of our first kisses. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:06.

174: The Conjuring (2013)

This week we kick off the 2021 Spooky Season by digging into The Conjuring (2013). We unpack the film's approach to tension, ponder the trauma the Perron family endured, and continue the discourse surrounding the existence of ghosts. In this episode's B-side, we answer a patron's question surrounding the origins of the podcast, learn Paris was in Little Children (2006), and discover how Alexis keeps watch for ghosts in her home. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 37:26.

173: His House (2020)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have voted for the team to review His House (2020). The group unpacks the film's cinematic portrayal of grief, explores how it navigates post-traumatic stress, and reflects on its portrayal of the immigrant experience. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 30:51.

172: Jennifer's Body (2009)

This week the Hack or Slash Team looks back on the cult classic Jennifer's Body (2009). The group reflects on the film's misguided marketing, dissects its true intended meaning, analyzes the relationship between Needy and Jennifer, and explores the balance of its practical and digital effects. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 30:50.

171: Basket Case (1982)

This week the Hack or Slash team peeks into the low-budget cult film Basket Case (1982). The group explores the puppetry behind Belial, unpacks its themes of vengeance and burdened caretakers, and breaks down its campy kills. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 26:43.

170: Candyman (2021)

This week the Hack or Slash team looks into the mirror to summon Nia DaCosta's Candyman (2021). The group explores the sequel's connection to the 1992 film, discusses the expanded mythology of Candyman, and compares their interpretations of the film's ending. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 30:30.

169: The Evil Dead (1981 vs 2013)

This week the Hack or Slash team compares the iconic film The Evil Dead (1981) to its reboot, Evil Dead (2013). The group explores the regret Sam Raimi feels for the original, explores the parallels between the characters, and compare the brutality of each film's gore. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 50:40.

168: Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have chosen for the team to review Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021). The group explores how the film captures the spirit of R. L. Stine's work, debates how successfully it implemented its lore, and basks in 90's nostalgia. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 31:13.

167: Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

This week the Hack or Slash team revisits Jason's reign of terror by checking out Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984). The group assesses the quality of the film's gore, laments the discomfort of Crispin Glover's dancing, and explores the parallels between Jason and Tommy Jarvis. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:44.

166: Student Bodies (1981)

This week the Hack or Slash team explores the cult classic Student Bodies (1981). The group analyzes the film's approach to parody, unpacks the joke-filled dialogue, and assesses its use of title cards. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 32:26.