The Daily Beasts
For theme projects (like #Kaijuly, #Mocktoberfest, and #SeasonsBeatings—for example),
a new film/show is profiled every day by a different writer.
REINDEER GAMES (2000) [Director’s Cut]
In what may be the most Christmas-centric action film ever, the mixed REINDEER GAMES still boasts a great cast and significantly improves with a director’s cut.
Rambo: The Force Of Freedom, “When SAVAGE Stole Santa” (1986)
Yes, there was a Rambo cartoon. Yes, there was a Christmas episode. And yes, it is awesome.
FIRST BLOOD (1982)
A monster built for brutality takes on an overzealous fat man’s iron fist of control. Is this Krampus vs. Santa? No, it’s 1982’s FIRST BLOOD.
TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL (2010)
Director Eli Craig’s film flips the script and reveals the inherent absurdity of many horror tropes—while creating genuine characters that are more than just jokes.
HIGH SPIRITS (1988)
A look at Neil Jordan’s star-studded Irish ghost story that had lots of wackiness and a few sexy hijinks.
FULL MOON HIGH (1981)
Matt Wedge finds some strong gags, and some incredibly dated bits, in Larry Cohen’s spoof.
PARENTS (1989)
Bob Balaban’s dark dive into adolescent dread isn’t necessarily “funny ha-ha”, but absolutely bonkers and well worth watching.
BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA (1952)
G.G. Graham monkeys around with a Martin & Lewis/Abbot & Costello knock-off and finds much to love about this slice of schlock.
ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE (2017)
Michael Scott talks about ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE - a romcom, coming-of-age story, Holiday movie, zombie film, and a musical all in one delightful experience.
What We Do In The Shadows (2016—)
Amber R.W. Knapp explores the wide spectrum of sexuality in “What We Do In The Shadows” and how comedy can comfort as those try to find their way.
BLACK SHEEP (2006)
Kiley Fox finds Jonathan King’s 2006 killer sheep film flocking wonderful with its chaotic amalgam of horror tropes, themes, and even sub-genres.
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004)
Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie comedy explores the comforts and confines of routine.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981)
“Have you ever talked to a corpse? It’s boring!” Griffin Dunne’s Undead BFF is the beating heart of the seminal horror comedy film.
PSYCHO BEACH PARTY (2000)
Nichole Goble writes about the film with a little bit of surfing, a little bit of slashing, and a whole lot of sass that kicks sand in the face of gender norms.
THEATRE OF BLOOD (1973)
A terrific film that finds Vincent Price having the time of his life ending the lives of his critics in deliciously Shakespearean fashion.
ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993)
Nicole Agosto looks at the delightfully demented sequel that finds everyone’s favorite family of freaks taking on the true monsters with hilarity and style.
STUDENT BODIES (1981)
1981's STUDENT BODIES was a slasher spoof way ahead of its time...but also unfortunately lacking in some crucial areas, too.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)
Why Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated is the best iteration of the franchise and why it’s perfect Halloween viewing for folks of all ages.
FREAKY (2020)
Director and co-writer Christopher Landon’s big twist isn’t the high concept but the relatable characters found in his hilarious and gory slasher.
THE DEAD DON’T DIE (2019)
Like most unique efforts, Jim Jarmusch’s film may not be for everyone—but it certainly cannot be quickly forgotten.