Dark Discussions Podcast

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. Praised by European critics and winning the prestigious award, the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, JOKER (2019) has been targeted by the liberal American media as a right wing film. Its director Todd Phillips has been called a “metoo” villain for his comedies. The movie has been called racist and violent. And critics have said it could lead to violence by incels, loners, and extreme groups. Yet the same detractors praise Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, and give great reviews to violent films like JOHN WICK (2014). And yet JOKER may be the best film of 2019. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) works as a clown to cheer up hospital patients, hold up signs for businesses, and play at children’s parties. He also is a loner who has a laughing disorder and lives with his mother. While trying to be a standup comic, he’s regularly attacked by street thugs and treated badly by co-workers. One day while riding the subway, he along with a number of other passengers are attacked by Wall Street bourgeois. And a fateful occurrence changes not only his life but the entire city of Gotham. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as the title character, bringing life to the DC comic villain. Todd Phillips directs a film that when shown up to the face of those who denounce his art something they don’t like. One of the biggest successes of 2019, and considered as one of the best films of the year (by unbiased and honest critics), JOKER has become more than a movie; it has become a phenomenon. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome to Anthony T's Horror Show. Anthony T is back with the second and final part of his Rock and Shock coverage which includes the biggest blunder in the podcast’s history. In this edition, he interviews Dave Kann (Lovecraft P.I.), John Dugan (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Bill Johnson (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) and Spencer Charnas (Lead Singer of Ice Nine Kills). Dark Discussions Podcast Network

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. After the success of his novel CARRIE (1974), Stephen King followed up with what some considered a more traditional novel, ‘SALEM’S LOT (1975), based strictly within the most popular horror subgenre of all, vampires. However, unlike the traditional vampire story, he took the DRACULA tale and placed it squarely into a small New England town; basically using PEYTON PLACE (in a sen se) as a vampire setting. Ben Mears, an unsuccessful author, heads back to Jerusalem’s Lot, a small town in Maine that he used to spend summers at. As a child, during a dare, he entered an abandoned home of a former Boston Irish mobster. Inside he swore he saw the ghost of hitman Hubie Marsten. Now he wants to write a book on the Marsten House and also face his own “ghosts” from the past. A big success for Stephen King’s sophomore effort, the book was turned into a TV mini-series directed by Tobe Hooper and also once more in the 2004 starring actor Rob Lowe. Dark Discussions takes a look at the novel and discusses it thoroughly as only fans can. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. To the stars is what they say in Latin, ad astra. Not surprisingly the term is now the title of the new 2019 film AD ASTRA starring Brad Pitt in what some are saying is another award winning performance after ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019). The movie is considered a throwback to the hard science fiction of yesteryear where sound is not in space and aliens may not exist. When second generation astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) is called into Space Command, he learns that his father who was lost in outer space twenty-six years prior may actually still be alive. They send him to Mars to send off a communication to his long lost father to the outskirts of Neptune where he was last reported. Unfortunately, Roy discovers that there may be more to his father’s legacy and to Space Command itself. The film was directed by James Gray, known for being a favorite at Cannes for his many award winning films (WE OWN THE NIGHT (2007), THE IMMIGRANT (2013)). His latest has received high praise from critics. It also has been discussed as high concept on its statements on society, family relationships, and the human condition. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest science fiction film and gives their thoughts. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome to Anthony T's Horror Show. In the first of two Rock and Shock show. Yes, he said two shows as he'll explain why because this episode is not safe for work and listen discretion advised. Interviews include Fuzz on the Len Productions Steven Della Salla and Jason Leavy who appeared in Terrifier as they talk about that film and their latest film "Abnormal Attraction". Other interviews include Ron Mackay from Troma, James Lamond and Erica Looker from It Came from the 508 Productions and Ben Goldsmith writer of "The Séance Room". Dark Discussions Podcast Network

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. The Netflix original television show, MINDHUNTER, was well received when it debuted in October 2017. In August 2019, season two dropped and got even better reviews than the prior season. Based on the real life story of the creation of the Behavioral Science in the FBI, the show changes things up a bit but stays in the real world as fictional appearances of notorious serial murders appear on many episodes. With a new boss, agents Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Tench (Holt McCallany) along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) grow the Behavioral Science unit within the FBI. While on assignment in Georgia, Agent Ford investigates the murders of young black minors around the Atlanta area. Soon the FBI gets involved officially with Ford using his scientific approach to try to identify a new serial killer. Season two, unlike season one, focuses more upon the Tench and Carr characters. The program has officially been turned into focusing on an ensemble cast. Dark Discussions is joined by author M.J. Preston in their discussion of season two giving their thoughts. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. John W. Campbell’s novella, WHO GOES THERE?, published in 1938 in considered one of the greatest science fiction horror stories of all time. It isn’t surprising that it has been made into, though loosely, into at least adaptations. That doesn’t include the influence it had on other stories such as THE BODY SNATCHERS by Jack Finney. In 1951, producer Howard Hawks THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, the first adaptation, received roaring reviews and is considered a classic. An air force base in Anchorage receives a call from scientist Arthur Carrington near the North Pole that an unusual aircraft has crashed. Captain Ned Scott and crew are sent up north to help investigate. When the scientists and the air force soldiers arrive at the crash site, they found a remarkable discovery. Taking back their findings to the outpost, they unexpectedly unleash a horror that none of them ever had seen before. The film starred a group of well known character actors and was directed by Howard Hawks prodigy, Christian Nyby. The films box office beat such other classic science fiction films as THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951) and WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE (1951). Dark Discussions takes a look at this film which fell right in the middle of the Cold War and said a lot about a world that recently fought a world war. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. When violence from mass shootings happens because of their respective spree killers, words and phrases such as psychopath, mental illness, gun control, background checks, laws, and nature versus nurture are always bandied about. In 2011, the film WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN came out. Oddly the film still plays today. It also has more to say than just school shootings. Eva (Tilda Swinton) is a successful travel book author and her husband Franklin (John C. Reilly) is as successful as an insurance investigator. When Kevin (Ezra Miller) is born, he is a colloquy baby and appears to torment his mother. She begins to regret her life as a mother, but one wonders whether she has a right to do so. Kevin becomes a miserable teenager and soon a tragedy occurs that ruins his mother’s life. The film, directed by Lynne Ramsay and co-written with Rory Stewart Kinnear, is based off the best selling novel written by Lionel Shriver. Discussing more than nature, nurture, or spree killings, the narrative leaves open questions about many things including being a parent, giving up ones dreams and wondering whether one is at fault of a sociopath child. Dark Discussions discusses this interesting tale and gives their thoughts. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome to Anthony T's Horror Show. Anthony T is back from his break but Halloween Kills is waiting for him as there is more news on that film and A24 is giving away free couple’s therapy. Then things turn somber as he talks about the passing of Sid Haig and times he met him at conventions. Speaking of conventions, he then is joined with Andrew Durand as they talk about Rock and Shock that takes place Oct 11th -13th at the DCU Center and Worcester Palladium in Worcester, MA. All that plus a show announcement. After the show was finalized, Rock and Shock announced the cancellation of Kenny Johnson and the addition of David Sheridan (Victor Crowley, The Devil’s Rejects). Dark Discussions Podcast Network

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. In 2017, after many rumors of production issues, the film, IT CHAPTER ONE, premiered its trailer and began to get positive buzz. When it was released in September, it received excellent reviews and became one of the top grossing horror films of all time. Immediately IT CHAPTER TWO was announced to great hope and finally appeared at theaters in late summer 2019. Now adults, the “loser’s club” is called back to Derry, Maine by Mike, the only member to remain in town, when he discovers Pennywise, the evil clown, has returned. Soon more people go missing or are found dead, and the group is forced to return to their childhood haunts to find a way to kill a creature that seems impossible to kill. The film is once again helmed by Andy Muschietti. Screenwriter Gary Dauberman is back to personally write the script. Starring award winning actors James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain, and including a cast of up-and-comers, the movie was a hugh success even though its reviews (though good) were not as positive as the first. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new horror film based off Stephen King’s novel, IT (1985). As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. The movie making quartet called Radio Silence (Chad Villella, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Justin Martinez) are well known by genre fans for their participation in horror anthology films such as V/H/S (2012) and SOUTHBOUND (2015). In 2019, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett came together to co-direct the new horror film READY OR NOT (2019) starring up-and-coming starlet, the Australian, Samara Weaving. Grace, a young woman, comes back to her fiancé Alex’s family estate for her wedding day. The Le Domas family made a fortune as game developers, and Alex, after a long estrangement, uses his wedding day to end the rift. Unfortunately a mysterious family tradition may sour the event. At midnight, Grace must randomly pick a game to play to fully enter the family. Unfortunately for all involved, it may not be as innocuous as all were hoping. Already having a starring role in the horror film THE BABYSITTER (2017), Samara Weaving gets to shine as the heroine of her latest release. The movie has received mass critical appeal and had a small but very successful box office run. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest theatrical horror film release and gives their opinion. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. After the success of Johannes Roberts film, 47 METERS DOWN (2017), the production company Entertainment Studios authorized a follow up film. Though titled 47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED (2019), the new film had no relation with the first. However Johannes Roberts was brought back to direct and also co-write it with original screenwriter Ernest Riera. The film was released to theaters on August 16, 2019. Stepsisters Mia (Sophi Nélisse) and Sasha (Corinne Foxx) have followed their respective parents to Mexico for an underwater archeological dig. Their ex-pat school friends, Alexa (Brianne Tju) and Nicole (Sistine Stallone), get the two to ditch a tour boat to instead go check out the dig. After an unfortunate accident occurs, the four have to swim out the main entrance only to discover an unexpected danger waiting for them. The cast includes up-and-coming actresses, including Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corinne and Sylvester Stallone’s daughter and Instagram favorite Sistine Stallone. With its fairly decent reviews, the movie oddly underperformed but still made almost three times its budget. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new when-animals-attack film and gives their thoughts. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome to Anthony T's Horror Show. With one year in the books, its Anthony T's Horror Show Best of Rants Vol 1 as he shares some of his favorite rants from the first year including If You Rant About It, It Will Happen, the infamous Jason Blum gets a Funko and X Director Doesn't, The Worst Poster in Cinematic History and more. Dark Discussions Podcast Network

Welcome the newest episode of Dark Discussions, your place for the discussion of horror film, fiction, and all that’s fantastic. Dark Discussions has reached their 400th episode and once again we let the listeners choose our topic; at least choose which film out of sixteen cult classics. The movie to come out on top is the 1987 cult classic, Evil Dead 2. This is the film that basically made the careers of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Robert Tapert, Kassie Wesley, Ted Raimi, Peter Deming, ,Joseph LoDuca among others. The true definition of cult and midnight movie. Ash Williams and his girlfriend, Linda, head out to a quaint cabin in the woods. Surprisingly the location appears to have been recently inhabited by an archeologist and his wife. But both now seem to be missing. While playing back a dictation machine, the voice of the professor reads out various quotes from a mystical book, the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, also known as the Book of the Dead. Soon out in the woods, spirits and demons begin to break through dimensional doors resulting in what will be Ash’s worst nightmare. Released to theaters unrated, the film was actually a modest success at the box office. Yet, once it went to video, it became an immediate cult classic and arguably one of the greatest horror films of all time. Dark Discussions, to celebrate their milestone, give their thoughts to this unforgettable masterpiece. As always we welcome your comments: darkdiscussions@aol.com (written email or attached mp3 files) WWW.DARKDISCUSSIONS.COM

Welcome to Anthony T's Horror Show. Anthony T is back as Halloween Kills hijacks the news segment again to the point that he has to write another open letter to Jason Blum. Before for that, he talks about why you should support original theatrical horror over reboots and remakes and then Andrew from Darkest Before Dawn stops by to preview CT Horrorfest which takes place on September 14th in Naugatuck, CT. Dark Discussions Podcast Network