Welcome to Episode 001 of Horror Movie Weekly, where three hosts review one Horror movie every Sunday. Your veteran Horror hosts are Jay of the Dead, BillChete and Lady Phantom. Each week you will hear one Horror movie review, typically 45 minutes or less, of a recent Horror film from the past five years. We bring you reviews of more recent Horror releases that could range anywhere between 2014 to brand-new releases that are currently playing in theaters or streaming on VOD.
For this debut episode, BillChete chose David Gordon Green’s Halloween (2018) as our first Horror movie review. Therefore, we begin Episode 001 by ruffling the feathers of the Haddonfield fandom, as BillChete and Lady Phantom wage a full-scale assault on the newest “Halloween” installment while Jay plays its defender and apologist. We will typically avoid revealing spoilers on this podcast (unless we provide a warning first), but since every Horror fan has surely seen this movie, we will be discussing major plot spoilers from the outset of our review. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
SHOW NOTES:
Halloween (2018) — Genre Classification: Horror: Slasher
Premise: Forty years after the infamous “Babysitter Murders” of Haddonfield, Michael Myers has been secured in Smith’s Grove Rehabilitation Facility, where he has been closely observed by Dr. Ranbir Sartain, an understudy of the late Dr. Loomis. Meanwhile, over the past four decades, survivor Laurie Strode has been obsessed with being prepared for the night he comes home, thereby alienating her family with her paranoia. Laurie awaits the inevitable escape of The Shape and hopes she can protect herself and her family during their final showdown with the Boogeyman himself, Michael Myers.
Directed by David Gordon Green. Written by David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jeff Fradley. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, James Jude Courtney, Nick Castle, et al. Rated R for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity. Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes.
Ratings and Recommendations: Halloween (2018)
Jay of the Dead = 9 ( Buy it! )
BillChete = 3 ( Avoid )
Lady Phantom = 2 ( Avoid )
Next on Episode 002: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) — Lady Phantom’s pick
Podcast artwork: Lady Phantom
Original podcast theme music: Jay of the Dead
Links for this episode:
Follow us on Twitter: @horror_weekly
Website: Horror Movie Weekly.com
Jay of the Dead’s film blog / solocast: ConsideringTheCinema.com
Jay’s HORROR-only content: ConsideringHorrorCinema.com
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Hey everyone. It’s nice to hear everyone’s voices again. Loved the first episode. One of my favourite things about horror is that fans can have drastically differing opinions on the same film. I personally love Halloween 2019. I find that Halloween 2019 has been one of the most polarizing films that I can remember – people either love it, or they hate it. I have friends who are die hard Halloween fans that hate it, and others that love it. Even podcasters whose opinions I respect have hated this movie. I guess I went into this film the same way I watch many of the Friday the 13th movies. I wasn’t looking to knit pick details – instead I was there for the ride. Watching the film felt like I was whisked away into the Halloween season. I get a similar feeling when I watch Halloween 3, another film that I loved. I don’t often agree with Billchete, but that doesn’t really matter. I always love hearing the passion of his opinion, and I’ll always listen even when our views don’t align. Thanks for an interesting first episode!
Hi Chris.
Thanks for listening! I related to a lot of what you’ve said. I was whisked away by this movie, too. Part of me wonders if some of the “Halloween” (1978) fans — those who hated this film — have some unmatchable, unapproachable ideal built up in their minds. Ultimately, I believe there are two kinds of people: 1. Those for whom the original “Halloween” is sacred and untouchable. And 2. Those who simply can’t get enough “Halloween” and will love everything they get!
But alas, I can’t explain my friends, BillChete and Lady Phantom. ha ha
-J
Oops – meant Halloween 2018, not 2019…
Congratulations on the new podcast and to Jay for successfully reconnecting with BillChete! I wasn’t sure that you would.
I am a big fan of the Halloween franchise and consider the original to be a landmark film. I like 1,2,3 and H2o. I also enjoy this 2018 edition. I have no affinity toward director David Gordon Green and this is the one film of his that I do own.
I enjoyed the performances overall. I am surprised that Jamie Lee Curtis can still be cast in a film like this, but I just went with it. Horror icons get a lot of leeway. I liked the pacing of this movie and was not bored through the runtime. I thought the make up and effects were fine, no major issues there. This film isn’t that scary, but it’s still entertaining. I don’t think the me too politics were overdone here. I was a bit apprehensive about that.
There were a few things specific to the story that I am critical of. I didn’t like Michael randomly killing citizens of Haddonfield after his escape. If anything, Halloween is a personal story and Michael has personal motivations. I just don’t see him as a spontaneous killer. I also hated the Dr. Sartain character, especially when he uses his pen knife. That was a poor choice by David Gordon Green.
This is the 5th best Halloween film in the series and an entertaining and worthy installment, despite its flaws. It’s 7.5 out of 10 and a recommended purchase.
You all take turns is selecting films for the podcast. What I am confused by, is why would Bill choose a film that he doesn’t like, that many people do like? Does it bother you that much that people like this film? You choose this movie just so you can rip it apart. You can’t believe that a movie you find so abhorrent can actually have people who are fans? I find this to be perplexing. Number one, you are not going to convince anyone to your perspective. Two, you could be championing a film that you actually enjoy instead. Three, perhaps you are the one with the problem with this film and you are wrong.
For example, I can’t stand Michael Bay’s Transformers from 2007. There are no redeeming qualities about this film. I don’t understand why anyone would enjoy this film. Yet, this movie has probably millions of fans. I have accepted that they see something that I do not and I am wrong about this according to public opinion. It isn’t wrong for me to think the movie is crap, but is it actually crap, when so many enjoy it? Art is subjective. If an artwork speaks to a person and they connect to it, the artwork has inherit value. So if a person should ask me about Transformers from 2007, I would say that I am not a fan, but I would also say that I am not the person to ask about it and would defer to someone who is a fan.
In this case, my feedback isn’t helpful for someone genuinely interested in Transformers, as I would have nothing of value for them to learn about it. If anything, I hope getting it out of your system was therapeutic, but it has little value beyond that.
This was my first exposure to Lady Phantom, so it was enjoyable to hear a new horror personality on the podcast. I love the format of this podcast, where it’s focus is on new films and films in the last five years. I look forward to hearing your discussion on the Guillermo del Toro attached film, Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, which I have seen.
This past weekend I saw the director’s cut of Midsommar, which was very good. It raised its score by half a point for me from the theatrical version. This weekend we get IT Chapter 2. I am so excited to see this movie. I can’t wait. The following week, we get Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell. I already purchased tickets for that. Plus we get Robert Egger’s The Lighthouse in October and Mike Flanigan’s Doctor Sleep in November, so plenty of great horror content still upcoming for 2019.
Loved the podcast and look forward to the next episode. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much,
Sean Smith
Hi Sean!
My favorite thing about your comments is your candor. You’re a real straight-shooter, and that’s a perfect kind of listener for a podcast featuring BillChete. ha ha I like your comment about Michael Myers randomly killing people. The Michael Myers from the original film (to me) only killed specific targets. He was selective and wouldn’t kill random people, unless they got in his way, so I think you make a good point. I guess I attributed his bloodlust to being locked up and unable to kill for 40 years. He missed it, so he went a little nuts.
I can’t speak for BillChete, but I think I understand the answer to your question. (I’m sure he’ll weigh in, too.) Basically, I think both BillChete and Lady Phantom were shocked by all the love for “Halloween” (2018), and I got the sense that they didn’t feel like it was reviewed “properly” or “correctly” or maybe even “objectively,” not that objectivity is possible in film criticism. ha ha So, I think BillChete chose to start off with “Halloween” to set the record straight, so to speak. But I defer to them for this answer. That’s my theory, though.
Thanks for listening and for leaving us a comment, Sean!
Hi! I’m glad you are enjoying the podcast, and I certainly hope you continue to do so. We certainly have different opinions on stuff, we three. About championing movies we like, we are of course going to do that. But we will also talk about movies we hate. It’s really boring when people just discuss movies they like. And, it was annoying to never hear a bad comment about a movie that is far from perfect. It’s not that we hold the original in the highest regard, because we don’t. I personally think Halloween 2 is a much better slasher and, funnily enough, through the years I’ve found myself liking Rob Zombie’s version more and more. We will have all kinds of opinions, and they won’t always be agreeable to everyone. And that’s ok.
Thanks for listening!
Hi Sean, thanks for the comment.
1. Typically I won’t be picking movies I don’t like. In this case I have been mute on the subject and literally wanted to put out an opposing view on a movie that was loved by most.
2. I feel the super fans have hyped a movie “just because” we get Michael Myers on screen again, and completely overlook blatant flaws.
3. If fans only like it for its entertainment value, that is fine and so be it, but state that in there criticism, but they don’t, unlike you.
4. Still to this day I don’t comprehend the gushing over a slasher film, that had mind-numbing stupidities, and especially a franchise that has many incarnations. It TOTALLY feels like they love it for loving it sake if you get my drift, and avoid the story arc completely.
5. New viewers of a film, need to have opposing takes to make up there own mind, and I have yet to hear a review unlike ours which has that. Real reviews/ratings from opposite sides of the aisles, now it’s up to the listeners to decide on whether 2018’s Halloween is worthy of taking money out of their pocket!
6. Finally the loathing Rob Zombie got on his remakes are pitiful to me. He produced A FRESH take on a character and made a hard core, scary as hell film and gets criticized for ruining the sacred Halloween franchise. Well it was refreshing with the horror icons who came to the table and scared me numbless, with a sensible story to boot. Now that’s HORROR!
Thanks again to all!
I appreciate your responses here and this makes sense according to what you wanted to do. Yes, fans can be overzealous about their horror icons to a fault.
Slashers are unique in that way unlike any other sub-genre. We straight expect certain conventions to be shown and almost automatically excuse poor acting performances. But we can’t help but love them, with all of their faults.
I really believe it was Rob Zombie’s second Halloween film that ruined the reputation of the first one. Everyone associates them both, but the first one is vastly superior.
Thanks Bill!
Yes, absolutely, there will be differing opinions and that is welcome. I just had to ask Bill the question, because it is what struck me and I wanted to hear what his thoughts were on it.
Thanks LP.
Hi again!
I totally agree with what you say about Halloween 2. All the visions and stuff were too much for me too, but it has very strong points as well. But yeah, I’ll agree the first one was much better. Thank you for reaching out to us, and I hope you keep doing it!
What a wonderful surprise this show is, my friends! Jay of the Dead has my endless respect, so I’ll follow his endeavors wherever they might go, but… I have never had the pleasure of interacting with Billchete & Lady Phantom, so I’m excited to do exactly that here and in the future because you two are just so damn cool!
First things first… who is responsible for that amazingly dark and eerie intro/outro music? I LOVE it! Sounds like JOTD needs to lay down some rhymes over that fire beat, if you ask ole Watson here! Ha ha.
Allow me to say that I greatly appreciate the diversity going here with this show. If I might be sincere and respectfully honest here… I rarely line up with Billchete on newer movies, but man! Isn’t that great, though? I don’t like to live my life in an echo-chamber, so he’s a welcome voice to me ALWAYS. Same with Lady Phantom. I can’t wait to get to know you two better over the course of this show!
Getting to the heart of the matter here, and I say this with the utmost respect for all three hosts of this amazing show… regarding episode 001 here on Halloween (2018)… I couldn’t be more on Jay’s side of things when it comes to this film if I tried! We even have the same rating of the movie at a 9/10, which is super neat, and dare I say that after the original ’78 film, THIS is my second favorite of the franchise?
I realize that’s not a popular opinion, but those who know me from my own shows… and I DO hope Jay remembers me after all these years… realize that I watch films, seeking not just entertainment all the time but also worthwhile thematic content and deeper meaning. And holy hell, homies, when it comes to this franchise, I’d wager to say that the only Halloween flicks that lend themselves to any real psychological evaluation of sorts are the ’78 original, part 3 (believe it or not), Rob Zombie’s 2 films, and this 2018 story.
I promise I won’t make it a point to hock my wares here on this page because that’s cheesy, but it would mean the world to me if at least Jay himself would give my episode on Halloween (2018) a listen to see where we line up because I truly believe that he and I might just see eye-to-eye on this, given that our ratings are the same and all.
Thanks so much for making this show, my friends. I look forward to talking with you more in the future! You’re killin’ it!
PS: Jay, here is the link to my Horror Corridor episode on Halloween 2018. If you DO decide to listen, I’d SINCERELY love to know if we line up whatsoever, my friend.
https://www.horrorphilia.com/horror-corridor-episode-016-happy-halloween/
Hi Mister Watson!
Of course I remember you! And I appreciate your kind words and support. To answer your question, yours truly (Jay of the Dead) composed and arranged Horror Movie Weekly’s theme music, piece by piece. I’ve been a songwriter and musician for nearly 30 years, but this theme music was my first ever digital music creation, and it took me about 70 hours! ha ha
Also, props to Mattroid of The Sci-Fi Podcast, who played the guitar parts for me. (I’m very rusty on the guitar these days and Matt rocks.) Anyway, I hadn’t thought about rapping over this track, but now you’ve given me the idea… I haven’t tried my hand very much at “Horror Rapping” yet… I wonder if the Horror DJ BillChete will spin and scratch some vinyl for me! “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper.” … Word.
I completely agree with you about the diversity of opinions. I’ve loved listening to BillChete and Lady Phantom for years now (seriously, almost a decade), even though I often disagree with them! ha ha That’s exactly why I wanted to podcast with them because it’s so much fun to discuss and debate the genre we love.
And in fact, this will sound ridiculous to people. I never get political in public, so I won’t start now. But the ability to have civil, respectful discussions — even when you strongly disagree — has become a rarer and rarer phenomenon in our country. I’m hoping that Horror Movie Weekly will (somehow) be an example of how those with opposing viewpoints can discuss the issues and still be friends. But I’m sure sparks will fly, and we’ll continue to battle a lot on this podcast!
By the way, thanks for sending me the link to your episode. I will definitely check it out. I want to hear more of your perspective on “Halloween” (2018). Thanks for checking out our new show and for taking the time to leave a comment!
Sincerely,
-J
Good to see you here, Watson! I hope you continue to enjoy the show.
Bill chete you’re a real one as they say. Agree with everything you & lady phantom said about this movie & why people liked it. Other issues is killng him by fire AGAIN, last shot in the film suggest the evils been passed on like in Halloween 4 & Friday 4 & 5 so she’ll probably be next Michael Myers, laurie was weak & definitely not as good as h20 laurie. Bill chete great to hear you again!
Ps…Jay, you need horror raps i got you man cuz I’ve written many!
Jay! Longtime listener. Glad you are podcasting again. I couldn’t listen to HMP without you.
I was a LONG time listener of Horror Movie Podcast, but had stopped listening just after Halloween last year. Not just HMP, but I just didn’t have the commuting time anymore to listen to podcasts.
Now that I am back to commuting to work in the mornings, I resumed listening to HMP a few episodes ago, only to find that Gillman Joel had replaced Jay of the Dead as the host of HMP. I was disappointed, but still continued to listen as I still love Wolfman Josh (even if we disagree on the pretty much everything) and Dr. Shock. I actually came around to really liking Gillman Joel and approve of him taking over the reigns. He has done a great job, and I find that he fits in really well.
However, as I listened to HMP’s Top 10 80’s Movie Podcast, much to my surprise, there was a special appearance by THE MAN, Jay of the Dead. It was GREAT to hear you back, and I was extremely excited when you revealed that you had started Horror Movie Weekly with BillChete and Lady Phantom. I was always a huge fan of BillChete when he would appear on HMP, especially during End of the Year Top Ten Lists. Me and him always seemed to share a lot in common. Nevertheless, I immediately went and subscribed to Horror Movie Weekly and saw you guys actually have been doing this since September. Man, do I have some catching up to do, but will gladly be doing so on my way to and from work for the next two weeks while eagerly awaiting your newest episode. The length of the show is perfect for my 40 mile commute to work. The cast of Horror Movie Weekly is like an All-Star cast of Horror Podcasters and you guys sound amazing together. It is seriously like reuniting with old friends. I haven’t finished this podcast yet, but the first 15 minutes have been amazing. I will come back after I finish listening and make some comments on your Halloween 2018 review. Based on BillChete’s and Lady Phantom’s comments at the beginning, I am thinking I will love this episode. It’s always great to have both sides of the argument for and against a movie. It always makes for a more entertaining podcast.
Anyways, I should probably get some work done. Please keep up the great work, as always, and I cannot WAIT for your next episode!
-BlackHeartDerek
I was a LONG time listener of Horror Movie Podcast, but had stopped listening just after Halloween last year. Not just HMP, but I just didn’t have the commuting time anymore to listen to podcasts.
Now that I am back to commuting to work in the mornings, I resumed listening to HMP a few episodes ago, only to find that Gillman Joel had replaced Jay of the Dead as the host of HMP. I was disappointed, but still continued to listen as I still love Wolfman Josh (even if we disagree on the pretty much everything) and Dr. Shock. I actually came around to really liking Gillman Joel and approve of him taking over the reins. He has done a great job, and I find that he fits in really well.
However, as I listened to HMP’s Top 10 80’s Movie Podcast, much to my surprise, there was a special appearance by THE MAN, Jay of the Dead. It was GREAT to hear you back, and I was extremely excited when you revealed that you had started Horror Movie Weekly with BillChete and Lady Phantom. I was always a huge fan of BillChete when he would appear on HMP, especially during End of the Year Top Ten Lists. Me and him always seemed to share a lot in common. Nevertheless, I immediately went and subscribed to Horror Movie Weekly and saw you guys actually have been doing this since September. Man, do I have some catching up to do, but will gladly be doing so on my way to and from work for the next two weeks while eagerly awaiting your newest episode. The length of the show is perfect for my 40 mile commute to work. The cast of Horror Movie Weekly is like an All-Star cast of Horror Podcasters and you guys sound amazing together. It is seriously like reuniting with old friends. I haven’t finished this podcast yet, but the first 15 minutes have been amazing. I will come back after I finish listening and make some comments on your Halloween 2018 review. Based on BillChete’s and Lady Phantom’s comments at the beginning, I am thinking I will love this episode. It’s always great to have both sides of the argument for and against a movie. It always makes for a more entertaining podcast.
Anyways, I should probably get some work done. Please keep up the great work, as always, and I cannot WAIT for your next episode!
-BlackHeartDerek
Wow, thanks for your comments! I’m really glad you found us. We are having a great time discussing movies with Jay, either we agree or not. Ok look forward to all your comments!