Food and Frightening Film Fanatics Podcast

After an extended absence, I'm back. This week's topic is the "Blair Witch" franchise. Few people know there are actually THREE Blair witch movies plus a number of supporting videos, books, comics, and video games that cover the Blair Witch mythology. The original "Blair Witch" movie is credited as being the first found footage movie. Technically, it was "Cannibal Holocaust"-- but "Blair Witch" was the first commercial success. Back in the pre-Internet days people werent sure if these three kids were really dead or not. Obvs that couldnt happen so easily today... but it was tons of fun back then. Photo Credit: Here

I dare say 95% of the public has not heard of the "Killjoy" franchise. From Charles Band's Full Moon Features, this is bottom of the barrel entertainment. While the series starts out as horror, it switches to horror-comedy by the third movie. The best film in the bunch is the fifth-- "Killjoy's Psycho Circus". Dont expect these movies to make any sense. Just enjoy the over the top performances of Trent Haaga (as Killjoy) and Victoria de Mare (as Betty Boop).  And for the food/drink tie in, Killjoy Drinks provides a wide selection of non alcoholic beverages in every category: wine, beer/ale, liquors, mixes, etc. Check them out at killjoydrinks.com   Photo Credit: Here

This week I cover new additions to previously reviewed franchises. The past year has seen a number of new entries including: Texas Chainsaw Massacre Scream Wrong Turn CandyMan VHS94 Spiral: From The Book Of Saw Slumber Party Massacre Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City The Forever Purge Halloween Kills The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Cube- released only in Japan Paranormal Activity: Next Of Kin And WAY too many Amityville Horror movies Photo Credit: Here

The week we're reviewing one of the big 3 of horror. It's Freddie Kruger and "A Nightmare On Elm Street". There are 9 movies and 2 seasons of a TV series. This killer is different from others in that Freddie haunts you in your sleep---- and everybody has to sleep at some point. Over the course of his run, Freddy has developed into a wise cracking trickster. Sure Jason and Michael will kill ya-- but Freddy will talk smack about ya before he does.    And 2 Geeks Who Eat have a "Nightmare" pairing here It, of course, contains lots of caffeine.   Photo Credit: Here

The week we cover the somewhat lesser known "Tremors" franchise. This horror comedy is a throwback to the creature features of the 1950s. There are seven movie and one season of a TV series. Burt Gummer (played by Michael Gross) becomes the franchise's lead character by movie three. He's paranoid gun toting conspiracy theorist who I just love. Be forewarned though-- the movies are a bit redundant. If you want to get a flavor of the franchise, check out the first movie, the third movie and the last movie (Shreiker Island).  And in honor of graboids everywhere, we have a recipe for cool edible worms from AshleeMarie.com here They would be a fun addition at Halloween or horror themed party.    Photo Credit: Here 

After viewing some 130+ horror films released in 2021, I FINALLY have my top 10 list. Included are a few honorable mentions as well as movies by country of origin, studio, etc. Let me know if you're favorites match mine.  Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover a lesser known franchise. It's the seven movies of "Wrong Turn". I cant say they are great but if you like inbred hillbilly cannibals, this might be the series for you.  Also we cover a lesser known Appalachian food. It's ramps-- also known as wild leeks, spring onions or by several other names. Check out the link here for recipes that include this pungent and wild growing vegetable.  Photo Credits: https://itsastampede.com/2020/10/23/how-many-wrong-turn-movies-are-there/

This week we cover a lesser known anthology franchise. It's "VHS". There are four films total plus a spinoff. "Siren" is based on "Amateur Night" from the first movie. There's also a series of Snapchat shorts. The great thing about anthologies is if you don't like something, it will be over soon and you're on to something new.  And in honor of "VHS 94", we have the most popular food of that year. It's the Caesar salad. See this 1994 St Louis Dispatch article here for the origins of the dish and the recipe.   Photo Credit:  Here

This week we cove one of the icons of horror-- the chainsaw- wielding Leatherface. The "TCM" franchise is one of the strangest in terms of chronology. There are at least three different timelines with reboots, sequels and prequels. The original 1974 movie is considered a horror masterpiece. It is credited with starting the slasher craze and developed many of the common horror tropes we see today-- the final girl, an isolated location, an unstopable and nonverbal killer, etc. My suggestion is watch the original, the 2003 remake, and one of other films that contains Sheriff Hoyt and family. They are well worth a watch. Also if want something fun, check out the black commedy "TCM 2".  This week we also cover a few dishes popular in Texas. See Tasteofhome.com here for recipes (including many with a Tex Mex inspiration). Photo Credit:  Here

"American Psycho" with Christian Bale as iconic serial killer Patrick Bateman was released in 2000. It's based on a novel by Brett Easton Ellis. Most people are familiar with the movie due to it's over the top violence (which was pared down to get the movie an R rating instead of NC-17). Bateman is an unlikeable character (and possibly an unreliable narrator). The movie is a great depiction of the narcissistic, greed fueled 1980's. But did you know there is a second "American Psycho" movie? It's the direct to video "American Psycho 2: All American Girl" starring Mila Kunis (from "That 70's Show"). Feel free to skip this studio cash grab. It's a sequel in name only and has been denounced by everyone involved.  In honor of the original film, I've included a link to 25 classic 80's foods from EatThis.com here Does anyone remember Funny Feet Ice Cream? How about Dixie's Snack Crackers or Dr Pepper Gum? And I'm still eating some items on this list including Lunchables, Lean Cuisines, and my favorite Tostino Pizza Rolls.  Photo Credit: here

This week we cover the five movies of the "Underworld" franchise. All star Kate Beckinsale as the skin-tight-leather-clad-vampire-assassin named Selene. Vampires are in a centuries old battle with lycans (ie werewolves). Humans are non the wiser about either species until later in the franchise. I would suggest checking out the first movie and possibly the second ("Underworld: Evolution"). Later entries unfortunately are really more of the same.  And in keeping with the theme, The-Girl-Who-Ate-Everything.com has a recipe for edible fake blood. It's super easy and good for any Halloween/horror themed party. Check it out here Photo Credit: Here

The "Ju-On/The Grudge" franchise contains 13 films and a NetFlix series. The series is an interesting one. Takashi Shimizu created the franchise, and directed or produced six of the films. Besides the Japanese movies, there are 4 American entries-- "The Grudge", "The Grudge 2", "The Grudge 3" and "The Grudge" (2020). There's also a fun crossover with "The Ring" franchise with "Sadako vs Kayako". The franchise may be a bit hard for some viewers to follow. The pacing is pretty slow in the earlier entries. The stories are also told in a nonlinear fashion so you're not sure what/when everything happened. Still the series is one of the most prominent examples of J-horror. The death rattling Kayako and the meowing Toshio are iconic characters.    And for the food this week, i obviously went with Japanese cuisine. Check out the GoWithGuide.com here for some favorites.    Photo Credits: here

This week we're doing a single serving size episode. That's one which falls below my 3 movie minimum to be considered a franchise. The original "13 Ghost" premiered in 1960. Since it was a William Castle production, you can be there was a gimmick involved. The movie was promoted as having "Illusion-O"-- a pair of glasses that made the on screen ghosts more vivid.   The 2001 remake of "13 Ghosts" has some pretty heavy hitters in the acting department. It also has excellent production design and special effects. Too bad the story isn't on the same level. While the ghosts were way cool, I was annoyed by their constantly wondering around the house yelling for each other.    This week's recipe includes some fun suggestions for a ghost themed Halloween party. Check it out here    Photo Credit: Here

This week we're talking about one of the top horror directors. Lucio Fulci was prominent in the Italian gialo film movement (from the late 1960's through early 1980's). His three films in the "Gates Of Hell" trilogy are considered some of his best. They include; "City Of The Living Dead" (1980), "The Beyond" (1981), and "The House By The Cemetery" (1981).  I'm saving his other classic "Zombi"/"Zombie 2" for a later date. Hallmarks of Fulci films include: lots of gore, almost always an eye gouging scene, and an often confusing plot. Don't try to understand the specifics of what's going on. Instead view the movie as a dream and you'll enjoy it much better.       And in honor of Fulci's homeland, I've included some iconic Italian dishes. Number 1 is ALWAYS pizza but dont forget about lasagna, polenta, ossobuco, risotto, carbonara, focccia, and gelato. Check them out at WalksOfItaly.com here     Photo Credit: here

This week we cover the South Korean "Train To Busan" franchise. The second film in the series is the lesser known animated prequel "Seoul Station". The third movie is named "Peninsula". "Train To Busan" is IMHO one of the best zombie movies EVER. Not only does it have some great zombies, it also has characters you grow to care about. That doesnt happen much in this subgenre. While some have referred to "Peninsula" as "Fast & Furious... with zombies", I enjoyed it as well. Just dont compare "Peninsula" with "Train To Busan". This is about completely different characters and how they dealt with the zombie apocalypse.   This week we cover some classic Korean dishes. Check out this link to TheSpruceEats.com for more details. Some of the most popular are: kimchi, dumplings and Korean barbecue.     Photo Credit: Here  

This week we cover the "Leprechaun" franchise. There are 8 movies total. They take Lep to Las Vegas, space and twice to the hood. We also get an origin story (that really has nothing to do with Lep). The last entry is a sequel to the first movie (ignoring the rest of the franchise).  The greedy, wise cracking little dude actually grows on ya after a while. I would suggest watching the first movie, then "Return", then "Leprechaun In The Hood". And if you're looking for more, check out "Leprechaun 3" and "Back To The Hood".  And in honor of Lep, here's a few tradition Irish foods. Check them out here They include: soda break, Irish stew, boxty, coddle, barmback and black and white pudding.      Photo Credit: Here

In this week's single serving size episode, I'm covering "The Collector" and "The Collection". The third film in the trilogy, "The Collected", was started but never finished. These films are from the writers of several of the "Saw" movies. They are in the home invasion/torture porn genre. So if that's your cup of tea, check them out. Since the Collector, is an entomologist, I have included a link to several recipes featuring insects here Given everything else we eat, not sure why we would be grossed out by a few bugs.   Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover some lesser known films It's the three movies of the "Cat People" franchise. The first two movies are from the 1940s and by producer Val Lewton (head of the horror unit at RKO). The first movie has become a cult classic and does a lot with a very small budget. Check out several of Lewton's most popular movies on Shudder.    The 1982 "Cat People' takes the series in a different direction. Malcolm McDowell and Nastassja Kinski star as brother and sister cat people. While the first "Cat People" relied on shadows and jump scares, this movie shows the transformation. The show is much sexier than the original. Poor Nastassja sent half of the movie in the nude. David Bowie also contributed the theme song known as "Putting Out Fire".    In honor of the first cat person Irena Dubrovna, I included some favorite Serbian dishes. Check out the full list at here   Photo Credit: Here Music Credit: Here  

This week we cover a creature feature. It's "Piranha". The original feature was created by King Of The B-Movies Roger Corman as a "Jaws" knockoff. It went on to have four more films in the franchise (with one being a remake). My suggestion is check our the fourth entry-- horror comedy "Piranha 3D". It's a lot of fun. There's tons of famous actors and the piranha are big and ferocious. Avoid "Piranha II: The Spawning" at all costs. The dialogue and acting are painful to view... and I've seen a lot of garbage.   It should come as no surprise that this week I went with a recipe for piranha soup. While you and I will probably never be able to make the dish, piranha soup is a stable during the rainy season in the Amazon basin for many locals. Check out the recipe at flavorsofbrazil.blogspot.com here Photo Credit: Here 

"Diabloque" may be the best horror movie you've never heard of. The first was released in 1955 and had a great influence on Hitchcock's "Psycho". It was also one of the first movies to ask audiences NOT to reveal the surprise ending.    It was followed by two TV movies. "Diabloque" was remade in 1996 with some big name actors-- Sharon Stone, Kathy Bates and Chazz Plminteri. Although panned by critics and audiences, it's still interesting to contrast it to the first.     It should come as no surprise that I went with French foods this week. Check out Expatica.com here for some of the most popular. They include: coq au vin, cassoulet, bouef bourguignon, chocolate souffle, etc.    Photo Credit: Here  

This week we discuss a franchise that contains as one of it's entries arguably the best horror film ever made. That's right-- it's the "Exorcist" (1973). Most of us know every detail of the first film. But did you know there are 4 other movies (including 2 prequels) and 2 seasons of a TV series? And in honor of the excellent practical effects (which still hold up surprisingly well today), here's a recipe from Ina Garten for split pea soup here  Photo Credit:  Here

This week we focus on the Canadian slasher "My Bloody Valentine" (1981) and it's 2009 remake. No, the movies dont really have anything to do with Valentine's Day. Yes, the first film is a bit dated and the acting leaves something to be desired. The practical effects are still enjoyable though. And the RealD technology used in the second film make it a hoot. If you have a few hours to blow, check out this possibly supernatural miner with a pickax and a bad attitude.  See also the honestlyyum.com My Bloody Valentine cocktail here. It's made with blood oranges.  Photo Credit:  Here

This week we cover another lesser known horror franchise. It's "Maniac Cop". There are three films total in the series. Check out these movies if you like Bruce Campbell (most famous for the 'Evil Dead" franchise) and/or Tom Atkins ("Halloween III", "Creepshow", "The Fog", etc). Otherwise, I'd say skip it and watch last week's horror comedy "WolfCop" instead. "Maniac Cop" has some great fire scenes but there's not a lot else going for it.   "Maniac Cop" takes place in New York City. I've included a few links to famous NYC foods and places to find them at TheCultureTrip.com and NY.eater.com   Photo Credit: Here

This week we explore a lesser known Canadian horror/comedy offering. It's "Wolf Cop" and the sequel "Another Wolf Cop". If you're intrigued by a drunk werewolf dispensing justice, these might be the movies for you. The use of practice effects (vs CGI) is also a big selling point for me.   And in horror of Chicken Milk Beer, CookingChannelTV.com has a chicken milk drink here Not sure why it's called that. There's no such thing as chicken milk-- since chickens are birds and not mammals. It's still a fun thing to spring on those who dont know any better. Check out several videos on YouTube which illustrate how to milk chickens.       Photo Credit: Here 

This week we cover a lesser know franchise. It's "Night Of The Demons". There are four movies total in the series (including one remake). It follows a group of teens/young adults who party where they shouldn't. Considered a horror comedy, I found it surprising fun. Definitely check out the first and second movies.  Also check of a "Night Of The Demons" themed drink from GoodCocktails.com here The blue color depicts the tons of blue smoke they used in the movies.  Photo Credit: Here

This week, instead of reviewing a franchise, I'm covering my picks for the top 10 horror movies of 2020. There is lots of scary goodness to chose from this year-- be it psychological horror, body horror, zombies, anthologies, haunted houses, demon possession, you name it.    Shudder and NetFlix continue to delight viewers with movies we might not have access to otherwise.    International offerings were very strong this year. They include: Impetigore (Indonesia), #Alive (South Korea), Bulbbul (India), Blood Quantum (Canada), Extra Ordinary (Ireland), Sputnik (Russia), Yummy (Belgium), Get Duked (UK), The Pool (Thailand), May The Devil Take You Too (Indonesia) to name a few.    Honorable Mentions include: Anything For Jackson, The Cleansing Hour, Bad Hair, Spontaneous, Spiral and The Haunting of Bly Manor (yes, this is a series and not a movie).    My Top 10 Horror Movies of 2020: Relic- Amazon- Australia La Llorona- Shudder- Guatamala His House- NetFlix- UK Color Out Of Space- Shudder The Mortuary Collection- Shudder The Platform- NetFlix- Spain Host- Shudder- Australia Scare Package- Shudder The Lodge- Hulu Rent-A-Pal- Hulu   Photo Credit: Here  

Most people have heard of "Scanners" from 1981. It's most famous for it's head explosions. The practical effects still hold up after all these years. But did you know there were four more films in the franchise? I didnt. Only the original had David Cronenberg's involvement. The rest are direct to video and have basically the same plot. The villains are pretty good though.    In honor of this Canadian franchise, i also includes some unique foods from a Foodnetwork.ca article here Definitely check out the barnacles, fiddleheads, dulce (red seawood) and Cod tongue.    Photo Credit: Here   

This week we explore a lesser known horror franchise. It's the five movies in the "Prom Night" series. This includes: "Prom Night" (from 1980), "Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night 2", "Prom Night 3: The Last Kiss", "Prom Night 4: Deliver Us From Evil" and the forgettable 2008 remake (also named "Prom Night"). The entries really have nothing to do with each over and cover the gambit from teen slasher to horror comedy to ghost possession. If you're a Jamie Lee Curtis superfan, you might enjoy the first movie. There's a fun disco number in the middle. Otherwise, for a great prom night revenge story, check out the original "Carrie" instead. And in keeping with the theme, check out this prom night cocktail from AllRecipes.com here. Who spiked the punch?   Photo Credit: Here 

This week we go WAY back to our first episode. We covered 1974's "Black Christmas" in December 2018 (which seems like a million years ago at this point). There are two other remakes. Both are also called "Black Christmas". The one from 2006 is not nearly as bad as some believe. The 2019 version is absolutely horrible. Avoid at all costs. And to keep with the Christmas theme, why not try making a Jamaican Black Christmas Cake this season? It's a dense rum soaked fruit cake that guaranteed to please. See the details at AfricanBites.com here   Music Credit: Here Photo Credit: Here 

This week we discuss arguably the most important franchise in horror history. "Halloween" started the slasher genre and has given us many of the now commonplace horror tropes-- the virginal final girl, the unstoppable killer, the rally at the end, etc. There are 11 "Halloween" movies currently available with two more on the way. "Halloween Kills" is due for release in 2021 and "Halloween Ends" is due out in 2022. There are also five different timelines in the "Halloween" movies. Talk about confusing. Timeline 1- Halloween 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 Timeline 2- Halloween 3 is a standalone move. it was slated to be the start of a yearly anthology series (but that didnt happen).  Timeline 3- Rob Zombie's 2 Halloween movies from 2007 and 2009 exist separately from the rest.  Timeline 4- Halloween 1, 2, H20 and Resurrection Timeline 5- Halloween 1, Halloween 2018, Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends This week's recipe highlights pumpkins. The pumpkin plays a prominent role in the "Halloween" movies. It's part of the title credits in Halloween 1, 2, 3 (computer generated) and 2018. The past few years have seen an explosion of pumpkin spice products on the market. Check here for a sampling of 2020 offerings. Music Credits: John Carpenter, John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter & Daniel Davies, Alan Howarth   Photo Credit:  Here 

This week we cover "The Descent" and "The Descent 2". Six women go on a caving adventure. Things end really, really badly. The first movie is on many "best of" lists. It's great fun.  In keeping with the theme, we also have a Cave in Cocktail from CocktailBuilder.com here     Photo Credit: Here 

This week we're looking at "Sinister". There are two movies total. The first stars Ethan Hawke as a true crime writer who has gotten in way over his head. The character of Bughuul (the devourer of souls) is introduced. While there are currently no plans for a third "Sinister" movie, a possible "Sinister" and "Insidious" crossover may occur at some point. This is possible since both series are produced by Blumhouse. There is also talk of a possible TV series.    And in keeping with the theme, here's a Sinister Cider Cocktail courtesy of Martha Stewart Recipes.  Photo Credit: Here

This week we're covering the 'Lake Placid" franchise. There are 6 movies total (including a cross over with "Anaconda"). The first movie was released theatrically. The rest were made for TV movies from the SyFy channel. All of the films (except for the last one) are considered horror comedies.  Despite the title, the story supposedly takes place in Black Lake Maine. Here are some classic New England recipes. Rachel Ray also hails from the "real" Lake Placid, NY here are few recipes from her trip back home.    Music Credit: Here Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover the "Child's Play/Chucky" franchise. The 30+ year old series has a surprising amount of continuity with all the films (excluding the reboot) being written by Don Mancini (who also directed and executive produced some). Brad Dourif is the voice of Chucky for all the films (except the reboot). Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent and Fiona Dourif appear in multiple movies. Over eight films, the series has gone from horror to slasher to comedy horror and back to straight up horror again.   And in honor of our favorite killer doll, check out these cool Chucky cupcakes at RabbitInRed.com here See also s life size Chucky doll created by a Scottish baker for Halloween here    Photo Credit: Here Music Credits: Joe Renzetti "Child's Play" 1988 here Graeme Revell "Child's Play 2" 1990 here Bear McCreary "Child's Play" 2019 here

We originally covered the "Wolf Creek" franchise way back in episode 22. This week we take a look at season 2 of the TV series. The lead character may be lesser known in the US (which is a shame cause he is quite menacing). Mick Taylor (played by John Jarrett) is the serial killer operating in the Australian outback. He used his Aussie charm and the isolated location to torture and murder tourists. Mick REALLY, REALLY, hates outsiders.    Both Jarrett and series writer/director/producer Greg McLean have said both a third "Wolf Creek" movie and a third season of the TV series are in the works. There is unfortunately no ETA (since everything in the world is on hold due to Covid-19).   Given the topic, it should come as no surprise that I went with Australian foods this week. Better Homes and Gardens has a survey of favorite Australian foods here CNN also has a list of top 40 Australian foods here Yes,, there's much more to Australian cuisine than just Vegemite.    Music Credit: Here  Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover a group of lesser known movies. The "Hitcher" franchise has three films total. The first (starring Rutger Hauer, C Thomas Howell and Jennifer Jason Leigh) premiered in 1986. It was followed by "Hitcher 2" in 2003 and a remake of the first movie in 2007. If you like car chase movies, explosions, and severed limbs check them out. There are some great scenes.     Since the hitcher knocks off victims on isolated roads in West Texas, I thought it might be appropriate to highlight a recipe from the region. West Texas Asado is pork slow cooked in pork slow cooked in red chile sauce. It’s similar to New Mexico’s carne adovada, except adovada is made with New Mexican red chiles and asado is made with anchos. Cook time is 4 hours. You might also try making your own traditional disc (also called a Mexican wok or cowboy wok) or cook in a Dutch oven or skillet. See the recipe from HomeSickTexan.com here    Photo Credit: Here

This week we're discussing the "Urban Legends" franchise. There are three movies total. While i can't say the movies knocked my soaks off, they may be the first introduction to urban legends for many people. Common entries include: the killer in the back seat of the car, calls coming from inside the house, the kidney heist, etc. Interested in learning more? Check out the two urban legends TV series as well as the Snopes website.  In keeping with today's theme, we have a very expensive cookie recipe here that's been attributed to different companies from Neiman Marcus to Mrs Fields for some 70 years.  Music Credits: Here and Here Photo Credit: Here 

This week we cover one of the lesser know franchises. It's the four movies of "Wishmaster". Wes Craven executive produced the first film. The Wishmaster is an evil djinn who has to grant the person that awakens him three wishes. It sounds like a good deal but he grants them in the worst way possible. Example: A woman wants to live forever-- so he turns her into a mannequin. The djinn wants to hurry the wishing along since after that's done his fellow djinn will then take over the world.    "Wishmaster" has a few good things going for it-- novel horror idea, interesting mythology, Andrew Divoff as the djinn, fun special effects and kills, etc. Unfortunately the story really drags the series down. There's nothing new between the first and forth movies. I would like to see a reboot with a better script. Am I going to wish for it? Nope, lesson learned.     And for this weeks recipe we kept with the genie theme. See here for a quick genie in a bottle cocktail recipe from the Food Network.    Music Credits: Here Photo Credits: Here 

This week we cover the three films of the "Jeepers Creeper" franchise. All were written and directed by Victor Salva*. All take place in a short time frame. The second movie occurs four days after the first. The third movie occurs between the first and second.  I think the Creeper is one of the best horror creatures out there. He likes to wear a trench coat and stetson hat. Sometimes he dons a red sweater. He has bat like wings and can fly. He likes to scare people to determine if they have body parts he's interested in. So far he's needed eyes, a new head, a foot, a hand, etc. He drives a sentient truck and is partial to the song "Jeepers Creepers" for some reason.  Since the action in these movies takes place in Florida, I went with a few Florida recipes. From OnlyInYourState.com we have key lime pie, mojitos, cuban midnight sandwiches, coconut bars,  grits, lemon orange chicken, cajun grits and kumquat ice cream. Check out TasteOfHome.com as well for more fun recipes.  *CONTROVERSY: There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding Victor Salva's films.  Per Wikipedia, he was "convicted in 1988 for sexually abusing a 12-year-old actor who starred in his feature film debut "Clownhouse" (1989), as well as possessing child pornography. This controversy has led to protests against his films, including a boycott of "Powder" organized by his victim." I include this information so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to any of Salva's movies.     Photo Credit: Here Music Credits: Here and Here 

This week we're discussing the "Hills Have Eyes" franchise. There are four movies total in the series. They were written/directed/produced by Wes Craven (who also did the "Nightmare On Elm Street" and "Scream" franchises). The numbering is a bit confusing. There's the 1977 film, then a "part 2", then a remake (with the same name as the original), then a "2" (which is a sequel to the remake). The original is considered a classic (though the pacing is a little slow for my taste). The remake is one of those rare films that might be even better than the original  For recipes this week I went with a desert theme. The prickly pear cactus has been used for thousands of years in Mexican dishes. You can have a prickly pear cactus smoothie, sorbet, or syrup. It can even be used in place of potatoes in French fries. For more info check Healthline.com here  Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover the first summer blockbuster movie-- "Jaws" and it's 3 sequels. "Jaws" put director Stephen Steven Spielberg on the map and won 3 Academy awards-- Best Original Score (for composer John Williams), Best Sound and Best Film Editing. It was also nominated for Best Picture. The movie holds up surprisingly well for being 45 years old.  And for this week's recipe, you might think I'd go with shark fin soup. That'd be a BIG nope. Sharks have been hunted almost to extinction with one of the main reasons being for their fins. See this article on EcoWatch that reviews recent US legislation to prohibit the sale/use of shark fins.    Instead I'm going with a recipe from the Martha Vineyards Magazine for tasty scampi with calamari. See details Here     Music Credit: Here Photo Credit: Here  

This week we discuss the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" franchise. This first movie was written by Kevin Williamson (who also wrote "Scream"). Both this movie and "Scream" are credited with reinvigorating the 90s slasher genre.  "I Know" stars several (then) up and coming actors including: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddy Prinze Jr. There are 3 movies total in the franchise. The plot is essentially the same in all. And in honor of fishermen everywhere, we have a clam bake. Details courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com here    Photo Credit: Here

This week we review an often overlooked franchise. It's "Hatchet". There are four movies total in the series. All were written and directed by Adam Green (except for "Hatchet 3" which was directed by BJ McDonnell). The movies follow the Bayou Butcher Victor Crowley as he terrorizes anyone stupid enough to go into the swamp. It's over the top campy gory fun. And a number of horror icons make appearances here including: Danielle Harris "Halloween", Tony Todd "Candyman", Robert Englund "Nightmare On Elm Street", Kane Hodder "Friday The 13th", and Felissa Rose "Sleepaway Camp" (just to name a few).    And when visiting New Orleans, the Food Network has a few local dishes you must try here. They include: gumbo, crayfish, oysters on the half shell and beignets.  Photo Credit: Here

This week we review one of the largest franchises in horror history. Spanning some 30 years, "Friday The 13th" consists of 12 films and a TV series (which ran for 3 seasons). When people hear 'slasher" they usually think of the unstoppable hockey masked, machete wielding Jason Vorhees. Just dont expect much in the way of plot from these movies. It's just Jason killing horny teenagers in a variety of gruesome and creative ways.    And to celebrate Camp Crystal Lake, we have an adult cocoa and smores from 2GeeksWhoEat   here Music Credit: Here Photo Credit: Here

This week we discuss an under appreciated franchise. It's "30 Days Of Night". What makes these movies so great are the vampires. These arent your sparkly emo vampires. They are feral creatures who screech, have shark like teeth and are super strong. Their sole goal is to have you for dinner. They are right up there on my list of favorite vampires of all time. I just wish there were more movies to explore their history.    And in honor of the hardy souls of Barrow, Alaska here's some info on Akutaq or Eskimo Ice Cream here  Photo: Here 

This week we cover the top virus pandemic movies. This is obviously a large genre with some 1100 movies listed on Amazon. My suggestions for viewing include "Contagion", "Flu" (South Korea), "Outbreak", "REC" (Spain), "The Last Days" (Spain), "28 Days Later", "12 Monkeys" and "The Andromeda Strain".   No recipe this week. Who wants to think about food in our current environment? Stay in your house and stay safe!!! Photo Credit: Here

Given current events, it seems only appropriate that this week we cover "The Crazies'. There are two movies total. The first is from 1973 and was directed, written and coproduced by the father of the zombie genre-- George A Romero. The second movie is a 2010 remake. Citizens of a small town are infected by a government created biological weapon called the "Trixie virus'. Those infected go mad and start killing everyone in sight.  And since the second film takes place in the fictional town of Ogden Marsh, IA I went with Pride of Iowa cookies from LoveFoodies.com here They are coconut oat cookies with walnuts. Sounds delish! Music Credit: Here Photo Credit: Here

This week we review the relatively unknown "Stepfather" franchise. There are three films and a remake. Terry O'Quinn (probably best known as John Locke on "Lost") stars in the first two movies. His performance definitely elevates what might otherwise be a Lifetime movie. Jerry Blake (we never learn his real name) ingratiates himself into families where the woman already has children. When they dont live up to his vision of "perfect domesticity" he savagely murders everyone and moves on to the next unsuspecting victims. These films are based on the IRL family annihilator John List. He's more heartless than anything in fiction.  And in honor of Terry's performance, we have a quick recipe from www.familycookbookproject for O'Quinn's Apple Crisp here Music Credit: Here  Photo Credit: Here 

This week we review the filmography of Eli Roth. He does it all-- acting, writing, directing and producing. Roth is best know for torture porn films "Hostel", "Cabin Fever" and "Green Inferno". He's also has been involved in a number of other movies you might not know about. They include "Knock, Knock", "Death Wish", "Aftershock" and the kid friendly "The House With A Clock In It's Walls".  And in honor of Donny The Bear Jew from "Inglorious Bastards", I added some of my favorite Jewish foods from SpoonUniversity here and TooLazyToWriteABook.com here Personal faves are Matzo Ball Soup, Latkes and of course Bagels with Lox and Sour Cream.  Photo Credit: Here  

This week we check out Rob Zombie's latest movie "3 From Hell". Check out my review of the rest of his offerings in episode 14.  "3 From Hell" is the third movie to feature the murderous Firefly clan. The first is 2003's "House Of 1000 Corpses" followed by 2005's "The Devils Rejects". The original trio included: Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig), Otis (Bill Moseley) and Baby (Sherri Moon Zombie). Unfortunately Haig becomes very ill and passes away shortly after the movie was released. He was able to do a few scenes but was replaced by Otis' half brother Winslow Foxworth "Foxy" Coltrane.  And since the gang fled to Durango, I've included a few foods popular there and in Northern Mexico in general. Check them out at thespruceeats.com here Photo Credit: Here

This week we cover "All Hallows Eve" 1 and 2 as well as "Terrifier". The first two movies are anthologies while the last is a straight up slasher. While the quality is a bit iffy at times the best thing about this series is that it gave us Art The Clown. This homicidal mime with his tiny hat and trashbag of implements is the stuff of nightmares. He's well on his way to becoming one of the icons of horror-- along with Freddie, jason, and Michael. I cant wait for "Terrifier 2" which is due out in October.  Also check out the top 8 pizza styles. Do you prefer the original Neopolitan, Chicago deep dish or St Louis' cracker like crush? Check out Webstaurantstore.com here to see what makes a New York pizza different from a Detroit pizza.    Photo Credit: Here