Red River Horror Podcast

Was 2024 a landmark year for horror? It certainly felt like a breath of fresh air, with a surge of original ideas and films, moving away from the franchise-heavy landscape of recent years. Instead of relying on familiar cash cows, filmmakers delivered truly innovative horror experiences. Critically acclaimed films like The Substance garnered awards attention, and even Nosferatu is generating Oscar buzz. We've witnessed exciting career shifts: Hugh Grant is proving his range beyond romantic comedies, and Demi Moore is finally receiving well-deserved praise for her acting prowess. Industry giants Blumhouse and James Wan's Atomic Monster have joined forces, while Nicolas Cage embraces the genre with full force. And the competition is heating up in the independent horror scene, with Neon giving A24 a run for its money. From groundbreaking storytelling to impressive box office numbers, 2024 has given horror fans plenty to celebrate and sets the stage for an exciting 2025. Join host Joe Zakrzewski and RedRiverHorror.com founder Eddie Caiazzo as they delve into this exciting year of horror on episode 113 of the Red River Horror podcast.

In Episode 112 of the Red River Horror podcast, hosts Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo interview Rob Zazzali and Justin Shilton, the creative minds behind the horror film, Shark Girl. Shark Girl follows Heidi, a social media influencer who survives a shark attack but emerges transformed into a bloodthirsty predator. As bodies begin to pile up on Venice Beach, the investigation takes a chilling turn. Zazzali and Shilton discuss the unique concept of a shark-human hybrid, their approach to practical effects and the importance of relatable characters in a creature feature. Don't miss this in-depth look at the making of Shark Girl. Shark Girl is available now on Amazon, Apple TV, Microsoft, Fandango at Home and on Google Play.

MaXXXine has made it to Hollywood.  And don't ask any questions about how she got there.  But, is her rise warranted, or is Ti West's "X" Trilogy just another overrated horror cash-grabbing three-piece? Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo discuss whether X, Pearl and now MaXXXine live up to the hype both as individual films, and as a trilogy. ALSO, new segments added to the show!  Joe Z. is gonna give ya the news, Eddie C. is gonna tell Joe a story.

Ahoy, maties! The Channels of Fear ultimately empty into the ocean as Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo set sail on their first Red River Horror podcast about SHARKS. And what better way to celebrate the great beasts of the sea than with New York Times best-selling author Steve Alten and host of the Bucket of Chum podcast Steve Coates. Alten, a Philly native, authored the award-winning book MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror - which was made into the blockbuster film The MEG in 2018 starring Jason Statham. Read Steve's legacy of MEG novels at MEGLegacy.com.  Coates, known as Captain Steve, is the host of Bucket of Chum: The Shark Movie Podcast. On his show, Coates takes "a comedic look at Sharksploitation cinema" -- and shark movie lovers are so glad he does. Like, download and subscribe to Bucket of Chum on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube...and wherever you get your podcasts. Buckle up - it's JAWS, The MEG, Shark Week, Steve and Captain Steve -- you're gonna need a bigger boat for this episode!

Are we really coming up on THREE full-feature films into the Clown Motel franchise?  Yup! To celebrate, Joe Z. and Eddie C. catch up with writer/director/actor/producer Joseph Kelly as he readies to bring the third installment to market.  Crowdfunding for the latest project has begun and Red River Horror is excited to see the new stars that have been announced so far join other horror legends like Ari Lehman at one of the scariest places in America - The Clown Motel in Tonopoh, NV.  Oh yes, it's real, and it's spectacular (...ly creepy)   Link to help fund Clown Motel: 3 Ways to Hell - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/clown-motel-3-ways-to-hell-feature-horror-film#/  

THEM: The Scare makes its way to Prime Video on April 25...and Joe and Eddie are right in the middle of all of the action. This episode of the Red River Horror podcast includes a full preview of the show featuring interviews with actress Deborah Ayorinde and actor Joshua J. Williams.  Ayorinde plays Dawn Reeve, one of the only women of color in all of the LAPD's robbery and homicide division.  Her son, Kel, is portrayed by Williams.  As Dawn gets deeper into a grisly murder case, her family begins to be drug into the fold as well in the worst possible way.  The Scare marks the second season in the horror anthology series THEM, written and produced by Little Marvin and available exclusively on Prime Video.

SPOILERS AHEAD!  Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo take their first joint trip to the theater since 2021 as team Red River Horror to catch 20th Century Studios' latest film The First Omen.  Both Joe and Eddie are fans of The Omen (1976), directed by Richard Donner starring Gregory Peck all those years ago.  The original Omen was a response to the success of the incomparable The Exorcist in the space of religious horror/thriller films.  The latter about demonic possession, the former about the antichrist - named Damien.   How did Damien come to be?  Find out in The First Omen, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who who co-wrote the film with Tim Smith and Keith Thomas based on a story by Ben Jacoby.

Joe and Eddie grab their proton packs and join the Ghostbusters old-and-new as they head back to NYC for another bout against the pesky specters that go bump in the night.  Will the new Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire impress the way Afterlife did?  Only time will tell.  But rest-assured -- the Red River Horror crew will be there to cover it all.   Enjoy this episode as a trip down memory lane and a fun-filled preview of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Joe Zakrzewski loves Reddit.  Eddie Caiazzo knows what Reddit is.  What does that mean?  That means Joe gets to ask Eddie lots of questions posed by Redditors in the popular r/Horror thread of the site, also lovingly known as Dreadit. All bets are off.  It's time to enter the deep, dark halls of Dreadit. 

HBO's True Detective: Night Country sure can be polarizing.  Critics LOVED it (currently sitting at 92% fresh from critics on Rotten Tomatoes).  The Audience Score...is just north of 50%.  No pun intended. Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo from Red River Horror dissect the highlights and the lowlights of the coldest entry yet in HBO's True Detective series. About True Detective: Night Country (season 4) --  Jodie Foster and Kali Reis star in this anthology crime drama written and directed by Issa López.  This season is set in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, and takes place during the period of time known as the polar night (a period of uninterrupted darkness).

The Red River Horror podcast returns to 2024 with a sharp icicle right through your head!  Radio hall-of-famer Steve Morrison from Preston & Steve helps host Joe Zarzewski and Eddie Caiazzo sort through some of the best cold-weather horror flicks, while providing some of his favorite modern horror films.   It's "The Return" of Steve Morrison to Red River Horror, and it's not to be missed if you're a horror fan.

Red River Horror Founder Eddie Caiazzo brings with him two very special guests to celebrate the remastering of a fantastic film from the 1980s -- "Witness" Staci Layne Wilson, a regular contributor to Red River Horror, was recruited as the film historian tasked with creating a visual essay packaged with the brand new 4K UHD re-release of the film.  Matt Fahnestock from Discover Lancaster brings us local knowledge from where the majority of "Witness" takes place, including places you can visit from the film.  Did you know the phone booth that Harrison Ford used still exists in Intercourse, PA?  Learn all that and so much more in episode 102 of the Red River Horror podcast. Important Links from this Podcast: Purchase the Limited Edition 4K UHD Release of Witness Don't just visit Lancaster -- DISCOVER LANCASTER Visit some of where the film was shot with LoKal Experiences

Happy Halloween, everybody -- from our Red River Horror family to yours.  Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo talk about the frights and flicks that made up their Halloween 2023 season, and how to make next year even better.

Come along and celebrate 100 episodes with Red River Horror!  Host Joe Zakrzewski puts together some great moments that have transpired with some great guests over the course of three years and 100 episodes. Has it really been 100 trips down the Channels of Fear?  You bet! Hear the celebration featuring some of our top guests like Daniel Farrands, Courtney Gains, Olivia Luccardi, Jeffrey Reddick and one of the latest members of the Radio Hall of Fame -- Steve Morrison. Thanks for joining us for the ride, as we continue to travel down the next 100 Channels of Fear.

Someone has FINALLY put a documentary together gathering horror master Stephen King's stories that have been adapted to television and the silver screen.  What's it called?  KING ON SCREEN.  Who made this new film?  The great Daphné Baiwir, of course! On episode 99 of the Red River Horror podcast, Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo speak with Baiwair about wrangling up the directors that have adapted Stephen King's works and brought to the screen some of the most popular stories ever told. KING ON SCREEN will be in Theaters on August 11th and available On Demand and Blu-Ray on September 8th, 2023.  

In episode 98 of the Red River Horror podcast, filmmaker Mary Gallagher speaks with Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo about her brand new film HOLISTAY out now on VOD.  Gallagher was also a longtime reporter in the city of Philadelphia, so naturally Joe and Eddie have to know about her favorite local haunts, the film industry and anything else related to the city Red River Horror calls home. Watch the HOLISTAY trailer. Watch HOLISTAY on Amazon.

Summer has arrived and it's time to preview all the horror that awaits with the newest member of the Red River Horror team -- Stephen Beason!

Tubi, the free-of-charge entertaining streaming app, continues to create and purchase more original content in the world of horror.  Every time a Tubi Original project arrives, the great media team over there reaches out to keep the Red River Horror family informed. In episode 96 of the Red River Horror podcast, Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo take a peek to uncover the horror scene on the underrated streaming app.

The Scream franchise is held near-and-dear to the hearts of podcast host Joe Zakrzewski and Red River Horror founder Eddie Caiazzo.  They've mentioned several times throughout the history of the Red River Horror podcast how important these films are to them. With a new Scream trilogy in-progress, Joe Z and Eddie C. review the latest installment -- Scream VI -- and place it in the order they see it respectively with regard to the other films in the franchise.  Joe D. from Different Take is also there in spirit as he provided his ranking and notes for each movie. Put the Jiffy Pop on the stove and get ready to SCREAM!

We laughed, we cried, we bled...and we awarded some boats.  The Red River Horror team goes to the theater to see Evil Dead Rise.  If you have yet to see the film, DO NOT listen to this episode -- it is full of spoilers. Thanks for taking this journey with us through the Evil Dead franchise, as the team concludes their thoughts and rates the new film.  "Hail to the king, baby!"

Evil Dead Rise is DEADLY close, and Joe and Eddie want to celebrate a generation of Deadites that sprung up at a "Cabin in the Woods" for the first time some 40+ years ago. This episode (Pt. 2), will cover Evil Dead (2013), Ash vs. the Evil Dead, Evil Dead Rise and so much more.  Longtime friend Steve Feese from Keystone Retro is along for the ride bringing not only his knowledge of the series, but what collectibles to look out for if you are the ultimate Evil Dead fan. Grab your boomstick and hunker down for a Red River Horror celebration of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and all things Evil Dead.  "Groovy!"

Evil Dead Rise is ALMOST here, and Joe and Eddie want to celebrate a generation of Deadites that sprung up at a "Cabin in the Woods" for the first time some 40+ years ago. There's so much Evil Dead love, Red River Horror fans will be treated to a celebration of the franchise in two parts.  This episode (Pt. 1), will cover The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness.  Longtime friend Steve Feese from Keystone Retro is along for the ride in both episodes also bringing not only his knowledge of the series, but what collectibles to look out for if you are the ultimate Evil Dead fan. Grab your boomstick and hunker down for a Red River Horror celebration of Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and all things Evil Dead.  "Groovy!"

Have Joe and Eddie found gold?  In Georgia!?  Well...not exactly.  But, podcaster and author Shane Cashman heads down south to the Peach state to write an article about lost gold from the Civil War, and ends up returning with tales of demons, ghosts, witches and even UFOs.  What was supposed to be an article turned into the new book Tales From the Inverted World: Ghosts of the Civil War. Cashman shares some of his stories from his trek to Washington, GA with the Red River Horror podcast in a not-to-miss journey down the Channels of Fear.

The Red River Horror podcast returns with Joe and Eddie talking about the good, the bad and the ugly to close Q1 in horror for 2023. Joe also heads to Reddit (Dreaddit?) to ask Eddie some genre questions posed in the platform.

Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo finally bring their good friend and artist Joe Griffin (@joeillustrated) on the pod to discuss HBO Max's rendition of The Last of Us.  Joe Z. has been mentioning Joe G. on the program for quite a while and we finally get a chance to talk to him.

After a sabbatical of sorts, Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo return for the Red River Horror podcast.  But, they didn't want to bring the show back alone, so they brought in one of the best in the horror biz to kickoff the new year of shows -- STACI LAYNE WILSON! Joe, Eddie and Staci catch up on the year that was 2022 in horror, and look forward to 2023 as the genre kicks off it's slate of TV shows, movies and books.  There's another killer doll in the mix courtesy of James Wan, and also Staci's next book Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Volume 2 coming in January 2023.  Grab Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Volume 1 here while you're waiting for the sequel to drop in a few days. It's a new year with new Channels of Fear.  Buckle up and get ready for an energetic welcome to horror's new year.

It's the stunning conclusion to Joe and Eddie's "Watch This, Not That" October Horror viewing schedule.  It's 31 Days of Halloween where the gents offer different movie suggestions for the different days of the month.   Sit back, relax and listen for the flicks selected to be viewed October 16 - October 31, 2022.

The limited web series Red Rooms will have its debut at FirstGlance Philadelphia Film Festival 25 on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville.  Director Joshua Butler dishes to Red River Horror on his latest project Red Rooms that will kickoff the slate of films on night one of the fest with the red carpet premiere of episode three -- "Be Honest." Want to walk the red carpet and watch the Red Rooms premiere with Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo from Red River Horror?  Email RedRiverHorror@gmail.com with the subject line RED ROOMS and put the word PHILLY CHICK BROOKE in the body of the email and we'll select one winner who will receive two (2) tickets.  Why PHILLY CHICK BROOKE?  Because friend of the show and Philly native Brooke Lewis Bellas produced and stars in Red Rooms and wants horror fans in her hometown to have the red carpet experience!

There are lots of "31 Days of Halloween" lists out there -- and that's a beautiful thing!  We love all of them.  We get so excited for those kind of lists we even made our own with Red October in 2018 and Red October II in 2021.  Doctor Halloween even provided his list to Red River Horror in 2020 - Part 1 and Part 2. In episode 86 of the Red River Horror, Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo provide a new movie to watch related to in style, but not quite the same as 2021's Red October II. Here are some more flicks that cover October 1-15, 2022.  Happy "Spooky Season" to all, folks!

As Red River Horror celebrates five years, it's time for the interviews to begin again!  This week's podcast features Timothy Stevens -- writer and director of the brand new film The Ghost Lights.  Joe and Eddie speak with Stevens about conspiracies, urban legends, myths ...and of course his new film in which "a new X-File opens" (as one of the promotional announcements for the film states). See the trailer for The Ghost Lights in Red River Horror's August 2022 Horror Preview. Catch The Ghost Lights out NOW on Amazon.

Red River Horror podcast host Joe Zakrzewski sees a boatload of musical artists (in the horror space) all in one concert.  American Horror Stories returns...and Joe loves anthologies.  RRH founder Eddie Caiazzo loves the slow burn horror film, but not the depressing slow burn horror film. Visit www.RedRiverHorror.com for all the latest articles, movie reviews and other horror content.

Lots going on in the Red River Horror family.  Joe and Eddie react to the season four ending of Netflix's wildly popular series Stranger Things.  Joe is happy about Sonic and angry about Obi Wan.  Lastly -- is Rob Zombie a good filmmaker?  The RRH team breaks down Zombie film by film.

After Joe and Eddie discover the value some VHS tapes are bringing in at auction, their good buddy Steve Feese from Keystone Retro joins the program to talk about how the physical media market is netting so many high-dollar pieces. Feese also breaks out some of his prized horror collectibles.

On episode 81 of the Red River Horror podcast, Joe and Eddie talk about a familiar Amityville tale with a new twist, stemming from a story from back in the 1990s.  June 2022 is also chock full of some great looking horror films -- one that must be seen in theaters, one a Shudder Exclusive unlike anything we've ever seen before.  In news, the RRH team provides an update on UAPs (UFOs), VHS tapes and what might be the final Salem Witch trial. 

The weather is heating up, so it's time for some seaside terror!  Joe and Eddie talk about some of their favorite fictional (and non-fictional) tales involving the sea.  Grab your scuba gear and get ready for some ghosts, sharks and the abyss.  

Red River Horror podcast host Joe Zakrzewski knows how to internets.  RRH founder Eddie Caiazzo?  Not so much.  In episode 79, Joe Z. shares some Two Sentence Horror stories from Reddit, Eddie reacts.

Eddie always asks Joe to put together a list of scary moments in super hero movies.  To this day there are still none on the Red River Horror website.  Does scary exist in the MCU or DC Universe?  Find out in episode 78 of the Red River Horror podcast.

The more you stream, the more you find great horror!  On this Red River Horror podcast, Joe and Eddie find some surprisingly good offerings from Paramount+.  There are brand new A-list level horror series' continuations, and a large amount of the classics.  There's even a new Paranormal Activity film out there you might have otherwise missed. Get ready for Paramount PLUS Horror!    

Since the beginning of the Red River Horror podcast, Joe and Eddie have been trying to add the video element.  Accompanying this podcast will be a video of all the action you're listening to in this episode on the RRH YouTube Channel.  They cover the best (and worst) unmasking moments in the Halloween franchise, and watch the remaining two films in Nick Kush's March 2022 Horror Preview on the site.  Enjoy the first UNMASKED Red River Horror podcast!

Joe and Eddie took some time off...but, have no fear.  The return of the RRH podcast means that "they're here" with you this week, and will be on pod and on VIDEO next week.  Thanks for tuning in!

Are YOU going to watch the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre?  Joe and Eddie play "Watch It/Don't Watch It" with the new TCM and some other horror flicks that will be released in the month of February.  "Watch It/ Don't Watch It" will be a new segment on the podcast, and we kick it off with the perfect movie.

It's part two of two in Red River Horror's series highlighting The Second Age of Aquarius, and Darren Smith (Repo! The Genetic Opera) was kind enough to talk about the new flick -- and so much more.  Smith co-wrote the film AND wrote the soundtrack.

Do you believe it's taken more than two years for Joe and Eddie to interview the Philly Chick herself -- Brooke Lewis Bellas?  Well...it was worth the wait. Lewis, the Scream Queen from Philly also known to some as Ms. Vampy, provides a deep frontline perspective into the business of making movies, while also promoting her latest role as Tawny Stevens in the forthcoming film The Second Age of Aquarius.  Aquarius starts streaming on all of your favorite platforms on February 11, 2022.   This episode is dedicated to Don Wilson, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of The Ventures, who passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Scream 5 (simply titled Scream) is the franchise's return to the big screen.  This latest installment  is the first film in the series without horror legend Wes Craven in the director's chair and that prompts Joe and Eddie to explain what Ghost Face, Sidney and the gang mean to them.  Is SCREAM perhaps the best franchise in the slasher subgenre of horror? What does SCREAM mean to you?

While 2021 provided some wonderful scares, it's onward to 2022!  Movie theaters are open again, and while Candyman, Jigsaw, Michael Myers, Godzilla and Kong had their first-run streaming debuts last year, Ghost Face will make her (or his) return to the big screen this year!   Let the new year of horror BEGIN!

Merry Christmas!  Joe and Eddie talk about some scary (and not so scary) horror flicks surrounding the holiday season.

The Red River Horror team are all HUGE fans of the 1984 classic Ghostbusters.  With a so/so sequel that Gen X hates, a 2016 reboot that most everyone (except for kids) hates -- how does Ghostbusters: Afterlife fare?  Joe and Eddie share their thoughts.

Red River Horror's Joe Z. and Eddie C...did not like Halloween Kills.  But, that's OK!  They've given it more than a month to marinate before sharing their thoughts publicly.  While many Halloween fans enjoyed Kills, episode 67 of the RRH podcast roasts the latest installment of the franchise. 

There's a new type of haunted attraction, and it can be found right in Red River Horror's home city of Philadelphia, PA.  RRH podcast host Joe Zakrzewski (@RedRiverJoe) got to experience it -- all alone...in a secret location right here in the City of Brotherly Love.  Welcome to Joe's tale of Spektra Pulse's UNRAVEL; an immersive horror experience.

The Audio-streams continue down the Channels of Fear as Eddie Caiazzo catches up with with audiobook narrator Jennifer Knighton on her latest release Rock & Roll Nightmares: Along Comes Scary: '60s Edition Short Stories.  Why is Eddie's favorite number 27 so important?  Find out in the music, humor and horror from musical horror tales set in the 1960s!

Joe Zakrzewski and Eddie Caiazzo speak frequently about music on the Red River Horror podcast.  This week, they enlist the help of Melissa Caiazzo to formulate the perfect song selection for spooky season.  But, this isn't your typical Halloween playlist.  This episode gets into songs ranging from Halloween radio classics, movie themes and soundtracks, genre artists and much more.