17 thoughts on “Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 005: The Monster Problem, $5 Bargain Bin Gas Station Horror Movies, and Weekend Horror VHS Rentals From the Local Video Store”

1. I think you’re the first person I’ve ever heard reference Lacey Chabert as being the girl from Lost in Space. Typically, it’s either Party of Five (From when she was younger) or Mean Girls (When she was older) that she gets far more attention for.

   I saw Thirst probably around the time it came out on DVD. Especially at the time, I was really into survival horror and actively seek out any of them, whether it’s surviving nature (Thirst), some sort of animal (Black Water), or a combination of the two (Frozen). I remember it being decent enough. It’s the sort of movie that I don’t know if it’s actually “Good”, but for an one time watch, it’s well worth it.

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   • You know, I actually have never seen Party of Five, and when I have watched Mean Girls (a fun flick), I can only ever seem to notice Rachel McAdams… After seeing how naturally she seems to play the role in Mean Girls and her wicked character in Midnight in Paris (I have dated girls like that, by the way), then it makes me wonder if Rachel wouldn’t be nothin’ but trouble… ha ha But yeah, having just revisited Lost in Space recently (on VHS!), that’s the role that sticks with me for Lacey Chabert.

     I’m amazed (and impressed) that you saw Thirst. I didn’t even know it existed, so it was truly an exciting find on the bargain bin rack! I love Black Water, too. I wish I could erase parts of my movie memory and re-watch the Survival Horror films I love “for the first time.” Backcountry has been on my mind a lot lately. I’d love to experience that movie again from a blank slate.

     I have a physically strong reaction to those kinds of films. By the way, have you ever seen “Open Water 2: Adrift”? It is one of my all-time favorite Survival Horror / Perishable Predicament films. The predicament that the characters find themselves in strikes me as something that could truly happen to someone like me. One of my favs, and the inclusion of a baby makes that film work like a charm!

     Thanks for listening and for your comment, Sal.
     -J

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     • Mean Girls is great. The title and the poster makes it seem as if it’s just a movie geared towards teenage girls, but there’s some great dark humor and play on society that allows it to be a more modern, yet not as dark Heathers. It’s one of the most quotable movies of the 2000s. I use Mean Girls gifs in multiple DMs. haha

       The one potential problem with survival horror movies is that I don’t know how well they hold up on rewatches. With most of these movies being centering around a lack of activity while the characters know their best chance of survival is to initially just stay put and either way for help to come or for the threat to leave, it eventually builds up into having to actively seek out reaching help before they perish. That means there’s not a whole lot that’s actually going on in the movie, but when you’re first watching it, you never know when something may happen.

       Case in point, Open Water. I loved that movie the first time I saw it in 2004, but when I re-watched it again in 2016, it didn’t hold up as well. It’s still one of the better shark movies, but I only gave it a 7/10.

       Yeah, I saw Open Water 2 back in 2007. It was okay. I’ve never understood your stance that it’s such a great movie with all of your mentions of it. The fact that there is a lone baby on the boat and its parents are forced to hear its cries does add a lot of emotional impact to the threat, but it’s not anything more than some average survival horror film. I could probably do with a re-watch just to further figure out my feelings though.

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       • Yep. I must admit that I agree with you 100 percent about the sub-genre of Survival Horror movies not holding up as well upon revisiting them. Most of their inherent appeal has to do with the unknown. If a Survival Horror movie drums up any suspense, it is accomplished with all the questions we don’t know:

         Will any of these characters survive this ordeal, and if so, which ones? What solutions will they try? Which characters will die and how? Just to name a few…

         But you’re absolutely right, Sal, once you know how everything will unfold, much of the appeal is lost with repeat viewings.

         Even so, I guess I’m like a junkie — always chasing that high. And in fact, the first time I watch a Survival Horror flick (even a middling one like “Thirst”), I am extremely enthralled and emotionally involved. I would even go so far as to say that some of my most intense reactions to movies have come from this genre.

         And with Open Water 2: Adrift, I think I experience an intense sense of empathy for the characters, where I get drawn into the situation as if I’m in that predicament myself. Maybe not everyone experiences those emotions the same way (maybe they do). But with Open Water 2, I just feel the sense of frustration and desperation of being stuck down in the water and only being a few feet out of reach with the deck of the boat and the helpless, vulnerable baby. -J

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         • With the success of Netflix’s Black Mirror – Bandersnatch, it occurs to me getting an interactive survival horror movie could be incredibly fun. It would greatly increase the rewatch value as the next time you watch it, you won’t know if your new decisions will result in the same results.

           With most survival horror movies being pretty low budget, the best chance of it holding up on rewatch, by just being well made enough that the emotional impact is always there, is pretty minimal. It’s not quite a survival horror movie, but The Descent manages to only get better with each watch because there’s such great emotion.

           You may have sold me on giving Open Water 2 a rewatch. Worst case scenario, I hate it, but I’m able to trash you for it. haha

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           • Actually, that’s a great idea! In fact, just recently I watched Bear Grylls’ “You vs. Wild” on Netflix (it’s an interactive, choose your own adventure version of Man vs. Wild), and it worked on my family exactly the way you described here! ha ha We would tell Bear Grylls to do “the wrong thing,” just so we could see all the scenarios play out. I dig it! -J

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2. Hi Jason,
   Firstly, my condolences and prayers to your family. It’s always difficult to lose someone and you never know how it’s going to impact you until you are going through it. Often, it affects a person more profoundly than one might expect.
   Obviously, I loved this episode and appreciate your responses to my questions. I also love that you included additional information on how to communicate using this Website along with the voicemail number. I have been considering my experiences in the video rental store and will look to share that with you via voicemail.
   I have also subscribed using the link via Paypal. Is there a way to donate funds outside of a subscription in specified amounts that the user can determine? It would be nice to support your efforts further. I appreciate how you recorded this episode in sections, sometimes from your vehicle while on break. I think this is great. You are making the most out of your time and the audio was okay. You can tell the difference between environments, but I did not find it to be distracting at all.
   I’ve been listening to past podcasts on MPN and in one of the episodes (Joel is doing a great job filling in for you), you did give some clarity on “The Village”, whereby you argued that the story is more of an allegory centered around overprotective parents who want to protect their children by shielding them from life’s dangers, which could end up doing more harm than good and all the pitfalls from such endeavors. This is a relevant premise, however the whole movie’s journey follows a horror trajectory and you don’t know if the monster is real until the very end of the movie. This is supposed to be the “twist” of this film, but it fails because of all the suspense that is built throughout the entirety of the picture. All that suspense needs to lead to a payoff that effectively gives weight to all that hand-wringing, so when we find out that it’s all a ruse, you can’t help but feel disappointed. I would have preferred either a real monster or an open-ended interpretation. Even with this ending, it’s still a very enjoyable film to watch. I do look forward to hearing more about this.
   Also, I just listened to the bonus episode on Cujo. I remember this being one of my favorite Stephen King books, but somehow, I missed the film adaptation. It’s really sad when the boy dies in the end of the book. Apparently, they both survive in the film. I found the sound bites in the show so intense. Dee Wallace’s reactions were so compelling, that I am purchasing the Cujo blu ray from Olive Films. This edition contains a new commentary from director Lewis Teague and a new transfer, which has been well-reviewed. However, I am kind of envious of this new Eureka edition for the UK: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/cujo-limited-edition-set/ , releasing April 29th.
   Unfortunately, it’s a UK exclusive and region B locked, but Eureka loaded this release with lots of great new supplements, but the transfer appears to be from the Lionsgate 25th anniversary edition.
   The point is, you were able to convince me to purchase Cujo based on the podcast and I can’t wait to see it.
   This is so awesome that you have Considering the Cinema, so that the people that appreciate your work can still hear you and continue to engage in your outputs.
   Thanks so much and God bless,
   Sean

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   • Hi Sean,
     Thank you for the condolences. What you wrote was exactly what I experienced: “…you never know how it’s going to impact you until you are going through it. Often, it affects a person more profoundly than one might expect.” So true. You’re an insightful man.

     And I’d love for you to call in and leave a voicemail about your video store experiences. Just be aware I think Google Voice has a two-minute time limit. (You could also just record an audio file on your smart phone, if you prefer, and email it to me.) I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

     Thank you so much (genuinely) for supporting my work through PayPal. (It’s a hobby, but it does have some expenses.) And because of your inquiry, I have added a second PayPal button to the website: There is the $2 recurring “Subscribe” button and a “Donate” button for anyone who would like to set the amount. Thanks again for your support. I’m truly grateful.

     I also appreciate the feedback about the format and recording of this episode. Sometimes I can capture lightning in a bottle and get some in-the-field recordings that inspire me.

     Yes, Joel is doing a great job on HMP. He’s exceptionally talented and the perfect person to host in my stead. I’m so happy he agreed to do it. I know HMP is in great hands with Joel, Josh and Dave.

     I love the feedback you’re giving about “The Village.” I saved what you wrote and added it to my show notes agenda for my episode on “The Village.” I can’t wait to delve into your excellent comments.

     I hope you heard our HMP episode on “Cujo” (the one where I say the movie is about betrayal about 1,000 times), rather than our Movie Podcast Weekly audio commentary, where Josh, Andy, Karl and I take a stab at trying to contribute a running discourse alongside the film. Josh and I were earnest and tried our best, but if you’re familiar with Andy on MPW, then you know what to expect… ha ha Either way, thanks for listening. “Cujo” is both my favorite “Beastly Freak” film and my favorite Siege Narrative! But please, let me know what you think of it when you see the film. (And thanks for including those details about the Olive Films Blu-ray and the Eureka edition. The region stuff makes me so sad. I understand why they do it, but I’ve been trying to see the Horror flick “Livid” for years now — and I even have the Blu-ray — but I can’t watch it due to region incompatibility.)

     Anyway, thanks for giving this three-hour episode a listen, and thanks for writing!

     Sincerely,
     Jay

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3. Hi Jay – I hope you and your family are doing OK.

   Thanks for this focus on the horror genre (my favorite, too)! Once again, you have shone the spotlight on a couple of movies I have never seen. I’m going to check out “Thirst.”

   BTW, your “in-the-field” audio sounds great.

   Best,
   VV

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   • Hi Victor!
     Thank you. We’re doing great. And yes, I don’t think I could continue “considering the cinema” without still spending a significant amount of time thinking about Horror. It “draws” me back. (Does it do that to you, too?) Sometimes I wonder if it only attracts *some* people… I hope to someday understand my obsession with it.

     And thanks for the feedback on the field audio. I’m glad it’s passable. That’s good to know. Oh, and feel free to send me a Horror flick recommendation or a topic you’d like me to tackle, Victor. And thanks for listening to my hobby show and leaving a comment. Means a lot!

     Sincerely,
     -J

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   • You know, Victor, after writing my previous comment — only a few minutes later — I had this insightful experience:

     I listened to this very sad news story about that 5-year-old *Crystal Lake* boy, AJ Freund, who was found dead in a shallow grave after being murdered by his parents: https://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-year-aj-freund-believed-found-dead-shallow/story?id=62598919

     That’s when I remembered what Horror cinema does for me. It inoculates me through its fictitious tragedies, atrocities and sorrows so I can withstand the real-life Horrors of this world. It’s almost like Horror movies encase me in a harder, more protective shell, so I can have some degree of callousness against heartbreaking events like this little boy’s pitiful life. (All I can think is that his bastard parents should be taking him to see “Avengers: Endgame” this weekend! That’s what I’m doing with my little son…)

     I think that’s why most people in my life are shocked and confused by my love of the Horror genre: I’m such a sensitive person, they can never understand how I can tolerate Horror movies. But in truth, it is precisely that sensitivity that makes me “need” them. They help me to cope and they help to strengthen me. (Sorry I went all Jack Handey on you there…)

     Victor, we’re “off the edge of the map, Mate. Here there be monsters…”

     -J

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     • This is great insight (like usual)!

       Horror *does* hold a perennial appeal for me, especially these days where we get a handful of amazing horror movies every year.

       Likewise, for me the genre has always been a safe lens to view and examine the tragedies of the world, like what happened to poor AJ Freund, yet from a safe emotional distance. Going to see horror movies was also a bonding experience for me and my friends in high school. Later in life, after I had worked on a few movies, I loved the genre and wanted it to succeed purely because so many dismissed it or wanted it to fail. Everyone loves an underdog, and horror is my favorite breed.

       It’s funny. Clive Barker and Stephen King are two horror mavens I’ve met that were shockingly positive, upbeat, friendly, hard-working people. I guess being well-versed in the genre like they are (or we are) gives them an edge over their inner darknesses, whatever they may be. Maybe even an edge over external darknesses in the real world….

       Stay edgy.

       Best,
       VV

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       • You know, as a “part-time professional podcast producer” for many different types of communities, I’ve been able to correspond and interact with probably seven to 10 different audiences (currency traders, autism parents, etc.). And though many of those communities are lovely, I was shocked to discover that the kindest, warmest and most charitable community was — by far — the Horror community… I think that happens because we’re frequently processing and coping with that incessant fear of our inevitable demise… Ah, mortality.

         I was watching a cool little After Dark Horror flick during my lunch hour today (review to come soon), and something occurred to me: So many of these stories begin very similarly: A group of young people, in the bloom of their lives, endeavor to enjoy themselves as they sort out their various insecurities and occasional bouts of discontentment. But then everything goes south for them, and as the stakes lean toward life-or-death circumstances, the young co-eds’ previous complaints melt away instantaneously in insignificance… In other words, you no longer care if you’re going to get that new apartment in the city when you’re now worrying about taking your next few breaths.

         So, then I wonder, why do we enjoy this sort of setup so much? Surely it is overly familiar and even repetitive for us by now… Well, I think it’s because most of our lives are a microcosm of this same model. I don’t mean to sound cynical or dismal (I’m actually having quite a sunny day today), but I think many of us often end up disappointed. Our life circumstances usually pan out — eventually — but our highest, fondest hopes are rarely realized as we had planned. And I think watching Horror stories helps us to keep our gratitude in perspective. “I didn’t win that scholarship, but at least I’m not being sawed in half by Leatherface.” At least, that’s how it works for me. Thanks for writing Vicious Victor! You’re a gentleman and a scholar.
         -J

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4. Hi, Jay,

   Here’s some positive feedback and constructive criticism which you seemed to want/ask for during this episode, the first “long” one and the first in which you delve into your true love of horror, even if you pretend you don’t want to always be all horror all the time.

   The Frankenstein-ian nature of this episode was totally fine as was the audio quality in the car. I also didn’t mind the 30-minute-or-so rambling reviews as, after all, we downloaded a 3 hour podcast! Buy the ticket, take the ride as some smart person once said.

   I felt you were explaining aspects of the horror podcast community you were worried some of your listeners may not be familiar with — recommendation standards, review and rating parameters, what a bargain bin gem is — but to be honest most of the people following you know you from the horror podcast world. I’d expect this isn’t the newcomers’ first rodeo, and hey, there’s a thrill to being thrown into the deep end and having to keep up. Not that you’re way deep in inside jokes or arcana, just don’t worry about the newbies so much.

   That said it was a treat to hear you at length again, relaxed and able to record chunks in the car. Gotta love the commitment to expressing yourself. And I also LOVE finding those $5 racks in out-of-the-way places. They’re becoming rarer. Even my local Walmart seemed to have gotten rid of their big round cardboard bin last time I visited.

   And I’m 100% with you on the lack of “commitment” when watching something on Netflix. I hate how easy it is to just shift to the next title if something’s not grabbing you. I grew up when you had to drive to a theatre, park, wait in line (if the producers were lucky enough) and watch a movie you paid for, staying way longer than you might because if you left, you had money and time you’d wasted. Now I even prefer DVDs because there’s a commitment to having put the object into the player, sitting down and getting through the menus.

   We’ve heard this said about music but it’s true of DVDs as well: the key art is very important. What it tells us the movie’s gonna be, what the taglines suggest, and you get a visual and a physical “memory” of seeing it. I’ve often watched films on Netflix and because there’s no physical “memory” of having watched it, no key art on a box I had in my hand or next to my remote, no words to read on the back, no “click” of the disc going into and out of the plastic spool, I can’t remember the titles. “You know, the one with the girl and she’s being stalked. There’s a killer, the camera is kinda handheld… Something about ‘deadly’.”

   Anyway, keep up the good work. Nice to hear you’re doing well. R

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   • Hi Roger!

     I love it. Thanks for taking the time to leave some feedback. You get me. I do tend to lean toward Horror (or at least disturbing movies) most of the time. I will admit that I go through phases where I’m “hungrier for Horror” than at other times. I’m definitely in one of those hungry phases right now. That genre is heavy and often dark, so I think it’s natural and human to want to “come up for air,” so to speak.

     I like that you mentioned the Frankenstienian nature of this episode. That’s also in my bones. Way back on The Weekly Horror Movie Podcast, we would review four random, unrelated movies that the hosts would choose for one another. But even before that, way back in 2011 on Planet Macabre, Episode 007 (if you know that show — it was Dr. Shock’s first podcast), they did a Frankensteinian sort of show where they just reviewed five new releases. I love the freedom of that format.

     For the next Horror-centric episode (which will probably be my upcoming Episode 007), I’m going to try mostly shorter reviews, so I can talk about a lot more films. I have already recorded a couple of long-form reviews that were bumped from Episode 005, but most of them will be quick.

     I take your point and see what you’re saying about explaining in more detail what I was doing. You’re absolutely right. Most people who listen to this show, at least initially, will be familiar with my antics. I won’t be giving so much preface and explanation in future episodes. I’m always torn because every podcast episode you release ends up being *somebody’s* first time listening, so there are always newcomers who are lost. But I like what you said about being thrown into the deep end, which is why going forward, I’m planning to keep any of my prefaces down to one sentence. That’s for weighing in on that. I think you’ll prefer my brief approach in the upcoming episodes.

     Yeah, what’s happening with Walmart? Part of me worries that they will be phasing out DVDs (now those bins are $3.74), and then we’ll just have Blu-rays and 4K. I hope they’re not phasing out DVDs… And with the migrating away from whatever you’re streaming on Netflix within the first 20 minutes, one could potentially miss out on great films that find their footing. Imagine: What if someone gave up on “From Dusk Till Dawn” only 20 minutes into it, the first time watching it? It would be a travesty… (I love the beginning of that film, too, but I’m just saying, someone might be looking for Horror out of the gate.) Yes, it’s all about maintaining our commitment to the cinema through the beloved formats of physical media.

     Wow, I never thought about it, but I bet you’re right! Perhaps that’s why the other day I completely forgot that I had seen and reviewed “A Lonely Place to Die.” It was probably because I streamed it! I liked the film. It’s OK. Even has some memorable aspects, but I had no recollection of it. So, either you’re right or I’m getting senile…

     Anyway, thanks for your insights and thanks for weighing in.
     -Jay

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5. Finally got around to listening to the last episode. Great job. I agree that “The Village” is a masterpiece BUT “Alien Resurrection” sucks and Jordan Peele’s “Us” is easily a 10/10. Brilliant. Keep it up, Jay. It is great to hear you again.

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   • Pastor Matt!
     You and “The Gray Man” just made my entire week! I just listened to a great voicemail from Greg, and then I saw your comment immediately afterward. Thanks for giving Considering the Cinema a listen. I have a poster of “The Village” hanging in my office at work, and I’m happy to report that the people who comment on it have positive things to say. (The people who hate it probably don’t comment at all. Maybe that’s why only half my co-workers mention it.)

     You know I respect your opinion, and I trust your insights, Pastor Matt, so let me ask you a sincere question about “Alien: Resurrection.” You’ve heard me say this, but if this movie weren’t titled “Alien” or affiliated with the “Alien” franchise, would this be a fun film to you? I’m serious. I can’t help but think people are just holding it up to the very high bar of “Alien” and “Aliens” standards. And yes, by those standards, it pales in comparison. I can understand why some people get ticked off with “The Village.” When things aren’t always what they seem, many people feel frustrated by that misdirection, the bait-and-switch, the pulling the rug (a la “April Fool’s Day”). But I genuinely can’t understand the ire for “Alien: Resurrection.” I really want to know. ha ha Help me understand.

     And I’m glad you liked “Us.” I’m hoping that when I revisit it, now that my expectations are tempered and in proper alignment, I will appreciate it even more the second time.

     Thanks for writing, Pastor Matt! I really appreciate you.
     Sincerely,
     Jay

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