A commemorative kickoff exploring why Miss Congeniality endures. We revisit Gracie Hart’s fearless wit with Sandra Bullock, alongside Michael Caine’s memorable training turn, Benjamin Bratt’s impeccable chemistry with Bullock and more fun supporting turns from Ernie Hudson, Candice Bergen, William Shatner, Heather Burns, Melissa De Sousa, Steve Monroe, Deirdre Quinn, and Wendy Raquel Robinson that allows each performer to shape the humor, heart, and energy of the film’s broader universe.
Joining in for this discussion is Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind podcast to help us revisit why Miss Congeniality continues to bring joy to fans as one of Bullock’s signature comedies.
Links for Guests: Release Date Rewind Podcast
Marking the film’s 30th anniversary, this episode revisits Heat’s opening heist through its final standoff. We unpack why Michael Mann’s crime drama remains essential viewing and how Al Pacino and Robert De Niro anchor a sprawling ensemble, including Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Amy Brenneman, and Ashley Judd, among others. We explore Michael Mann’s meticulous production design, LA as a character, and the meticulous pacing that keeps Heat tactile and immersive—featuring insights into how the film’s cast brings those pages to life. We also explore the coming together of two screen legends navigating duty, honor, and obsession in a film built around restraint as much as firepower. We break down the chemistry between Pacino and De Niro, and how it became the cornerstone of the film’s marketing campaign. Joining in for this discussion is Dustin Rybka, one of the new co-hosts of our upcoming spinoff, and he helps dive into why Heat is still considered one of the best movies of its kind 30 years later.
Welcome to this week’s cinematic briefing, where the headlines span mega-mergers, superstar news, and the return of familiar frights. We dive into reports that Netflix could be acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, ahead of Paramount’s hostile bid this week, and what a deal like that might mean for theatrical releases, theatrical windows, streaming, content strategy, and the competition. Quentin Tarantino’s candid takedown of Paul Dano sparks a conversation about auteurs, legacy, and the heat of Hollywood buzz. Scarlett Johansson lands two high-profile roles—The Exorcist and The Batman Part II—prompting discussion about genre crossovers and career trajectories. We also hear chatter about Christian Bale eyeing a role in Heat 2 and what that could mean for a crime saga revival. Paramount is pushing ahead with a live-action TMNT, while rumors swirl about a Rush Hour 4 tied to surprising sources. A new Paranormal Activity is in the works with James Wan producing, signaling another scare-filled chapter. Rounding out the episode, we preview trailers for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, A24’s Mother Mary, Obsession, and How to Make a Killing.
In this episode, we place Predator: Badlands within the Predator universe, examining what Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison bring to the table and how Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi anchor the story. We compare the film’s approach to the original and newer installments, discuss its tonal shifts, and debate whether it signals a new direction for the franchise. We also discuss the setup, the mood, and the film’s bold visual language, plus what to watch for in the action and scares. If you’re curious about the tone and teaser moments, this is the episode for you.
Get ready for a deep dive into the making of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge as it marks its 40th year. We explore the film’s production, legacy, and how director Jack Sholder and writer David Chaskin shaped a chapter of the Elm Street saga that became a cult classic due in large part to its homoerotic themes and subject material. We reflect on how the film may have been misunderstood 40 years ago but has garnered a larger reassessment as it stands for something bigger within the horror genre. Joining in for this discussion is JC of mercwiththemovies who offers up considerable insight about this divisive second entry of the franchise. With performances from Mark Patton, Kim Myers, and Robert Rusler, plus Robert Englund’s chilling presence as Freddy Krueger, discover why A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge is a worthy entry of the franchise.
Links For Guests: MercWithTheMovies
Where To Watch A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge
Movie News Roundup — A fast-paced intro to the week’s biggest film headlines, from Sydney Sweeney’s PR problem to Heat 2 finally moving forward with director Michael Mann and Leonardo DiCaprio possibly being attached, plus the official title and release date for The Social Network II, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. We also get an Ocean’s 14 Update with George Clooney teasing a new chapter in the heist franchise. We map out potential plots and possible casts while we also dive into the news about Bradley Cooper starring opposite Margot Robbie in a new Ocean’s 11 prequel. We speculate on tone, era, and how this would fit into the beloved franchise universe. In addition, we dive into Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler being in talks for Joseph Kosinski’s take on Miami Vice. We explore how a modern reboot could reinterpret the Miami underworld and style for today’s audiences. Nostalgia junkies will also love the news about Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz being rumored to return in a fourth installment of The Mummy franchise as well as Gremlins 3 landing a 2027 release date with Chris Columbus directing. We also take a look at the exciting announcement that Tom Ford has set a bold new project with an all-star cast. We forecast stylistic choices, potential genres, and where this film could fit in Ford’s auteur catalog following his last film in 2016. We then wrap things up with movie trailers for Scream 7, Marty Supreme, The Housemaid, Primate, Toy Story 5 and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Did you miss the news? Because we sure missed bringing it to you!
Clueless at 30: A Modern Classic Revisited. Step into Beverly Hills 1995 and discover how Clueless turned into a timeless phenomenon. We set the table for a 30th-anniversary celebration, outline the themes that endure, and discuss why Clueless still sparkles today. We unpack the beloved relationships and standout moments—Cher and Josh, Dionne and friends, and the ensemble that sparks both romance and humor. A character-by-character look at how chemistry, banter, and misfires propel the story. With compelling writing and direction from Amy Heckerling and a standout cast that includes Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Dan Hedaya, Donald Faison, Elisa Donovan, Jeremy Sisto, Breckin Meyer, Justin Walker, and more, special guest David Parke and Gaius of Back To The Blockbuster explore why Clueless remains a timeless classic and a coming-of-age teen comedy masterpiece.
In this episode of our Tales of Horror series, we dive into REC, the Spanish found-footage zombie classic from Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza, starring Manuela Velasco. Join us as we unpack its claustrophobic tension, documentary-style realism, and the film that helped redefine modern horror. We also discuss how REC differs from its American remake, Quarantine, and why it stands taller of the two films. Packed with analysis, this is a must-listen for fans of fear-on-film.
An indie horror origin story and a deep dive into the making of Shelby Oaks, the indie film produced by Paper Street Pictures and distributed by Neon. Joining us for this discussion is Cameron Burns, a producer on the film via Paper Street Pictures, and Ty Ippolito, soon to be one of the co-hosts of the upcoming BTTB spin-off, The Movie Vault.
In this episode, we explore the premise, the behind-the-scenes hurdles, and how a dedicated team brought an ambitious vision to life on a modest budget.
Directed by Chris Stuckmann and starring Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David and Sarah Durn, among others, learn how Shelby Oaks went from crowdfunded Kickstarter sensation, to being distributed by Neon and making its mark on independent filmmaking.
About Cameron Burns:
A founding member of the boutique production company Paper Street Pictures, Cameron is a graduate of the film department of Full Sail University. He worked various crew positions on multiple Central Florida productions before moving to Austin, and has co-written (and produced) several feature films including CAMERA OBSCURA, SCARE PACKAGE, SCARE PACKAGE II: RAD CHAD’S REVENGE, and THE PALE DOOR.
Currently the Head of Development at Paper Street Pictures, Cameron has produced and
developed a slate of films that include the Alicia Silverstone vehicle THE REQUIN, Lucky McKee’s OLD MAN, SORRY ABOUT THE DEMON, TRIM SEASON, A CREATURE WAS STIRRING, BLOOD RELATIVES, and the Independent Spirit Award nominated THE ARTIFICE GIRL, among others.
Most recently, Cameron produced the upcoming film SHELBY OAKS from director Chris
Stuckmann and Executive Producer Mike Flanagan, releasing in October via Neon. He is also the co-host of the popular movie themed podcast LATE TO THE PARTY.
Join us as we dive into Takashi Miike’s cult classic Audition, a chilling fusion of romance and nightmare from 1999. We explore how Miike crafts a deceptively calm setup that unfolds into one of Japanese horror’s most infamous knife-edge reveals. We discuss performance masterclass from Ryo Ishibashi and Eihi Shiina, the film’s unsettling atmosphere, and its lasting impact on the genre. If you’re curious how a slow-burn premise can explode into pure terror, this episode is for you.
This episode in our Tales of Horror series centers on the characters who haunt Elm Street, from Nancy’s legacy to the new dream-warriors who take up the fight in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. We highlight Heather Langenkamp’s enduring heroine Nancy Thompson, Patricia Arquette’s breakout energy, and Robert Englund’s chilling and iconic Freddy Krueger. We also examine how the film gives space to a diverse ensemble, including Craig Wasson, Ken Sagoes, Rodney Eastman, Jennifer Rubin, Bradley Gregg, Ira Heiden, Laurence Fishburne and Penelope Sudrow—while weaving in the returning favorites such as John Saxon. Director Chuck Russell, with inspiration from Wes Craven’s original dream logic and Frank Darabont’s storytelling craft, crafts a nightmare that remains a touchstone for the genre. From the dream-world rules and inventive death sequences to the film’s legacy in horror cinema, this episode covers what made Dream Warriors a fan favorite and a turning point in the series.
Where To Watch A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
In this latest episode of our Tales of Horror series, we unpack the psychological horror of Possession and power as it unfolds in this chilling 1981 tale. We explore how Andrzej Żuławski’s unsettling direction and Frederic Tuten’s literary echoes converge to blur the line between fear and fascination.
With insights into performances by Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani, we dissect the film’s uneasy atmosphere, its themes of obsession, and the anatomy of a haunting that lingers long after the credits roll.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?!? Join us for a special Tales of Horror episode in celebration of Se7en’s 30th anniversary. We dive into David Fincher’s dark, groundbreaking thriller from 1995, scripted by Andrew Kevin Walker and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. We explore how the film’s rain-soaked cityscape, meticulous craftsmanship, and audacious narrative reshaped the thriller genre. From its relentless pacing and unforgettable visuals to its thematic obsession with the seven deadly sins, we dissect what makes Se7en endure as a modern horror classic. We'll also look at behind-the-scenes stories, the performances that defined a generation, and the film’s lasting influence on pop culture, style, and storytelling in cinema. Joining in on this discussion is one of the co-hosts of our upcoming spin-off, The Movie Vault, Ty Ippolito, who is ready to share his knowledge and love for this classic serial killer thriller. Whether you’re revisiting the crime-scene-forensics vibe or discovering it for the first time, this episode invites you to unpack the artistry, controversy, and lasting bite of Se7en.
A suspenseful dive into a dinner party gone ominously wrong. Will attends a reunion that promises closure but delivers something far more disturbing. Directed by Karyn Kusama with a screenplay by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, this psychological horror-thriller packs its runtime with a tight atmosphere, unsettling conversations, and a creeping sense of dread. Featuring performers including Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman, and a stellar supporting cast, The Invitation probes the fragility of interpersonal relationships when confronted with grief, grief’s echoes, and the lure of a perfect, though perilous, reunion.
This episode in our Tales of Horror series presents a chilling deep-dive into “The Vanishing” (1988), a masterclass in psychological suspense from director George Sluzier. We explore how a seemingly ordinary morning spirals into a nightmare of perception, obsession, and vanishing hope, anchored by haunting performances from Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets and Johanna ter Steege. We unpack the tightrope walk between dread and plausibility, and the film’s enduring questions about fate, memory, and the human psyche. Featuring insights into the screenplay by Gene Bervoets, and a look at how The Golden Egg motif threads through the story, this episode reveals why The Vanishing remains a benchmark in psychological thrillers. Tune in for scene analyses, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and a discussion of the film’s legacy in horror cinema.
Where To Watch The Vanishing (1988)
Dive into the chilling world of “Prom Night” (1980), a quintessential slasher that still clings to the psyche with every creak of a gymnasium floor and every whispered rumor of a killer in the halls. In this episode, we unpack how director Paul Lynch crafts suspense through tight pacing, moody lighting, and a creeping sense of inevitability. We explore standout performances by Jamie Lee Curtis and Leslie Nielsen, and how the film balances teen drama with grisly murder. Join us as we trace the threads of Casey Stevens, Eddie Benton, Mary Beth Rubens, Michael Tough, Anne-Marie Martin, and Joy Thompson, uncovering the masked terror that stalks a group of high school friends on prom night. We discuss iconic scenes, the film’s influence on the late-70s/early-80s slasher boom, and what makes “Prom Night” endure as a late-night fright favorite.
Joining in for this discussion of slasher movie terror is Dustin Rybka, the newest member of the Back To The Blockbuster team as one of the co-hosts of the soon to be released spin-off, The Movie Vault! Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a horror-curious newcomer, prepare to relive the fear and the fascination of a night you’ll never forget."
Links For Guests: Dustin Rybka
This episode dissects Alexandre Aja’s remake of The Hills Have Eyes, exploring what makes it both faithful to and different from Wes Craven’s 1977 original. We discuss the updated setting, the intensified atmosphere, and the new practical effects that bring the ghastly inhabitants to life, courtesy of talent like Greg Nicotero and his team. Listen as we break down standout performances from Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, Vinessa Shaw, and Emilie de Ravin, and how actors such as Dan Byrd, Robert Joy, and Billy Drago contribute to the terrifying dynamic. Joining in for this spooky good chat are Alex and Dean of the Return Revenge Resurrection podcast and they’re ready to go all in on one of the most underrated horror remakes to emerge out of the craze that began with 2003’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Get ready for a special look at behind-the-scenes decisions, scares, and the film’s lasting impact on horror remakes.
Links For Guests: Return Revenge Resurrection
Where To Watch The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
In today’s episode, we break down the biggest movie news headlines, from Fede Álvarez not returning to direct Alien: Romulus, to Superman reportedly netting $125 million in theaters. We also explore The Conjuring: Last Rites' record-breaking global opening, and David F. Sandberg’s new Amityville project. Plus, a look at Scary Movie 6 with Anna Faris and Regina Hall returning. We cap it off with a glance at upcoming trailers: The Housemaid (Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried), Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, The Rip with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, The Smashing Machine, and Anniversary starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, and Dylan O’Brien.
In the first episode of our annual Tales of Horror series, we dive into John Landis’s iconic 1981 horror-comedy, “An American Werewolf in London.” Join us as we explore how this groundbreaking film stitched together raucous humor, visceral horror, and mournful tragedy to redefine the modern werewolf myth. We breakdown the chemistry between stars David Naughton and Jenny Agutter, the unforgettable performances of Griffin Dunne and John Woodvine, and the practical mastery of makeup artist Rick Baker that earned the movie its legendary status. From the youths’ fateful trek across the English moor to transformation scenes that remain some of cinema’s most grotesquely luminous moments, we discuss how Landis balances scares with sympathy, humor with heartbreak, and fate with humanity. We also examine the film’s production history, its influence on later horror-comedy, and the enduring legacy of its creature design. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the film for the first time, this episode unpacks why An American Werewolf in London continues to haunt and delight audiences decades later.
Where To Watch An American Werewolf in London
In today’s episode, we break down the loudest headlines from the world of film and pop culture. Dive into trailer drops for Black Phone 2, a fresh look at Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, and explorations of titles like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, A House of Dynamite, Bugonia, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Good Boy, Marty Supreme, and Shelby Oaks. We also discuss major industry moves: the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow announcement, Street Fighter shifting from Sony to Paramount, Will Smith’s first-look deal with Paramount, Jordan Peele’s next project shifting off the 2026 schedule, the Star Wars: Starfighter cast reveal, Pedro Pascal joining Todd Haynes’ gay romance film after Joaquin Phoenix’s exit, and rumors of a Weapons prequel in development.