SlashBack Cinema
Technically a horror podcast. Actually, a time machine. Remember the video store horror section? The sleepover dares? The practical effects that grossed us out? SlashBack Cinema is two Gen X dads going back — humor, nostalgia, trivia, and the scenes, memories, and VHS-era oddities that made them unforgettable
Spookies (1986): Emergency Protocol... Is This the Worst Movie We’ve Ever Seen?
Happy Halloween folks!! This week we watched Spookies 1986...
There’s bad.
There’s so-bad-it’s-good.
And then there’s Spookies.
We tried to review it normally. That lasted about ten minutes.
So instead, we activated Slashback Emergency Protocol and tried to answer one simple question:
What the hell did we just watch?
Two movies stitched together. A plot that barely exists. Random monsters everywhere. Farting muckmen.
And somehow, that’s not even the weirdest part.
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Lair of the White Worm (1988): Fangs, Bagpipes & Pure Ken Russell Insanity
Giant snake gods. Four-inch fangs. Psychedelic religious hallucinations. A strategically deployed mongoose. Hugh Grant with a six-foot sword. And Peter Capaldi somehow producing both bagpipes AND a grenade when the situation demands it.
Welcome to Ken Russell’s Lair of the White Worm a movie that starts weird and just keeps going.
This week on SlashBack Cinema, Ryan and Shanny descend into one of the strangest corners of 1980s British horror. We talk folk horror, questionable vampire rules, wildly over-the-top practical effects, a monster partially built from a Volkswagen Beetle, and Amanda Donohoe’s gloriously unhin...
Phantasm II (1988): Bigger Guns, Golden Balls & Chainsaw Mayhem
Nine years after Phantasm introduced us to the Tall Man, killer silver spheres and an army of hooded alien dwarves, Don Coscarelli came back with a bigger budget and apparently one guiding principle: more.
More guns. More explosions. More balls.
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we hit the road with Mike and Reggie as they chase the Tall Man through abandoned towns, suspiciously elaborate mausoleums and enough plot holes to swallow a ’71 Plymouth ’Cuda.
Along the way, we dig into the insane practical effects, a real house they bought just to blow up, the g...
Evil Dead 2 horror...or comedy?
Ryan calls it the greatest horror comedy ever made. Shanny says it's basically a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon filmed with terrifying commitment. Somewhere between the possessed hand, Henrietta's basement hijinks, gallons of mulit color blood, and Bruce Campbell absorbing more physical punishment than any actor should, they try to answer the question.
Episode Highlights:
Why horror fans are still split on Evil Dead 2 The Warner Bros. cartoon theory Freddy Krueger's hidden glove Sam Raimi's mom's car Stabby ScoresSend us Fan Mail
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Lifeforce (1985) | Space Vampires & Peak 80s Sci-Fi Horror
If you've ever been in a toxic relationship with a space vampire, this is the episode for you.
This week on SlashBack Cinema, Ryan and Shanny tackle Lifeforce (1985), Tobe Hooper's gloriously unhinged sci-fi horror epic that somehow combines space vampires, psychic powers, zombie outbreaks, alien bats, Patrick Stewart, and the end of the world into one movie.
What starts as a mysterious mission to Halley's Comet quickly spirals into apocalyptic chaos as an otherworldly energy vampire arrives on Earth and turns London into a nightmare. Along the way we discuss Canon Films' biggest gamble, why...
The Wicker Man (1973) | Is This the Citizen Kane of Horror?
If you need to get away from it all… Summerisle is waiting.
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we head back to 1973 to break down The Wicker Man a folk horror classic that trades jump scares for slow-building dread… and delivers one of the most unforgettable endings in horror history.
What starts as a simple missing person case quickly turns into something far more unsettling, as a devout Christian police officer finds himself trapped in a world of pagan rituals, strange traditions, and a community that’s hiding something big.
Spoilers ahead and trust us, thi...
They Live (1988) OBEY. CONSUME. PUT ON THE GLASSES.
“We’re here to chew bubblegum and podcast… and we’re all out of bubblegum.”
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we finally put on the sunglasses and take a hard look at They Live the 1988 cult classic where a drifter, a shotgun, and a pair of cheap shades are all you need to expose an alien-controlled society.
Neither of us had fully seen this one going in… which might explain a lot.
We get into:
• The most famous line that completely outgrew the film
• That insane six-minute alley fight that just… keeps going
•...
The Stuff (1985) You Ate It. It Ate You Back.
Everyone's eating it. Nobody knows what it is. Nobody cares. This week on SlashBack Cinema, we're grabbing a spoon and digging into The Stuff (1985), the cult horror where a mysterious dessert turns America into willing victims. It's a movie about capitalist consumption, addiction, and how easy it is to sell people exactly what destroys them. We get into the wild premise, the practical effects, the 80s weirdness that makes it unforgettable, and why this one hits harder now than it ever did.
You ate it. It ate you back
yEELEAaRz5D3ssy9P3Z...
Poltergeist (1982): Suburban Hell, Real Skeletons, and Peak Gen X Trauma
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we channel Poltergeist...the suburban nightmare that made every flickering TV feel like a portal to hell.
We dig into the behind-the-scenes madness (yes… those were real skeletons), the Steven Spielberg vs. Tobe Hooper debate, and why this movie still hits decades later, even if some of the effects are hanging on by a thread.
Plus: Gen X trauma unlocked, questionable parenting decisions, and our retro 80’s Trivia focused this week on TV shows from the 1980’s
They’re here… and so are we.
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Piranha (1978): This Movie Bites! Killer Fish and Summer Camp Chaos + Retro Trivia
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we head into the water with Joe Dante’s Piranha (1978) the scrappy Jaws-inspired cult classic where genetically engineered killer fish turn a quiet river into an all-you-can murder buffet. Ryan and Shanny break down the fishy action, the wild B-movie energy, and why this cult favorite still bites.
Special guest Jeff Wilson joins the conversation, and we wrap things up with another round of 80s retro trivia to test your VHS-era memory.
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C.H.U.D. (1984) The 80s Sewer-Dweller Toxic Waste Cult Classic
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we head into the New York City sewers to revisit C.H.U.D. (1984)—aka Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers. We break down government cover-ups, toxic waste, 80s paranoia, and why this scrappy cult horror classic still has serious VHS-era bite. Is it a creature feature masterpiece…or radioactive nonsense? We give it the Stabby Score and find out.
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My Bloody Valentine (1981): The Slasher That Ruined Valentine’s Day
In this episode of SlashBack Cinema, we revisit My Bloody Valentine (1981)—the Canadian slasher that proved Valentine’s Day is a terrible time to throw a party. Set in the mining town of Valentine Bluffs, the film follows the bloody legend of Harry Warden, a pickaxe-wielding killer with a flair for the dramatic, heart-shaped candy boxes and extremely personal murder notes.
This one is Quentin Tarantino's favorite slasher, and we ask the real question: does My Bloody Valentine earn its cult status—or is it just coasting on vibes, gore, and too much Valentine's Day candy...
House (1985) Haunted House Chaos, Interdimensional Closet Demons & The Greatest American Hero
The Greatest American Hero, a haunted house, Vietnam flashbacks, and some of the strangest creature effects of the 80s collide in House (1985). We revisit this horror-comedy cult classic to see why its chaos, charm, and VHS-era weirdness still hold up.
Be sure to check out YouTube for our new podcast video format:https://www.youtube.com/@SlashBackCinema
And please do consider becoming a supporter of our show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419299/support
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Flatliners (1990): Because Med School Wasn’t Scary Enough + Retro Trivia
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we flatline with Flatliners—the glossy 90s thriller where med students stop their own hearts to see what comes next… and don’t love what follows them back (including small children who beat the snot out of you). We discuss the killer cast, iconic scenes, and why this near-death cult classic is still remembered decades later.
Also in the episode, we've got a retro trivia segment! Play along and let us know how you did.
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Silent Night Deadly Night (1984) Santa trauma & One Naughty Kill Count
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we ask the question: Ho ho ho? Or no no no? we unwrap Silent Night, Deadly Night, the controversial 1984 Christmas slasher that turned mall Santas into horror icons. From Billy’s childhood trauma and religious guilt to infamous kill scenes, protest-fueled marketing, and a body count that launched a franchise, we break down what still works, what absolutely doesn’t, and why this film refuses to stay buried under the tree.
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Christmas Evil (1980) – Yuletide Horror & Cult Legacy
What happens when you really commit to being Santa?
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we unwrap Christmas Evil (1980) a grimy, slow-burn (or is it no-burn??) holiday horror film that exposes the dangers of embracing your inner Santa. Naughty, nice, or completely feral… this is one weird seasonal trip. We unpack its unsettling themes, peculiar character choices, and how this overlooked gem became a cult favorite plus what makes it uniquely creepy in the Christmas horror subgenre.
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Night of the Creeps (1986) Why This Cult Sci-Fi Horror Still Rules
Alien slugs, zombie frat boys, and Tom Atkins dropping scorched-earth one-liners. This week Shanny and Ryan pop in the cult classic Night of the Creeps. Don't forget to bring your flamethrower! Listen in as we explain the movie’s wild concept, its standout scenes, and why it refuses to die among ’80s horror fans.
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Hack-O-Lantern (1988) When a Pumpkin-Obsessed Grandpa Runs a Satanic Cult
Get ready for Hack-O-Lantern (1988) A schlocky, satanic, headbanging mess packed with awkward family moments, cheap cult rituals, and enough bad acting to fill a pumpkin patch. It’s Halloween horror at its most wonderfully awful. Shanny and Ryan ask the question - How did this ever get made?
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Uninvited (1987) So bad, it's good...A surprising horror comedy
Hey Slashers - you're officially invited to join SlashBack Cinema as we dig into 1987’s shlock-tastic horror oddity Uninvited!
Not to be confused with Uninvited (2024), The Uninvited (2025), The Uninvited (2009), or even The Uninvited (1944). Nope...this is Greydon Clark’s 1987 mutant cat classic where the horror is questionable, but the unintentional comedy is off the charts.
Bonus: we’ve got a special guest riding along for this one!
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Happy Birthday to Me! (1981) Private Schools, Shish Kebab Skewers, and Peak Slasher Logic
Sharpen those skewers--it's time to celebrate with one of the most infamous slashers of the early '80s! In this episode, we slice into Happy Birthday to Me (1981), the Canadian cult classic known for its bizarre kills and wild plot twists.
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The Amityville Horror (1979) ft. Weirder After Dark!
This week, we’re packing up the moving truck and heading to the most infamous house on Long Island—The Amityville Horror (1979). But we’re not braving the flies, ghostly voices, and bargain-priced real estate alone! Joining us are Sean, Cathy, and Chris, the hosts of the podcast Weirder After Dark, and they're bringing their spooky expertise to the mix. We’ll sift through the jump scares, over-the-top acting, and that unforgettable swarm of flies to ask: is Amityville a horror… or a snooze?
Be sure to check out the first half our conversation and the true story of t...
Zombie (1979) Worm-Eye Gore & Peak VHS Exploitation
Summer aint over yet..join us for a tropical getaway for Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (1979) (or Zombie Flesh Eaters and also know by many other names) — the infamous Italian horror classic that brought us zombie shark-fighting, and eye-popping gore done with italian style. Join us as we break down the atmosphere, outrageous effects, and why this one still stands as a high-water mark of Euro horror.
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Slumber Party Massacre (1982) Power Tools, Pizza, and Subversive Slashers w/ guest Margot Harrison
Grab your popcorn and lock the doors, because we’re drilling into Slumber Party Massacre (1982)! And this episode’s extra special—we’re joined by film critic Margot Harrison for some killer insights. You won’t want to miss it!
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An American Werewolf in London (1981) Horror Alchemy. The Perfect Blend of Horror & Comedy
A backpacking trip gone horribly wrong, lycanthropy, and London mayhem — in this episode, we unpack the legendary transformation scenes, epic lore, and pitch-black humor of An American Werewolf in London. Bloody good time guaranteed.
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Pumpkinhead (1988): The Revenge Monster Classic – Recut Edition
We're officially on vacation, but here's a surprise for listeners! We pulled out one of our earliest episodes and George Lucas'ed it! New edit! Fresh audio clips! Same Slashback!
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Friday the 13th (1980) The One That Started a Thousand Sequels
This week, we head to Camp Crystal Lake to unpack the movie that launched a thousand slashers (and at least a dozen sequels). Grab your sleeping bags — and maybe a machete or perhaps a bow and arrow.
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SlashBack - Summer break!
SlashBack is taking summer break and going bi-weekly for July!
We’re off to the beach… probably to get stalked by something with a machete.
No new episode this week, but don’t worry—
We’ll be back next week with more cult classics, blood-soaked nostalgia, and VHS-fueled chaos.
In the meantime:
Catch up on past episodes
Rewatch Sleepaway Camp or Friday the 13th
Don’t go skinny dipping after dark
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Sleepaway Camp (1983) - Watch out for the Bees and the Most Shocking Ending in 80's Horror
Pack your bags and prep your pranks—we’re heading to Sleepaway Camp, where the kills are creative, the counselors are clueless, and the ending still shocks decades later.
Also, be sure to check out the killer podcast Weirder After Dark:
https://linktr.ee/Weirderafterdark?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacb58SlIkqPOtEtm4rckEx4s9vxiSPvBmIgAme6-VdtunrMtRR_izps5_a_rQ_aem_Vgjqf6QPjClPw5sBZsNt3Q
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Phantasm (1979) Dream Logic, Other Dimensions and a Film that Refuse to Explain Itself
Evil dwarves, deadly spheres, and one creepy mortician — we're exploring Phantasm (1979)! Is it a dream? A nightmare? Or something worse?
Tune in for our take on the Tall Man, and why this bizarre cult classic still haunts us.
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House (1977) Sureal Pop Art Horror That Broke Every Rule
A piano eats a girl. A head bites a butt. A cat shoots lasers from its eyes.
Welcome to the bonkers, beautiful chaos that is HOUSE (1977), the Japanese horror masterpiece that defies logic and embraces madness.
You may never be the same after seeing this movie.
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Night of the Demons '88 vs '09 - Epic Demonic Showdown
This Tuesday, an epic demonic battle not to be missed - it's 1988's Night of the Demons vs. 2009's Night of the Demons. Only one film leaves alive. Join Shanny & Ryan for this demon double header.
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Jacob's Ladder (1990) Under Your Skin and Stuck There for Decades + Retro Trivia Battle
Jacob’s Ladder (1990) – A descent into madness, memory, and the meaning of life.
This one shook us then—and it still hits hard. We may need a chiropractic adjustment with Louis after watching this one.
BONUS - SPECIAL TRIVIA GUEST THIS WEEK! Our good friend Kevin joins us for an epic head-to-head trivia battle. Grab the popcorn!
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The Lost Boys (1987) - Peak 80's Vampire Cool
This week on SlashBack Cinema: The Lost Boys (1987)
Leather jackets. Sax solos. Vampire mullets. We're heading to Santa Carla for one of the coolest, bloodsucking cult classics of the ‘80s.
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Suspiria (1977) Color Soaked, Logic Free, and Beautiful as Hell
Witches, whispers, stained glass, and a Goblin score that refuses to chill— Dario Argento’s surreal masterpiece Suspiria is a sensory overload of color, chaos, and cult horror history.
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Stephen King's Silver Bullet (1985) The Only Man Ready for This Werewolf? Gary Busey
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we head to small-town Maine for Stephen King’s Silver Bullet (1985)—a coming-of-age werewolf story packed with fireworks, fog, and a fully unleashed Gary Busey.
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Swamp Thing - Double Feature! Swampy Campy Comic Chaos
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we’re wading deep into the bayou for a Swamp Thing double feature — reviewing Wes Craven’s 1982 classic and its gloriously campy sequel Return of the Swamp Thing (1989)
Check out these amazingly cheesy clips!
The Incredible Hulk Meets Thor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYb0XZbHzVY&ab_channel=JoBloMovieClips
The Captain America Pilot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmZFhPcepnA&ab_channel=JoBloSuperheroes
The Dr. Strange pilot:
https...
Chopping Mall! - Where shopping costs an arm and a leg!
Attention Shoppers: This week, SlashBack Cinema takes you on a one-way trip to the Chopping Mall (1986)—the only 80s horror movie where killer security robots in a shopping mall make perfect sense!
See you in the food court!
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Tremors - Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and Hearty Side of Giant Worms
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we head to Perfection, Nevada for 1990’s Tremors— a creature feature throwback packed with desert chaos, underground monsters, and side of Kevin Bacon. Grab your elephant gun - it's Graboid hunting time!
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Anna and the Apocalypse (rerelease) PLUS A NEW QUIZ!
A new edit of our December conversation about Anna and the Apocalypse from 2017. Spoilers aplenty!
Plus: a brand new quiz about 80s music! Let us know if you get them all!
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The Parenting (2025) Meet the Parents, But Make It Demonic
This week on SlashBack Cinema, we’re breaking format to sink our teeth into The Parenting (2025)—HBO's brand-new horror comedy that nods to the horror and horror comedies of the 1980s.
With a killer cast, demonic family drama, and just the right amount of camp, The Parenting channels the chaotic charm of retro horror while delivering something fresh and funny.
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