Episode 176 - SCREAM 2

Sequels suck! Or do they? That's just one pillar in the tantalizing metatextual framework of Scream 2, a sly, sneaky, savage whodunit that builds upon the foundation of its trope-savvy predecessor. The redux uses a wealth of suspenseful setpieces and hilariously knowing dialogue to create a fine-tuned cinematic ouroboros that's always several steps ahead of audience expectations.

Daren Sprawls inexplicably returns from our first encounter with the Woodsboro gang to discuss the commodification of horror violence, debate the relative merits of movie sequels, and go deep on another soundtrack of eclectic '90s tunes. 

Scream 2 (1997)
Directed by Wes Craven
Produced by Cathy Konrad and Marianne Maddalena
Written by Kevin Williamson
Starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jerry O’Connell, Jamie Kennedy, Timothy Olyphant, Elise Neal, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jada Pinkett, Omar Epps, Liev Schreiber, and Laurie Metcalf

Episode 175 - RETURN TO OZ

If you thought tin men and flying monkeys were strange, let me tell you about Return to Oz, a film that doubles down on the inexplicable whimsy of L. Frank Baum's beloved books and the unrestrained darkness that pervaded children's fantasy films during the 1980s. It's nightmare fuel delivered with a sprightly, wholesome spirit. It's also a marvel of practical effects with enough imagination and offbeat humor to enthrall a whole new generation of weirdos.

Thank goodness we've brought our friends Brian Rudloff and Nate Tapp along to share their thoughts about uncomfortable creature suits, traumatizing imagery, and the dangerous truth about eggs. Join us as we embrace the odd in our journey back to Oz. After all, it can't be helped now!

Return to Oz (1985)
Directed by Walter Murch
Produced by Paul Maslansky
Written by Walter Murch and Gill Dennis
Based on The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Starring Fairuza Balk, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark, Denise Bryer, Sean Barrett, Brian Henson, and Nicol Williamson