Rotten Horror Picture Show

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda are going back to the beginning of one of horror cinema’s most legendary eras with The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)! Directed by Terence Fisher and starring Peter Cushing as the brilliant but morally bankrupt Victor Frankenstein and Christopher Lee as the Creature, this landmark film helped launch Hammer Film Productions into horror superstardom. With its vivid color photography, gruesome scientific experiments, and decidedly less sympathetic take on the classic monster story, The Curse of Frankenstein changed the game and paved the way for decades of Gothic horror. So join Clay and Amanda as they crack open the laboratory doors and examine the movie that helped make Hammer Horror a household name! Now, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: I understand the difference between Frankenstein and the monster. I know Frankenstein is the doctor. I know the Creature is the one lumbering around the countryside looking for people to murder. I have absolutely no problem with that distinction. My problem is the name. Is it Frankenstein? Or is it Frank N. Stein? Because I’ve spent my entire life hearing people say “Frankenstein,” and every time I hear it, I picture some guy named Frank who has somehow managed to acquire the surname Stein. Like, was there a Frank Stein who lived in Germany and got really good at science? Did he have a brother named Gary Stein who worked in accounting? Was the whole thing a family business? And if it’s Frank N. Stein, what does the N stand for? Nathaniel? Norman? Nobody seems to know! Everyone just accepts that this man has a name that sounds suspiciously like a pun, and nobody asks questions. I’ve tried looking into it, but the more I investigate, the more confused I get. Mary Shelley wrote the book, James Whale made the famous movies, and Hammer came along in 1957 to show us that a mad scientist could be even more unpleasant in Technicolor. But nowhere in all this history can I find a satisfactory explanation for whether we’re dealing with a proper German surname or a man whose parents thought they were being clever. And frankly, I’m tired of living in uncertainty. So join Clay and Amanda for The Curse of Frankenstein , the movie that kickstarted the Hammer Horror boom. We’ll talk about Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and the legacy of this Gothic classic. And if anyone knows whether Frank N. Stein is a real person, please write in. I need closure. And make sure to follow this year's journey through franchise sequels over on Patreon at patreon.com/thepenskyfile !

The countdown to Crystal Lake continues on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast ! As Clay and Amanda prepare to cover the new series, they’re bringing another installment of their Friday the 13th Patreon series to the main feed. This week, it’s Friday the 13th Part 3 from 1982, the glorious third chapter in the slasher franchise that finally gave Jason Voorhees his iconic hockey mask. So before we return to Camp Crystal Lake for the new show, join Clay and Amanda for a look back at the movie that helped turn Jason into the horror icon we know today! Now, I know what you're thinking. Why are we bothering with Friday the 13th Part 3 ? Isn't it just another dumb slasher sequel? Isn't it basically the same movie as the first two, except now Jason has a hockey mask? And to that I say: have you ever listened to Van Halen III ? Because I understand what it's like to love something that the rest of the world considers an embarrassing mistake. I know what it's like to stand alone in a room full of people who insist that the earlier entries were better. People tell me 1984 is a classic. They tell me 5150 is a great record. They tell me Gary Cherone sounds like a man who wandered into the wrong recording session and nobody had the heart to ask him to leave. And I tell them they're missing the point. Is Van Halen III a terrible album? Yes. Is Friday the 13th Part 3 a ridiculous movie? Absolutely. Both are bloated, weirdly paced, and full of decisions that make you wonder whether anyone involved was paying attention. But both also have something their critics refuse to acknowledge: they're the third installment, and sometimes the third time really is the charm. Friday the 13th Part 3 gives us the hockey mask. Van Halen III gives us... well, a lot of keyboards and a nearly seventy-minute cry for help. But I love them both, and I refuse to apologize. So join Clay and Amanda for Friday the 13th Part 3 as we gear up for Crystal Lake . And remember: if you can accept Jason wearing a hockey mask, you can accept Eddie Van Halen making an album with Gary Cherone. Actually, no. That's asking too much. But I'll keep trying.

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda are letting the winner of their recent horror movie trivia game choose the next film for them to cover! The winning selection? Lamberto Bava’s 1985 Italian horror classic Demons , a blood-soaked nightmare about moviegoers trapped inside a theater with some particularly unfriendly monsters. It’s the perfect movie to get the gang back together for another round of screaming, splattering, and wondering why anyone would ever go to a movie theater again. So settle in, horror fans, because this week we’re celebrating trivia, terrifying Italian cinema, and the questionable judgment of people who choose to watch movies about evil movies. And speaking of things that deserve more attention, can someone please explain to me what happened to Nostradamus? I’m serious. Where did he go? In the 1990s, Nostradamus was EVERYWHERE. You couldn’t turn on the television without some guy in a black turtleneck explaining how a 16th-century French astrologer had predicted the end of the world, the rise of some terrible dictator, or possibly a particularly nasty storm in New Jersey. Books about his prophecies were flying off shelves. Documentaries were devoted to his every cryptic utterance. People were absolutely losing their minds over quatrains that sounded like they’d been written by a fortune cookie that had suffered a nervous breakdown. And now? Nothing. Nobody cares! We’ve got podcasts about murder, documentaries about ghosts, and endless television shows about whether aliens built the pyramids, but where is Nostradamus? Where are the ominous reenactments? Where are the actors whispering vague predictions while lightning flashes behind them? Where is the dramatic narrator asking if an obscure 16th-century poem could have predicted the events of next Tuesday? I LOVE that stuff! I want to believe that some French guy who died nearly five hundred years ago knew everything that was going to happen. I want to hear about his predictions until I’m too frightened to buy groceries. Instead, society has abandoned him. Frankly, it’s disgusting. So while Clay and Amanda discuss Demons , I’ll be wondering whether Nostradamus predicted the decline of his own pop-culture relevance. And if he did, I hope he left us a clue about when we’ll finally get another prime-time special about him. Because the future is terrifying, and I’d much rather hear about it from a dead Frenchman.

The countdown to Crystal Lake is officially underway on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast ! With the upcoming series set to return audiences to the world of Camp Crystal Lake, Clay and Amanda are preparing by digging back into the franchise’s history. And what better way to get ready for Crystal Lake than by bringing one of their Friday the 13th Patreon episodes to the main feed? This week, they’re releasing their discussion of Friday the 13th Part 2 from 1981, giving everyone a chance to revisit the movie that introduced Jason Voorhees as the franchise’s signature killer before Clay and Amanda begin their coverage of the new show. But while Clay and Amanda are getting ready to spend more time at Camp Crystal Lake, there’s one person who wants absolutely nothing to do with the place—and it has nothing to do with Jason. They’re afraid of camping because there are no soda vending machines. You can tell me about the beautiful scenery. You can tell me about swimming in the lake, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, sleeping under the stars, and enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. I don’t care. Where is the vending machine? At home, if I want a cold soda, I walk twelve feet to the refrigerator. If I’m out somewhere, there’s probably a vending machine within visual range. But at Camp Crystal Lake? You could wander for miles before finding one, and even then it’s probably broken. And what happens when you finish your last soda? You’re just supposed to drink water? WATER?! That’s not camping. That’s punishment. So while Clay and Amanda prepare to return to Camp Crystal Lake for Crystal Lake , grab yourself a cold soda and join them for Friday the 13th Part 2 . Because Jason Voorhees may be hiding in the woods, but the real horror is realizing you’re three miles from camp and your Dr Pepper is gone. And make sure to follow all the sequel shenanigans with Clay and Amanda over at patreon.com/thepenskyfile

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where this week Clay and Amanda take on The Wailing , the acclaimed 2016 Korean horror mystery that has earned a spot at #3 on Rotten Tomatoes’ Best Horror Movies of All Time list . Directed by Na Hong-jin, this sprawling, unsettling nightmare follows a small-town police officer investigating a series of bizarre illnesses, violent incidents, and increasingly disturbing supernatural events after a mysterious stranger arrives in the area. It’s creepy, atmospheric, occasionally darkly funny, and packed with enough ambiguity to keep you questioning what you’ve actually witnessed long after the credits roll. It definitely had me questioning what I'd just witnessed, that's for sure! You see, I had certain expectations of what I'd be in for with this one. Maybe not immediately. Maybe the movie would start with some mysterious Korean fisherman staring dramatically out at the ocean. Maybe eventually we'd get a majestic humpback breaching through the mist. Perhaps the supernatural evil would turn out to be some enormous demonic whale. I was open to anything! But no. Not a single whale. In fact, as far as I could tell, there weren't even any fish . None! Do you know how disappointing that is? You give a movie a title like The Wailing and then completely ignore the aquatic possibilities? That's like making a movie called The Howling and not including a single wolf. Oh, wait. And sure, Clay and Amanda have plenty to say about the film's disturbing atmosphere, religious imagery, mysteries, supernatural elements, and deliberately confusing narrative. They'll probably spend the episode examining every suspicious character and trying to determine what's really happening. Meanwhile, I'll be sitting here wondering where the damn fish are. Still, even without marine life, The Wailing sounds like an incredible horror experience, and if Clay and Amanda can help me understand why this movie is so highly regarded, perhaps I'll forgive its unforgivable lack of whales. But I won't forget. The Wailing deserved at least one whale. And be sure to follow Clay and Amanda as they run down their list of horror sequels over at patreon.com/thepenskyfile !

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where Clay and Amanda are getting ready for their upcoming coverage of Crystal Lake by bringing some classic slasher mayhem back to the main feed! Before they dive into the new series, they’re opening up the vault and releasing their previously Patreon-exclusive episodes covering the Friday the 13th franchise. That means hockey masks, summer camps, creative kills, questionable decisions, and enough teenage counselors wandering into dark woods to make you wonder how Camp Crystal Lake ever passed an inspection. Now, I know everybody says Friday the 13th is the scary day. But I’ve never bought into that. Friday the 13th? Whatever. I can handle it. You want to put a hockey-masked murderer in the woods on Friday the 13th? Fine. I’ll stay home, lock the doors, and maybe watch something cheerful. But Thursday the 12th? Now that is terrifying. Think about it. Thursday the 12th is when you realize Friday the 13th is coming. You wake up Thursday morning and everything seems normal. You go to work. You eat lunch. You go about your business. But in the back of your mind, there’s a little voice whispering: “Tomorrow.” Tomorrow is Friday the 13th. That means Thursday the 12th is basically the opening act. It’s the ominous footsteps outside the cabin. It’s the mysterious phone call. It’s the part where you hear something downstairs and decide to investigate despite having absolutely no reason to do so. And that’s why I’m much more interested in Clay and Amanda’s Friday the 13th coverage. They’re looking back at the franchise just in time to prepare everyone for Crystal Lake , exploring the movies, the mythology, Jason Voorhees, and all the glorious nonsense that made the series a horror institution. So listen closely, because this is your chance to get caught up before Crystal Lake arrives. Just remember: Friday the 13th may have Jason, but Thursday the 12th has anticipation . And anticipation is where the real terror lives. And be sure to follow Clay and Amanda in their coverage of horror sequels over at patreon.com/thepenskyfile !

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into the stone-cold horror classic Dracula from 1931! Starring Bela Lugosi as the legendary Count Dracula, this foundational Universal monster movie helped establish the look, mood, and mythology of the cinematic vampire for generations to come. Clay and Amanda are here to talk about Lugosi’s iconic performance, Tod Browning’s direction, the gothic atmosphere, and all the creepy, atmospheric business that made this movie an essential piece of horror history. Now, I was very excited when I heard the podcast was covering Dracula . I thought, finally, someone is giving the world the horror experience it deserves. I got myself prepared. I put on some Rob Zombie, turned the lights down, and started imagining what kind of cinematic madness we were about to get. I figured there’d be dark roads, sinister machinery, possibly some witches, and definitely a tremendous amount of screaming. Frankly, I was ready for a good time. Then I started watching the movie and realized something had gone terribly wrong. They meant Dracula. I thought they meant “Dragula.” Do you have any idea how disappointing that is? I spent the entire movie waiting for somebody to start burning witches and digging ditches . I kept expecting a monstrous hot rod to come roaring around the corner. Instead, I got Bela Lugosi in a cape standing around Transylvania, hypnotizing people and drinking blood. That's not what I ordered! Where are the ditches? Where's the screaming guitar? Where's the music video? I suppose I should have figured it out sooner. The lack of industrial metal (or any music at all) should've been my first clue. Still, Clay and Amanda are here to explain why Dracula is such a stone-cold classic, and I’ll admit, Bela Lugosi is pretty damn good. Maybe not “Dragula” good, but pretty damn good. So settle in for a trip back to 1931 and one of horror cinema’s most important films. Just don't blame me when nobody digs through the ditches. And be sure to join Clay and Amanda as they cover franchise sequels over on Patreon at Patreon.com/thepenskyfile!

Welcome to a special edition of The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where Clay and Amanda have done something truly shocking: they have left the comfort of their homes and ventured into the legitimate theater to see the new Paranormal Activity stage play. That’s right—actual actors, a real stage, a live audience, and presumably at least one person coughing directly into their hand before touching every surface in the building. Clay and Amanda report back from their theatrical expedition to discuss the experience of seeing one of horror’s biggest found-footage franchises transformed into a live performance. How does Paranormal Activity work when the audience is sharing the room with the supernatural? What happens when the scares unfold in real time? And is there anything more frightening than buying refreshments at a theater? Personally, I wouldn’t know, because I refuse to attend the theater. Not because I’m afraid of ghosts. Ghosts are incorporeal. They don’t need legroom. They can float anywhere they please. No, I’m afraid of the seats . Those tiny, narrow, judgmental little chairs with armrests positioned approximately one inch from your kidneys. You’re expected to sit there for two hours while your knees attempt to tunnel through the back of the seat in front of you. And don’t get me started on the armrest situation. Is it mine? Is it theirs? Why is the stranger next to me breathing? I came here for a show, not a hostage negotiation. So while Clay and Amanda discuss supernatural happenings onstage, I’m wondering whether they managed to survive the most terrifying aspect of live theater: the intermission sprint to stretch your legs. Ghosts can knock pictures off walls. Demons can slam doors. But have they ever spent an evening wedged between two complete strangers in Row G? I doubt it. Join Clay and Amanda for this special Paranormal Activity theater report, as they bring the stage experience directly to you—allowing you to enjoy the horror from the comfort of your own chair, which, hopefully, was designed for a human body.

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the greatest vampire films of the 21st century: Let the Right One In . The acclaimed 2008 Swedish horror drama blends coming-of-age heartbreak with icy Scandinavian atmosphere, telling the story of a lonely young boy who befriends an equally lonely girl who just so happens to be a vampire. Clay and Amanda explore the film's delicate balance of tenderness and terror, its unforgettable performances, and why its quiet, snow-covered approach to horror has made it a modern classic. It's a film about loneliness, friendship, and the monsters that sometimes make the best companions. But before we get into all that... I have one question. Let the right what in? The title just... stops. It's like someone got distracted halfway through naming the movie. Let the right one in? The right one what? Person? Vampire? Contractor? Pizza delivery guy? I need specifics here. Imagine if every movie did this. The Thing. The thing what? It Follows. It follows who? The Blob. The blob... okay, that one's actually pretty clear. I've spent years thinking maybe there's some invisible word everyone else can see. Every time someone recommends this movie, they say, "Oh, you've gotta watch Let the Right One In ," and I have to stop myself from asking, "Let the right one in... where?" Your house? A nightclub? IKEA? The title raises far more logistical questions than it answers. Thankfully, Clay and Amanda are here to clear things up. They dive into the film's themes of trust, isolation, and what it truly means to invite someone into your life—or your home, which, as vampire movies have repeatedly warned us, is generally a decision worth thinking through. So join them for a discussion of this haunting masterpiece. And if, by the end of the episode, someone could finally explain what exactly we're letting in, I'd really appreciate it. It's been bothering me for eighteen years.

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the defining horror films of the 1970s: The Omen . Richard Donner's chilling classic follows diplomat Robert Thorn as he slowly realizes that his adopted son Damien may not just be a troublesome child, but the literal Antichrist. Along the way, there are mysterious deaths, creepy priests, prophetic photographers, and one of cinema's all-time great scores by Jerry Goldsmith. Clay and Amanda unpack the film's lasting legacy, its influence on religious horror, and why The Omen remains every bit as unsettling nearly fifty years after its release. Now, there's one thing that's always bothered me about this movie. Everyone keeps talking about the "Hounds of Hell" like they're some horrifying, unspeakable evil. Have you seen the dog? That is an adorable animal! Big floppy ears, shiny coat, excellent posture. Who's the good infernal boy? You are! Yes, you are! The characters keep reacting like, "Dear God, it's the Hound of Hell!" Meanwhile, I'm over here wondering if he's accepting belly rubs. Honestly, the poor thing gets a terrible reputation just because of where he's from. If he were called the "Friendly Neighborhood Dog of Moderate Concern," everyone would be lining up with tennis balls. Sure, he bares his teeth a little. Sure, he occasionally appears in graveyards and helps usher in the apocalypse. Nobody's perfect. My uncle Larry once ruined Thanksgiving by microwaving fish, and we still invite him over. Clay and Amanda, thankfully, spend their time discussing the film's genuinely terrifying atmosphere, Damien's unsettling presence, and why The Omen has become such a cornerstone of supernatural horror. I'll be listening closely... while quietly wondering if someone remembered to pack a few dog treats. Because I don't care if you're from Heaven, Earth, or the fiery pits of eternal damnation—every good dog deserves a scratch behind the ears. Even if he does technically work for Satan.

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast ! Things are a little different this week, as Amanda is out of town, leaving Clay to hold down the fort all by himself. But don't worry—he's not completely alone. Joining him are two longtime friends of the show, Grim Santo, proprietor of the horror-themed bakery Grim Delights , and Listener Kyle, who will no doubt remind everyone that he is the "co-creator" of The Rotten Horror Picture Show —a claim that is enthusiastic, persistent, and, as always, entirely non-legally binding. Together, the trio square off in a heated game of Horror Movie Trivial Pursuit , testing their knowledge of slashers, monsters, sequels, and obscure genre minutiae in an episode that's equal parts competition and chaos. Now, I have to admit something: I've never understood the appeal of trivia games. Everybody gets so excited to answer questions they either already know or don't know. Where's the suspense? Where's the giant wheel? Personally, I've always been a Wheel of Fortune person. Spin the wheel! Buy a vowel! Hope you don't land on Bankrupt! That's entertainment. On Jeopardy! they're all standing there pretending it's perfectly normal to answer every question with another question. If I went to the grocery store and the cashier said, "That'll be $42.17," and I replied, "What is forty-two dollars and seventeen cents?" they'd ask me to leave. So while Clay, Grim, and Kyle are battling over horror trivia, I'm over here wondering why nobody's trying to solve "R _ B E R T E N G L U N D" for a new dining room set. Grim can sweeten the competition with haunted pastries from Grim Delights, Kyle can continue campaigning for official co-creator status, and Clay can try to keep the whole thing on the rails. Me? I'll be at home hoping someone wins a lovely trip to Aruba... preferably without having to answer who directed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre first. Be sure to check out Grim's dark delights over at https://www.grimdelights.shop/ And follow Clay and Amanda down the rocky road of horror sequels at patreon.com/thepenskyfile

Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , where this week Clay and Amanda set sail for one of the strangest, most influential horror films of the 1930s: Island of Lost Souls , the classic adaptation of H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau . Starring Charles Laughton as the delightfully unsettling Doctor Moreau, the film tells the story of a remote tropical outpost where science has gone horribly, horribly wrong. Human-animal hybrids roam the jungle, strange laws govern the land, and civilization is hanging by the thinnest of threads. Clay and Amanda dig into the film's legacy, its pre-Code weirdness, and why it remains one of the most fascinating monster movies ever made. Now, before we go any further, I need to address something that's been bothering me. Is it really an island ? Everyone keeps calling it an island. The title says it's an island. The characters say it's an island. But has anyone actually checked? What if it's a peninsula? Has anyone gotten out there with proper surveying equipment? Because if there's even a narrow strip of land connecting it to a larger landmass, then the whole thing falls apart. We'd have to call it Peninsula of Lost Souls , and frankly, that doesn't have the same ring to it. Think about it. People arrive by boat. That proves nothing. Plenty of people arrive at peninsulas by boat. The Florida Keys get boats all the time. Nobody's calling Miami an island. Meanwhile, Clay and Amanda are discussing horrifying beast-men, forbidden science, and Charles Laughton chewing scenery like it owes him money, while I'm stuck wondering about coastal geography. Is there a map? Have we seen satellite imagery? I know satellites didn't exist in 1932, but surely someone has checked by now. Anyway, whether it's an island, a peninsula, or some third category of landform science hasn't discovered yet, Island of Lost Souls remains a horror classic. Join Clay and Amanda as they explore one of cinema's earliest and strangest nightmares. And if anyone has a topographical survey of Moreau's property, please send it immediately. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to check out this month's extra-special patreon episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda are giving listeners a special sample of their Patreon sequel coverage with a deep dive into the gloriously chaotic Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Directed by Joe Dante, this sequel takes everything from the original Gremlins and cranks it to absolute cartoon insanity—mutant gremlins, fourth-wall breaks, satire of corporate America, and enough anarchic energy to short-circuit an entire skyscraper. Clay and Amanda unpack why Gremlins 2 has gone from misunderstood oddity to beloved cult comedy, and how Dante basically used a studio sequel to make fun of studio sequels. Now, personally? I’ve always felt the Gremlins films could stand to be a little more topical. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a tiny green monster hijacking a cable access show as much as the next person, but where are the gremlins discussing modern infrastructure concerns? Where’s the scene where a gremlin spreads misinformation online? Why hasn’t there been a thoughtful subplot about housing costs? You’re telling me these creatures can genetically splice themselves into bat-gremlins and electricity-gremlins, but none of them has started an inflammatory podcast? Honestly, the closest Gremlins 2 gets is making fun of media saturation and corporate culture, which, credit where it’s due, was pretty ahead of its time. But I’m just saying: if you’re gonna unleash chaos monsters onto society, maybe let them tackle gig economy burnout or algorithm-driven outrage while they’re at it. Imagine a gremlin testifying before Congress. That’s cinema. Still, Clay and Amanda make a compelling case that Gremlins 2 works precisely because it’s so unhinged. It’s satire wrapped in slapstick wrapped in creature effects slime, and somehow it all holds together. So tune in, enjoy the madness, and remember: somewhere out there, there’s probably already a cryptocurrency gremlin. And be sure to head over to Patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they dive into horror franchise sequels, and don't miss out on the special Patreon-only episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel in June!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda take on Death Becomes Her (1992)—the glossy, macabre comedy from Robert Zemeckis that turns vanity, immortality, and Hollywood rivalry into a deliciously twisted spectacle. Starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, the film follows two women who discover a magical potion promising eternal youth… with some *very* visible side effects. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s ahead-of-its-time visual effects, its biting satire of beauty culture, and why it’s become such a beloved cult favorite over the years. Now, I’ll be honest—I don’t really see what all the fuss is about. People losing their minds over staying young forever, spending fortunes on creams, potions, treatments… for what? I’ve been using cans of Krylon spray paint as makeup for *years*, and I look fantastic. Smooth, even coverage. Quick application. A nice, industrial sheen that really catches the light. You ever try “Glossy Almond”? Life-changing. Sure, sometimes it flakes a little. And yes, once in a while I accidentally match my face to a patio chair. But overall? I’m holding up just fine. No need for some mysterious glowing elixir when I’ve got a perfectly good hardware store solution right in my garage. So while Clay and Amanda are marveling at eternal youth, crumbling bodies, and necks twisting in ways they absolutely shouldn’t, I’ll be sitting here thinking, “You know, a quick touch-up coat would solve a lot of these problems.” Hole in your side? Spray it. Cracked skin? Spray it. Confidence issues? Definitely spray it. Anyway, tune in for a lively discussion of Death Becomes Her . And remember: beauty is only skin deep… but a second coat never hurts. And be sure to head over to Patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they dive into horror franchise sequels, and don't miss out on the special Patreon-only episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel in June!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda revisit the sleek, anxiety-inducing franchise starter Final Destination (2000), the film that taught an entire generation that death doesn’t need a face—just a plan. Centered on a premonition of a catastrophic plane crash and the survivors who think they’ve cheated fate, the movie spins a clever web of inevitability, paranoia, and elaborate, Rube Goldberg-style demises. Clay and Amanda dig into what makes the concept so enduring, how it launched a long-running series, and why everyday objects have never felt quite as trustworthy since. Now, I want to make something clear: I’m not afraid of flying. Turbulence? Fine. Takeoff? Thrilling. The idea that I might be part of some elaborate cosmic design where a loose carry-on bag leads to my doom? Manageable. What I am afraid of—what truly fills me with dread—is children on planes. You know the ones. The seat-kickers. The tray-table slammers. The ones who discover, mid-flight, that their lungs are capable of sustained, high-pitched wailing for three straight hours. You can talk about Death’s grand design all you want, but try surviving a cross-country flight with a kid repeatedly asking “Are we there yet?” directly into your soul. That’s the real test. So while Clay and Amanda break down the terrifying brilliance of Final Destination , I’m sitting here thinking: sure, avoiding a plane explosion is great, but what about avoiding Row 18, Seat B, next to a sugar-fueled toddler with a juice box and no concept of personal space? Still, it’s a fantastic episode about a movie that redefined horror for the 2000s. Just remember—Death might be everywhere… but so are kids with sticky hands and unlimited energy. Choose your fear wisely. And be sure to fly on over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they cover a year of sequels, including Final Destination 2!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda dive into the twisted, candy-colored nightmare that is The Loved Ones (2009), the Australian horror gem that takes the idea of prom night and turns it into something deeply, deeply wrong. Directed by Sean Byrne, the film follows a teenage boy who makes the unfortunate mistake of turning down a classmate’s prom invitation—only to find himself at a very different kind of dance, complete with power tools, forced smiles, and a whole lot of family bonding gone off the rails. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s wild tonal shifts, its brutal sense of humor, and why it’s become such a beloved cult favorite among horror fans. Now, I’ve gotta be honest with you—I never really got the whole “prom” thing. Everyone makes it sound like it’s the most important night of your life. You gotta rent a tux, find a date, learn how to dance, pose for awkward photos… it all sounds exhausting. Personally, I would’ve much rather stayed home. Maybe had dinner with the family, watched a movie, just kept things low-key and comfortable. No pressure, no drama. Which, I suppose, is where The Loved Ones and I start to part ways. Because in this movie, staying home with the family is… not exactly relaxing. It’s more like being kidnapped and forced into a nightmare version of prom in someone’s living room, with a father who’s way too supportive and decorations that suggest things have gone horribly, horribly wrong. Suddenly, the idea of a crowded gymnasium and bad DJ music doesn’t seem so bad. Still, Clay and Amanda make a strong case for why The Loved Ones is worth the discomfort. It’s intense, it’s stylish, and it’s got a bite that lingers. Me? I’ll stick to dinner at home. Just… maybe not that home. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!"

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda turn their attention to one of the most haunting and elegant horror films ever made: Eyes Without a Face (1960). The French classic from Georges Franju is a chilling blend of poetic beauty and surgical nightmare, telling the story of a brilliant but unhinged doctor determined to restore his daughter’s disfigured face—no matter the cost. Clay and Amanda dig into the film’s eerie atmosphere, its delicate balance of tenderness and terror, and the unforgettable imagery that has influenced decades of horror filmmakers. It’s a quiet, unsettling masterpiece that lingers long after the final frame. Now, I’m sure it’s a wonderful film. Truly. I take Clay and Amanda at their word. But I do have to point out a small personal complication: I, uh… don’t have eyes. I have a face, mind you—perfectly good face, all things considered—but eyes? Not part of the package. So when I sat down to watch Eyes Without a Face, I quickly realized I might not be the target audience. I tried, I really did. I listened closely. The footsteps, the dialogue, the unsettling music—it all sounded very atmospheric. I imagine there were some striking visuals happening as well. People often mention a mask? A very creepy mask? I’m sure it’s fantastic. I just… can’t confirm that personally. Still, Clay and Amanda do an excellent job walking through the film for those of us who, for whatever reason, might not be able to see it. They describe the performances, the tone, and the infamous surgical sequences in vivid detail—which is both helpful and, frankly, a little distressing. So if you’re blessed with eyes, definitely give this one a watch. And if you’re not? Well, good news—you’ve got Clay and Amanda to paint the picture for you. And don't forget to follow Clay and Amanda as they dig in to a year of sequels on Patreon at patreon.com/thepenskyfile !

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda travel into the haunting, melancholic world of Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone . Set during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, the film blends ghost story, historical tragedy, and gothic atmosphere into one of del Toro’s most emotionally powerful works. Clay and Amanda explore the film’s themes of memory, loss, and the lingering scars of violence, as well as its unforgettable imagery—from the lonely orphanage to the pale, sorrowful ghost of Santi drifting through dark hallways. It’s a beautiful, eerie meditation on how the past refuses to stay buried, and why del Toro remains one of horror’s most compassionate storytellers. Which, frankly, is a perfect topic for how I’m feeling right now—because something tragic has happened here as well. I arrived late to what was supposed to be a lovely gathering. There was talk of paella. Real paella. Rice, saffron, seafood, maybe a little chorizo—warm, fragrant, glorious. A communal dish meant to be shared. I could practically taste it. But when I got here? Gone. Completely gone. Vanished like a ghost in an old Spanish orphanage. What remains in the bowl before me is not paella. It is not even food in the traditional sense. It is chip crumbs. A desolate little graveyard of tortilla chip fragments and dust. Someone scraped the bottom of the bowl and said, “Well, there’s still a little left,” which is the culinary equivalent of emotional betrayal. So now I’m sitting here, hungry and betrayed, listening to Clay and Amanda discuss The Devil’s Backbone —a story about lingering sorrow, unfinished business, and ghosts that refuse to move on. And honestly? I relate. Because until the paella situation is resolved, I too will remain here… haunting this empty bowl. And be sure to follow all the tasty coverage of horror sequels with Clay and Amanda this year on Patreon at patreon.com/thepenskyfile

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda hit the gas with a discussion of Duel (1971), the lean, mean thriller that marked the feature debut of a young Steven Spielberg. Originally produced as a television movie, Duel was so effective, so tightly constructed, that it was later expanded and released theatrically—launching Spielberg’s career with a simple but terrifying premise: one man, one car, and one relentless, faceless truck driver who refuses to let him go. Clay and Amanda break down how Spielberg builds unbearable tension out of open highways, sparse dialogue, and pure cinematic momentum. It’s stripped-down suspense at its finest, proof that you don’t need aliens or sharks to make an audience squirm—just a road and something chasing you down it. Now, personally? I don’t care for driving. Not because of road rage. Not because of reckless truckers. No, my grievance is far more tragic. The windshield. That thick, cruel pane of betrayal stands between me and what could be a veritable buffet of airborne delights. Do you know how many juicy, protein-packed bugs are out there on the highway? Countless. And what happens? Splat. Wasted. Perfectly good snacks smeared uselessly against the glass instead of landing directly where nature intended—right in my open mouth. Watching Duel is especially frustrating for me. All that speeding down lonely desert roads, all that prime insect territory just zooming by untouched. Dennis Weaver’s character is busy worrying about a murderous truck, and I’m thinking, “Sir, do you realize the missed culinary opportunity here?” Still, Clay and Amanda make a strong case for the film’s brilliance. They explore its minimalism, its craftsmanship, and how Spielberg transforms the mundane act of driving into a primal survival story. Me? I’ll be listening carefully—preferably with the window down. You never know what might fly in. And don't forget to visit patreon.com/thepenskyfile to help support the show, and follow Clay and Amanda down the road of horror sequels this year!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast , Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the most intriguing and offbeat horror releases of the year: Sinners (2025), the blues-soaked vampire film that blends supernatural horror with Southern gothic vibes and music steeped in sweat, sorrow, and soul. They’re joined by special guest Wes from The Pensky File, who helps unpack the film’s bloodsucking mythology, musical backbone, and what happens when vampires stop lurking in castles and start haunting juke joints. Together, they dig into how Sinners uses blues music not just as atmosphere, but as the very lifeblood of its story. Now, I’ll be honest with you—I’ve always been more of a Pat Boone guy. Clean-cut. Pleasant. Polite. Give me a nice, wholesome cover of a song originally written by someone who lived a little too hard, and I’m happy. The blues? It makes me nervous. Too much feeling. Too much raw emotion. Everyone sounds like they’ve been through something, and frankly, I’d rather not hear about it. Vampires singing the blues? That’s just piling intensity on top of intensity. Where’s the reassurance? Where’s the cardigan? Where’s Pat smiling gently and telling me everything’s going to be okay? And yet… Clay, Amanda, and Wes make a compelling case. They talk about how Sinners taps into the haunted history of the blues, the way music and monstrosity intertwine, and how the film reimagines vampirism through cultural legacy instead of capes and coffins. It’s thoughtful, eerie, and apparently very cool—which I assume is true, even if I personally would’ve preferred a little less moaning guitar and a little more polite crooning. So tune in for a rich discussion of Sinners . I’ll be over here, spinning my Pat Boone records and pretending everything is just fine. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to join Clay and Amanda as they take a deep dive into horror sequels!