#81 - Monsters, Mayhem & Mummies: A Not-So-Scientific Study of Creature Cinema

This week, we unleash the beasts.Joined by friend of the pod and quite possibly the world’s most qualified (self-appointed) monster movie expert, we dive fang-first into the wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic history of monster cinema. From the gothic gloom of early Universal legends like Dracula and Frankenstein, through the skyscraper-scaling chaos of King Kong and the atomic rage of Godzilla, all the way to the gloriously unhinged creature features of the 80s and 90s… we cover it all.But this isn’t just a history lesson. Oh no. This is a full autopsy.What actually makes a great monster movie? Is it the creature design? The chaos? The humans making absolutely baffling decisions? We break down what works, what really doesn’t, and the films that should probably be locked away in a cursed tomb forever.Speaking of cursed tombs… we shine a spotlight on one of Mike’s all-time favourites and a certified Third Reel darling: The Mummy. With a new instalment looming (yes, really, and yes, with original cast whispers), there’s never been a better time to revisit this swashbuckling, sand-blasted classic. We also… reluctantly… dig up the sequels. Some things are better left buried, but here we are. Yes, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, we’re looking directly at you. And yes… we do acknowledge the Tom Cruise one. Briefly. Like a jump scare you wish you could forget.We also ask the big question: has monster cinema peaked, or is the best still lurking in the shadows, waiting for its moment?Grab your pitchforks, light a torch, and press play. Just… maybe don’t read any ancient texts out loud while listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.