Theatrical Release – The Shock Doctors Podcast

Despite a few half-baked ideas, and stretches of this audio-driven film feeling like they’d be better as a podcast, the end result is still pretty strong. Jim, in particular, found that the last 15 minutes really jangled his nerves. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple … Continue reading "Episode 225 – Undertone"

Kevin Williamson’s return as screenwriter, coupled with his first turn in the director’s chair, manages to produce a self-reverential, masturbatory mess. Scream is the rare horror franchise where each entry, without fail, is worse than the last. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, … Continue reading "Episode 224 – Scream 7"

In this abbreviated bonus episode, Matt and Jim discuss Markiplier’s surprise hit. While Jim enjoyed it rather less than his co-host, they both think Mr. Fischbach might have a future as a director. That said, the film does have fairly serious pacing issues, and certain elements remain underdeveloped. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on … Continue reading "Episode 223.5 – Iron Lung"

With a mind-numbing, wishy-washy finale that seems perpetually at war with itself, this ill-advised Strangers trilogy finally grinds to a close. Lore-brained to a fault, the filmmakers completely fail to understand what made the original film work: The Strangers had no backstory, and no motive. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, … Continue reading "Episode 223 – The Strangers: Chapter 3"

It’s not quite prime Raimi, but with both Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien in top form, it’s nice to have the old splatterhound back in action. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie … Continue reading "Episode 222 – Send Help"

Starting with uncanny Sora lighting, then slipping into a Godsmack music video aesthetic, Christophe Gans’s second go-around in Silent Hill pales in comparison both to his first film and to Silent Hill 2, the game on which this film is largely (albeit loosely) based. Returning to Silent Hill was a mistake. Please follow us on … Continue reading "Episode 221 – Return to Silent Hill"

Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell make for a great pair, even if it sometimes feels like Kelson and Jimmy Crystal were made for different movies. Still, this is a worthy addition to the franchise. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune … Continue reading "Episode 220 – 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple"

Not having much to offer aside from some satisfyingly gooshy gore effects, Primate is nevertheless the best film in Johannes Roberts’s decidedly dubious filmography. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like … Continue reading "Episode 219 – Primate (2026)"

A breakout performance from Jai Courtney, and the exact right balance of tension, gore, and goofiness, make this a return to form for director Sean Byrne. One of the few good shark movies. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. … Continue reading "Episode 218 – Dangerous Animals"

While not without its pitfalls, this remake of the 80s slasher is still quite entertaining, and continues the franchise’s improbably strong record. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like us to … Continue reading "Episode 217 – Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)"

Are they ghosts? Are they robots? Both? Neither? This frustrating conundrum marred the first film, but it reaches new lows this time around thanks to “The Marionette” and its possession of several human beings. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune … Continue reading "Episode 216 – Five Nights at Freddy’s 2"

We watched the last four Friday the 13th sequels, and it went about as poorly as you’d expect. They started out bad, and just got steadily worse. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next … Continue reading "Episode 215 – Friday the 13th Quadruple Feature"

Possibly the weakest of Oz Perkins’ films, Keeper is nevertheless a creepy good time, featuring strong performances from Rossif Sutherland and especially Tatiana Maslany. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like … Continue reading "Episode 214 – Keeper"

Chris Stuckmann’s debut feature is a dreadful amalgam of a dozen other movies – some good, some bad – with an unintentional howler of an ending. Woeful. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next … Continue reading "Episode 213 – Shelby Oaks"

Guillermo del Toro’s love of monsters means he saps The Creature of any real sense of menace. It’s a shame, because it’s a gorgeous movie, with top-notch performances from its two leads. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got … Continue reading "Episode 212 – Frankenstein (2025)"

Another go-around with Ethan Hawke’s Grabber is bound to be at least a little fun, but there’s not enough of him, and Derrickson can’t fully commit to the protagonist switch he’s stumbled into. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. … Continue reading "Episode 211 – Black Phone 2"

The saggy midsection of a trilogy that should only have been one movie – or none at all – this latest installment is shapeless, bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. Just woeful. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the … Continue reading "Episode 209 – The Strangers: Chapter 2"

Not as much of a trainwreck as The Devil Made Me Do It, the final(?) installment in The Conjuring series still suffers from the same storytelling pitfalls and overall churchiness as the rest. The first remains really the only one worth watching. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us … Continue reading "Episode 208 – The Conjuring: Last Rites"

If you were trying to create the world’s most generic, lifeless, bog standard exorcism film, you’d be hard pressed to do better than The Ritual. Al Pacino and Dan Stevens deserved better. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got … Continue reading "Episode 207 – The Ritual (2025)"

While Zach Cregger shows a deft hand at nurturing intrigue and creeping dread, he is once again hamstrung by his penchant for hard left turns into comedy. The climax is fun, but left us wanting. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or … Continue reading "Episode 206 – Weapons"

This latest lifeless rehash of a 90s slasher is a little less self-serious than Screams V and VI, but probably also dumber. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like us to … Continue reading "Episode 205 – I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)"

Despite being kind of an odd mash-up of two movies in one, neither of which strongly resembles the series’ standout first entry, 28 Years Later is another win for Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune … Continue reading "Episode 203 – 28 Years Later"

The sophomore feature from the Philippou Brothers underwhelmed us about as much as their debut, Talk to Me. What’s worse is that the flashes of originality in that film are almost entirely absent here, in a borrowed hodgepodge indebted most obviously to Hereditary. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us … Continue reading "Episode 202 – Bring Her Back"

Eli Craig’s latest feature is another disappointment from the filmmaker behind Tucker and Dale vs. Evil – just bland YA claptrap with scattershot humor that mostly doesn’t land. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the … Continue reading "Episode 201 – Clown in a Cornfield"

Not for the first time, Gary Dauberman piles up a bunch of underwhelming monsters in an attempt to scare us by sheer volume, and not for the first time, he fails. A waste of strong source material. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, … Continue reading "Episode 199 – Until Dawn"

Ryan Coogler’s latest film is a rip-roaring good time, with a surprisingly understated dual performance from Michael B. Jordan surrounded by top-notch work from a deep supporting cast. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the … Continue reading "Episode 198 – Sinners"

While not up to the standards of Longlegs, with some pacing issues and overly-quirky side characters, overall The Monkey is a rollicking good time, with four rock-solid performances at its center. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an … Continue reading "Episode 197 – The Monkey (2025)"

Another “horror” “comedy” from the Christopher Landon assembly line, Heart Eyes tries to mash together 90s-style romcoms and slasher movies, and fails on both counts. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d … Continue reading "Episode 196 – Heart Eyes"

Less a true-blue horror movie and more of a supernatural drama, Presence nonetheless packs a wallop and demonstrates the deft touch of both director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea … Continue reading "Episode 195 – Presence (2025)"

Seemingly at war with itself and unable to settle on its core themes, Wolf Man is a big step down from Leigh Whannell’s first Universal Monster flick, 2020’s The Invisible Man. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an … Continue reading "Episode 194 – Wolf Man (2025)"

It may not be Eggers’ best work, but that’s a very high bar to clear. This is a beautifully shot, handsomely mounted reimagining of the landmark silent film, with standout performances all around. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. … Continue reading "Episode 192 – Nosferatu (2024)"

Heretic has some intelligent, though not groundbreaking, things to say about religion and society, and is built around three strong performances, Hugh Grant in particular. Unfortunately, the script’s minimal modulation of his character’s villainy leaves the movie nowhere to go. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on … Continue reading "Episode 189 – Heretic (2024)"

Bigger and dumber than its predecessor, Smile 2 trudges through an interminable series of foregone conclusions while screaming its themes at the audience as loudly as possible. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next … Continue reading "Episode 187 – Smile 2"

Alexandre Aja’s latest film fails to maintain enough ambiguity to sustain its middle hour, and the ending raises more questions than the audience, after 101 minutes, will really feel motivated to answer. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got … Continue reading "Episode 186 – Never Let Go (2024)"

The Substance is a movie with three standout performances and a lot of panache that is weighted down by its own excesses, and a habit of repeating itself. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the … Continue reading "Episode 185 – The Substance"

This remake of the 2022 Danish film suffers from a stultifying fidelity to the original – except in two major respects, where there has been a decided downgrade. A waste of a very strong cast. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or … Continue reading "Episode 184 – Speak No Evil (2024)"

The directorial debut of Robert Eggers’ younger brothers Max and Sam is an uneasy mishmash of influences, on top of being a tedious scatological assault on the senses. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the … Continue reading "Episode 183 – The Front Room"

While the Shock Doctors share most of Chris Weitz’s feelings about AI and other facets of modernity, the actual film he’s assembled is a muddled hodgepodge of grievances that never coheres. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an … Continue reading "Episode 182 – AfrAId"

Alien: Romulus is not without its merits – set design and visual style in particular – but it suffers from an excess of fanservice callbacks, and the AI revenant of Ian Holm was a serious misstep. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, … Continue reading "Episode 181 – Alien: Romulus"

Buoyed by a committed, charismatic lead performance from Josh Harnett, Trap nonetheless suffers from a lack of commitment to its initial single-location conceit. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like us … Continue reading "Episode 180 – Trap (2024)"

Given the background of the material and the people involved, The Exorcism qualifies as a serious disappointment. Turgid, incoherent, and riddled with cliches, this film should have stayed on the shelf. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an … Continue reading "Episode 179 – The Exorcism (2024)"

Our first great horror experience in recent memory, Longlegs is a slam-dunk early candidate for our favorite of the year. Oz Perkins, Nicolas Cage, and Maika Monroe have never been better. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an … Continue reading "Episode 178 – Longlegs"

Marred by the superficiality of its sleazy 80s atmosphere, and the bizarre absence of heft in its central character, Ti West’s third X entry ends this franchise with a whimper. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea … Continue reading "Episode 177 – MaXXXine"

Michael Sarnoski’s prequel shares some of the pitfalls of earlier entries in the series, but his indie sensibilities add a new character-driven flavor to this film – and Lupita Nyong’o is characteristically excellent. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. … Continue reading "Episode 176 – A Quiet Place: Day One"

Ishana Night Shyamalan’s feature directorial debut unfortunately shares a lot of DNA with her father’s worst work, particularly Lady in the Water. The result, like that film, is rather tedious. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea … Continue reading "Episode 175 – The Watchers (2024)"

This disposable, drab, tension-free nothing of a requel is only the first entry in a trilogy that’s already been shot. God help us. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like us … Continue reading "Episode 174 – The Strangers: Chapter 1"

Reminiscent of both halves of Twin Peaks and redolent with curdled 90s nostalgia, I Saw the TV Glow nonetheless provoked a Siskel-and-Ebert disconnect between Matt and Jim. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next … Continue reading "Episode 173 – I Saw the TV Glow"

This is pretty bottom-of-the-barrel, disposable stuff. When the movies coming to mind are Wish Upon, Countdown, and Imaginary, that’s a very bad sign. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next movie you’d like us … Continue reading "Episode 172 – Tarot (2024)"

A step down from Ready or Not – mostly because it recycles many of the same beats less effectively – Abigail nonetheless features a fun cast and a few neat tricks. We just wish it maintained its momentum following a strong opening. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us … Continue reading "Episode 171 – Abigail"

A handsomely-crafted legacy prequel that features great performances, oodles of atmosphere, and some solid scares, even if some of its departures from the original don’t quite gel. Please follow us on Twitter @ShockDoctorsPod, on Facebook at facebook.com/shockdoctorspod, or check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Tune In. Got an idea for the next … Continue reading "Episode 170 – The First Omen"