Spook Squad: A Horror Podcast

What's scary about modeling, fashion and Los Angeles? Turns out quite a lot in the hands of Nicolas Winding Refn! Dan welcomes friend and writer Tara Giancaspro for a deep dive into NWR's polarizing  2016 movie, THE NEON DEMON, talking about the unique production of the film and unpacking what makes it a unique horror experience to this day.

While editing future episodes, Dan records a rough and tumble episode of hot takes on movies he's seen recently, talking about everything from the set design in Underwater and Event Horizon, a hypothetical world where Rob Zombie didn't direct Halloween, and how The VelociPastor is for movie lovers.

It's a dive back into the world of Extreme Cinema as Dan sits down to talk with Danny, David and Pappy of the That's Dark podcast (interview begins @ 7:55), a show all about Extreme Cinema! After talking about the show, the gang dive into what makes for effective cinema in this genre, whether the creator's intent matters, talking to family about the fact that sometimes you watch movies based on The Marquis de Sade. Conversations include talks about movies such as A Serbian Film, Martyrs, Salo Or The 120 Days Of Sodom, and much more!

Aly returns to the podcast to join Dan in continuing their Shudder Shut-In series, pouring through the film library of their favorite streaming service and giving recommendations to capitalize on an amazing promo offer! Today, they talk about their favorite international films on the service, and they just so happen to be some of the goriest and intense movies covered on the podcast.

Dan and Aly also talk about the Slasher social media community, and how they're a part of a list of creators supporting one another's work during the crisis.

As everyone pours through streaming services for something to watch during social distancing, Dan suggests that a recent promotion from streaming service Shudder is a perfect time to get into a rant about the rise of specialty streaming services, what makes Shudder special, and some of his favorite titles to check out on there. More recommendations to come soon!

It's a very special week on Spook Squad, as we debut our very first sit down talk with a guest! This week is part one of Dan's talk with musician, mathematician and friend of a decade, Greg M! The only issue is, Greg gets pretty terrified by horror movies. So how can they share this love? The two talk about the Greg Safe System, politics in cinema, the unlikely bonding experience of watching Paranormal Activity together, and Greg's tumultuous relationship with the Nightmare On Elm Street series.  This conversation is full of laughter and silly anecdotes from a decade on friendship. Stay tuned for part two!

Spook Squad is back from the dead! To set the tone for the new season, Dan talk about why he loves watching movies together so much, and gives more than a few reasons backed by science for why he thinks you should as well.

Sources:

Feeling More Together Study

Happy Halloween friends! After a long break, Dan gives a small explanation and talks about his relationship with Halloween; why he used to dread it, and now absolutely loves it!

Special thanks to our friends in IRL Spook Squad for this episode and for everything

Aly joins Dan to discuss some of the biggest horror news of the week, from James Wan making a Giallo film, to TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID finally being released on Shudder! Then the duo get into some of the biggest new trailers, from BLACK CHRISTMAS, to WRINKLES THE CLOWN and more!

Dan and Aly saw the latest horror phenomenon sweeping theaters, Ready Or Not! But instead of just doing a deep-dive into that film, the duo decide to compare it with another, less-beloved film from 2012: Would You Rather, starring horror icon Jeffrey Combs! How are these films, both about wealth and class, and both centering around a common game, similar and different? 

The two talk about Samara Weaving and Jeffrey Combs' show stealing performances, the metaphors for the struggle of the lower class in both films, and come up with a few theories as to why audiences LOVE Ready Or Not, but couldn't quite get behind Would You Rather.

Dan talks about the biggest horror news of the week, including the Directors Cut of Midsommar being released in theaters, more news from the set of the new Halloween films, and info on the future of the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise!

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan returns to Horror Headlines with a vengeance! This half of the Spook Squad hosts talks about a "choose your own adventure" movie from Alexandre Aja to the Director's Cut not being included on the Midsommar DVD (for...some reason). Then later, he digs into trailers for ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP and TONE DEAF, and more!

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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan and Aly do a deep dive on one of their most anticipated films of the year: Babadook director Jennifer Kent's sophomore film, THE NIGHTINGALE! Hear why the duo call this one "one of the best films of the year", and talk about the purpose of using extreme themes and imagery in cinema.

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome back Spook Squad listeners! Dan and Aly are back with perhaps their grossest episode yet: a crash course on the blood, snot and pus of BODY HORROR! Find out what defines the genre, from early Cronenberg classics like THE FLY and CRASH to contemporary shockers like BITE and KUSO. What types of body horror are they, and how can it be used effectively? What makes these films memorable, and how do special effects play a role? Find out in this conversation between Dan and Aly! 

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

In honor of the release of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Dan has goes on a rant about the virtues of exploitation cinema, and has a few choice words for its critics. 

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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Aly joins Dan for a special edition of Horror Headlines! The two talk about the recent huge announcements about HALLOWEEN and Marvel's plans for horror, as well as break down the trailers for IT CHAPTER TWO and CREEPSHOW!

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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Aly joins Dan once again for a look into the wilderness of NATURALISTIC HORROR! Aly talks about her relationship with Bears and mountain lions as the two talk about films like JAWS, BOAR, CUJO, and more! All of this is to set the stage for a dive into Alexandre Aja's CRAWL, which just came out last week!

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
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Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan talks about the biggest news in horror this week, from box office numbers for CRAWL, to rumors for what Aja will direct next. PLUS a breakdown of the trailer from THREE FROM HELL, production news on new movies and more!

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Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod
Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan goes over the big horror news this week, including the trailer for RABID, news on the next SAW movie, box office numbers for MIDSOMMAR and more!

It's an exciting week Spook Squad listeners! On this episode, Dan does a deep dive on both Hereditary and Midsommar to answer the question: What make Ari Aster so special and unique as a horror director? Plus, hear tons of information on what went into the production of Midsommar, with research and quotes from interviews with Ari Aster himself! 

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod
Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan and Aly decide it's time to "open up" the original Child's Play and remake and "see what makes them tick!" The pair talk about everything from animatronics, to controversies, and even have differing opinions about some of what worked and what didn't about the films. 

 Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod
Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Dan gives some background on Giallo films to do a deep dive on Yann Gonzalez's excellent film, KNIFE+HEART! He talks about lighting, queer horror, character development and more when explaining why it's one of his favorite movies of the year.

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod
Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

Continuing our summer horror roundup, Dan talks about Jim Jarmusch's DEAD DON'T DIE! But in order to do that, he also dives into a bit of zombie history, particularly revolving around the use of the word ZOMBIE in cinema!

 Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod
Email: spooksquadpodcast@gmail.com

On this week's episode of the podcast, Dan and Aly talk about Jason Blum's dumb comment about female horror directors, what he's done to make up for it, and then dive into some of their very favorite women behind the camera! From glass shards in feet to skateboarding vampires, there is tons of amazing stuff to cover on this episode! We talk about films like A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT, REVENGE, CHAINED, HONEYMOON, and more!

 Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod

Continuing a summer of horror, Dan goes into a deep dive on THE PERFECTION, and gets into everything from Netflix spoiling the movie, to gorgeous camera angles, inappropriately timed rap music and everything in between. Once again, this episode is divided into pre- and post-spoiler sections so you can listen even if you haven't seen the film yet!

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod

Happy Pride Month squad! On this episode, Aly and Dan talk about the history of LGBTQ+ folks in horror, from subtext in monster movies to full-on lesbian slashers. Plus Dan rants about the Babadook being an "queer icon", and the gang brings you a ton of recommendations for queer horror movies to check out this month! We talk about HELLBENT (2004), LIZZIE (2018), LYLE (2014), LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008), and many more!

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod

The squad went out to see Octavia Spencer in MA last weekend, and Dan had some thought about the film he wanted to share! Conveniently divided into sections with and without spoilers for those of our listeners who are still on the fence about seeing the movie!

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod

Welcome to the beginning of a summer of spookyness, squad! On this minisode, Dan talks about the most anticipated horror films of the summer, and talks about why a summer full of horror blockbusters is actually a new thing and a big deal!

Films discussed:

MA

CHILD'S PLAY

NIGHTMARE CINEMA

DEAD DON'T DIE

ANNABELLE COMES HOME

MIDSOMMAR

CRAWL

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

Follow Dan on Twitter: @SpookyGuyDan
Spook Squad Twitter: @SpookSquadPod

Dan and Aly welcome listeners to this first FULL episode of Spook Squad! Aly joins the squad at last for breakdown of both the original and remake of Wes Craven's classic THE HILLS HAVE EYES! The duo talk about Sawney Bean, Hero dogs,  the infamous RV scene and more! Did Alexandre Aja, one of the pioneers of the New French Extremism movement, do the the classic film justice? Listen and find out!