Midnight Cinema with Art and Erik
Where cult classics, horror gems, and genre oddities get the deep dive they deserve. Hosts Art Hennessey and Erik Rodenhiser bring sharp insight, offbeat humor, and just the right amount of nerdy enthusiasm to every review. Expect hot takes, bad decisions (mostly by the filmmakers), and the occasional philosophical debate over exploding heads. If you love your movies strange and your commentary hilarious, welcome to your new favorite podcast.
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The Thing (1982)
01/28/2026
The Thing (1982)
“I hear funny things out here… funny things…” Bring your long johns, pack the J&B Scotch, make sure the flamethrowers are working, and don’t trust anybody. We’re taking the chopper to Outpost 31. This week Midnight Cinema is the warmest place to hide as Art and Erik trek to Antarctica for The Thing — John Carpenter’s snow-bound masterpiece of paranoia, goo, and existential dread. Released in 1982 to tepid reviews and skimpy box office, The Thing was unfairly dismissed on arrival. But it over the decades it has clawed its way to being considered one of the greatest science-fiction horror films ever made. A masterclass in tension, mistrust, and some of the most jaw-dropping practical effects ever committed to film. We’re digging into: Kurt Russell’s acting turn as the gloriously grizzled MacReady The crushing paranoia that turns coworkers into suspects and friends into flamethrower targets Rob Bottin’s legendary (and still undefeated) practical effects An icy synth score that creeps under your skin and stays there Why this movie hits harder now than it did in 1982 From blood tests to chest-biting defibrillators, kennel chaos to the bleakest final stare-down in horror history, we’re breaking it all down for you! And remember: nobody’s safe not even the dog. If you survive the cold without getting assimilated, torched, or quietly replaced by an alien imitation, come thaw out with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, horror favorites, and beautifully unhinged cinema at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! We're human! We swear! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the occasional uneasy feeling that someone in the room isn’t who they say they are.
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Zombeavers
01/21/2026
Zombeavers
Bring your shotguns, pack your tightest shorts, and dammit—stay away from the beaver lodge! Art and Erik chomp into the outrageous 2015 horror-comedy Zombeavers, the movie that bravely asks the question no one needed answered: What if a zombie apocalypse… but beavers? A weekend girls’ getaway for three sorority sisters turns into a gnawing nightmare when toxic waste transforms a family of cute, industrious beavers into an army of undead furballs with an unstoppable appetite for flesh, limbs, and very unfortunate college students. We’re diving teeth-first into: Zombie beavers with glowing eyes, razor teeth, and zero respect for personal space Cabin-in-the-woods chaos dialed up to “did they really just do that?” Practical effects that are way better (and wetter) than they have any right to be A grizzled beaver hunter who has big Quint-from-Jaws energy and has absolutely seen some things Horny twenty-somethings making spectacularly bad survival decisions Is it dumb? Absolutely. Is it self-aware? Completely. Is it secretly kind of impressive? … find out what we think! From dams to dismemberment, we break down why Zombeavers belongs in the proud tradition of creature features that understand the most important rule of horror comedy: if you’re going to be ridiculous, go all in. If you survive the night without getting gnawed in half by a radioactive rodent or dragged screaming into a moonlit lake, come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, creature features, and wonderfully unhinged cinema at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and and the occasional warning about suspiciously aggressive wildlife.
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Dead & Buried
01/14/2026
Dead & Buried
Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! No coastal road trips required. And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and and the occasional warning about towns that look a little too friendly. .
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They Live
01/07/2026
They Live
MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE GLASSES ON! This week on Midnight Cinema, we’re tuning in to John Carpenter’s They Live. It's the alien-invasion, anti-consumerist, pro–back-alley-fistfight classic that proves the real monsters were inside the boardroom all along. Roddy Piper stars as Nada, a drifter who stumbles upon the single most powerful accessory in movie history: a pair of sunglasses that reveal the ugly truth beneath our shiny, ad-soaked reality. Billboards bark commands. Newscasters rot from the inside out. Capitalism is literally not human. And the only way to wake people up… is to beat the living hell out of your best friend in an alley for six uninterrupted minutes. We dig into Carpenter’s simmering Reagan-era rage, the film’s journey from cult oddity to internet scripture, and why They Live somehow feels more relevant now than it did in 1988. We talk alien yuppies, pirate TV resistance, iconic one-liners, and the sheer confidence of a movie that says, “No, the fight should be longer.” Put on the glasses. Question authority. Trust no billboard. And remember: we have come here to chew bubblegum and talk cult cinema… and we’re all out of bubblegum. And if you make it through the night without being hypnotized by a TV signal, exposed as an alien, or dragged into a six-minute alley brawl, come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, conspiracy cinema, and all the wonderfully unhinged movies we adore at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! No subliminal messaging. We promise! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and don't forget to CONSUME.
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Gremlins
12/24/2025
Gremlins
Don’t get them wet. Don’t feed them after midnight. And whatever you do… don’t press play alone. This week on Midnight Cinema, Art and Erik head to Kingston Falls to unwrap one of the most chaotic holiday gifts ever committed to film: Gremlins. What starts as a sweet 1984-era Christmas fantasy quickly mutates into a punk-rock creature feature stuffed with anarchic humor, broken rules, and homicidal puppets in Santa hats. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, Gremlins somehow manages to be heartwarming, horrifying, and completely unhinged often in the same scene. We dig into: Gizmo: how Spielberg saved our little furry hero The gremlin rulebook (Erik breaks down timezones and liquids.) That infamous chimney/Santa monologue and how it traumatized a generation Why Gremlins helped create the PG-13 rating Small-town Americana vs. full-scale creature chaos And how this movie still feels dangerous in a way modern studio films rarely do From barroom mayhem to movie-theater mania, Gremlins is a Christmas movie that actively wants to ruin Christmas, and we love it for that. So pour some eggnog, lock up your mogwai, and join us as we celebrate the holiday classic that proved the ’80s were absolutely feral. Happy Holidays from Midnight Cinema! And remember, follow the rules! And if you make it out of Dotty's bare without getting your mogwai wet come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, holiday oddities, and all the wonderfully unhinged cinema we adore at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the occasional message scrawled in green goo by someone who definitely broke the rules. and the occasional message scrawled in green goo by someone who definitely broke the rules.
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Rare Exports
12/17/2025
Rare Exports
Gas up the snowmobiles, staple your Advent calendar shut, grab the gingerbread cookies and please study the safety instructions! We’re heading to Finland. This week on Midnight Cinema, Art and Erik travel deep into the frozen wilderness to unwrap one of the most wickedly original Christmas movies ever made: Jalmari Helander’s Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. Forget everything you think you know about Santa Claus. This isn’t a jolly old man squeezing down chimneys — this is ancient folklore, buried alive beneath the Arctic ice, waiting to be unearthed by corporate greed, dynamite, and very bad decisions. Naughty lists are enforced. Elves are feral old men. And Christmas cheer comes with a body count. Even the reindeer aren't safe. Set in a remote Finnish village near the mythical Korvatunturi mountains, Rare Exports blends dark comedy, creature-feature thrills, and icy suspense into a holiday horror experience unlike anything else. It’s equal parts mythological nightmare, pitch-black satire, and winter survival film. And somehow still finds room for warmth, wonder, and a surprisingly heartfelt coming-of-age story. In this episode, we dig into: Santa Claus as ancient monster, capitalist commodity, and cultural myth Why Rare Exports works as horror, comedy, and Christmas movie The film’s immaculate tone: deadpan humor, dread, and escalating chaos Does this film have a place as a modern holiday cult classic So zip up your parka, mind your manners, and keep your children close. Because in Rare Exports, Santa is watching and his elves are everywhere! Merry Christmas from Midnight Cinema! And remember: behave! And if you make it through the long Finnish night without being dragged into the tundra by feral elves, audited by an ancient Santa, or sealed in a crate marked “Rare Exports,” come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, holiday oddities, and all the wonderfully unhinged cinema we adore at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! We promise, there's no Arctic survival gear required. And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the occasional message quietly slipped under the door by someone who knows whether you’ve been naughty or nice.
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Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
12/10/2025
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Ho-ho-hold onto your helmets! This week, Art and Erik blast off into one of the most delightfully bizarre holiday oddities ever projected onto a screen: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians—the children’s matinee fever dream that boldly asked, “What if Mars just really needed Santa?” This 1964 movie answers crucial questions like: What if Martian kids binge-watched too much Earth TV and got sad? What if Mars solved its depression problem by… kidnapping Santa? What is this terrifying creature called Torg? How cute can a polar bear attack actually get? And how many puns can one movie jam into a toy workshop before OSHA steps in? We break down: Santa & Mrs. Claus — Where do they rank in the cinematic Christmas Pantheon? Martian culture: Sleep Spray for the children, cattle prods for the adults and food pills for everybody! ChoChem: The ancient sage who is performing like his life depended on it! Torg: Villain? Pet? Misunderstood gentle giant? Cardboard? Voldar The only guy taking this plot seriously, and his mustache is with him every step of the way! 1960s sci-fi ambition Shot with the confidence of a blockbuster and the budget of a PTA bake sale. Plus: Set Designs from community theater, Pia Zadora before she was known as Pia Zadora, how to stage a climactic action scene with 25 cents left in the budget, and actors doing their best to save film by saving mistakes in the moment! It’s a wild ride, so join us on Spaceship One! Kimar and Droppo are waiting! If you make it back from Mars without being bonked by Torg, zapped by a malfunctioning Martian headpiece, or force-fed space vitamins by Momar, come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, holiday oddities, and all the wonderfully wobbly cinema we adore at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! No interplanetary travel required. And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos and for clips, chaos, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the occasional message beamed directly from Santa’s workshop on Mars.
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Krampus
12/03/2025
Krampus
Robots and Angels and Bears, Oh My! Get the Christmas cookies in the oven, finish your letter to Santa, and whatever you do, don't let the fire go out! Hop in the Hummer because Midnight Cinema is celebrating the holidays with the Engel family! And you're invited! Art and Erik are facing down the shadow of Saint Nicholas as they lead you through the snowbound fun that is Michael Dougherty's 2015 holiday horror comedy Krampus! We're opening every present and examining every demonic toy of this Christmas-set modern classic. In this episode, we unwrap: The spectacular opening scene skewering holiday consumerism Adam Scott and Toni Collette and the great cast. The terrifying (and somehow adorable?) Gingerbread Men with nail guns Killer toys: the Jack-in-the-Box from hell, the Angel creature, the teddy bear attack and the stabby robot. Erik and a special guest fill us in on Austrian holiday cookies! Aunt Dorothy’s one-liners and why she’s the MVP of the movie The lore behind the real European Krampus and how Dougherty updates it That unforgettable, bleak, twisty ending—interpretation theories included Snowmen, Evil Elves, WTF Reindeer and what is under the the snow? By the end, Art and Erik decide whether Krampus is a lump of coal… or a perfect spiked-egg-nog of festive fright. Spoiler: We’re keeping the fire stoked. If you survive Krampus’ naughty-list inspection, come have some hot chocolate and hange out with us with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, horror oddities, and the cinematic weirdness we love at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, updates, chaos, and questionable Christmas behavior.
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The Guardian
11/26/2025
The Guardian
Grab your baby monitor, oil up the chainsaw, and for the love of all that is holy stay away from the tree line because this week Art and Erik are diving head-first into William Friedkin’s The Guardian, the 1990 “Wait… Friedkin made THIS?” supernatural horror oddity. That’s right: the director of The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer, and To Live and Die in L.A. decided to go full druid-nanny-tree-monster—and we’re here to lovingly pick through every branch, twig, and inexplicable creative decision. From mystical kidnappings to nature-worshipping erotica to questionable Nanny Agency advertisements. We get into the production history and how Friedkin - Oscar-winning, stone-cold legend -ended up making a druid-tree-monster movie that somehow feels like both an expensive studio horror film and a fever dream from a forgotten VHS rental shelf. If you escape the enchanted forest with all your limbs intact, come hang with us for more late-night deep dives into cult classics, horror oddities, and the cinematic weirdness we love at Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, and behind-the-scenes fun.
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The Lair of the White Worm
11/19/2025
The Lair of the White Worm
Wrangle your mongoose, tune up the bagpipes, and pack your snakebite kit because we’re heading deep into the D’Ampton countryside for some good old-fashioned worm hunting! This week, Art and Erik are slithering their way into Ken Russell’s deliriously unhinged 1988 cult classic The Lair of the White Worm, a film that somehow crams Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi (yes, The Doctor himself), Catherine Oxenberg, Bram Stoker, pagan lore, ancient nuns, acid-trip hallucinations, and a 60-foot murder serpent into 90 glorious minutes. Is this a forgotten fever dream? A cheeky satire of English manners? A genre mashup wrapped in WTF visions of snake deities? Or is it simply Ken Russell doing what Ken Russell does best: absolutely everything, all at once? Either way, we’re diving into every caverns, cult legends, dancing Scotsman, and Amanda Donohoe power-outfit the movie throws at us. If you make it out of the D’Ampton caverns alive, slither on over to for more cult classics, deep dives, and late-night movie madness. Be sure to follow and subscribe on , , or wherever you listen! And come hang with us on , , and for clips, chaos, and behind-the-scenes fun.
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The Wicker Man (2006)
11/12/2025
The Wicker Man (2006)
Grab your police badge, pack your Epi-pen, and strap on your bear slippers! 🐻 We’re heading back to Summersisle with Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, and an entire island of buzz-worthy weirdness! Art and Erik are scouring the beehives and the burning wicker for answers as they investigate the 2006 remake of The Wicker Man. It's the film that gave us one of the most meme-able Nic Cage performances ever. We’ll cover it all: The journey from Robin Hardy’s 1973 folk-horror classic to Neil LaBute’s reimagining How does the band The Ramones fit into all of this? Soooo many semi-truck impacts! We'll bee covering that famous deleted scene! Why this movie somehow became a cult comedy rather than a terrifying thriller By the time the ceremony ends, you’ll know exactly "how it got burned!" If you survive the sacrifice, come hang with us at for more cult classics, deep dives, and late-night horror fun. Step away from the bike and follow us on , , or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Listen to our episode on the original 1973 film !
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The Wicker Man (1973)
11/05/2025
The Wicker Man (1973)
Grab your May Day masks, polish up your pagan hymns, and for the love of Summerisle, stay away from the serpents! This week, Art and Erik sail into one of the strangest and most hypnotic corners of British horror — The Wicker Man (1973). Part musical, part mystery, part folk fever dream, this film follows puritanical Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) as he investigates a missing girl on a remote Scottish island… only to find himself surrounded by singing villagers, nude pagan rituals, and Christopher Lee’s most charmingly sinister performance. We’re diving deep into the burning heart of this cult classic — where belief, repression, and sacrifice collide. If you survive the flames, come join us at for more cult classics, deep dives, and late-night horror fun.Follow us on , , or wherever you sacrifice your time to the gods of cinema. Clips and chaos await on and 🎬 Things talked about in this episode Anthony Schaeffer's play and movie James Bond movie with Britt Eklund and Christopher Lee - Folk Horror movies: 80's TV Show with Edward Woodward -
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Hocus Pocus
10/29/2025
Hocus Pocus
Make sure you take the salt, bring along the talking cat, pack the spell book, and don't let any virgins near the Black Flame Candle! We're on our way to Erik's hometown of Salem, MA! This episode, Art and Erik are taking you on a haunted tour of Disney’s cult classic Hocus Pocus (1993) — the wickedly funny tale of three resurrected witches wreaking havoc on modern-day Salem in their quest for eternal youth. (Yes, it’s a family film about stealing children’s souls!) Art and Erik are leaving no stone wall unturned as they lead you through Salem’s back alleys, schools, neighborhoods, and cemeteries. Along the way, Erik gives us the scoop on filming locations, behind-the-scenes lore, and some real Salem secrets. So grab your broom, your vacuum, or your mop — and join us for a nostalgic, witchy romp through the Witch City! After the witches are dust and the candle’s out… Don’t fly off just yet! Come hang with us at for more cult classics, deep dives, and late-night horror fun. Follow us on , , or wherever you conjure your shows. Like and follow us on for episode drops and behind-the-scenes mischief. And catch our video clips rising from the cauldron on and . Because at Midnight Cinema… we put a spell on you.
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Trick 'r Treat
10/22/2025
Trick 'r Treat
Grab your pillowcase, don your sexy costumes, only take one candy at Principal Wilkins’ house, avoid any invitations to Sheep’s Meadow, and whatever you do… don’t let the Jack-o’-lantern go out! Now hop in, because we’re heading to Warren Valley, Ohio — the Halloweeniest town in the Midwest! Art and Erik are prowling through all the bustling streets, spooky alleyways, and even the old quarry as they deep dive into Trick ’r Treat, Michael Dougherty’s now-beloved horror anthology that celebrates (and enforces) every Halloween rule in the book. Originally set for an October 2007 theatrical release, Trick ’r Treat was abruptly shelved by the studio and later found new life on home video — where it quickly became a cult favorite and a must-watch for horror fans every October. We’re covering it all, including: The tangled web of intersecting Halloween night stories The rise of Sam — horror’s cutest (and deadliest) holiday enforcer Dylan Baker’s delightfully dark turn as everyone’s favorite “educator” Anna Paquin’s full-moon surprise and Brian Cox’s showdown with tradition itself Werewolves, revenge, and one very unlucky school bus The traditions, the atmosphere, and why this movie feels like Halloween itself How it went from a shelved studio release to a modern cult classic So light your pumpkins, grab your candy, and join us as we celebrate a film that proves: Always respect the traditions. Listen now at — or find Midnight Cinema with Art & Erik on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your horror fix. And remember… if you hear giggling outside your window tonight — it’s probably just Sam checking on your pumpkin. 🎃 Things talked about in this episode: Watch Director Mike Daughetry's original animated short Salem Massachusetts Tod Solondz's Photographer
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Halloween III - Season of the Witch
10/15/2025
Halloween III - Season of the Witch
Throw your Silver Shamrock mask into your little overnight bag because we're heading to Santa Mira with Dr. Dan! Don't worry, we'll have you back in time for the big giveway! This week Art and Erik take you on a VIP tour into the inner factory workings of Halloween III: Season of the Witch! This 1983 horror cult classic was meant to be a departure from the Laurie Strode/Michael Myers story of the first two Halloween movies, and at the time, it may have confused audiences and critics. But it has gained a following and we're here to take you through every twist and turn of the production and the plot of this eerie mystery that mixes corporate conspiracies, Celtic rituals, and killer commercials. If you survive the big giveaway, come hang with us at for more cult classics, deep dives, and late-night horror fun. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Halloween II (1981)
10/08/2025
Halloween II (1981)
Grab the sheriff, find Dr. Loomis, and pile into the ambulance — we’re checking into Haddonfield Memorial Hospital! This week, Art and Erik explore every dark corridor of one of horror cinema’s most understaffed healthcare facilities as they break down Halloween II (1981) — the bloody, immediate follow-up to one of the most successful and influential horror films of all time. Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance return to pick up literally minutes after the events of the original, as Michael Myers continues his relentless rampage through Haddonfield. We’ll talk hospital hijinks, Carpenter’s reluctant return, Rick Rosenthal’s direction, wig-watching with Laurie Strode, and how this sequel cranks up the gore for the slasher-craze era. So lock the doors, dim the lights, and keep an eye on that heart monitor — Evil is still alive… and we’re going scene by scene through every surgical scare and shadowy hallway. Listen to our podcast on John Carpenter's original ! Visit us at . Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Halloween (1978)
10/01/2025
Halloween (1978)
Get out your popcorn and jack-o’-lanterns, turn on Dr. Dementia, and don’t go near the Myers’ house! Laurie Strode is coming over to babysit, so we must be heading to Haddonfield, Illinois! This episode, Art and Erik hitch a ride with Dr. Loomis and face the evil that is John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween! This little indie horror released in 1978 set box office records and went on to change the landscape of cinematic horror, making a star of its lead actress Jamie Lee Curtis and spawning decades of sequels, remakes, and reboots. From Carpenter’s masterful use of widescreen tension to his unforgettable, nerve-jangling score, we’ll talk about how this film reshaped what it meant to be scared in the suburbs. Along the way we’ll discuss: The shoestring budget that still delivered maximum terror Donald Pleasence’s intense turn as the ever-worried Dr. Loomis Michael Myers as pure, unstoppable evil — and how the blank mask became cinema’s most chilling face Plus behind-the-scenes trivia, early reactions, and how Halloween carved its place in horror history So lock your doors, check the closet, and join us as we revisit the night he came home. Visit us at . Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Tremors
09/24/2025
Tremors
Watch the dirt, limber up your pole vaulting skills, and for the love of Walter Chang’s convenience store - stay off the ground! We’re headed straight into Perfection, Nevada, population: snack-sized. Art and Erik are tunneling deep into the 1990 horror-comedy masterpiece Tremors! So fire up the four-wheel drive because the Graboids are hungry, and your best bet is climbing a boulder and praying your boots don’t slip. We’ll talk about the glorious creature design, the wide-open desert cinematography that somehow makes you feel even more trapped, and the greatest small-town ensemble this side of a disaster movie—Kevin Bacon in tight jeans and gorgeous hair, Fred Ward grumbling like a pro, Michael Gross armed to the teeth, and Reba McEntire proving country really does know how to shoot. Sure, Tremors belly-flopped at the box office, but like any good monster, it just wouldn’t stay buried. Thanks to home video, it spawned a heck of a lot of sequels and even a TV series nobody asked for. We’ll dig into the movie’s magic cocktail of action, horror, and comedy, plus the absolute nightmare of filming in the middle of nowhere while your movie is literally about being stuck in the middle of nowhere. So grab your elephant gun, play rock paper scissors over who is running to save the girl on the pogo stick, and join us as we celebrate the wiggly desert death-worms that could—and did—become one of the most beloved cult monster movies of the ’90s. You can dig up more episodes (no jackhammers required) at . Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts! Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Alien (1979)
09/17/2025
Alien (1979)
Wake up, hypersleepy head! We're heading down to LV-426. So grab your motion detector, set the self-destruct for ten minutes and make sure you have the cat! This week Art and Erik heed the mysterious transmission and explore Ridley Scott's 1979 masterpiece of sci-fi horror, Alien! This is a deep dive into strange ships, even stranger organisms and enough metaphors to fill a deep space mining vessel. Facehuggers, chestbursters and xenomorphs, oh my! Along the way, we’ll talk creature design, corporate greed, and why space truckers might be the most relatable workplace ensemble in cinema. We’ll break down Sigourney Weaver’s star-making turn as Ripley, Ash’s unnerving android agenda, and how sound, silence, and one very cranky cat all conspire to keep you on edge. H.R. Giger’s nightmares, practical effects that still hold up, and that oh-so-claustrophobic atmosphere. This film’s got it all. So fire up the Nostromo's big ass engines, take a seat at the dinner table, and unpack the legacy of Alien with us! Follow us at our website Got thoughts on Alien or recs for movies we should cover? Email us at Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Idle Hands
09/10/2025
Idle Hands
Get your knitting needles ready, break out the ceremonial daggers and make sure your angel wings are on straight - we're on the hunt for a demon hand! This week, Art and Erik dig deep into Idle Hands (1999), the stoner horror comedy where a lazy teen’s possessed hand goes on a murder spree. Expect wild practical effects, over-the-top kills, and a late-90s time capsule of music, style, and humor. We talk about Devon Sawa’s physical comedy, Seth Green and Elden Henson’s undead buddy act, and Jessica Alba’s early star power. And it's all wrapped up in a horror-comedy that leans heavy on both the “horror” and the “stoner.” Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and please rate or review us! Follow us at our website Contact us at Like and follow us at Video clips at and Links: Films Referenced in this Episode: Director Rodman Flender's Films Other Films
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Predator
09/03/2025
Predator
Break out "Old Painless", oil up your biceps and get to the choppa! Art and Erik are trekking into the jungle to confront the 1987 horror sci-fi classic, Predator. Directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenneger, this summer blockbuster gathered together a pumped-up crew of manly superstars including Carl Weather and Jesse the Body Ventura! Follow along as we discuss the seamless way Predator morphs from 80's action overdrive, to slasher film, to sci-fi fantasy showdown! So fire up your Predator-vision, follow the glowing green blood and join us for a roll in the mud with Arnold and the boys! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and please rate or review us! Follow us at our website Contact us at Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Top 5 Favorite Horror & Cult Classic Movies from the Last 25 Midnight Cinema Episodes
08/27/2025
Top 5 Favorite Horror & Cult Classic Movies from the Last 25 Midnight Cinema Episodes
We've been through a lot the last 25 episodes: alien invasions, headless horsemen, poltergeists, zombies, American werewolves, killer ballet instruction and flying spheres of death. To celebrate hitting 25 episodes of Midnight Cinema, Art and Erik each count down their Top 5 favorite horror and cult classics we’ve covered so far. From practical effects mayhem to supernatural showdowns, this episode revisits some of the strangest, scariest, and most surprising movies we’ve discussed. Expect plenty of laughs, a few arguments, and maybe a shocking pick or two. Whether you’re new to the show or have been with us since the beginning, this is the perfect recap of where we’ve been—and a teaser of where we’re going next. 🎧 Listen in and let us know your Top 5 from our first 25! 🌐 If you like what you hear, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform—it helps other horror fans find the show!
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Phantasm
08/20/2025
Phantasm
Everybody hop in the ice cream truck and watch out for the Tall Man! We're heading to Morningside Cemetery to cover the trippy, dream-like horror film Phantasm. In 1979, indie director Don Coscarelli pulled together an amazingly eerie meditation on death, loss and sex - all on a shoestring. It became a big hit and spawned no less than four sequels. And Art and Erik are ready to go deep into the mausoleum to cover this cult classic for you! From the mysterious Lady in Lavender, to those tenacious little hooded creatures, to those amazing spheres of death, you'll want to hear us break down all the dream logic of this indelible masterpiece of 70's horror. Be sure to subscibe, rate and review on your favorite podcast apps. Follow us at our website Contact us at Like and follow us at Video clips at and
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Trilogy of Terror
08/13/2025
Trilogy of Terror
Don't take the chain off your Zuni Hunting Doll until after you've listened to this week's Midnight Cinema Episode! It's a Karen Black three-for-all as Art and Erik dive into the probably the strangest iconic horror classic of a certain generation. We're talking about the 1975 made-for-television horror flick Trilogy of Terror. Everybody knows the horrifying images of the final sequence - a woman being terrorized by a superstitious little entity in her city apartment. But almost nobody remembers the other two segments in this trilogy. Don't fear, the guys are covering those forgotten first two in their usual comedic way. Weird fiction master Richard Matheson wrote the original stories this tryptych was based on, and Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows and The Night Stalker) directed. We're covering it all: Karen Black's multiple characters A very strange set of demonic books 70's furniture, clothing and hairstyles. How to make a 7 inch tall puppet scary as hell Follow us for more at Like and follow us at Video clips at and Rate and Review us at your favorite podcast apps! Movies and TV talked about in this episode: Karen Black Movies: Richard Matheson Adaptations: Dan Curtis Productions: Other Midnight Cinema Episodes Mentioned:
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Demon Knight - Tales from the Crypt
08/06/2025
Demon Knight - Tales from the Crypt
Welcome, boils and ghouls... to the sleaziest siege movie ever blessed by the Crypt Keeper. This week on Midnight Cinema, Art Hennessey and Erik Rodenhiser are heading to Wormwood, New Mexico to check into the world’s creepiest halfway house for a deep dive into Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)—a film where evil oozes, holy relics leak all over the place, and Billy Zane throws the ultimate temper tantrum. We discuss: Demon lore, the seven stars, and the fate of the blood-filled key Billy Zane’s delicious descent into demonic diva mode Jada Pinkett’s journey to buff demon slayer The nightclub design of old southwestern missions An amazing array of "where have I seen them before?" actors Flashbacks, mythologies, attic secrets, and tunnels full of trouble We also explore the film’s long road to production, its connections to the Tales from the Crypt series, and whether the Crypt Keeper should have hosted more B-movie bloodbaths. From practical effects and gross-out gags to supernatural showdowns and EC Comics-style humor, Demon Knight is a 90s cult relic that deserves another look—preferably before the sun comes up. So take a shot of Jesus juice, seal the doors, aim for the eyes, and join us for a night of monsters, mayhem, and morally ambiguous motel guests. Subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your spooky fix.💥 Rate and review us—it helps more Demon Knights find the pod! Got thoughts or undead trivia? Email us: Look for more horror and hilarity at: Midnight Cinema Episodes referenced: Movies and Television Shows Referenced in this Epidode (1960)
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An American Werewolf in London
07/30/2025
An American Werewolf in London
Stick to the road, stay off the Moors and most of all... beware the moon! We're headed to the Slaughtered Lamb pub in East Proctor, England! Art Hennessey and Erik Rodenhiser make a meat loaf out John Landis's classic 1981 horror comedy, An American Werewolf in London. We dive into: The werewolf transformation that changed movie makeup forever The terrifying dream sequence with Muppets Griffin Dunne in one of horror's most memorable supporting roles A romance that’s sweet, doomed, and somehow involves waking up in a zoo The most unwelcoming pub in cinema history And a discussion of the the plot intricacies of See You Next Wednesday. Along the way, we tip our hats to Frank Oz's surprise cameo, talk about Landis’s filmography, and unpack how this film up the game for werewolves for a new generation. With its perfect balance of horror, comedy, and tragedy—plus some stellar practical effects—this one still bites. So grab a pint and join us for a Midnight Cinema tour of England, from in the fog-drenched moors to the London Tube to Picadilly Circus. Before you transform, make sure to subscribe or follow us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review us! Want to reach out? You can email us at For more info: Films referenced in this episode: John Landis Films: Werewolf Films: Jenny Agutter Films Midnight Cinema Covered Films
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Slither
07/23/2025
Slither
Slug trails, tentacles, hive minds, humor and way too much meat - we're heading to to Wheelsy! 🐛💥 This week on Midnight Cinema, Art and Erik get good and gooey with James Gunn’s 2006 cult classic Slither. It’s got everything: alien parasites, grotesque body horror, weirdly touching love stories, and enough practical effects to make you flinch with joy. The guys dig into Gunn’s early career, long before he was wrangling talking raccoons, and explore how Slither blends horror and comedy into a slick, slimy, genre cocktail. They break down the small-town chaos of Wheelsy, the emotional rollercoaster of Starla and Grant’s deeply cursed marriage, and the unforgettable transformation of poor Brenda into a human balloon full of squirming surprises. From the deer cheer hoedown to the final farmhouse showdown, Slither is a messy, heartfelt, and hilariously disgusting ride. Come for the tentacles, stay for the trauma, and discover why this overlooked box office flop became a beloved horror-comedy gem. Just… maybe don’t eat spaghetti while listening. Got a favorite alien parasite movie? Ever found a weird slug in your bathtub? Tell us about it at 👽 Visit our fleshy, pulsating home on the web (it’s totally not alive… probably): ⭐ If you want to help the show, rate and review us before we all become one with the Grant-being:
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The Gate
07/16/2025
The Gate
Bring your Thunderbolt rocket, pack your Sacrifyx records, and meet us at the hole in the backyard—because Midnight Cinema is unlocking The Gate! In this episode, Art and Erik dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of suburban horror that is The Gate (1987). We’re talking demonic geodes, stop-motion creatures, contractors in walls, and the dangers of heavy metal played backwards. Join us as we ask the important questions: What the heck do these demons want? What are the employment opportunities for minions? Can a 15 year-old be a good babysitter? So grab your rocket, chant the incantation, and step through—just don’t forget to close the gate behind you! Let us know your favorite backmask album or what your favorite rocket is to kill a demon! Visit out demon haunted home on the web: If you want to help out the podcast, please visit us on your favorite podcast platform and rate and review us!
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Sleepy Hollow
07/09/2025
Sleepy Hollow
Grab your jack o'lantern, your rusty axe, and your 18th-century trauma—Midnight Cinema is heading to Sleepy Hollow! This week, Art and Erik gallop into Tim Burton’s gloriously gothic 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, where heads roll, conspiracies twist, and Johnny Depp faints… a lot. They dissect the fog-drenched aesthetic, the “science vs. superstition” debate, and why everyone in town seems to be either whispering, plotting, or.... dying. We keep a running count of the craniums and try to untangle the knots of relationships in this sleepy Dutch community. And how exactly do you lose that many heads and still keep a functioning township? From Johnny Depps offbeat perfornance to Christopher Walken's filed down teeth, we're asking the question: Is this Tim Burton's most metal movie? Subscribe for more incredible, fantastic cinema discussion! Apple: Spotify: 🌐 Visit us: 📧 Reach out: 💀 Rate, review, and don't let the headless horseman kiss you!
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Big Trouble in Little China
07/02/2025
Big Trouble in Little China
Grab your 7 Demon Bag, rally the Chang Sing, and hop on the Pork Chop Express—because we’re heading straight into the neon-lit chaos of Chinatown! This week, Art and Erik throw on their tank tops and dive fists-first into John Carpenter’s 1986 cult classic Big Trouble in Little China. It’s got everything: sorcery, sewer monsters, kung fu battles, dudes who ride lightning bolts, and one very confused truck driver named Jack Burton! They dig into Jack’s lovable energy, Wang’s bad ass fighting skills, the green-eyed girl prophecy, and the bonkers Burning Blade ceremony that somehow makes perfect sense in a movie like this. Plus, they talk supernatural shenanigans, epic martial arts showdowns, and Carpenter’s delicious genre-blending madness. Join us and learn how the film tries to tackle stereotypes and manages to celebrate Chinese mythology while being a total blast. Basically, it’s action, comedy, monsters, magic, and one-liners galore. If you’ve ever screamed "It's all in the reflexes," this episode is for you. Subscribe for more gloriously strange cinema: Apple: Spotify: 🌐 Visit us: 📧 Reach out: 💀 Rate, review, and beware the hell of pocast listening!
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