Compelled by Schlock

Is Jaws 3-D the ultimate shark movie schlock? 🦈 Grab your 3D glasses (or just some popcorn) and join us as we dive into the deep end of 1983’s JAWS 3! We’re breaking down the floating severed limbs, the SeaWorld setting, and the infamous "shark through the glass" climax that has to be seen to be believed. In this episode of Compelled by Schlock, we're asking the big questions: How did...

Grab your sweetheart and your favorite chicken flavored heart cookies! We're talking about Scott Jeffrey's 2020 film from Uncork’d Entertainment, Cupid! Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...

This week we play Cops and Zombies with Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo!  Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...

Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter... In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, we review April Fool’s Day (2008), the little-known remake of the 1986 cult horror classic, to see what works, what falls apart, and whether this slasher update deserves more attention or its bad reputation. We break down the story, kills, tone, char...

Looking for cult classic movie recommendations? Leprechaun 2 (1994) is one of the wildest horror movie sequels of the decade — and we're breaking down everything that makes this Leprechaun movie so unhinged. Whether you love it or hate it, this one deserves a spot on your list of best horror movies to watch. On this episode of Compelled by Schlock, we discuss: -Why Leprechaun 2 doubled down on...

This episode of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast steps away from our Friday the 13th movie review series to spotlight the fan films that kept Jason alive during the franchise’s long absence from the big screen. We sit down with Kody Newton, camera operator on Friday the 13th: Vengeance and cinematographer for Rose Blood and Vengeance 2, to talk about horror filmmaking, behind-the-scenes stories, s...

Join us as we revisit Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives in our ongoing retrospective of the iconic slasher franchise. This horror movie podcast dives into the film’s bold tonal shift, its self-aware humor, and how director Tom McLoughlin resurrected Jason Voorhees as the undead slasher icon we now recognize. Whether you’re a longtime fan reliving the VHS-era glory or an indie filmmaker studying...

Strap in for a high-flying deep dive into The Rocketeer (1991), the cult classic Disney adventure that brought pulp heroics, jetpack action, and golden-age nostalgia roaring back to the screen. In this episode, we’re joined by special guest @MathewDRhys to explore why 1990s audiences were suddenly obsessed with 1930s and 40s pulp heroes, from The Shadow to The Phantom to this helmeted rocket man....

Is Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025) a remake, a sequel, a requel... or something else entirely? In this out-of-theater podcast movie review, we dissect the newest entry in the notorious Christmas horror franchise, breaking down its kills, characters, themes, and connection (or lack thereof) to the original 1984 Santa killer cult classic. We explore what works, what doesn’t, and how the film fits...

In this episode of our movie review podcast, we take a hard-hitting look at The Running Man (1987), the dystopian sci-fi action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and based on the novel by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman). We explore the film’s brutal satire of reality television, its over-the-top 80s action style, and its influence on pop culture and modern genre filmmaking. From Richard Dawson...

n this episode of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, we revisit Halloween II (1981), the chilling continuation of John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece. Set on the same night as the original, this sequel expands the mythos of Michael Myers while exploring the evolution of slasher filmmaking in the early 80s. We break down its atmosphere, tension, and storytelling choices, discussing what makes it bot...

In this full interview with cinematographer Kody Newton, we explore the making of The Death of Snow White—an ambitious horror film blending fairy-tale imagery with dark psychological themes. Kody shares insights into the creative process behind the film’s visual style, lighting choices, and camera work, revealing how indie filmmakers can achieve cinematic results on limited budgets. We discuss sto...

In this episode, we revisit Lloyd Kaufman’s outrageous cult classic The Toxic Avenger (1984), the low-budget Troma Entertainment masterpiece that defined schlock cinema and gave the world its first superhero from New Jersey. From its gritty practical effects and over-the-top violence to its satire of corruption and toxic waste, the film became a midnight movie sensation and launched a franchise of...

Join us for a full interview with director David Ryan Keith as we discuss Redwood Massacre: Annihilation (2020), the brutal sequel to his indie slasher series that pushes gore, suspense, and practical horror effects to new heights. Keith shares insights into the making of the film, the challenges of crafting a modern slasher on a limited budget, and the creative choices that shaped its atmosphere...

The Redwood Massacre (2014) is a low-budget Scottish slasher that delivers brutal kills, buckets of gore, and a masked killer who stalks unsuspecting campers near a legendary murder site. In this horror movie podcast, we break down how the film uses atmosphere, pacing, and practical effects to embrace slasher traditions while pushing the boundaries of indie filmmaking. From its gruesome set pieces...

In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock podcast, we revisit Suburban Commando (1991), the sci-fi action comedy starring Hulk Hogan as an intergalactic warrior stranded in middle-class America. Released at the height of Hogan’s crossover stardom, the film blends slapstick humor, rubber-suit aliens, and fish-out-of-water gags with a surprisingly sincere attempt at genre filmmaking on a limited b...

Fear Below (2025) continues the Shark Month lineup with a tense, low-budget thriller about a coastal dive team investigating a series of unexplained underwater attacks. In this podcast episode, we break down the film’s narrative structure, practical effects, sound design, and direction, highlighting what independent filmmakers can learn from its creative choices and limitations. We analyze where F...

Shark Month is back, and we're celebrating JAWS' 50th anniversary by continuing the series with JAWS 2: the often-overlooked sequel to Spielberg’s classic. In this episode of our cult cinema podcast, we're joined by @LanceOMG as we examine what works and what doesn’t in this 1978 shark thriller. We'll compare it to the original Jaws, unpack behind-the-scenes drama, and break down t...

Join Darby, Chris, and special guest ​⁠​⁠ ‪@martingilmore‬ as we slash into Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985), the fifth entry in the iconic horror franchise, and break down what works—and what really doesn’t—in this controversial sequel. In this episode of our ongoing Friday the 13th retrospective, we dissect the film’s twist ending, excessive body count, and departure from Jason Voorhees,...

We continue the pain with Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge (1991), one of the most beloved entries in the Full Moon franchise. A prequel set during World War II, this cult classic blends killer puppets, Nazi villains, and tragic backstory into a surprisingly emotional gorefest. We break down what works, what doesn’t, and why Toulon’s Revenge stands out in the Puppet Master series. If you’re a f...

In this episode, DELW, Chris A, and Somebody's Watching You actor Michael Schluter revisit April Fool’s Day (1986), a cult classic slasher with a killer twist that divided horror fans and helped redefine the genre’s boundaries. Whether you’re a longtime fan of ’80s horror looking for a nostalgic throwback or an aspiring filmmaker dissecting what makes low-budget films memorable, we break down...

Is Leprechaun (1993) the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day horror movie? Before Warwick Davis became the evil Irish leprechaun we all fear, before Jennifer Aniston hit TV fame, there was Leprechaun—a 1990s horror cult classic. Darby and Chris break down the scary movie that started a leprechaun movie series, its bizarre four-leaf clover weakness, and why it remains a Saint Patrick’s Day favorite. Is it t...

💘🔪 Heart Eyes (2025) slashes its way into the Valentine’s Day season, but does this rom-com slasher bring the love or leave us heartbroken? In this episode, Darby and Chris give their fresh thoughts on the latest horror flick from director Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within, Scare Me), starring Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, and Devon Sawa. Does Heart Eyes deliver the thrills, kills, and romance, or is...

David Lynch’s ‘Eraserhead’ (1977) is a surreal, haunting masterpiece establishing his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, Darby and Chris explore Lynch’s industrial nightmare, the existential horror of parenthood, and the deeper meanings behind the movie’s title and bizarre imagery. Why is ‘Eraserhead’ considered Lynch’s most personal film? Wha...

Darby and Chris are joined by Lance the Obscure Movie Guy to wrap up their schlocky Christmas tradition with Silent Night (2012), the 6th installment of the Silent Night, Deadly Night series! Join us as we break down this killer Santa slasher, its bloody death scenes, and over-the-top holiday gore. Is this reimagining of the classic horror a festive fright or just schlocky cheer? If you're an...