That Was Pretty Scary

In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for selecting projects, and the importance of staying tru...

Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the innovative narrative style. Plus, Jon gives a heartf...

In this captivating episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody dives into a WHAT IF scenario of Halloween 4.  Ten years after Michael Myers, evil remains, but in a new, chillingly abstract form. Jon breaks down Carpenter's original plan, examines how it could have altered horror history, and offers a deep analysis of the potential ripple effects on pop culture and the film industry. If y...

Join Jon Lee Brody as he revisits the 2007 horror film, 'Dead Silence,' directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. This episode delves into why the film was initially panned by critics and how it has grown to become a cult favorite over the years. Jon breaks down the movie's plot, explores the horror landscape of 2007, and discusses how our perceptions of art can change over time. Plus,...

Jon Lee Brody presents a spoiler-free review of 'The Long Walk,' a new thriller directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a novel by Stephen King. Highlighting notable performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and more, Jon dives into the movie's setup, differences between the book and film, and the intense themes of human endurance and totalitarianism. He praises the diverse ca...

Jon reviews 'HIM' the latest sports horror film from Universal Pictures and Monkey Paw Productions. He explores how the movie blends football with mythological themes, discusses standout performances—especially Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White—and explains why 'HIM' is more than just a sports movie. Tune in for insights on sacrifice, authenticity, and what makes this film a must-watch for both horror...

In this enlightening episode of Scary Talk, Jon Lee Brody welcomes the talented filmmaker Justin Tipping. Best known for his work on acclaimed projects like 'Kicks' and 'Dear White People,' Justin dives deep into his journey as an Asian American director. They discuss his early work, including the short film 'Nani,' and his latest project, 'Him,' a sports horror movie. Listen as Justin shares his...

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon Lee Brody takes a deep dive into the iconic 1928 silent film, 'The Man Who Laughs'. Jon explores the film's profound impact on popular culture, highlighting its influence on characters like Batman's Joker and the Universal Monsters. Learn about Conrad Veidt's unforgettable performance as Gwynplaine, the tragic origins of the Joker, and the masterful...

Join Jon Lee Brody in a special bonus episode for a spoiler-free review of The Conjuring: Last Rites. This episode delves into the tenth and final film of the Conjuring saga, directed by Michael Chaves. Jon discusses the unique character arcs, offers insights into the movie's themes, highlights key moments, and shares personal anecdotes related to the franchise's journey since 2013. Don't miss the...

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, Jon Lee Brody explores the intricate layers of the movie Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler. Jon delves into complex themes such as cultural erasure, identity, mental health, and the unique portrayal of vampires. He discusses the significance of Bow and Grace as symbols of erased history and the hauntingly beautiful arc of their characters. The conversation...

Join Jon Lee Brody in this deep dive into 'Sinners,' the 2025 film directed by Ryan Coogler. In this first part, Jon explores why this generational film, starring Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, occupies a special space in our minds. He delves into the movie’s supernatural, historical, and cultural themes, emphasizing its unique mix of southern gothic, horror, and drama. John also highlights t...

Join Jon Lee Brody as he takes a deep dive into the 'Happy Death Day' movies with special guests director Christopher Landon and star Jessica Rothe. In this exciting episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' they revisit both 'Happy Death Day' and 'Happy Death Day 2U,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exploring the emotional layers of the films, and discussing the potential for a third installment. Ro...

Join host Jon Lee Brody and special guest Maggie Levin on That Was Pretty Scary as they discuss Jennifer Kent's modern horror masterpiece, The Babadook (2014). Dive deep into themes of grief, motherhood, and psychological horror as Maggie shares her insights and personal experiences with the film. The conversation also explores Maggie's journey as a filmmaker, her work on the Blumhouse movie My Va...

Join Jon Lee Brody in this electrifying episode of That Was Pretty Scary, where he is joined by the talented writer and executive producer of 'Hard Eyes,' Michael Kennedy. Dive deep into the creative process behind the horror-romance film 'Hard Eyes' and discover the collaboration magic between Michael and Christopher Landon. From blending genres and character development to memorable one-liners a...

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, Jon Lee Brody is joined by Angel Melanson, digital editor at Fangoria, to dive deep into the misunderstood 2009 film Jennifer's Body. They discuss the problematic marketing, the film's complex themes, and Diablo Cody's ahead-of-its-time writing. The duo also touches on the societal norms of 2009 and how they unfairly impacted the movie's reception. Filled...

In this episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody is joined by writer and creator LaToya Morgan. They dive into LaToya's work on HBO Max's Duster, her time on The Walking Dead, and her approach to horror and character-driven storytelling. They also discuss the influence of iconic figures like Pam Grier, the intricacies of creating compelling narratives, and LaToya's upcoming projects. D...

Welcome to a special episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' featuring special guest Jodie Sweetin! Join hosts Jon Lee Brody and Jodie as they delve into the 1984 classic Ghostbusters. They explore its unique blend of horror and comedy, discuss memorable scenes, and share personal anecdotes about the film's impact. Is Peter Venkman really the coolest Ghostbuster? Does Ghostbusters belong in the horror...

Join Jon Lee Brody as he kicks off 'Scary Talk' on 'That Was Pretty Scary' with special guest Austin Nichols. Best known for his roles in 'The Walking Dead,' 'Bates Motel,' and 'One Tree Hill,' Austin discusses his extensive career in horror and beyond. Hear about his love for cinema, the intricacies of his characters, and his experiences on set. Plus, get excited for his upcoming role in 'I Know...

Imagine it's 1993, and Hollywood is dominated by iconic TV shows and movies like Beavis and Butthead, Power Rangers, and Jurassic Park. Amid this, there's a fascinating story about a film that was never made—David Cronenberg's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon Lee Brody delves into Cronenberg's unique vision, which aimed to honor Shelley's l...

In this deep dive episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' host Jon Lee Brody takes listeners back over a century to explore the groundbreaking silent film, 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920). Often overlooked in discussions of cinematic history, this German Expressionist masterpiece quietly laid the foundation for the horror genre and influenced a multitude of iconic filmmakers such as Tim Burton, G...

Join Jon Lee Brody in this week's episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as he dives deep into the 1987 cult classic, 'Killer Workout'. From aerobics and fitness crazes of the 80s to the VHS rental boom, this episode covers it all. Jon dissects the movie's plot, highlighting its blend of horror, slasher, and giallo elements, all wrapped in neon and leg warmers. Whether revisiting or discovering for th...

Join host Jon Lee Brody in this deep dive into the obscure 1984 horror B-movie 'Fatal Games'. Discover the fascinating yet bizarre premise of aspiring Olympians being hunted by a javelin-wielding killer at the Falcon Academy of Athletics. Jon covers the plot points, background production details, and the state of 1984's film industry and world events that influenced the movie. Learn why this film...

Host Jon Lee Brody wraps up his deep dive into Jordan Peele’s Nope, exploring the film’s hidden layers, the mysterious shoe, and its powerful mental health themes. For the first time, producer Alex joins the show to share his unique perspective and discuss how the movie’s storytelling and sound design set it apart. Tune in for sharp analysis, personal stories, and Jon’s official That Was Pretty Sc...

Join Jon Lee Brody in a solo deep dive into Jordan Peele's Nope. With co-host Freddie Prince Jr. away, Jon takes the reins to explore the film's overarching themes, subtexts, and his interpretations. Discover the intricate layers, from the film's commentary on Hollywood's exploitative nature to the powerful societal messages embedded in its narrative. Jon also delves into the concept of spectacle,...

In this special solo episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' host Jon Lee Brody dives deep into the 1977 horror film 'The Hills Have Eyes,' directed by the legendary Wes Craven. Celebrating their 13th episode, John discusses the film's historical context, themes of class warfare and survival, and the impact of Craven's direction on the genre. Learn about the film's production struggles, the innovative...