Podcast Summary: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present

Episode: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #14: “Re/Member”
Date: October 18, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present is dedicated to #14 on their Halloween horror hit list: the 2022 Japanese horror film Re/Member ("re/member" with a slash). Amy and T.J. delve into why this teen, time-loop horror movie—despite mixed reviews and a modest box office—made such an impression on them, especially during a tumultuous period in their personal lives. They celebrate the film's mix of horror, comedy, and heartfelt coming-of-age themes, and discuss its unique genre blend, cultural differences, and how mood and timing can impact a horror film experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Initial Impressions & Personal Connection

• Timing of Viewing: The hosts watched "Re/Member" during an uncertain period after leaving ABC, seeking distraction and escape.

  • Amy Robach: “It was exactly what we needed. It was a morning horror movie, and we were kind of living our own horror at the time.” (03:24)
  • TJ Holmes: “We just happened upon this movie on Netflix a few months after its release, I believe, and we were transfixed by it.” (05:49)

• Shared Taste in Horror: Amy and T.J. highlight their rare occurrence of loving a film together, using "Re/Member" as an example of their horror sensibilities aligning.

  • Amy Robach: “I was actually... I think this is the moment when I looked at you and I thought, he's the one. We both get this movie.” (04:29)

2. The Movie Itself: Plot, Genre & Tone

• Basic Premise: Six high schoolers in a time loop must find the scattered body parts of a victim to break a curse.

  • TJ Holmes: “Six high schoolers stuck in a murderous time loop must find the scattered remains of an unknown victim to break the curse and finally see another day.” (06:49)

• Genre Mix: A blend of horror, drama, sci-fi, and coming-of-age with unexpected comedic elements.

  • Amy Robach: “There was almost a little bit of a rom com in the middle of the horror... It was hilarious and we loved it.” (09:01)
  • Abrupt tonal shifts are frequent, but the hosts found them refreshing and entertaining.

• Cultural Elements: The film’s Japanese setting and sensibilities contributed both to its uniqueness and some of its humor, especially through the dubbed English version.

  • Amy Robach: “It seemed ridiculous when we were watching it. This band of teenagers...trying to solve this mystery...and then in the middle of it all, they're enjoying volleyball on the beach.” (09:01)
  • TJ Holmes: “Watching Japanese actors with very American sounding dubbing...made for a bizarre movie to watch.” (14:26)

3. Critical Reception & Audience Response

• Mixed Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes score is 57% (critics), 50% (audience). The hosts dissect why critics and viewers seem divided.

  • Amy Robach: “50% I'm like, all right. Half the people who watched it loved it. I could be in that half.” (08:09)

• Typical Critic Feedback:

  • Some see “Re/Member” as a “pleasant surprise” if you can accept its “juvenile cinema” tropes.
  • Others find it “illogical and silly,” especially in the final act.
  • TJ Holmes (on a critic's review): “For many, by the time the big monster shows up, the film will have already developed, evolved into an illogical and silly exercise. And for some, the final third will be laughably goofy. I agree. And that would have been in my positive review.” (10:59)

4. What the Hosts Loved

• Escapism: The film provided much-needed relief during a tough time.

  • Amy Robach: “I think I love the way some movies make you feel and this movie. I remember how I felt when I watched it. I was laughing, I was entertained. I felt I was in the moment.” (18:59)
  • TJ Holmes: “It gave us an hour and a half of not thinking about anything else. And it was a good time.” (11:52)

• Unexpected Heart: The focus on friendship and group dynamics, reminiscent of "Breakfast Club" or "Sixteen Candles," resonated strongly.

  • TJ Holmes: “I enjoyed the friendship story...I loved how it showed us what they were and what they became and what they found out is that we are actually the same. And it took a monster chasing us to realize we're not different at all.” (19:13)
  • Amy Robach: “What's more uniting than a common foe? Right?” (19:48)

• Dubbed Experience: Watching with English dubbing added an extra layer of unintentional comedy.

  • Amy Robach: “I love a dub movie. It's great. And especially when it's horror because somehow...it just adds a whole other layer to the entertainment...” (13:37)

5. Who is This Movie For?

• Best For: Viewers open to genre-blending, silly, oddball horror with comedic and heartfelt moments. Fans of ‘time loop’ movies and those who won’t overanalyze narrative logic.

  • Amy Robach: “This movie is for anybody who wants to be entertained...This is just fun, laughable, laugh out loud, but still in the horror genre kind of a movie.” (20:35)
  • TJ Holmes: “Don’t try to make sense of what’s happening. It’s kids in a time loop, for God’s sake. They’re waking up every day living the same damn day.” (21:11)

• Not For: Those seeking “elevated horror,” strict logic, or genuinely scary experiences.

6. Pairings & Viewing Recommendations

• Food & Drink Suggestions

  • Amy Robach: “Go ahead, lean in, dumpling, sushi. Have some fun. Like a good opportunity to have a beautiful, wonderful Japanese meal... Just lean into the culture. Sake, some good Japanese beer.” (23:12)
  • TJ Holmes: “Anything that fits in a lunchbox because all these kids, there’s a lot of lunchroom... puts you in the back to school mood.” (23:12)

• How to Watch: Available on Netflix with an enthusiastic recommendation to use dubbing for maximum entertainment value.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was actually...I think this is the moment when I looked at you and I thought, he's the one. We both get this movie.”
  – Amy Robach (04:29)

• “There was almost a little bit of a romcom in the middle of the horror...and it was hilarious and we loved it.”
  – Amy Robach (09:01)

• “For many, by the time the big monster shows up, the film will have already developed, evolved into an illogical and silly exercise. And for some, the final third will be laughably goofy. I agree. And that would have been in my positive review. All of that sounds about right.”
  – TJ Holmes (10:59)

• “It took a monster chasing us to realize we're not different at all.”
  – TJ Holmes (19:13)

• “If you are looking for something to scare you, to make you think deeper, this is not your movie. This is just fun, laughable, laugh out loud, but still in the horror genre kind of a movie.”
  – Amy Robach (20:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:48] — Introduction of film, why it’s included despite low ratings
• [03:24] — Personal anecdote about watching during uncertain times
• [06:49] — Movie synopsis and premise breakdown
• [08:09] — Amy’s take on Rotten Tomatoes scores
• [09:01] — Discussion of genre collision, “romcom in the middle of horror”
• [10:59] — Hosts react to critics calling the movie “silly” and “illogical”
• [13:04] — Commentary on dubbing and its comedic effect
• [18:59] — Why the film worked emotionally for the hosts
• [19:13] — Reflections on friendship themes
• [20:35] — Who the movie is (and isn’t) for
• [23:12] — Food & drink pairing ideas for viewing

Overall Tone

The episode is light-hearted, humorous, and conversational, embracing the absurdities and charm of “Re/Member.” Their shared enjoyment, candid self-reflection, and acceptance of horror’s illogical nature make for an engaging listen, especially for fans looking for unconventional horror movie picks.

Final Recommendation

Amy & T.J. endorse “Re/Member” as a fun, oddball horror movie that’s best enjoyed in the right mood—go in expecting genre mashup, silliness, and heartfelt moments, not pure terror. Subtitles or dubbing, snacks in hand, and your expectations suspended: that’s the best way to enjoy this cult-favorite hidden gem.