Podcast Summary:

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #18 — “The Crazies”
Date: October 14, 2025
Topic: A deep dive into the 2010 apocalyptic horror film The Crazies — why it’s a hidden gem, what makes it great, who should watch it (and who shouldn’t), and one of the funniest lines in horror.

Episode Overview

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes continue their countdown of underrated horror films with their #18 pick, The Crazies (2010). They dissect why this apocalyptic, small-town horror tale stands out, praising its tension, performances, and the unique blend of horror and (subtle) humor. The hosts reflect on the film’s lasting appeal and discuss what audiences might have missed — including a deadpan line that has become a personal favorite.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why “The Crazies” Makes the List

• Genre and Style:
  • An apocalyptic, infection-based horror film with elements of government conspiracy and small-town drama.
  • "This is apocalyptic, right?" — D [03:28]
• What Sets it Apart:
  • The tension never lets up: "Once it starts...there’s no relief at any point in the movie." — D [04:47]
  • Balances action, gore, anticipation, and character-driven storytelling.
  • Rooting for the lead couple is rewarding: "You’re rooting so hard for the main couple in this...it’s just an awesome, awesome movie." — A [03:29]
• Synposis Recap:
  • A small town falls into anarchy as a toxin turns residents into killers; authorities enforce a deadly quarantine. Sheriff Dutton, his wife, and companions fight to survive both infected citizens and the government [03:29].

2. Performances and Main Cast

• Timothy Olyphant:
  • Praised as the perfect small-town sheriff. "Anytime I see him...he’s just such...if you need a small town sheriff with heart...this is your guy." — D [14:29]
• Radha Mitchell:
  • Recognized for dependable, emotive acting. "Didn’t necessarily know her name, but man, do I know her face. Every time I see her, I’m like, oh, this is gonna be good." — A [05:49]
• Joe Anderson:
  • Standout sidekick performance; strong supporting cast overall.
• Chemistry:
  • The hosts highlight the couple (sheriff and town doctor) as a "perfect loving duo" the audience can root for [06:18].

3. Iconic Scenes and Moments

• Opening Baseball Scene:
  • Repeatedly cited as gripping and memorable.
    "If that doesn’t reel you in...that is such an iconic start to a movie." — A [05:00]
    "Terrifying as well, because it was in broad daylight. It was in front of a crowd." — D [11:16]
• The Pitchfork Scene:
  • Highlighted as a masterclass in tension.
    "The pitchfork scene might be the most terrifying...because it takes so long to build up and nobody’s jumping out at you...you see it and you feel it." — D [08:39]

4. Original vs. Remake

• The Crazies (2010) is a remake of George A. Romero’s 1973 film. The original was well-received, but the remake modernizes the themes and is “unusually” beloved by both fans of the original and new viewers.
  • "Rare where you have a beloved original...people who loved it also loved the remake." — A [07:12]
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 72% critics, 57% audience [08:10].
  • Hosts debate the lower audience score, theorize that some horror fans expect more intense scares or dislike subplots (comedy/romance) [09:00].

5. Social Commentary and Relevance

• T.J. notes how the government-created threat feels especially plausible post-COVID:
  • "There was something more practical about it...I could see them possibly having something in a lab that gets out and causes terror." — D [09:58]
  • Amy directly references the COVID-19 pandemic:
    "Hello, Wuhan COVID-19. This is well before...our recent pandemic, but man, it did kind of sound a little bit like that." — A [10:24]

6. Critical & Audience Reception

• Critics called it “tense, nicely shot, and uncommonly intelligent.”
• Strong direction and emotional resonance set it apart.
• Mixed audience reviews — some find it not “scary enough,” others praise the acting, pacing, and payoff.
• Critics' Consensus:
  • “Tense, nicely shot and uncommonly intelligent, The Crazies is a horror remake that unusually works.” — A [09:43]

7. Notable Quotes & Funniest Moment

• Funniest Line in the Movie:
  • "Tell you what, you don't ask me why I can't leave without my wife, I won't ask you why you can leave without yours." — Timothy Olyphant’s character, recounted by D [21:43]
  • "No one laughed. No, deadpan. And you would miss the line if you weren’t paying attention." — D [21:57]
• Audience Review Highlight:
  • “Very misleading. When I saw the title and watched the movie, I was confused that not one of my ex-girlfriends were in this...Ah well, enjoyable movie and definitely worth the watch.” — A [14:42]
• Hosts laugh at negative review:
  • "Without the rotting ickiness of proper zombies, they just seem like methed out Iowans looking for a fix." — Bad review, read by A/D [12:02]

8. Who Is This Movie For? Who Isn’t It For?

• Fans of “apocalyptic, zombie infection, we’re all gonna die” horror (A [22:39])
• Not for:
  • Those who dislike tension and thrill (“don’t want to be on the edge of your seat, don’t watch this movie" — A [22:59])
  • Not extremely gory, but not for young kids/Pregnant viewers may find it anxiety-inducing due to vulnerable characters [23:38–24:01].

9. How to Watch and Themed Pairings

• Available on: Starz, Hulu, AMC+
• Food Pairing:
  • "Maybe skip the water...pop some corn, popcorn...anything but tap water." — A [24:16]
  • They're amused by the commitment to creative food/drink theming for each movie pick [24:30–24:45].

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "It is so much fun. It’s got just the right amount of gore and horror and anticipation." — A [03:29]
• "Once it starts...there’s no relief at any point in the movie." — D [04:47]
• "The pitchfork scene might be the most terrifying...because it takes so long to build up." — D [08:39]
• "How can you explain that?...I guess I think that they just felt like it wasn’t scary enough." — D & A [08:10]
• "Tell you what, you don't ask me why I can't leave without my wife, I won't ask you why you can leave without yours." — Recounted by D (quoting Timothy Olyphant) [21:43]
• “If you love, as we all do, an apocalyptic style horror film...this is the movie for you.” — A [22:39]
• "Maybe skip the water...anything but tap water. And popcorn. Lots of popcorn." — A [24:16]
• "I don’t see you put any more creative effort into anything than you do the food pairings on this." — D [24:30]

Segment Timestamps

• [02:58] — Intro to the episode and film
• [03:29] — Plot synopsis and initial praise
• [05:49] — Actor highlights
• [07:12] — Discovery: the film is a remake
• [08:39] — Pitchfork scene discussion
• [09:58] — Government conspiracy, realism, and pandemic parallels
• [10:54] — Critics’ reviews and specific scene praise
• [11:16] — Baseball opening scene breakdown
• [12:02] — Negative review/humor
• [14:42] — Audience reviews and funniest user comment
• [15:22] — Set-up for the funniest line/moment
• [21:43] — Delivery and analysis of the movie’s funniest line
• [22:39] — “Who is this for?” discussion
• [24:16] — Food and drink pairing suggestions
• [25:24] — Where to watch and final recommendations

Closing Thoughts

Amy and T.J. conclude that The Crazies remains a top-tier under-the-radar horror flick thanks to its tension, character focus, and ability to keep even seasoned horror fans guessing. They urge listeners to give it 10 minutes—and promise they’ll be hooked. Next episode: another horror hit list choice involving terrifying in-laws.