Last Podcast on the Left – Episode: Side Stories: Movie Stories II

Hosted by The Last Podcast Network, "Last Podcast on the Left" delves into the myriad horrors of our world, both real and imagined. In the episode "Side Stories: Movie Stories II," hosts Henry Zabrowski, Ed Larson, and Jackie Zabrowski engage in an in-depth discussion about various horror films, dissecting franchises, classics, and their own horror-watching endeavors.

1. Exploring the Terrifier Franchise

The episode opens with a passionate analysis of the "Terrifier" series, focusing on the evolution of Art the Clown across the three installments.

Terrifier 1: A Foundation in Iconography

• Henry Zabrowski praises Terrifier 1 for its return to classic horror elements, despite its perceived incompleteness. He states, “[Terrifier 1] was amazing as a first chapter” (09:21).
• Jackie Zabrowski concurs, highlighting the film's lack of plot as both a strength and a weakness: “Well, there's no plot” (05:52).

Terrifier 2: Expanding the Lore

• Henry Zabrowski lauds Terrifier 2 for deepening the story and enhancing Art the Clown’s character, describing it as “one of my favorite sequels” (15:37).
• Ed Larson shares his surprise enjoyment, initially expecting "torture porn": “I thought beforehand I thought this was all torture porn. And again, it is” (10:34).
• The hosts discuss the physical portrayal of Art the Clown, with Ed Larson commending David Howard Thornton's performance: “the best physical actor in horror right now” (10:14).

Terrifier 3: Independent Excellence

• Henry Zabrowski expresses admiration for Terrifier 3, emphasizing its independence and creative freedom: “[Terrifier 3] is completely independent... he doesn't give a fuck” (22:02).
• The discussion touches on the film's brutal scenes and cliffhanger ending, with Jackie Zabrowski noting, “the last 20 minutes is the most brutal of the entire series” (13:44).

2. The 31 for 31 Halloween Challenge

Embracing the spooky season, the hosts embarked on the "31 for 31" challenge—watching 31 horror films in 31 days. They share their progress and strategies for selecting a diverse range of horror sub-genres.

• Henry Zabrowski praises Jackie Zabrowski for categorizing each day with specific horror brackets, ensuring a varied exploration of the genre (05:39).
• Ed Larson appreciates the adaptability of the list, mentioning the inclusion of classics like Friday the 13th and modern entries like Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (05:37).
• The hosts express excitement for upcoming films, such as GM Haunted Asylum and The Curse (64:25).

3. Delving into Classic and Anthology Horror Films

The conversation shifts to timeless horror classics and anthology films, with a particular focus on Freaks (1932), Bride of Frankenstein, and American Werewolf in London.

Freaks (1932): A Haunting Masterpiece

• Henry Zabrowski lauds Freaks for its atmospheric dread and powerful themes of loyalty and acceptance: “[Freaks] is about how they're equal to everybody else” (33:00).
• Jackie Zabrowski shares her admiration, noting the film's enduring impact and emotional depth: “I have never seen it before and I loved it” (35:00).
• The hosts discuss the original and extended cuts, highlighting the film's influence on the horror rating system: “This movie was what created the rating system” (35:01).

Bride of Frankenstein: Themes of Sexuality and Rebellion

• The hosts explore the gay allegory in Bride of Frankenstein, discussing director James Whale’s possible subtextual intentions: “[Bride of Frankenstein] has been interpreted as a gay subtext suffused throughout the film” (41:31).
• Henry Zabrowski emphasizes the emotional connection and the portrayal of unconventional relationships: “It's about the love allegory about sexuality” (42:57).

American Werewolf in London: A Blend of Humor and Horror

• Jackie Zabrowski praises American Werewolf in London for its storytelling and character development, despite its slow pace: “I loved American Werewolf in London. Everyone should just go out and make sure they watch that” (50:45).

4. Critique of Horror Reboots and Franchises

The hosts engage in a critical examination of horror remakes and franchise films, including Friday the 13th and Rob Zombie’s Halloween.

Friday the 13th Series

• Ed Larson reflects on his experience watching the series for the first time, challenging preconceived notions about its quality: “I never realized, like, the origin of these” (55:12).
• Jackie Zabrowski expresses disappointment with certain entries but acknowledges the genre’s appeal: “I did not like it” (56:28).

Rob Zombie’s Halloween: A Grindhouse Revival

• Henry Zabrowski and Ed Larson discuss Rob Zombie’s revitalization of Halloween, appreciating the grindhouse aesthetic and tone shifts: “What Damion Leone has done is realize like they're extremely good at Rob Zombie’s tone shifts awesomely” (46:15).
• Jackie Zabrowski defends the stylistic choices, despite mixed reviews: “It's a trashy horror movie” (45:56).

5. Personal Anecdotes and General Thoughts on Horror

Interspersed with film discussions are personal stories and humorous exchanges, showcasing the hosts’ camaraderie and deep engagement with horror cinema.

• Henry Zabrowski humorously recounts attempting to drink an Oreo Coke Zero without sponsorship: “I wasn't actually drinking this Oreo Coke Zero. I just opened it so I could try a sip of it” (72:25).
• The hosts share their frustrations with certain films, such as Joker 2, criticizing its narrative direction and character development: “It was the single worst lesson I've seen in a film” (68:40).
• Jackie Zabrowski reminisces about meeting Sid Haig and the challenges of distinguishing celebrities from the crowd: “I was like, whoa. I was like, that's the celebrity I want to meet, Sid Haig” (49:06).

6. Recommendations and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, the hosts provide recommendations for both seasoned horror fans and newcomers, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse and sometimes obscure films.

• Henry Zabrowski encourages listeners to venture beyond their comfort zones: “If you go out there and you're afraid to see a movie, you don't know what's in it, it might be the best thing you ever seen” (65:30).
• Ed Larson and Jackie Zabrowski echo this sentiment, advocating for an open-minded approach to horror: “It's okay to dislike some horror movies. Horror movies... if it's a bad one, I'm not mad that I watched it” (65:21).

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Larson on Terrifier 2: “I never thought I was going to like Terrifier at all” (10:34).
• Jackie Zabrowski on Freaks: “We have to defend this to my deathbed” (22:02).
• Henry Zabrowski on horror challenges: “You might not. You'll probably like the next one” (38:22).
• Jackie Zabrowski on movie rankings: “We're Rob Zombie apologists. We've always been this way” (46:27).

In "Side Stories: Movie Stories II," "Last Podcast on the Left" offers a rich tapestry of horror film discussions, blending critique with personal insights. Whether dissecting the gruesome artistry of Art the Clown or celebrating the timeless dread of Freaks, the hosts provide a comprehensive guide for horror enthusiasts seeking both depth and entertainment.