We are Compelled by Schlock, a weekly podcast about schlocky movies. You know the kind: cheesy effects, bad acting, low budgets... Not only do we love them, but we are compelled by them.

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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 Fear Below succeeds as a B-movie shark flick, where it falls short, and how it fits into the long tradition of cult aquatic horror. Whether it’s tension-building, creature design, or budget-conscious storytelling, this review surfaces key takeaways from one of this year’s newest shark films.

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...

Fear Below

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/26/2/ce9ebb58-28aa-4954-9757-b7ab55a9bd78_suburban_commando_master.mp3

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 budget. As a tribute to the late wrestling icon, this review breaks down the movie’s narrative structure, practical effects, and tonal balancing act between camp and sincerity. From Christopher Lloyd’s deadpan delivery to the unmistakable charm of early-90s family comedies, this episode unpacks how Suburban Commando reflects the filmmaking quirks and creative problem-solving of its era.

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,...

Suburban Commando

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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 to its DIY production style, The Redwood Massacre has earned a cult following among fans of raw, bloody slashers, and here we examine what works, what doesn’t, and why it stands out in the world of independent horror.

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...

The Redwood Massacre

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/11/1/33231dbd-670f-4b61-82a2-2f197c3bd9da_redwood_massacre_annihilation_master.mp3

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 and shocking kills. From behind-the-scenes production stories to lessons on independent filmmaking, this conversation highlights what it takes to bring a terrifying vision to life and keep the legacy of slasher cinema alive.

Director David Ryan Keith Full Interview Podcast

Redwood Massacre: Annihilation

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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 sequels, cartoons, and comics. With the 2023 remake finally making it to the public, we explore what makes the original such a bizarre, influential, and unforgettable entry in B-movie history, and what lessons modern filmmakers can still take from its DIY energy and fearless absurdity.

The Toxic Avenger (1984)

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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 storytelling through color, lens selection, and atmosphere, along with lessons learned from collaborating on horror productions that push artistic and technical boundaries. This episode offers a rare look behind the camera at how vision, resourcefulness, and passion come together to shape modern independent horror cinema.

Cinematographer Kody Newton Interview

The Death of Snow White

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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 both a worthy follow-up and a fascinating case study in horror sequel design. Join us as we analyze its direction, pacing, and legacy within the genre to uncover what truly works—and what doesn’t—in Halloween II.

Halloween 2 (1981)

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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’s villainous turn to the film’s prophetic themes and explosive set pieces, we break down what makes The Running Man a cult classic worth revisiting—especially with a new adaptation on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of retro action, dystopian futures, or behind-the-scenes filmmaking analysis, this review has something for you.

Schlocky, indie, cult classic, horror, sci-fi,  and action movie reviews

The Running Man (1987)

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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 into the current wave of legacy slashers and franchise reboots. Whether you’re here for the gore, the nostalgia, or the filmmaking insight, this episode unwraps everything this new installment has to offer.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)

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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. We break down what made The Rocketeer work, what held it back at the box office, and how Joe Johnston’s direction helped shape the blueprint for future superhero films. If you love practical effects, retro futurism, or underdog Hollywood stories, this one’s for you.

The Rocketeer

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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 what makes low-budget horror work, we unpack the creative choices, filmmaking techniques, and legacy that make Jason Lives a standout entry in the series. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most influential chapters of 80s horror.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

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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, shooting indie slasher projects, and what it takes to build something for one of horror’s most passionate fan communities.

Kody Newton Full Interview

Friday the 13th VENGEANCE | Kody Newton Full Interview Horror Podcast

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/19/4/35251901-a3ee-459a-94b4-89aa99139817_leprechaun_2_master.mp3

Looking for cult classic movie recommendations? Leprechaun 2 (1994) is one of the wildest horror movie sequels of the decade — and we&#39;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 the absurdity-The surprisingly creative kills and practical effects-Whether this cult classic holds up or falls apart-Our honest movie recommendation verdict

Leprechaun 2

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/4/9/4/270b3c09-3127-4b4e-a3a4-2813b822d9c0_april_fool_s_day_2008_master.mp3

Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWZqcHlSc0drT3V5N1EweGRjUzI0V1JIMkw2d3xBQ3Jtc0tuVFNRbWNwWVhtM0gwdG0wU3RWdjMybU5wN0tYa3ZXRUMtVXhMSUcyOWdjRmhaRkFVQ1F3Qzk5VGR3S3hITmlQR3NUd0poRGp0RExxS2xUYVU4MXRxTFpmT3JsbmQzdXBNOG01Z1RNd2xCX1FySUN5aw&v=mfsGW-IZzsM" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a> 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, characters, and filmmaking choices while comparing it to the original April Fool’s Day and exploring what this overlooked horror remake can teach about suspense, structure, and low-budget genre storytelling.

April Fool's Day (2008)

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This week we play Cops and Zombies with Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo! ﻿Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjliaDZiLTJvcXJxYUwyZVVoUGdrazQxNVB2d3xBQ3Jtc0trc0V2UWNxckpzaEp3ZF9XUEdnNjcyTkFKb2dQQnlxcm5OS3Bldmh1MTVfbmxEX0tvQ3JhYUtrQ1U0dXZlb1FVVUV4XzNZR1hzV3BDVHVhdUtRYWhIWnY4eGlDeE5JME1zUjY5N19aaGhmbHNpLVFsUQ&v=BHhTr1cmIhw" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

Dead Heat

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/27/0/52a74cbe-759b-478f-8e95-6a17aca57988_cupid__2020__master.mp3

Grab your sweetheart and your favorite chicken flavored heart cookies! We&#39;re talking about Scott Jeffrey&#39;s 2020 film from Uncork’d Entertainment, Cupid!Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGNJMExKcGd6NVBhMkJNMEU3NXo5SHNqNWljZ3xBQ3Jtc0tta1BHRllVclBsNi16N1Z1cExTY2xkaWF0amlKWk41UnhUbW1MVkllZy1nMEl4NnRQQktJSXQwUFprRnlJa2J5aFc3TVJSVHFvLTlTaWhjXzNab2dQSHJIV0xfMEVhRkFPOG5KalJfQTl3WVpWSU5SNA&v=an8Uo1L-Rlc" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

Cupid (2020)

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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 &#34;shark through the glass&#34; climax that has to be seen to be believed. In this episode of Compelled by Schlock, we&#39;re asking the big questions: How did we get from Spielberg’s masterpiece to this? And is it actually a misunderstood masterpiece of cheesy cinema? Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWRuRkdDU0N0dTB0SDJRVnJ5b0Z5eUtBZ1BSQXxBQ3Jtc0tuLTFwX1lKSEQzZzQzZTh6bVFCNlF3N1VVdDVpN1BkRTlzdVRYS3hBcTJIaEpKT2hNeEh6ZHZmVUNiUldoUWEyUUJKMG1Fdkk5QV9YZmI1TTVpMWVETnpDd05vTXNYUTVwN2xDcEFGc2UySEVBdjBaTQ&v=WQQHoR_1udM" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

Jaws 3-D

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In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock podcast, we’re heading into the Great Barrier Reef to break down the 2010 survival horror hit, The Reef. Directed by Andrew Traucki, this film trades giant CGI monsters for real shark footage and pure, agonizing tension. We’re diving deep into why this movie works (and where it gets a little schlocky), from the &#34;based on a true story&#34; hook to that relentless sense of dread. Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUlNpNURWQmUxU3Fyby1jQ01NMUQzcnxBR3JiS2FuMGFiZVctRHpOVElOeEtZbjljQkd4T0poeTJYNFdFNXpscElNd3RHNFUxTWxRTFprQVI5Y2RoYTdHelNUWGg4SmpsSE9PTmZoTVdkbHF2MEpEZWRvamlCcGZHc29U&v=b3UAoLLYKDk" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

The Reef (2010)

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Is this the most underrated sci-fi bromance of the 80s? In Episode 121 of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, we’re heading to the barren planet of Fyrine IV to dissect the 1985 cult classic, Enemy Mine. Starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr., this film goes far beyond &#34;aliens in space&#34;—it’s a story of survival, prejudice, and an unlikely bond that defines the genre. We’ll be breaking down: The incredible creature design and makeup for Jeriba &#34;Jerry&#34; Shigan.How the film’s message of empathy holds up today.Why this big-budget Wolfgang Petersen flick originally struggled at the box office. Join our newsletter for Schlock straight to your inbox! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rU29ZaVhQeW9GY3pkOWhFM0VXMF8zenxBR3JiS2FsdkQ0WEdNcFBxR0VBMUVIMG42MkhKRHZLY25CMVg3cEludjJadW9ERmpNN3pnWFFBalVWbHRjdkdnaFh1S1RxbGpnMXNrc0xnYWM0OGdBY3lwQ2dacjlucXVPbGFl&v=wq_kERX2lzI" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

Enemy Mine

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/17/4/5a2ab818-81e6-4d2e-8a94-baa5e8d99ec8_pandorum_master.mp3

PANDORUM (2009) — Is Christian Alvart&#39;s sci-fi horror an underrated cult classic or a flawed studio misfire? On Compelled by Schlock Ep. 122, we break down Pandorum — Dennis Quaid &amp; Ben Foster waking up with no memory, no crew, and something hunting in the dark corridors of the Elysium. Paranoia, body horror, and survival in deep space. For fans of Event Horizon, Sunshine and claustrophobic sci-fi horror — if you love forgotten 2000s sci-fi gems, this one&#39;s for you. In this episode:• Why Pandorum flopped in 2009 and why horror fans are rediscovering it now• Memory, paranoia &amp; Pandorum space madness — Quaid vs Foster• Creature design, practical effects &amp; mid-budget worldbuilding• Where Pandorum ranks among 2000s sci-fi horror Have you seen PANDORUM? Drop your take below — overrated, underrated, or nightmare fuel? 🗞️ Get Schlock straight to your inbox — <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcompelledbyschlock-newsletter.beehiiv.com%2F&redir_token=QUZZTVljSGhESTlNMVdxU2pQZUdxRmxSaFkxOXxBTl9pYzRkd0NEV05pbmN0ODd3QkNfOUdXbXRUU1U0OWY5UlE2UFZsWm9nUTc0U01oNlh6T3lpbzU3OXhUMUhVU1B1d1R1czhhdmdmbGY5ZjRUSGxpNjBhc1pveUkzbXY3S3hH&v=PAFa6fickow" rel="nofollow">https://compelledbyschlock-newsletter...</a>

Pandorum (2009)