Food and Frightening Film Fanatics Podcast

The ”VHS” Franchise And Most Popular Dish Of 1994

This week we cover a lesser known anthology franchise. It's "VHS". There are four films total plus a spinoff. "Siren" is based on "Amateur Night" from the first movie. There's also a series of Snapchat shorts. The great thing about anthologies is if you don't like something, it will be over soon and you're on to something new. 

And in honor of "VHS 94", we have the most popular food of that year. It's the Caesar salad. See this 1994 St Louis Dispatch article here for the origins of the dish and the recipe.  

Photo Credit:  Here

The ”Texas Chainsaw Massacre” Franchise And Popular Texas Dishes

This week we cove one of the icons of horror-- the chainsaw- wielding Leatherface. The "TCM" franchise is one of the strangest in terms of chronology. There are at least three different timelines with reboots, sequels and prequels. The original 1974 movie is considered a horror masterpiece. It is credited with starting the slasher craze and developed many of the common horror tropes we see today-- the final girl, an isolated location, an unstopable and nonverbal killer, etc.

My suggestion is watch the original, the 2003 remake, and one of other films that contains Sheriff Hoyt and family. They are well worth a watch. Also if want something fun, check out the black commedy "TCM 2". 

This week we also cover a few dishes popular in Texas. See Tasteofhome.com here for recipes (including many with a Tex Mex inspiration).

Photo Credit:  Here

SSS: ”American Psycho” And Classic 80s Food

"American Psycho" with Christian Bale as iconic serial killer Patrick Bateman was released in 2000. It's based on a novel by Brett Easton Ellis. Most people are familiar with the movie due to it's over the top violence (which was pared down to get the movie an R rating instead of NC-17). Bateman is an unlikeable character (and possibly an unreliable narrator). The movie is a great depiction of the narcissistic, greed fueled 1980's.

But did you know there is a second "American Psycho" movie? It's the direct to video "American Psycho 2: All American Girl" starring Mila Kunis (from "That 70's Show"). Feel free to skip this studio cash grab. It's a sequel in name only and has been denounced by everyone involved. 

In honor of the original film, I've included a link to 25 classic 80's foods from EatThis.com here Does anyone remember Funny Feet Ice Cream? How about Dixie's Snack Crackers or Dr Pepper Gum? And I'm still eating some items on this list including Lunchables, Lean Cuisines, and my favorite Tostino Pizza Rolls. 

Photo Credit: here

The ”Underworld” Franchise And Edible Fake Blood

This week we cover the five movies of the "Underworld" franchise. All star Kate Beckinsale as the skin-tight-leather-clad-vampire-assassin named Selene. Vampires are in a centuries old battle with lycans (ie werewolves). Humans are non the wiser about either species until later in the franchise. I would suggest checking out the first movie and possibly the second ("Underworld: Evolution"). Later entries unfortunately are really more of the same. 

And in keeping with the theme, The-Girl-Who-Ate-Everything.com has a recipe for edible fake blood. It's super easy and good for any Halloween/horror themed party. Check it out here

Photo Credit: Here

The "Ju-On/The Grudge" Franchise And Favorite Japanese Foods

The "Ju-On/The Grudge" franchise contains 13 films and a NetFlix series. The series is an interesting one. Takashi Shimizu created the franchise, and directed or produced six of the films. Besides the Japanese movies, there are 4 American entries-- "The Grudge", "The Grudge 2", "The Grudge 3" and "The Grudge" (2020). There's also a fun crossover with "The Ring" franchise with "Sadako vs Kayako".

The franchise may be a bit hard for some viewers to follow. The pacing is pretty slow in the earlier entries. The stories are also told in a nonlinear fashion so you're not sure what/when everything happened. Still the series is one of the most prominent examples of J-horror. The death rattling Kayako and the meowing Toshio are iconic characters.   

And for the food this week, i obviously went with Japanese cuisine. Check out the GoWithGuide.com here for some favorites. 

 

Photo Credits: here

SSS: ”13 Ghosts” And Some Ghostly Party Treats

This week we're doing a single serving size episode. That's one which falls below my 3 movie minimum to be considered a franchise. The original "13 Ghost" premiered in 1960. Since it was a William Castle production, you can be there was a gimmick involved. The movie was promoted as having "Illusion-O"-- a pair of glasses that made the on screen ghosts more vivid.

 

The 2001 remake of "13 Ghosts" has some pretty heavy hitters in the acting department. It also has excellent production design and special effects. Too bad the story isn't on the same level. While the ghosts were way cool, I was annoyed by their constantly wondering around the house yelling for each other. 

 

This week's recipe includes some fun suggestions for a ghost themed Halloween party. Check it out here 

 

Photo Credit: Here

Lucio Fulci’s ”Gates Of Hell” Trilogy And Iconic Italian Dishes

This week we're talking about one of the top horror directors. Lucio Fulci was prominent in the Italian gialo film movement (from the late 1960's through early 1980's). His three films in the "Gates Of Hell" trilogy are considered some of his best. They include; "City Of The Living Dead" (1980), "The Beyond" (1981), and "The House By The Cemetery" (1981).  I'm saving his other classic "Zombi"/"Zombie 2" for a later date. Hallmarks of Fulci films include: lots of gore, almost always an eye gouging scene, and an often confusing plot. Don't try to understand the specifics of what's going on. Instead view the movie as a dream and you'll enjoy it much better.    

 

And in honor of Fulci's homeland, I've included some iconic Italian dishes. Number 1 is ALWAYS pizza but dont forget about lasagna, polenta, ossobuco, risotto, carbonara, focccia, and gelato. Check them out at WalksOfItaly.com here  

 

Photo Credit: here

The ”Train To Busan” Franchise And Classic Korean Dishes

This week we cover the South Korean "Train To Busan" franchise. The second film in the series is the lesser known animated prequel "Seoul Station". The third movie is named "Peninsula".

"Train To Busan" is IMHO one of the best zombie movies EVER. Not only does it have some great zombies, it also has characters you grow to care about. That doesnt happen much in this subgenre. While some have referred to "Peninsula" as "Fast & Furious... with zombies", I enjoyed it as well. Just dont compare "Peninsula" with "Train To Busan". This is about completely different characters and how they dealt with the zombie apocalypse.  

This week we cover some classic Korean dishes. Check out this link to TheSpruceEats.com for more details. Some of the most popular are: kimchi, dumplings and Korean barbecue.  

 

Photo Credit: Here  

The "Leprechaun" Franchise And Traditional Irish Foods

This week we cover the "Leprechaun" franchise. There are 8 movies total. They take Lep to Las Vegas, space and twice to the hood. We also get an origin story (that really has nothing to do with Lep). The last entry is a sequel to the first movie (ignoring the rest of the franchise). 

The greedy, wise cracking little dude actually grows on ya after a while. I would suggest watching the first movie, then "Return", then "Leprechaun In The Hood". And if you're looking for more, check out "Leprechaun 3" and "Back To The Hood". 

And in honor of Lep, here's a few tradition Irish foods. Check them out here They include: soda break, Irish stew, boxty, coddle, barmback and black and white pudding.     

Photo Credit: Here

SSS: "The Collector", "The Collection" And Some Bug Recipes

In this week's single serving size episode, I'm covering "The Collector" and "The Collection". The third film in the trilogy, "The Collected", was started but never finished. These films are from the writers of several of the "Saw" movies. They are in the home invasion/torture porn genre. So if that's your cup of tea, check them out. Since the Collector, is an entomologist, I have included a link to several recipes featuring insects here Given everything else we eat, not sure why we would be grossed out by a few bugs.  

Photo Credit: Here