In this episode, Josh and MekaG discuss the often overlooked genre of PG-13 horror films, emphasizing that horror can be effective without excessive gore or adult themes. They share their top 10 favorite PG-13 horror movies, exploring classics and hidden gems, while also discussing Halloween traditions and the influence of directors like M. Night Shyamalan on the genre. The conversation highlights the importance of atmosphere, humor, and storytelling in creating memorable horror experiences suitable for a wider audience.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

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Before they were stars, Matthew McConaughey and Renée Zellweger faced off with Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation. This bizarre, often baffling entry goes full meta and leans into high camp. In this episode, we unpack the wild tone, Illuminati subplots, and infamous performances that made this sequel both infamous and unforgettable.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this spine-tingling episode of Wednesday Night Fights, hosts Josh and Meka G dive deep into the shadowy corners of horror cinema — from haunted houses to hockey masks. They dissect the evolution of The Conjuring Universe, questioning whether the series can thrive beyond Ed and Lorraine Warren, and explore how interconnected storytelling could be horror’s next big frontier.

The conversation branches into the resurgence of found footage, the enduring legacy of The Blair Witch Project, and how modern technology — especially social media — is reshaping how fear finds its audience. With lively debates on franchise fatigue, fresh concepts, and the delicate balance between mystery and overexposure, the hosts unpack what keeps horror relevant — and what threatens to make it stale.

Of course, no horror talk would be complete without a visit to Camp Crystal Lake. Josh and Meka trace the evolution of Jason Voorhees, celebrate the underappreciated Pamela Voorhees, and revisit the Friday the 13th legacy — from its blood-soaked beginnings to its modern reboots and future possibilities.

💀 Key Takeaways:

• The Conjuring universe may evolve beyond its original ghost-hunting duo.
• Horror franchises risk fatigue from repetitive formulas — but innovation can revive them.
• The Blair Witch Project still defines how mystery fuels terror.
• Found footage is back, blending classic fear with digital-age realism.
• Social media is the new haunted house — where horror goes viral.
• Jason Voorhees remains one of horror’s most enduring and fascinating icons.

📺 Chapters Include:

• The Conjuring Universe: End or Evolution?
• Superhero Fatigue in Horror
• The Found Footage Resurgence
• The Legacy of Friday the 13th
• Understanding Pamela Voorhees
• The Big Three: Jason, Michael, and Freddy
• Emotional Horror: Movies That Leave a Mark

🔪 Sound Bites:

“Jason is probably my favorite.”

“Pamela was not the arch villain.”

“Jason’s hockey mask is iconic.”

Whether you’re a die-hard horror buff or a casual fan gearing up for Halloween, this episode is packed with film analysis, nostalgia, and enough eerie insight to make you check under the bed twice.

Keywords: horror, Conjuring, Jason Voorhees, found footage, Blair Witch, shared universe, movie review, Halloween, slasher films, film analysis

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New decade, new Leatherface. We carve into TCM III, the grim and gritty 1990 installment that tried to reboot the tone while staying true to the franchise’s roots. Featuring a pre-Lord of the Rings Viggo Mortensen and a nastier family dynamic, this entry has long divided fans. Is it an underrated gem or a muddled mess? Fire up your saw—we’re finding out.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Wednesday Night Frights, host Josh dives into the latest happenings in the horror genre, discussing the success of 'The Conjuring Last Rites' as the highest-grossing horror film of 2025, Netflix's ambitious horror lineup for October, the upcoming Resident Evil reboot, the integration of AI in haunted attractions, and the innovative found footage film 'House on Eden'. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of horror, the impact of streaming on the genre, and the balance between nostalgia and new content.

takeaways

• 'The Conjuring Last Rites' has become the highest-grossing horror film of 2025.
• Netflix's October horror lineup is ambitious and diverse.
• The success of horror films may rely more on brand recognition than critical reception.
• AI technology is transforming the haunted attraction experience.
• 'House on Eden' explores the intersection of influencer culture and horror.
• Supernatural horror is reclaiming its throne in the genre.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in horror consumption today.
• The horror genre is evolving rapidly, with new ideas and formats emerging.
• Streaming platforms are reshaping how audiences engage with horror.
• The balance between comfort and curiosity is crucial for modern horror fans.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chainsaws, chili, and chainsmoking madness! Tobe Hooper returned for TCM 2, but this time with a twisted sense of humor and buckets of blood. In this episode, we explore the tonal whiplash, over-the-top gore, and Dennis Hopper’s wild performance that turned this sequel into a cult classic. Is it satire? Is it insanity? Is it both? Let’s dig in.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We go back to where it all began—Tobe Hooper’s raw and relentless The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). In this episode, we dissect the film’s gritty realism, the rise of Leatherface, and how this low-budget nightmare helped shape modern horror. We also explore its subversive themes, unforgettable imagery, and why it still terrifies audiences half a century later. This is ground zero for chainsaw horror.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this episode of Wednesday Night Frights, hosts Josh Bell and Meka G dive into the world of horror, discussing the recent film 'The Long Walk' and its emotional impact, character development, and themes of friendship and sacrifice. They also touch on the future of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise and share personal horror experiences as they celebrate the spooky season.

Get ready to dive into the thrilling and chilling world of horror cinema with film critic and aficionado, Josh Bell. In each episode he explores the darkest corners of cinema, dissecting classic and contemporary horror films with insight, wit, and a passion for the genre. From iconic slashers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, no horror film is off-limits. Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the blood-red waters, join Josh as he takes you on a journey through t

Follow and join the conversation with Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk - Horror Edition on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.