michaelvarrati

[michaelvarrati]

Who will survive and what will be left of them?! This week, Peaches and Michael are out enjoying the summer sun in celebration of 1974’s THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE! In addition to discussing how this groundbreaking cult classic changed the face of horror forever, our hosts delve into Tobe Hooper’s longstanding assertation that he made the film as a comedy. Joining the conversation is genre icon David Dastmalchian, who speaks to this harrowing vision’s lasting resonance and how it continues to inspire him. Then, DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE filmmaker Michael Kallio stops by to share how his friendship with one of cinema’s most legendary monsters encouraged him to create a tribute as warmly baked as a Texas afternoon. From meat hooks to John Larroquette’s narration, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

You’re TERRIBLE! This week, Peaches and Michael are celebrating Pride like a couple of dancing queens as they shine a spotlight on 1994’s MURIEL’S WEDDING! In addition to discussing why this tragicomedy cult classic resonates with queer viewers, our hosts delve into the undeniable icon status of Toni Collette. Joining the conversation is THE BINGE MOVIE PODCAST’s Jason LeRoy, who shares how seeing this film at a young age forged a life-long deep connection. Then, drag superstar Mary Vice stops by to talk about Porpoise Spit’s drag appeal and an alternate universe where Abba wasn’t involved! From wild vacations to Waterloo, this episode has it all! Go!

[michaelvarrati]

If Jason still haunts you…you’re not alone! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling “reckless” in celebration of 1985’s FRIDAY THE 13TH: A NEW BEGINNING! In addition to celebrating the 40th anniversary of this hotly debated 5th franchise entry, our hosts dig into how the saga of Tommy Jarvis almost took Jason Voorhees’ legacy into a totally different direction! Joining the conversation is Ultra Violent Magazine’s Art Ettinger, who details how discovering this classic sequel at a young age led to a lifelong obsession. Then, the film’s star and iconic final girl Melanie Kinnaman stops by to share memories of making the film and what it’s been like watching the cult of Part V continue to grow. From van enchiladas to chainsaw-wielding action, this episode has it all! 

[michaelvarrati]

Is she woman…or animal? This week, Peaches and Michael are faced with a taboo-breaking femme fatale in celebration of 1968’s VIXEN!  In addition to discussing how this transgressive slice of cinema fits into Russ Meyer’s overall oeuvre, our hosts delve into its pointed commentary of Vietnam War-era politics. Joining the conversation is Severin Films’ David Gregory, who talks about the journey of bringing Meyer’s catalog back from the ether and delivering it unto the people. Then, Vixen herself – screen icon Erica Gavin stops by to share her memories of making this scintillating and scandalous classic! From fish dances to surprise communism, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Lonely hearts beware! This week, Peaches and Michael are putting romance on notice in celebration of 1970’s THE HONEYMOON KILLERS! In addition to discussing how this venerated classic goes beyond the confines of a standard true crime adaptation, our hosts delve into the cult power of the singular sensation that is Shirley Stoler. Joining the conversation is host/film programmer extraordinaire Beth Accomando, who considers this take on Martha and Raymond one of cinema’s great love stories. Then, horror icon Debbie Rochon stops by to dig into why she continues to draw inspiration from the film’s thoughtfully unique construction and powerhouse performances. From grifting church ladies to Scorsese getting bounced, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

My Tumblr turned 13 today! That's fun, right? Spooky numbers or something!

[michaelvarrati]

…you won’t be coming home! This week, Peaches and Michael are hiding their curling irons in celebration of 1983’s SLEEPAWAY CAMP! In addition to discussing this cult classic’s constant cultural reassessment, our hosts delve into why this legendary gorefest also became a benchmark moment in queer cinema. Joining the conversation are THIS ENDS AT PROM’s dynamic wifely duo BJ and Harmony Colangelo, who recently wrote a whole book digging into the trials, tribulations, and joys of this controversial fave. Then, iconic star of the film Karen Fields stops by to talk about her own journey with the movie and her memories of bringing Camp Arawak’s resident queen of mean to life! From Judy’s side ponytail to the shortest of short shorts, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

The story of a woman possessed! This week, Peaches and Michael are raising some hell on behalf of 1974’s ABBY! In addition to discussing how this burgeoning cult classic was almost lost due to studio suppression, our hosts delve into how it fundamentally breaks the Judeo-Christian mold of exorcism cinema. Joining the conversation is acclaimed writer and host Sharai Bohannon, who has made it her mission to make sure this film and its heroine finally get their day in the sun. Then, HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE’s Teri Gamble stops by to lay down the law on why ABBY is so much more than a knock-off of THE EXORCIST! From Carol Speed to bar room rituals, this episode has it all!

Additional Reading:  'Abby' Is More Than Just A Rip-off of 'The Exorcist' by Sharai Bohannon

[michaelvarrati]

…and weird on top! This week, Peaches and Michael take a fever dream of a road trip in celebration of 1990’s WILD AT HEART! In addition to paying homage to the legacy of David Lynch, our hosts delve into the film’s unapologetic commitment to horniness. Joining the conversation is best-selling author Mallory O’Meara, who continues to be inspired by the ongoing exploits of Sailor and Lula. Then, celebrity chef Kat Turner stops by to discuss this unconventional love story, as well as her own remembrances of working with David Lynch on INLAND EMPIRE! From Diane Ladd to snakeskin jackets, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

A rock & roll fable! This week, Peaches and Michael are ruled by the music in celebration of 1984’s STREETS OF FIRE! In addition to discussing this deliciously dystopian vision of a 50’s style future, our hosts delve into the unmitigated power of filmmaker Walter Hill for curating a cult vibe. Joining the conversation is multi-faceted artist extraordinaire Ric Ray, whose love of this movie runs so deep, he even occasionally styles himself in its image. Then, fashion icon and costume design superstar Ruby Vixen stops by to discuss this classic’s impact on a generation of queer femmes. From sledgehammer fights to Stevie Nicks, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid. This week, Peaches and Michael are buzzing over their celebration of 1986’s THE FLY! In addition to discussing the film’s themes surrounding the delicate nature of the body, our hosts delve into the powerhouse pairing of Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum. Joining the conversation is renowned writer and critic Matt Konopka, who shares how his appreciation of this cult classic is continually evolving. Then, acclaimed actor Danny Plotner stops by to dig into why he feels body horror is a communal experience. From transportation pods to powerful puke, this episode has it all! Go!

[michaelvarrati]

[michaelvarrati]

Nice planet…we’ll take it! This week, Peaches and Michael are preparing for invasion in celebration of 1996’s MARS ATTACKS! In addition to discussing this wacky satire’s stacked cast, our hosts delve into whether or not the film is a prophetic vision of actual extraterrestrial arrival! Joining the conversation is acclaimed screenwriter and author John “Jack” O’Brien, whose lifetime of love of this cult classic continues to burn as bright as the red planet. Then, drag icon Abhora stops by to dig into how the movie’s otherworldly aesthetic inspires her. From bubble gum chewing alien divas to dog-headed transplants, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! In celebration of their brand-new season, Peaches and Michael are taking a deep dive into 1967’s VALLEY OF THE DOLLS! In addition to discussing how this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sordid novel captured queer imaginations, our hosts delve into the story's searing exposé of showbiz! Joining the conversation is legendary film programmer Mark Valen, who discusses his longtime love of this movie that he was willing to break the rules to see! Then, galactic drag icon Miss X stops by to talk about her time portraying Helen Lawson on stage in DOLLS! From nudies in Paris to Gillian girls, this episode has it all! 

[michaelvarrati]

[michaelvarrati]

[michaelvarrati]