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Rotten Horror Picture Show

The Pensky File

Amanda and Clay dive deep into Rotten Tomatoes' list of the "200 Best Horror Movies of All Time". There will be classics, cult classics, hidden gems, stuff that's just OK, and a few that are so bad it's SCARY! Come along for the ride... IF YOU DARE!

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Avg 1 hr 26 min
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Saturday · 1 hr 30 min
149. Dracula (1931)
Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into the stone-cold horror classic Dracula from 1931! Starring Bela Lugosi as the legendary Count Dracula, this foundational Universal monster movie helped establish the look, mood, and mythology of the cinematic vampire for generations to come. Clay and Amanda are here to talk about Lugosi’s iconic performance, Tod Browning’s direction, the gothic atmosphere, and all the creepy, atmospheric business that made this movie an essential piece of horror history. Now, I was very excited when I heard the podcast was covering Dracula. I thought, finally, someone is giving the world the horror experience it deserves. I got myself prepared. I put on some Rob Zombie, turned the lights down, and started imagining what kind of cinematic madness we were about to get. I figured there’d be dark roads, sinister machinery, possibly some witches, and definitely a tremendous amount of screaming. Frankly, I was ready for a good time. Then I started watching the movie and realized something had gone terribly wrong. They meant Dracula. I thought they meant “Dragula.” Do you have any idea how disappointing that is? I spent the entire movie waiting for somebody to start burning witches and digging ditches. I kept expecting a monstrous hot rod to come roaring around the corner. Instead, I got Bela Lugosi in a cape standing around Transylvania, hypnotizing people and drinking blood. That's not what I ordered! Where are the ditches? Where's the screaming guitar? Where's the music video? I suppose I should have figured it out sooner. The lack of industrial metal (or any music at all) should've been my first clue. Still, Clay and Amanda are here to explain why Dracula is such a stone-cold classic, and I’ll admit, Bela Lugosi is pretty damn good. Maybe not “Dragula” good, but pretty damn good. So settle in for a trip back to 1931 and one of horror cinema’s most important films. Just don't blame me when nobody digs through the ditches. And be sure to join Clay and Amanda as they cover franchise sequels over on Patreon at Patreon.com/thepenskyfile!
August 23 · 55 min
Paranormal Activity (Stage Play)
Welcome to a special edition of The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, where Clay and Amanda have done something truly shocking: they have left the comfort of their homes and ventured into the legitimate theater to see the new Paranormal Activity stage play. That’s right—actual actors, a real stage, a live audience, and presumably at least one person coughing directly into their hand before touching every surface in the building. Clay and Amanda report back from their theatrical expedition to discuss the experience of seeing one of horror’s biggest found-footage franchises transformed into a live performance. How does Paranormal Activity work when the audience is sharing the room with the supernatural? What happens when the scares unfold in real time? And is there anything more frightening than buying refreshments at a theater? Personally, I wouldn’t know, because I refuse to attend the theater. Not because I’m afraid of ghosts. Ghosts are incorporeal. They don’t need legroom. They can float anywhere they please. No, I’m afraid of the seats. Those tiny, narrow, judgmental little chairs with armrests positioned approximately one inch from your kidneys. You’re expected to sit there for two hours while your knees attempt to tunnel through the back of the seat in front of you. And don’t get me started on the armrest situation. Is it mine? Is it theirs? Why is the stranger next to me breathing? I came here for a show, not a hostage negotiation. So while Clay and Amanda discuss supernatural happenings onstage, I’m wondering whether they managed to survive the most terrifying aspect of live theater: the intermission sprint to stretch your legs. Ghosts can knock pictures off walls. Demons can slam doors. But have they ever spent an evening wedged between two complete strangers in Row G? I doubt it. Join Clay and Amanda for this special Paranormal Activity theater report, as they bring the stage experience directly to you—allowing you to enjoy the horror from the comfort of your own chair, which, hopefully, was designed for a human body.
August 11 · 1 hr 39 min
148. Let the Right One In
Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the greatest vampire films of the 21st century: Let the Right One In. The acclaimed 2008 Swedish horror drama blends coming-of-age heartbreak with icy Scandinavian atmosphere, telling the story of a lonely young boy who befriends an equally lonely girl who just so happens to be a vampire. Clay and Amanda explore the film's delicate balance of tenderness and terror, its unforgettable performances, and why its quiet, snow-covered approach to horror has made it a modern classic. It's a film about loneliness, friendship, and the monsters that sometimes make the best companions. But before we get into all that... I have one question. Let the right what in? The title just... stops. It's like someone got distracted halfway through naming the movie. Let the right one in? The right one what? Person? Vampire? Contractor? Pizza delivery guy? I need specifics here. Imagine if every movie did this. The Thing. The thing what? It Follows. It follows who? The Blob. The blob... okay, that one's actually pretty clear. I've spent years thinking maybe there's some invisible word everyone else can see. Every time someone recommends this movie, they say, "Oh, you've gotta watch Let the Right One In," and I have to stop myself from asking, "Let the right one in... where?" Your house? A nightclub? IKEA? The title raises far more logistical questions than it answers. Thankfully, Clay and Amanda are here to clear things up. They dive into the film's themes of trust, isolation, and what it truly means to invite someone into your life—or your home, which, as vampire movies have repeatedly warned us, is generally a decision worth thinking through. So join them for a discussion of this haunting masterpiece. And if, by the end of the episode, someone could finally explain what exactly we're letting in, I'd really appreciate it. It's been bothering me for eighteen years.
July 22 · 1 hr 36 min
147. The Omen
Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, where this week Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the defining horror films of the 1970s: The Omen. Richard Donner's chilling classic follows diplomat Robert Thorn as he slowly realizes that his adopted son Damien may not just be a troublesome child, but the literal Antichrist. Along the way, there are mysterious deaths, creepy priests, prophetic photographers, and one of cinema's all-time great scores by Jerry Goldsmith. Clay and Amanda unpack the film's lasting legacy, its influence on religious horror, and why The Omen remains every bit as unsettling nearly fifty years after its release. Now, there's one thing that's always bothered me about this movie. Everyone keeps talking about the "Hounds of Hell" like they're some horrifying, unspeakable evil. Have you seen the dog? That is an adorable animal! Big floppy ears, shiny coat, excellent posture. Who's the good infernal boy? You are! Yes, you are! The characters keep reacting like, "Dear God, it's the Hound of Hell!" Meanwhile, I'm over here wondering if he's accepting belly rubs. Honestly, the poor thing gets a terrible reputation just because of where he's from. If he were called the "Friendly Neighborhood Dog of Moderate Concern," everyone would be lining up with tennis balls. Sure, he bares his teeth a little. Sure, he occasionally appears in graveyards and helps usher in the apocalypse. Nobody's perfect. My uncle Larry once ruined Thanksgiving by microwaving fish, and we still invite him over. Clay and Amanda, thankfully, spend their time discussing the film's genuinely terrifying atmosphere, Damien's unsettling presence, and why The Omen has become such a cornerstone of supernatural horror. I'll be listening closely... while quietly wondering if someone remembered to pack a few dog treats. Because I don't care if you're from Heaven, Earth, or the fiery pits of eternal damnation—every good dog deserves a scratch behind the ears. Even if he does technically work for Satan.
July 4 · 55 min
Trivia!
Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast! Things are a little different this week, as Amanda is out of town, leaving Clay to hold down the fort all by himself. But don't worry—he's not completely alone. Joining him are two longtime friends of the show, Grim Santo, proprietor of the horror-themed bakery Grim Delights, and Listener Kyle, who will no doubt remind everyone that he is the "co-creator" of The Rotten Horror Picture Show—a claim that is enthusiastic, persistent, and, as always, entirely non-legally binding. Together, the trio square off in a heated game of Horror Movie Trivial Pursuit, testing their knowledge of slashers, monsters, sequels, and obscure genre minutiae in an episode that's equal parts competition and chaos. Now, I have to admit something: I've never understood the appeal of trivia games. Everybody gets so excited to answer questions they either already know or don't know. Where's the suspense? Where's the giant wheel? Personally, I've always been a Wheel of Fortune person. Spin the wheel! Buy a vowel! Hope you don't land on Bankrupt! That's entertainment. On Jeopardy! they're all standing there pretending it's perfectly normal to answer every question with another question. If I went to the grocery store and the cashier said, "That'll be $42.17," and I replied, "What is forty-two dollars and seventeen cents?" they'd ask me to leave. So while Clay, Grim, and Kyle are battling over horror trivia, I'm over here wondering why nobody's trying to solve "R _ B E R T E N G L U N D" for a new dining room set. Grim can sweeten the competition with haunted pastries from Grim Delights, Kyle can continue campaigning for official co-creator status, and Clay can try to keep the whole thing on the rails. Me? I'll be at home hoping someone wins a lovely trip to Aruba... preferably without having to answer who directed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre first. Be sure to check out Grim's dark delights over at https://www.grimdelights.shop/ And follow Clay and Amanda down the rocky road of horror sequels at patreon.com/thepenskyfile
June 17 · 1 hr 21 min
146. Island of Lost Souls
Welcome back to The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, where this week Clay and Amanda set sail for one of the strangest, most influential horror films of the 1930s: Island of Lost Souls, the classic adaptation of H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau. Starring Charles Laughton as the delightfully unsettling Doctor Moreau, the film tells the story of a remote tropical outpost where science has gone horribly, horribly wrong. Human-animal hybrids roam the jungle, strange laws govern the land, and civilization is hanging by the thinnest of threads. Clay and Amanda dig into the film's legacy, its pre-Code weirdness, and why it remains one of the most fascinating monster movies ever made. Now, before we go any further, I need to address something that's been bothering me. Is it really an island? Everyone keeps calling it an island. The title says it's an island. The characters say it's an island. But has anyone actually checked? What if it's a peninsula? Has anyone gotten out there with proper surveying equipment? Because if there's even a narrow strip of land connecting it to a larger landmass, then the whole thing falls apart. We'd have to call it Peninsula of Lost Souls, and frankly, that doesn't have the same ring to it. Think about it. People arrive by boat. That proves nothing. Plenty of people arrive at peninsulas by boat. The Florida Keys get boats all the time. Nobody's calling Miami an island. Meanwhile, Clay and Amanda are discussing horrifying beast-men, forbidden science, and Charles Laughton chewing scenery like it owes him money, while I'm stuck wondering about coastal geography. Is there a map? Have we seen satellite imagery? I know satellites didn't exist in 1932, but surely someone has checked by now. Anyway, whether it's an island, a peninsula, or some third category of landform science hasn't discovered yet, Island of Lost Souls remains a horror classic. Join Clay and Amanda as they explore one of cinema's earliest and strangest nightmares. And if anyone has a topographical survey of Moreau's property, please send it immediately. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to check out this month's extra-special patreon episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel!
May 16 · 1 hr 32 min
146. Gremlins 2 (Patreon)
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are giving listeners a special sample of their Patreon sequel coverage with a deep dive into the gloriously chaotic Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Directed by Joe Dante, this sequel takes everything from the original Gremlins and cranks it to absolute cartoon insanity—mutant gremlins, fourth-wall breaks, satire of corporate America, and enough anarchic energy to short-circuit an entire skyscraper. Clay and Amanda unpack why Gremlins 2 has gone from misunderstood oddity to beloved cult comedy, and how Dante basically used a studio sequel to make fun of studio sequels. Now, personally? I’ve always felt the Gremlins films could stand to be a little more topical. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a tiny green monster hijacking a cable access show as much as the next person, but where are the gremlins discussing modern infrastructure concerns? Where’s the scene where a gremlin spreads misinformation online? Why hasn’t there been a thoughtful subplot about housing costs? You’re telling me these creatures can genetically splice themselves into bat-gremlins and electricity-gremlins, but none of them has started an inflammatory podcast? Honestly, the closest Gremlins 2 gets is making fun of media saturation and corporate culture, which, credit where it’s due, was pretty ahead of its time. But I’m just saying: if you’re gonna unleash chaos monsters onto society, maybe let them tackle gig economy burnout or algorithm-driven outrage while they’re at it. Imagine a gremlin testifying before Congress. That’s cinema. Still, Clay and Amanda make a compelling case that Gremlins 2 works precisely because it’s so unhinged. It’s satire wrapped in slapstick wrapped in creature effects slime, and somehow it all holds together. So tune in, enjoy the madness, and remember: somewhere out there, there’s probably already a cryptocurrency gremlin. And be sure to head over to Patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they dive into horror franchise sequels, and don't miss out on the special Patreon-only episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel in June!
May 2 · 1 hr 29 min
145. Death Becomes Her
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda take on Death Becomes Her (1992)—the glossy, macabre comedy from Robert Zemeckis that turns vanity, immortality, and Hollywood rivalry into a deliciously twisted spectacle. Starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, the film follows two women who discover a magical potion promising eternal youth… with some *very* visible side effects. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s ahead-of-its-time visual effects, its biting satire of beauty culture, and why it’s become such a beloved cult favorite over the years. Now, I’ll be honest—I don’t really see what all the fuss is about. People losing their minds over staying young forever, spending fortunes on creams, potions, treatments… for what? I’ve been using cans of Krylon spray paint as makeup for *years*, and I look fantastic. Smooth, even coverage. Quick application. A nice, industrial sheen that really catches the light. You ever try “Glossy Almond”? Life-changing. Sure, sometimes it flakes a little. And yes, once in a while I accidentally match my face to a patio chair. But overall? I’m holding up just fine. No need for some mysterious glowing elixir when I’ve got a perfectly good hardware store solution right in my garage. So while Clay and Amanda are marveling at eternal youth, crumbling bodies, and necks twisting in ways they absolutely shouldn’t, I’ll be sitting here thinking, “You know, a quick touch-up coat would solve a lot of these problems.” Hole in your side? Spray it. Cracked skin? Spray it. Confidence issues? Definitely spray it. Anyway, tune in for a lively discussion of Death Becomes Her. And remember: beauty is only skin deep… but a second coat never hurts. And be sure to head over to Patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they dive into horror franchise sequels, and don't miss out on the special Patreon-only episode recorded at the Stanley Hotel in June!
April 18 · 1 hr 30 min
144. Final Destination
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda revisit the sleek, anxiety-inducing franchise starter Final Destination (2000), the film that taught an entire generation that death doesn’t need a face—just a plan. Centered on a premonition of a catastrophic plane crash and the survivors who think they’ve cheated fate, the movie spins a clever web of inevitability, paranoia, and elaborate, Rube Goldberg-style demises. Clay and Amanda dig into what makes the concept so enduring, how it launched a long-running series, and why everyday objects have never felt quite as trustworthy since. Now, I want to make something clear: I’m not afraid of flying. Turbulence? Fine. Takeoff? Thrilling. The idea that I might be part of some elaborate cosmic design where a loose carry-on bag leads to my doom? Manageable. What I am afraid of—what truly fills me with dread—is children on planes. You know the ones. The seat-kickers. The tray-table slammers. The ones who discover, mid-flight, that their lungs are capable of sustained, high-pitched wailing for three straight hours. You can talk about Death’s grand design all you want, but try surviving a cross-country flight with a kid repeatedly asking “Are we there yet?” directly into your soul. That’s the real test. So while Clay and Amanda break down the terrifying brilliance of Final Destination, I’m sitting here thinking: sure, avoiding a plane explosion is great, but what about avoiding Row 18, Seat B, next to a sugar-fueled toddler with a juice box and no concept of personal space? Still, it’s a fantastic episode about a movie that redefined horror for the 2000s. Just remember—Death might be everywhere… but so are kids with sticky hands and unlimited energy. Choose your fear wisely. And be sure to fly on over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they cover a year of sequels, including Final Destination 2!
April 5 · 1 hr 15 min
143. The Loved Ones
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda dive into the twisted, candy-colored nightmare that is The Loved Ones (2009), the Australian horror gem that takes the idea of prom night and turns it into something deeply, deeply wrong. Directed by Sean Byrne, the film follows a teenage boy who makes the unfortunate mistake of turning down a classmate’s prom invitation—only to find himself at a very different kind of dance, complete with power tools, forced smiles, and a whole lot of family bonding gone off the rails. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s wild tonal shifts, its brutal sense of humor, and why it’s become such a beloved cult favorite among horror fans. Now, I’ve gotta be honest with you—I never really got the whole “prom” thing. Everyone makes it sound like it’s the most important night of your life. You gotta rent a tux, find a date, learn how to dance, pose for awkward photos… it all sounds exhausting. Personally, I would’ve much rather stayed home. Maybe had dinner with the family, watched a movie, just kept things low-key and comfortable. No pressure, no drama. Which, I suppose, is where The Loved Ones and I start to part ways. Because in this movie, staying home with the family is… not exactly relaxing. It’s more like being kidnapped and forced into a nightmare version of prom in someone’s living room, with a father who’s way too supportive and decorations that suggest things have gone horribly, horribly wrong. Suddenly, the idea of a crowded gymnasium and bad DJ music doesn’t seem so bad. Still, Clay and Amanda make a strong case for why The Loved Ones is worth the discomfort. It’s intense, it’s stylish, and it’s got a bite that lingers. Me? I’ll stick to dinner at home. Just… maybe not that home. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!"
March 21 · 1 hr 20 min
142. Eyes Without a Face
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda turn their attention to one of the most haunting and elegant horror films ever made: Eyes Without a Face (1960). The French classic from Georges Franju is a chilling blend of poetic beauty and surgical nightmare, telling the story of a brilliant but unhinged doctor determined to restore his daughter’s disfigured face—no matter the cost. Clay and Amanda dig into the film’s eerie atmosphere, its delicate balance of tenderness and terror, and the unforgettable imagery that has influenced decades of horror filmmakers. It’s a quiet, unsettling masterpiece that lingers long after the final frame. Now, I’m sure it’s a wonderful film. Truly. I take Clay and Amanda at their word. But I do have to point out a small personal complication: I, uh… don’t have eyes. I have a face, mind you—perfectly good face, all things considered—but eyes? Not part of the package. So when I sat down to watch Eyes Without a Face, I quickly realized I might not be the target audience. I tried, I really did. I listened closely. The footsteps, the dialogue, the unsettling music—it all sounded very atmospheric. I imagine there were some striking visuals happening as well. People often mention a mask? A very creepy mask? I’m sure it’s fantastic. I just… can’t confirm that personally. Still, Clay and Amanda do an excellent job walking through the film for those of us who, for whatever reason, might not be able to see it. They describe the performances, the tone, and the infamous surgical sequences in vivid detail—which is both helpful and, frankly, a little distressing. So if you’re blessed with eyes, definitely give this one a watch. And if you’re not? Well, good news—you’ve got Clay and Amanda to paint the picture for you. And don't forget to follow Clay and Amanda as they dig in to a year of sequels on Patreon at patreon.com/thepenskyfile!
March 9 · 1 hr 22 min
141. The Devil's Backbone
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda travel into the haunting, melancholic world of Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone. Set during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, the film blends ghost story, historical tragedy, and gothic atmosphere into one of del Toro’s most emotionally powerful works. Clay and Amanda explore the film’s themes of memory, loss, and the lingering scars of violence, as well as its unforgettable imagery—from the lonely orphanage to the pale, sorrowful ghost of Santi drifting through dark hallways. It’s a beautiful, eerie meditation on how the past refuses to stay buried, and why del Toro remains one of horror’s most compassionate storytellers. Which, frankly, is a perfect topic for how I’m feeling right now—because something tragic has happened here as well. I arrived late to what was supposed to be a lovely gathering. There was talk of paella. Real paella. Rice, saffron, seafood, maybe a little chorizo—warm, fragrant, glorious. A communal dish meant to be shared. I could practically taste it. But when I got here? Gone. Completely gone. Vanished like a ghost in an old Spanish orphanage. What remains in the bowl before me is not paella. It is not even food in the traditional sense. It is chip crumbs. A desolate little graveyard of tortilla chip fragments and dust. Someone scraped the bottom of the bowl and said, “Well, there’s still a little left,” which is the culinary equivalent of emotional betrayal. So now I’m sitting here, hungry and betrayed, listening to Clay and Amanda discuss The Devil’s Backbone—a story about lingering sorrow, unfinished business, and ghosts that refuse to move on. And honestly? I relate. Because until the paella situation is resolved, I too will remain here… haunting this empty bowl. And be sure to follow all the tasty coverage of horror sequels with Clay and Amanda this year on Patreon at patreon.com/thepenskyfile
February 20 · 1 hr 12 min
140. Duel
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda hit the gas with a discussion of Duel (1971), the lean, mean thriller that marked the feature debut of a young Steven Spielberg. Originally produced as a television movie, Duel was so effective, so tightly constructed, that it was later expanded and released theatrically—launching Spielberg’s career with a simple but terrifying premise: one man, one car, and one relentless, faceless truck driver who refuses to let him go. Clay and Amanda break down how Spielberg builds unbearable tension out of open highways, sparse dialogue, and pure cinematic momentum. It’s stripped-down suspense at its finest, proof that you don’t need aliens or sharks to make an audience squirm—just a road and something chasing you down it. Now, personally? I don’t care for driving. Not because of road rage. Not because of reckless truckers. No, my grievance is far more tragic. The windshield. That thick, cruel pane of betrayal stands between me and what could be a veritable buffet of airborne delights. Do you know how many juicy, protein-packed bugs are out there on the highway? Countless. And what happens? Splat. Wasted. Perfectly good snacks smeared uselessly against the glass instead of landing directly where nature intended—right in my open mouth. Watching Duel is especially frustrating for me. All that speeding down lonely desert roads, all that prime insect territory just zooming by untouched. Dennis Weaver’s character is busy worrying about a murderous truck, and I’m thinking, “Sir, do you realize the missed culinary opportunity here?” Still, Clay and Amanda make a strong case for the film’s brilliance. They explore its minimalism, its craftsmanship, and how Spielberg transforms the mundane act of driving into a primal survival story. Me? I’ll be listening carefully—preferably with the window down. You never know what might fly in. And don't forget to visit patreon.com/thepenskyfile to help support the show, and follow Clay and Amanda down the road of horror sequels this year!
February 6 · 2 hr 2 min
139. Sinners
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into one of the most intriguing and offbeat horror releases of the year: Sinners (2025), the blues-soaked vampire film that blends supernatural horror with Southern gothic vibes and music steeped in sweat, sorrow, and soul. They’re joined by special guest Wes from The Pensky File, who helps unpack the film’s bloodsucking mythology, musical backbone, and what happens when vampires stop lurking in castles and start haunting juke joints. Together, they dig into how Sinners uses blues music not just as atmosphere, but as the very lifeblood of its story. Now, I’ll be honest with you—I’ve always been more of a Pat Boone guy. Clean-cut. Pleasant. Polite. Give me a nice, wholesome cover of a song originally written by someone who lived a little too hard, and I’m happy. The blues? It makes me nervous. Too much feeling. Too much raw emotion. Everyone sounds like they’ve been through something, and frankly, I’d rather not hear about it. Vampires singing the blues? That’s just piling intensity on top of intensity. Where’s the reassurance? Where’s the cardigan? Where’s Pat smiling gently and telling me everything’s going to be okay? And yet… Clay, Amanda, and Wes make a compelling case. They talk about how Sinners taps into the haunted history of the blues, the way music and monstrosity intertwine, and how the film reimagines vampirism through cultural legacy instead of capes and coffins. It’s thoughtful, eerie, and apparently very cool—which I assume is true, even if I personally would’ve preferred a little less moaning guitar and a little more polite crooning. So tune in for a rich discussion of Sinners. I’ll be over here, spinning my Pat Boone records and pretending everything is just fine. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to join Clay and Amanda as they take a deep dive into horror sequels!
January 25 · 1 hr 34 min
138. Paranormal Activity
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are creeping back to one of the most influential horror hits of the 21st century: Paranormal Activity (2009). The low-budget found-footage phenomenon changed the genre overnight, proving you didn’t need monsters, gore, or even much movement to terrify audiences—just a quiet house, a static camera, and the creeping feeling that something is very wrong at 3:00 a.m. Clay and Amanda break down why the film worked so well, how it built tension through silence and suggestion, and how it launched an entire franchise of late-night door-slamming terror. Now, I should clarify something: due to my sensitive bladder, I have never actually seen a Paranormal Activity movie. Not because I’m afraid it’ll scare me into peeing my pants—please, I have dignity—but because being scared makes me thirsty. And when I get scared, I drink soda. Lots of soda. And when I drink soda, my bladder—delicate little thing that it is—starts filing formal complaints. Before you know it, I’m up and down every ten minutes, shuffling to the bathroom, missing all the good parts, and trying to remember if the demon showed up or if that was just the ice maker. Found-footage movies are especially brutal for this. You leave the room for thirty seconds and suddenly everyone’s screaming, furniture’s flying, and you’ve missed the entire escalation. Clay and Amanda can sit there, calm as can be, analyzing subtle footsteps and shadowy door movements, while I’m stuck choosing between dehydration and narrative coherence. So while they dig into the slow-burn brilliance of Paranormal Activity, I’ll be listening safely from a place of understanding. No jump scares, no soda, no bathroom trips. Because true horror isn’t demons—it’s realizing you’ve missed the scariest scene while washing your hands. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to join Clay and Amanda as they take a deep dive into horror sequels!
January 11 · 1 hr 37 min
137. Phenomena
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are taking a trip into the strange, dreamlike world of Dario Argento’s 1985 cult oddity Phenomena. It’s one of Argento’s most notorious films from his wildly experimental ’80s era — full of surreal imagery, pulsing Goblin music, murder mysteries, and a young Jennifer Connelly wandering through the Swiss countryside. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s off-the-wall tone, its place in Argento’s career, and why Phenomena stands out even among the director’s already very weird filmography. It’s stylish, confusing, beautiful, and deeply unsettling in ways that only Argento could manage. Now, I should probably admit something up front: I haven’t actually seen Phenomena. But I’m still excited! Why? Because I’ve been assured — by absolutely no one — that there are probably no bugs in it. And that’s important to me. Bugs and I do not get along. Spiders? No. Beetles? Absolutely not. Anything with too many legs or a weird crunch? I’m out. Horror movies already ask a lot of me emotionally — I don’t need ants crawling into my soul on top of it. So I’m going into this episode feeling optimistic. An Argento movie without bugs sounds great! Just some light murder, some eerie atmosphere, maybe a monkey with a razor (that’s fine), but definitely no swarming insects, crawling larvae, or close-ups of mandibles clicking together. Clay and Amanda seem excited, which reassures me. They wouldn’t do that to me, right? They know my boundaries. Surely. Anyway, if you’re a fan of Italian horror, surreal storytelling, or films that operate entirely on nightmare logic, this episode is for you. I’ll be listening too — cautiously, fingers crossed, telling myself everything is fine. And if at any point they mention insects, flies, maggots, or entomology in general? I will be screaming, throwing my headphones, and pretending this episode never happened. But until then, I’m happy. Ignorance is bliss. And do forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow along this year as Clay and Amanda do a deep dive on sequels!
Dec 26, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
136. Black Christmas (2019)
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda tackle one of the more controversial entries in modern holiday horror: the 2019 remake of Black Christmas. It’s a film that takes the bones of the 1974 slasher classic and retools them for a new generation, leaning hard into social commentary, glossy production, and a very different kind of menace lurking on a snow-covered college campus. Clay and Amanda break down what works, what doesn’t, how it compares to the original, and why this remake sparked so much debate among horror fans. It’s festive, furious, and definitely not your grandmother’s Christmas movie. Speaking of festive… I’ve made a terrible mistake. A catastrophic, buttery, powdered-sugar-dusted mistake. I have eaten too many Christmas cookies. Snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, those weird ones shaped like wreaths that somehow taste like almond extract and regret. At first, it was fine. Cozy, even. I told myself, “It’s the holidays! Calories don’t count.” But now? Now Christmas dinner is looming, and I’m sitting here staring at a plate of gingerbread men like they personally betrayed me. What if I can’t eat the ham? What if the mashed potatoes mean nothing to me anymore? This is the real horror. So I’m listening to Clay and Amanda talk about Black Christmas while clutching my stomach and questioning every decision I’ve made since December 1st. They’re discussing masked killers, secret societies, and whether the film earns its place in the franchise — and I’m wondering if I’ve ruined gravy for myself forever. Still, their conversation is sharp, thoughtful, and way more satisfying than my fourth cookie was. Join Clay and Amanda for this holiday horror deep dive. And take it from me: pace yourself. There’s always another cookie… but Christmas dinner only comes once a year. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they wrap up their coverage of remakes and reboots, and join them in the new year for sequels!
Dec 19, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
135. The Phantom of the Opera
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are celebrating a major milestone in horror history: the 100th anniversary of the 1925 silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera. Starring the legendary Lon Chaney in one of the most iconic monster performances ever put on film, this adaptation helped define cinematic horror, gothic atmosphere, and studio-era spectacle. Clay and Amanda dig into the film’s legacy, its influence on everything from Universal’s monster cycle to modern horror aesthetics, and why Chaney’s Phantom remains haunting a full century later. It’s a birthday worth celebrating — even if I’m still trying to wrap my head around the basic concept. Because I have a question. A very serious one. Why — why — would you make a silent movie** about the opera? Opera is music! It’s singing! It’s loud! It’s dramatic people hitting notes so high it feels like glass might shatter. And yet here we are, watching a movie where everyone is passionately gesturing at each other in total silence while title cards politely explain that someone is singing their heart out. I keep expecting the Phantom to burst into song, only for a piano to gently tinkle in the background like, “Trust us, it’s happening.” Still, despite my confusion, there’s no denying the magic. The sets are enormous, the shadows are gorgeous, and Lon Chaney’s transformation into the Phantom is pure movie sorcery. Clay and Amanda walk through how the film used visuals to replace sound, turning music into movement and emotion into imagery. They talk about the famous unmasking, the tragedy of Erik the Phantom, and how the film somehow makes opera feel loud even when you can’t hear a note. So join them in honoring 100 years of The Phantom of the Opera. I may not hear the music, but apparently… that’s the point. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!
Dec 6, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
134. Late Night with the Devil
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show, Clay and Amanda turn their attention to one of the freshest cult sensations of the decade: Late Night With the Devil — the stylish, sinister, ‘70s-soaked horror throwback that asks, “What if Johnny Carson accidentally unleashed a demon on live television?” Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the film recreates the world of late-night TV with uncanny detail, following a desperate talk-show host whose Halloween special goes catastrophically, supernaturally wrong. Clay and Amanda dive into its practical effects, its pitch-perfect retro aesthetic, its creeping dread, and its weaponization of the sleazy charm of vintage broadcast entertainment. It’s a tour de force of atmosphere, performance, and good old-fashioned demonic chaos. Now, that’s all very impressive — truly, I’m thrilled for everyone involved — but can someone please explain why I keep getting bumped for the devil? I’ve been backstage for three nights. Three. Nights. I’ve got stories prepped, I’ve got my best blazer steamed, I’ve got anecdotes about my childhood goldfish that kill in front of an audience. And yet, every time the stage manager pokes his head into my dressing room, it’s the same thing: “Hey buddy, really sorry, but… the devil’s here again.” Again! Look, I get it. He’s a big draw. Lots of fire, lots of screaming, lots of the whole “endless abyss of torment” routine. Very flashy. Very ratings-friendly. But I’m starting to take it a little personally. I didn’t realize my segment titled “Fun Facts About Squirrels” was so easily overshadowed by Beelzebub himself. So while Clay and Amanda explore the tension, terror, and uncanny authenticity of Late Night With the Devil, just know I’ll be sitting here, crossing my legs politely, holding my mug of lukewarm coffee, waiting for my moment that will never come. But sure — fine — let the devil have the spotlight again. I hope he at least promotes the podcast. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!" Thanks!
Nov 14, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
133. A Tale of Two Sisters
This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are diving deep into one of the most haunting, beautifully crafted horror films of the 2000s: A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), the South Korean psychological masterpiece from director Kim Jee-woon. It’s a chilling, twisty story about two sisters returning home after time away in a mental institution — only to find their house filled with secrets, ghosts, and a deeply unsettling stepmother. Clay and Amanda explore its stunning cinematography, emotional depth, and how its story of grief and trauma slowly unravels into something much darker. It’s elegant, tragic, and terrifying all at once — a cornerstone of early-2000s Asian horror. Now, that all sounds great and everything… but I gotta be honest with you — I grew up with brothers. Three of ‘em. Loud, smelly, cereal-devouring, video game-hoarding brothers. So, when I hear “a tale of two sisters,” I can’t help but feel like I’m watching some kind of mysterious alien ritual. Sisters whispering secrets? Dressing each other’s wounds? Comforting each other through unimaginable trauma? My brothers used to communicate exclusively in punches and burps. The only haunting in our house was the lingering smell of socks. I’m sitting there watching this movie thinking, “Okay, they’re clearly bonded by something powerful and emotional… but where’s the scene where they fight over who gets the last slice of pizza?” Still, even if I can’t relate, I’ve gotta admit — the film’s atmosphere got under my skin. Clay and Amanda dig into what makes it so effective, from its slow-burn pacing to its gut-punch finale that flips everything you thought you knew upside down. So, yeah. I might not get sisters — but I get a good ghost story. And this one? It’ll haunt you, no matter how many brothers you’ve got. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

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