Horror Movie Franchises

The "Lost Boys" Franchise And Santa Cruz Food Favorites

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This episode was re-recorded in 7/25. It was edited for time (some trivia and the recipe have been removed). 

This week we review a smaller franchise. The original "The Lost Boys" was released in 1987. It was followed in 2008 and 2010 by two Direct To Home Video offerings-- "The Lost Boys: The Tribe" and "The Lost Boys: The Thirst". While the original was a smash hit, the last two movies did not fare as well. The CW channel and Rob Thomas were working on a pilot for a "Lost Boys" TV series but that never came to fruition.  

The original film takes place in the fictional town of Santa Carla-- which subs for the IRL city of Santa Cruz. So I've included here "50 Foods You Must Try In Santa Cruz Before You Die". This list reflects both Mexican and seafood influences (since it's a coastal town). And there are some novel entries as well.    

Photo Credit: Here

The "Fright Night" Franchise And Foods Guaranteed To Ward Off Vampires

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we review the "Fright Night" franchise. There are four films total. The original in 1985, followed by a part 2, a remake in 2011 and finally "Fright Night 2: New Blood" (which is not a sequel but a completely different story with the same character names). Go figure. 

And to keep those pesky vamps away, here are a few foods from BonAppetit that are loaded with garlic. They include: Garlic Knots, Roast Chicken With Garlic, The Garlickiest Fried Rice,Halibut with Garlic Cream and Fennel, and Chrissy Tiegen's Thai Soy- Garlic Fried Ribs. 

Photo Credit: Here

The "Kolchak" Franchise And Chicago Cooking

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we review the "Kolchak" franchise. There are two made-for-TV movies, one original series that ran for 20 episodes in 1974-75 and a remake in 2005 that was pulled after six episodes. All were on ABC. "Kolchak" is credited as the inspiration for "The X Files" and other paranormal investigator shows such as "Fringe", "Grimm" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". And in honor of Kolchak's adopted home of Chicago, here are a few foods that originate in the Windy City. See MentalFloss here for more details.  

Photo Credit: Here

SSS: "The Wicker Man" And Hebridean Cuisine

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

The week we review 1973's "The Wicker Man". It is regarded by many as one of the BEST British horror films of all time. Christopher Lee also considers this his best acting role. Too bad we can't say the same about the 2006 remake starring Nicholas Cage. It is famous for another reason. It's considered one of WORST horror remakes.

And in honor of the Scottish Hebrideans (where the fictional island of Summerisle is located) we have some dishes specific to the region. Check them out here and here 

Photo Credit: here 

ADDENDUM: "Annabelle Comes Home" And Connecticut Cooking

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we begin a new segment called "Addendum". This is for movies released after we covered the main franchise. We'll discuss additions to the mythology, future developments, etc. First up is "Annabelle Comes Home". This is the sixth film in the "Conjuring" franchise and the third based on the evil doll Annabelle. And since Ed and Lorraine lived in Connecticut, included are some foods specific to the state. Check them out at OnlyInYourState here and the Food Network here

Photo Credit: here

The "Sleepaway Camp" Franchise And Tin Foil "Hobo" Pouches

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we review the "Sleepaway Camp" franchise. There are 4 1/2 movies in the franchise (since the last one was never completed). This franchise is interesting because it has two different continuities (similar to "Night Of The Living Dead"). One follows Felissa Rosa as Angela and the other follows Pamela Springsteen as Angela. The series is definitely under rated. The first "Sleepaway Camp" has one of the most shocking finales in horror film history. 

It should come as no surprise that I went with a camping theme for the recipe. Check out Southernsavers.com Tin Foil "Hobo" Pounces as well as other easy camp recipes here. Just remember to buy heavy duty tin foii. 

Photo Credit: here

The "Saw" Franchise And Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Beef

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we cover the "Saw" franchise. There are eight movies total. They were typically released on the Friday before Halloween each year from 2004 to 2010. The last movie "Jigsaw" was released some seven years later (in 2017). The intricate traps are the real stars of the series. Then movies also have one of the most intricate plot lines in horror history. Characters disappear and reappear. There are extensive flashbacks that reveal things we didnt know. You might need a score card for this one. It all makes my head hurt.  

And in honor of Tobin Bell (John Kramer, AKA "Jigsaw') we have a lovely recipe from FoodieCrush.com for stuffed bell peppers with ground beef. Check it out here 

Photo Credits: here

SSS: "A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night" And Iranian Cuisine

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we begin a new segment entitled "Single Serving Size" (SSS). Unlike the biggest franchises, these are stand alone films that dont have sequels, remakes or reimaginings. They're perfect just the way they are. First up is "A Girl Who Walks Home Alone At Night". It is touted as the first Iranian vampire western. You'd think all those elements would not work well together, but they somehow do. "A Girl" is a refreshing twist on vampire lore. And since we're focusing on Iran, this week we bring you some of the top Iranian recipes. They include lots of rice dishes, kebabs, and stews. Check out The Persian Pot here and Food52 here 

Photo Credit: here

  

The "Scream" Franchise And 90's Nostalgia Food

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we cover Wes Craven's meta horror series "Scream". There are four movies and a TV series (with a new season coming soon) in the franchise. "Scream" is great because the characters have watched the same horror movies we have. It's also famous for giving us the rules of surviving horror movies-- as well as one of the best final girls out there. And in honor of the 90's I've included a few foods made popular then. Think lots and lots of snacks. Check them out here

Photo Credit: here

The "Evil Dead" Franchise And Michigan Cherry Pie

NOTE: This podcast was rebranded on 5/29/25 as "Horror Movie Franchises". 

This week we look at the "Evil Dead" franchise. It spans almost 40 years and encompasses four movies and a TV series. All star Bruce Campbell as the chainsaw wielding, one line spouting every man who reluctantly saves the world from the evil Deadites. And this week's recipe is a Michigan Cherry Pie. Check it out at TasteOfHome.com here Bruce, Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are all from Michigan and often slip in references to their home state. Who knew Michigan is the country's top producer of tart cherries? Not I. 

Photo Credits: here