Jonathan Bender (Jason Horst), a boy mistreated and called "stupid" by his parents, is visited by Tinker (Mark Blankfield), an eccentric scientist and family friend. Tinker has developed a miraculous pill that increases brain power and memory, and as Johnathan's family have recently won the lottery, he approaches the boy's parents (Joseph Carafello and Catherine Battistone) for financial support. Eventually, Tinker ends up dying from the excruciating amount of knowledge he has absorbed. Afterwards, Jonathan ingests the prototype pill, using his astounding new intellect to gain power over his parents.Directed by Bryan Michael Stoller and written by Michael Kube-McDowell & Jule Selbo based on the short story "The Richest Man in Levittown" by  Frederik PohlOriginal airdate: October 12, 1986

This week on Ripe Reviews we’re ripping the spine out of Predator: Badlands (2025)–the latest entry from Dan Trachtenburg in the iconic sci-fi action franchise. Does this new chapter suffer from not being more like the classic Predator films, or does it actually benefit from its new Disney polish? Whether your opinion is that it's lost its grit, or gained a fresh identity, this review breaks down everything you need to know.

Happy Thanksgarbage, Dumpster Dwellers! Today we’re diving deep into Stage Fright (1987) — the cult-classic Italian slasher directed by Michele Soavi that’s loaded with atmosphere, practical gore, and one of the most iconic masks in ’80s horror. In this review + analysis, we cover everything you need to know before watching (or rewatching!) this criminally overlooked gem. Is this the best Italian slasher movie every made? Listen and find out!

Get ready for an in-depth conversation with legendary production designer Mick Strawn, known for shaping the look and feel of some of the most iconic horror and fantasy films of the last four decades. In this deep-dive conversation, Mick shares untold stories, creative secrets, and career-defining moments — including his experience working on the cult favorite Night of the Scarecrow (1995).

Libby (Loren Cedar) and her choir director fiancé Max (Brian Benben) notice that people keep dying in the presence of her younger sister Karen (Allison Sweeney). It become apparent that Karen can sense when people around her are about to die, and does so by placing her hands on their face and saying "goodbye" to them; however, they think she induces the fatalities, including her parents. In a mix of sorrow, anger, and fear, Libby and Max tell Karen to never say "goodbye" to anyone again, but when Karen ends up "saying goodbye" to Max, Libby takes drastic (and ultimately tragic) measures to solve the problem.Directed by John Strysik and written by Ann MacKenzie & Jule SelboOriginal airdate: October 5, 1986

Happy Halloween, Dumpster Dwellers! This week in the Video Dungeon we're digging deep into Night of the Scarecrow (1995), a forgotten ‘90s supernatural slasher that blends small-town revenge, gothic atmosphere, and a killer scarecrow. Directed by Jeff Burr (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III), this lurid mid-90s horror film that blends rural myth, supernatural vengeance and plenty of practical effects. Buried by poor marketing and doomed to the annals of the Dumpster, is this killer scarecrow flick worth adding to your Halloween watchlist? Dr. Benny Graves of Rue Morgue and Analog Abattoir joins us to breakdown this Jeff Burr joint that's surprisingly not a sequel to an already established franchise!

Watch a brand new episode of @RhondaShearTV Up All Night on @KingsofHorror - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wh5N8fkjog

Trick or Trash is back, boils and ghouls! This week in the Video Dungeon were diving into the VHS-era slash fest that time forgot: in this video we break down Hollow Gate, the low-budget 1988 horror that’s equal parts cheesy, creepy and campy. A group of friends heads out for a weekend getaway… only to run into a mentally unstable killer who really takes Halloween way too seriously. Cheap thrills, awkward dialogue, and of course fake blood — this one has everything you’d expect from a low-budget VHS-era gem. Whether you’re an 80s horror fanatic or just love digging up hidden gems, you’re in for an entertaining ride.