Rotten Horror Picture Show

The Pensky File
The Pensky File
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Monthly

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!

  1. Jul 22

    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.

  2. Jul 4

    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

  3. Jun 17

    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!

  4. May 16

    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!

  5. May 2

    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!

  6. Apr 18

    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!

  7. Apr 5

    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!"

  8. Mar 21

    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!

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4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

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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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