Grumpy Octopus

Monster Mash Episode 5: The Wolf Man (1941)

Awooo! What's that? It's only the sound of the horrifying The Wolf Man (1941), being discussed today in the fifth episode of Monster Mash. Listen as we praise his furry feet and criticize his treatment of women, which is actually a lot worse than the whole wolf thing. At least there's a beautiful spooky forest set to get lost in. Fog machines at full blast!

Please enjoy, and if you've been bitten by a werewolf and don't want to kill people, maybe just have a relaxing night inside with the doors locked. Hope you enjoy!

Monster Mash Episode 4: The Invisible Man (1933)

Good end of November to you all. A winter chill has descended upon us, and wait...who's that outlined in the fog? Why, it's the Invisible Man from The Invisible Man (1933)! Come, listen as we discuss his exploits in the fourth episode of Monster Mash. He may not have super strength or the ability to turn into a bat, but he has something far more valuable, an insatiable love for murder! What a scamp.

Stay safe out there, and if you want to be invisible, please don't take the drugs that make you evil. Hope you enjoy!

Monster Mash Episode 3: The Mummy (1932)

It's about time for another episode of Monster Mash, this time focused on that most terrifying of spooky creatures, The Mummy (1932)! What are his powers exactly? What do mummies actually do? Why does he wait 10 years to execute his plans for no reason? Hey, stop asking logistical questions, and focus on the reason we're all here: the sizzling chemistry between Ms. Grosvenor and one Ardeth Bey. Although Mr. Bey is displaying some suspiciously mummy-like qualities...

Listen to the episode to hear us dig deeper into all these mysteries, and please refrain from reading aloud from any books of the dead in your own time. Hope you enjoy!

Monster Mash Episode 2: Dracula (1931)

And we’re back with the the latest Monster Mash episode, hanging out with the one, and only Count in Dracula (1931). Listen to us chat all about why if the vibes are spooky you shouldn’t dismiss the locals’ warnings, question how the hell multiple suitors can only have one brain cell between them, discuss the severe lack of cowboys and BAMF / all around MVP in a crisis —aka, Van Helsing, and of course, the OG King of Vamps (and camp), the icon, Bela Lugosi! Hope you enjoy!

Monster Mash Episode 1: Frankenstein (1931)

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Monster Mash -- our latest "Misc. Mini-cast" series that ties nicely in with our Del Toro Discourse (if we do say so ourselves). We'll be covering iconic / classic horror Universal Monster movies, and first up is Frank in Frankenstein (1931).

Listen to us discuss the horrors of high-cheekboned mad scientist  *Henry* Frankenstein, his pyromaniac-and-slippery-brain-jar-fingers of a lab assistant Fritz, his third wheeling best friend *Victor* and way-too-good-for him fiancé, Elizabeth as he creates life! Aka, the one, the only, the icon Boris Karloff as...."?"

Remember friends, steal your own brains and stay away from windmills. Hope you enjoy!

Del Toro Discourse Episode 12: Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio

It's a momentous day! Episode 12 of Del Toro Discourse has gone live, and it's the final installment (for now). For this last episode, we're talking Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022), directed by Guillermo del Toro. And Mark Gustafson. Pinocchio is a new interpretation of that beloved old story of an immortal demon child who terrorizes half of fascist Italy with his yodeling and general disobedience. That's how the Disney version went, right? Guillermo's version doubles down on some of his favorite themes, like grief, difficult fathers, and beating the hell out of innocent crickets. 

Please enjoy the end of our Del Toro discussions, and rest assured, the podcast will be starting up again after a short break.

Del Toro Discourse Episode 11: Nightmare Alley

It's time for episode 11 of Del Toro Discourse, where we'll be taking a little trip down Nightmare Alley (2021). It's a dark place full of sumptuous sets and noir lighting, with nary a happy ending to be found. There are many new faces to be appreciated, like Willem Dafoe and Cate Blanchett. And also old familiar faces, like Ron Perlman, who is definitely in this movie no matter what anybody else has told you. Please enjoy spiraling down into the darkness with us.

Del Toro Discourse Episode 10: The Shape of Water

Del Toro Discourse has reached the double digits! It's all about The Shape of Water (2017), almost certainly the finest fishman romance of the 21st century. It's the only Best Picture winner to feature key lime pies, Soviet spies, and amphibian thighs. All this awards fuss has caused many to ask: is The Shape of Water really that good? Believe it, son.

Del Toro Discourse Episode 9: Crimson Peak

Ever felt the lure of red clay or a dashing, mysterious and totally not incestuous dark-haired Englishman offering to whisk you away? Then we've got the perfect Del Toro Discourse episode for you! We'll be chatting all about the Gothic Horror / Romance, Crimson Peak (2015), starring some non-creepy siblings, a dog that just won't quit, and maybe our turn-of-the-century version of Sarah Connor? Don't forget our Del Toro MVP, Doug Jones! Hope you enjoy!

Del Toro Discourse Episode 8: Pacific Rim

If you love robots punching monsters, then have we got the Del Toro Discourse episode for you! This week's episode, we're chatting all about Pacific Rim (2013)--a film with outrageous action, accents, and Charlies (of the Hunnam and Day variety). Also Mako Mori, our queen. Hope you enjoy!