At The Devils Ball

Just settle back and listen to the ol' Devils Ball express, this is Nathaniel and Sammaeal talking to whoever's listenin' on a dark and stormy night! This week, we discuss John Carpenter's oddball ahead-of-its-time Kung Fu Action Horror Satire Flick BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, with a focus on the films gonzo sensibilities, the extraordinary character of Jack Burton, and differing opinions on the theme song. Also contains wind, fire, that sort of thing.

This week, we continue our pseudo tradition of spotlighting low-budget filmmakers with the weird, violent, irreverent superhero parody "Hectic Knife" with the films co-creator, Greg DeLiso! With Greg, we discuss the films sense of humor, the guerrilla filmmaking tactics used, the emotional power of art, and how the film is NOT influenced by 90s indie comics as Nathaniel assumed! Enjoy!

We begin the new year with a weird late 80's quasi-superhero film entitled "The Wraith," allegedly starring Charlie Sheen. We discuss the movies bizarre, anachronistic choices, a legitimately interesting action movie villain, and other fun topics. Join us as we delve into "kinda-but-not-really horror-superhero movies!"

The guys marvel at their own magnificence as they realize they actually accomplished their New Years goals in 2021! But more importantly, they attempt to break down Ghostbusters 2, discussing the troubled production, praising the great character work of Peter MacNicol, and remark on how unbelievably hot Annie Potts is in the film. Happy New Year from At The Devils Ball!

In a Holiday tradition, the guys have their (much) better halves on the show to help them discuss the seminal holiday family/musical/horror mash-up "The Nightmare Before Christmas!" Under the watchful eyes of Jenn and Laurie, the guys attempt to break down the weird, macabre piece, with focus on the wonderful animation, nebulous themes, and how this movie was really the work of people not named Tim Burton. Happy Holidays!

Rolling on with Holiday related films, the guys tackle one of the all-time great Christmas Horror films (and one of the best Christmas films, for that matter), 1974's "Black Christmas." Along with their returning guest, the incomparable Jamie Alvey, they discuss the fantastic cast, the wonderful sense of humor, and the (possibly unintentional) themes of feminism and agency contained within the rather frightening flick. 

In a very special episode, the guys get to talk to their heroes from MST3K and The Mads are Back: Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff, and joined by Chris Gersbeck of Dumb Industries! Under the pretense of talking about Batman Returns, discussion turns to superhero films, movie riffing and, of course, Batman. Not much on Returns, though.

The guys are joined by Ryan of "Reels of Justice" and "The Coolness Chronicles" to discuss Exorcist 2:The Heretic. Everyone involved attempts to discuss the movie but finds themselves mostly focused on Richard Burton's odd performance, why Ryan probably should have been on for Exorcist 3, and discuss anything but Exorcist 2.

We roll on with The Perils of Pazuzu with "Exorcist 3:Legion," a wonderful little film. We discuss various endings, excellent performances, and how it measures up to the original film (the original is, of course, the superior film). Check it out. It's NOT! In the File!

The guys attempt to deal with the weird, unprecedented double whammy of the two versions of prequels to The Exorcist! The conversation is as weird and disjointed as the two films themselves, but your intrepid heroes discuss the controversy behind the two films, the philosophical ideas behind them, and express sympathy for the cast and crew. Nathaniel drinks whiskey, Sammaeal mangles names...it's all messed up.