Compelled by Schlock

In Episode 124, we’re heading back to Camp Blood to break down Season 1 of Crystal Lake. Does the long-awaited prequel series live up to the iconic Friday the 13th legacy, or does it drown in its own mythology?

Join us as we dive into:

The origins and atmosphere of Camp Crystal Lake

Key character arcs, kills, and standout moments

Our full spoiler review, critiques, and final ratings

What did you think of Season 1? Did it do justice to the franchise, or leave you wishing for more classic slasher thrills? Drop your thoughts, favorite theories, and ratings in the comments below!

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Grab a six-pack, skip out on your kids, and come join Compelled by Schlock! In Episode 123, Darby Ellis Lewis Wilson and Chris Anonymous dive into the infamous bastard child of the franchise: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982).

Without Michael Myers stalking the streets of Haddonfield, does this Celtic-magic, Stonehenge-dust, killer-mask fever dream actually work? We break down everything—from Tommy Lee Wallace’s direction and John Carpenter’s synth score to Dr. Challis’ questionable detective ethics, robotic assassins, and whether this entire movie is just one massive alcohol-fueled nightmare.

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PANDORUM (2009) — Is Christian Alvart's sci-fi horror an underrated cult classic or a flawed studio misfire?

On Compelled by Schlock Ep. 122, we break down Pandorum — Dennis Quaid & Ben Foster waking up with no memory, no crew, and something hunting in the dark corridors of the Elysium. Paranoia, body horror, and survival in deep space.

For fans of Event Horizon, Sunshine and claustrophobic sci-fi horror — if you love forgotten 2000s sci-fi gems, this one's for you.

In this episode:

• Why Pandorum flopped in 2009 and why horror fans are rediscovering it now

• Memory, paranoia & Pandorum space madness — Quaid vs Foster

• Creature design, practical effects & mid-budget worldbuilding

• Where Pandorum ranks among 2000s sci-fi horror

Have you seen PANDORUM? Drop your take below — overrated, underrated, or nightmare fuel?

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Is this the most underrated sci-fi bromance of the 80s?

In Episode 121 of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, we’re heading to the barren planet of Fyrine IV to dissect the 1985 cult classic, Enemy Mine. Starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr., this film goes far beyond "aliens in space"—it’s a story of survival, prejudice, and an unlikely bond that defines the genre.

We’ll be breaking down:

The incredible creature design and makeup for Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan.

How the film’s message of empathy holds up today.

Why this big-budget Wolfgang Petersen flick originally struggled at the box office.

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In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock podcast, we’re heading into the Great Barrier Reef to break down the 2010 survival horror hit, The Reef. Directed by Andrew Traucki, this film trades giant CGI monsters for real shark footage and pure, agonizing tension.

We’re diving deep into why this movie works (and where it gets a little schlocky), from the "based on a true story" hook to that relentless sense of dread.

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Is Jaws 3-D the ultimate shark movie schlock? 🦈

Grab your 3D glasses (or just some popcorn) and join us as we dive into the deep end of 1983’s JAWS 3! We’re breaking down the floating severed limbs, the SeaWorld setting, and the infamous "shark through the glass" climax that has to be seen to be believed.

In this episode of Compelled by Schlock, we're asking the big questions: How did we get from Spielberg’s masterpiece to this? And is it actually a misunderstood masterpiece of cheesy cinema?

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Grab your sweetheart and your favorite chicken flavored heart cookies! We're talking about Scott Jeffrey's 2020 film from Uncork’d Entertainment, Cupid!

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This week we play Cops and Zombies with Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo!

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In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock Podcast, we review April Fool’s Day (2008), the little-known remake of the 1986 cult horror classic, to see what works, what falls apart, and whether this slasher update deserves more attention or its bad reputation. We break down the story, kills, tone, characters, and filmmaking choices while comparing it to the original April Fool’s Day and exploring what this overlooked horror remake can teach about suspense, structure, and low-budget genre storytelling.

Looking for cult classic movie recommendations? Leprechaun 2 (1994) is one of the wildest horror movie sequels of the decade — and we're breaking down everything that makes this Leprechaun movie so unhinged. Whether you love it or hate it, this one deserves a spot on your list of best horror movies to watch.

On this episode of Compelled by Schlock, we discuss:

-Why Leprechaun 2 doubled down on the absurdity

-The surprisingly creative kills and practical effects

-Whether this cult classic holds up or falls apart

-Our honest movie recommendation verdict