How to Survive

It's episode 131 and against all odds, we've finally covered a movie about astral projection.

Insidious (2010) tells the story of Renai and Josh, young parents who have just moved into a new home. When their eldest son falls into a medically unexplained coma, weird things start happening in their home - and nothing is as it seems (and nothing is as it could be predicted or worked out in a thousand years of guessing).

We talk about understanding your abilities when in a new environment; the importance of asking the important questions; and the dangers of opting for the last resort before you've tried the first, second or even third resorts.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure:I came today because last night I had a dream about this place. I was in this house, but it was late at night. I was afraid.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 130 and that can only mean one thing - the fourth instalment in the classic Paranormal Activity franchise!

Paranormal Activity 4 (2012) continues the ongoing saga of Katie, Toby and Hunter, this time told through the clumsier-than-ever framing device of a self-obsessed teenage neighbour who (for some reason) records everything in her life on a video camera.

We talk about the often random nature of the titular paranormal activity, the risks of secretly sedating your children and the value of spotting a fake in today's socio-political climate. Also hear more 'Film Dad' chat and discover how to crowbar Star Wars into literally any pop song, in what critics are already calling 'another episode of How to Survive'.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: He looks just like his mother.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 129...and bon appetit!

Raw (2016) tells the story of Justine, a young vegetarian girl who begins a new life at veterinary school. She is met with intense initiation ceremonies, late nights, parties, and the sudden irrepressible urge to eat meat... of all kinds.

We talk about the half-measures of vegetarianism; the importance of teaching your children about the risks of chicken as a gateway food to human; and Joe talks about being a vegan again. Obviously.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I'm just getting milk, ok?

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 128...and I think they want us for dinner tonight!

Cannibal Holocaust (1980) tells the story of Harold Monroe, a sociologist sent into the Amazonian rainforest to find out what happened to a missing documentary crew. Cannibal Holocaust is honestly a terrible film. Don't bother watching it. I'm not even sure why we watched it. I think someone asked us to cover it once in an email or a tweet but I can't remember. In many ways I can't remember anything before I watched Cannibal Holocaust, but I can remember feeling happiness and joy and a lust for life in general that is now sadly absent from my hollow shell of an existence.

Cannibal Holocaust has, in a very real sense, sapped the lifeforce from me in a manner that I'm not sure will ever be reversed. Maybe I wouldn't even want it to be reversed. Maybe this feeling of cosmic emptiness is a kind of punishment for watching it. If it is then I welcome it. I am forever scarred. I am forever a lesser person for having seen Cannibal Holocaust.

Don't watch it - it's not worth it. Just listen to the podcast instead.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Things like this happen all the time in the jungle; it's survival of the fittest!

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 126...and I lost my daughter to the abyss, but tonight I am calling her back.

The Void (2016) tells the story of Dan, a police officer who comes across an injured man and takes him to the hospital. At the hospital, weird stuff starts to happen, including horrific mutations of nurses into monsters; the appearance of a sinister group of violent cult members; inexplicable power outages; and murder most foul.

We talk about the security of a good hiding place; the importance of knowing which negotiations are mission-critical; and the merits of shooting first and asking questions never.

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: statistically you're more likely to die in a hospital than anywhere else.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 126...and be afraid... be very afraid...

The Fly (1986) tells the story of Seth Brundle, a scientist who invents a way to transport objects through space. When testing the machine on himself, he accidentally fuses his DNA with that of a fly which was trapped in the machine - and he begins to slowly turn into a man/fly hybrid!

We talk about the benefits of the boys in blue; the convenience of insect repellent sprays; and we finally answer once and for all: which animal is it best to splice your dna with, and slowly turn into?

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 125...and with great a great podcast comes great responsibility...

Spider-Man (2002) tells the story of Peter Parker, a nerdy teenager who is bitten by a radioactive spider and gains: super-human strength, the ability to climb walls, the ability to shoot webs, freakish spatial awareness and cheeky wit - all the things you would associate with spiders.

We talk about the dangers of lying to your friends; the benefits of shopping around for good investors; and the least competent police force since Friday the 13th.

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Go web! Fly! Up, up, and away web! Shazaam! Go! Go! Go web go! Tally ho.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's episode 124...and I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Wonder Woman (2017) tells the origin story of Diana Prince, Amazonian Princess of Themyscira and superhero also known as (unsurprisingly) Wonder Woman. When a super spy from some Great War lands on her shores she's sure she can stop the fighting simply by killing her nemesis Ares - but has she underestimated the cruelty of man?

We round off 2017 with a female-led cinematic success story, address the clanging World War One-shaped elephant in the DC Comics-shaped room and wonder if it's wise to teach your enemy about their greatest power. All this as we finally cover a superhero film on the podcast. It only took 124 episodes!

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I can not stand by while innocent lives are lost!

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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Happy Boxing Day! What better way to celebrate than by watching a film with an increasingly tenuous link to the festive period?

Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990) reintroduces us to plucky cop John McClane, who is at the airport awaiting the arrival of his wife for the festive period. But oh no! A nefarious terrorist group are staging a mission with evil intent at the very same airport! On Christmas Eve! Of all the bad luck.

We pull the cracker on this mediocre sequel, question whether it's a good idea to fire a machine gun in a crowded police station (blanks or otherwise) and our hearts grow ever fonder of the sadly absent Alan Rickman.

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: You are just in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

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It's Christmas! Here is the first of 2017's How to Survive Christmas Specials

Home Alone 3 tells the story of Alex, a young boy who becomes stricken with chickenpox. Alex's parents leave him home alone, which is unfortunate as his neighbourhood is under attack from four spies hired by the North Korean government to steal a missile chip from the US Air Force.

We talk about the least appropriate children's movie villains in living memory; the least interesting and relatable protagonist in living memory; and we discuss of a set of injuries which would have Joe Pesci spinning in his grave (if he was dead...)

All of which leads to one question...how would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I have warned you about that telescope. You look through it long enough, you're gonna start seeing things, whether or not they're there.

Another classic film solved by the best movie podcast in the world.

Get in touch! [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter! @HowtoSurvivePod