Shows
Certified ForgottenUncertified: Strange DarlingIn this week's bite-sized podcast episode, Matt Donato and Matt Monagle discuss J.T. Mollner's Strange Darling. Is it a brilliant deconstruction of tired slasher tropes? Or a pretentious mashup of screenwriting tricks? The answer to both is a resounding yes, and, at the risk of spoiling the episode, it's exactly that ambition and playfulness that makes Strange Darling one of the best horror films of the year.
2024-10-1532 minCertified ForgottenUncertified: V/H/S/BeyondWhat better way to celebrate Matt Monagle and Matt Donato's return from Fantastic Fest than with a Fantastic Fest release? In this episode of our Uncertified series, Monagle and Donato discuss V/H/S/Beyond, the latest (and potentially greatest) entry in the V/H/S series that features new films from filmmakers Justin Long, Kate Siegel, and Jordan Downey.
2024-10-0434 min
Certified ForgottenUncertified: Out Come The WolvesIn this week's short-and-sweet podcast episode, The Matts discuss Adam MacDonald's Out Come The Wolves. It's a bit like Backcountry 2.0, except instead of a bear, it's a pack of hungry wolves. MacDonald's making a name as a wilderness horror director, which neither Certified Forgotten host sees as an issue. What do we think will be MacDonald's next animal of choice? Surely he'll at least complete a trilogy of "When Animals Attack" indies.
2024-09-2131 min
Certified Forgotten555 with Sean AbleyHere at Certified Forgotten, we're sometimes surprised to find specific movies qualify for our "10-or-less reviews on Rotten Tomatoes" rule — 555 is not one of those titles. Joining us this week is Sean Abley (co-creator of Queer Horror: A Film Guide), who brings with him a piece of shot-on-video Chicago horror history. Wally Koz's microbudget procedural features a murderous necrophile, infamous enough to be included in the Sterling Memorial Library at the Yale University Library. Yes, a movie with fake-as-hell beheadings and extreme overacting is shelved in a Yale collection. Listen in to find out why.
2024-09-131h 10Certified ForgottenUncertified: Blink TwiceIn this week's mini-episode of Matt on Matt podcasting action, your Certified Forgotten co-hosts share their thoughts on Zoë Kravitz's rageful debut, Blink Twice. How did she sneak a rape-revenge movie into theaters with mainstream appeal? By wrapping it in a Glass Onion meets Get Out meets The Hunt vision — and casting Channing Tatum helps. But this isn't a movie about him. Blink Twice is an indictment of cancel culture's failings from a female perspective, which Kravitz delivers with haymakers from Naomi Ackie and the women around her. It's a battle of the sexes while trapped in paradise and one...
2024-09-0632 minCertified ForgottenDeath Spa with Heather O. PetrocelliWant a killer workout? Then come on down to Michael Fischa's Death Spa, where the equipment is automated and only a handful of people (just a handful!) are killed by the ghost in the machine. Heather O. Petrocelli, author of Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator, joins Certified Forgotten to talk about '80s horror, queer film audiences, and the fading art of the movie theater experience.
2024-08-301h 15Certified ForgottenUncertified: Alien: RomulusMatthew Monagle loves the Alien franchise. Matt Donato loves Fede Álvarez. But did either of them love Alien: Romulus? Listen and find out! In this week's episode of Uncertified, Matthew and Matt tackle the new Alien prequel from Álvarez, which is gorgeous, bloody, and full of creative decisions that, ah, might've looked better on paper.
2024-08-2337 minCertified ForgottenBruiser with Adam Cesare (Clown in a Cornfield)Can you believe a George A. Romero title fits our "10 critic reviews or less" criteria for Certified Forgotten coverage? Neither can we! But here we are. Beloved horror author Adam Cesare of Clown in a Cornfield fame brings us another 2000s curiosity, this one by the master of zombie cinema himself, Bruiser. We'll talk about when movies felt like movies, why Jason Flemyng deserves more leading roles, and Peter Stormare doing Peter Stormare things. Come get Kentucky fried with us in this week's episode!
2024-08-161h 20Certified ForgottenUncertified: CuckooThis week's Uncertified episode is a house divided. Join the Matts as they try to stave off madness when discussing Tilman Singer's Cuckoo. Neon hopes to continue their hot streak of horror releases with an out-there Alpine tale that announces Singer in a big way. Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens star in this kooky creature feature shrouded in mountainside mystery from a surrealist filmmaker who plays by his own rules. It's a weird one, ya'll. The question is, whose side are you on between your hosts Donato and Monagle?
2024-08-1031 minCertified ForgottenDown with Jessica ScottIt's one killer elevator, Michael, how much could it cost? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, we're joined by horror critic and cosplayer Jessica Scott (Fangoria, Inverse) to talk about Dick Maas's Down (aka The Shaft), a wild mashup of '80s scripts and '90s excess -- and, given its scheduled 2001 premiere date, perhaps the worst-timed movie in the history of Hollywood.
2024-08-021h 10Certified ForgottenUncertified: New LifeWhen Matt Donato wrote his midyear article about the best horror of 2024, the one title that caught everyone by surprise was John Rosman's New Life. But you should know better than to doubt the Donato. In this week's episode of Uncertified, we break down why New Life offers a compelling mix of big ideas in a small box, and how it underscores the very important difference between trauma and grief onscreen.
2024-07-2632 minCertified ForgottenUncertified: LonglegsMatt Monagle's favorite horror movie is The Blackcoat's Daughter, and he's been a defender of Oz Perkins since the filmmaker's beginnings. Matt Donato has not liked any of Oz Perkins' first three movies to varying degrees. Finally, at long last, the Matts talk about The Great Perkins Divide and, more importantly, their thoughts on Longlegs. Will there finally be peace amongst podcast cohosts? Can Daddy Longlegs be the first "Both Matts Approved" Perkins film?
2024-07-1946 minCertified ForgottenUncertified: InfestedSpiders. It had to be goddamn spiders. Big ol' spiders, and lots of 'em, are the subject of this week's Uncertified conversation. Listen to the Matts as they address their differing opinions on Sébastien Vanicek's full-throttle arachnid nightmare Infested, available now on Shudder. Some call it the best spider-focused horror movie since Arachnophobia (that's Matt D.). Do you agree?
2024-07-1231 minCertified ForgottenLandlocked with Richard WhittakerThis week's main episode traps the Matts and returning gust Richard Whittaker in a home video purgatory. Paul Owens' Landlocked repurposes the filmmaker's home movies to examine grief, liminal spaces, and being stuck in the past. It's an interesting slow burn that never lets us know what plane of existence the film chooses, becoming an endearing guessing game. Owens' family affair makes the most of no-budget restrictions, blending usages of found footage and traditional narratives to increasingly disturbing degrees.
2024-07-061h 17Certified ForgottenUncertified: ExhumaIn this week's minisode, The Matts chat about what they agree is one of the year's best horror films (so far). Jang Jae-hyun's Exhuma is available now on Shudder, climbing to the top of the streamer's 2024 catalog despite including bangers like Stopmotion and Infested. South Korea flexes its horror muscles yet again in a culturally rich story that Matt Donato wrote: "bobs and weaves in ways American exorcism stories couldn’t fathom." High praise for Matt 1 or Matt 2 (depending on your at-home ranking).
2024-06-2830 minCertified ForgottenLivid with Jenn Wexler (The Sacrifice Game)How many genres is too many genres? For Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, the sky itself is the limit. Writer-director Jenn Wexler (The Ranger, The Sacrifice Game) joins Certified Forgotten to discuss her path through the film industry and Maury and Bustillo's Livid, a vampire/fantasy/steampunk/slasher/something that left an indelible mark.
2024-06-211h 08Certified ForgottenUncertified: ChimeJapanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa is without a doubt one of the most talented horror filmmakers of the 21st century. But would you sign up for a new NFT service just to watch his latest 45-minute movie? Matt Donato and Matt Monagle did, and they're here to tell you that Chime is, shockingly, very worth the effort.
2024-06-1429 minCertified ForgottenIII: The RitualIn this latest episode of the podcast, the Matts look into an existential void to celebrate Matt Monagle's birthday! No, seriously. Mr. Monagle has chosen this episode's title flick, and it couldn't be more of a "Monagle Movie" (broody period vibes, religious overtones, Silent Hill parallels, slow-burn devastation). There will be horror genre talk in the back half like always, but to start, both Matts get real about getting older, their careers, and what wisdom they've learned with age. Hell yeah.
2024-06-071h 04Certified ForgottenUncertified: In A Violent NatureIf you've seen one slasher, have you really seen them all? Chris Nash's In A Violent Nature begs to differ, which is the topic of our latest Uncertified conversation. Imagine Friday the 13th shot exclusively over Jason's shoulder. It's an experimental take on undead killers stalking victims through the wilderness, sure to divide audiences with its abstract horror approach. Let's discuss!
2024-05-3130 minCertified ForgottenWrong Turn 2: Dead End with Ariel Powers-SchaubWhat does it mean to be the best movie in the Wrong Turn franchise? In our latest podcast episode, The Matts are joined by horror journalist and author Ariel Powers-Schaub, whose upcoming book (Millennial Nasties: Analyzing a Decade of Brutal Horror Film Violence) examines the many films in the torture porn movement -- including Joe Lynch's cult classic Wrong Turn 2: Dead End.
2024-05-241h 12Certified ForgottenUncertified: AbigailIn the first episode of Uncertified, Certified Forgotten's new series of 30-minute movie discussions, Matt Monagle and Matt Donato take on Radio Silence's Abigail. Does it get the balance between horror and comedy just right? Or does it stumble in its goal of being the best horror-comedy about ballerina vampires since, well, ever?
2024-05-1731 minCertified ForgottenWhen A Stranger Calls Back with Gem SeddonIn horror's illustrious history of films built around unwanted phone calls, When A Stranger Calls Back might be the oddest. This week's episode is about stalkers, sequels, final girls, and ... ventriloquism? We welcome horror journalist Gem Seddon (Vulture, Fangoria) onto the show for a discussion about a franchise continuation that is most unexpected. Our latest episode was destined to happen ever since Gem passionately wrote about When A Stranger Calls Back for Certified Forgotten: The Website, so it's a pleasure to finally make this conversation happen.
2024-05-101h 08
Certified ForgottenUnder the BedWhat's that, no guest? It's the dawn of a new era at Certified Forgotten, and Matt Donato and Matt Monagle are here to explain their vision for new episodes of the show. But new ideas doesn't mean saying goodbye to old favorites, which is why we've also got a full-sized conversation about Steven C. Miller's Under the Bed. Did Monagle like this old-school Donato favorite? Listen for yourself to find out!
2024-04-261h 01Certified ForgottenBlack Circle with Sean Redlitz (The Sacrifice Game)Are you a fan of Adrian Garcia Bogliano's Cold Sweat? Late Phases aka Night of the Wolf? Here Comes the Devil? Maybe even Scherzo Diabolico? Well, then you should heed The Sacrifice Game co-writer Sean Redlitz's recommendation and watch 2018's Black Circle, a more underseen Bogliano winner. Sean brings the Matts a low-budget, high-concept thriller about vinyl records, hypnosis, and doppelgängers that represents the exact type of overlooked horror feature this podcast strives to highlight.
2024-04-121h 18Certified ForgottenThe Seventh Curse with Meagan NavarroDid anyone have Chow Yun-fat on their Certified Forgotten bingo card? We didn't either! But here we are, welcoming Bloody Disgusting's Meagan Navarro back to discuss Lam Ngai Kai's Hong Kong horror actioner The Seventh Curse. The film, based on the widely popular Dr. Yuen series, has a little bit of everything: blood curses, wriggly worm monsters, bleeding statues ... and that's just in the opening thirty-plus-minute flashback. This week's episode is a blast from the past with Meg and the Matts, so give it a listen!
2024-02-241h 09Certified ForgottenAlleluia! The Devil's Carnival with BJ ColangeloThere are many perks to hosting a podcast, one of which is that you can demand certain episodes. Hi, this is Matt Donato, and I demanded BJ Colangelo return to cover Darren Lynn Bousman's Devil's Carnival sequel, Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival. Everything is bigger, the stars are brighter, and we get more musical religious mayhem — but this time in Heaven. Tech N9ne, David Hasselhoff, Ted Neeley, and more new additions lend their voices to the chorus of sainted sinners, but sadly, there'd be no trilogy finale. Alleluia! is the second chapter of an unfinished story, one that deserves it...
2024-02-091h 12Certified ForgottenBilly the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire with Harmony ColangeloWhenever Harmony Colangelo pops in for a guest spot, you're in for a treat. What did they bring us this time? Oh, just "undoubtedly the only vampire snooker musical in cinema history" — a sports drama, a rock musical, and a vampire affair all rolled into one. Join Harmony and the Matts for an exquisitely 80s journey into career-defining tournaments and sharp fangs, spotlighting what will surely remain one of the oddest subgenre hybrids we'll ever cover on the show.
2024-01-191h 11Certified ForgottenThe Boat with Rob HunterIn this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are rejoined by Film School Rejects head film critic Rob Hunter, who last appeared on Episode 5 to talk about Cold Prey. In this episode, Rob weighs in on award season, his lackadaisical approach to release dates for year-end lists, and, of course, Winston Azzopardi's The Boat.
2024-01-031h 10Certified ForgottenOutpost with John TorraniIn this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, dig into the terrifying trenches of wartime horror. The Matts are joined by industry professional John Torrani to go head-to-head with Nazi ghosts in 2008's Outpost, paying respect to the late Ray Stevenson. The only good Nazi is a dead Nazi, so when they get back up, someone has to put them back down.
2023-12-081h 12Certified ForgottenA Horrible Way To Die with Tyler MacIntyre (It's a Wonderful Knife)In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, we turn our sights to Christmas horror and mumblegore! Filmmaker Tyler MacIntyre (Patchwork, Tragedy Girls) returns to the podcast for an in-depth discussion about his new film It's a Wonderful Knife and the importance of Hallmark Christmas movies to his own career. Then, MacIntyre joins The Matts for a discussion about Adam Wingard's A Horrible Way To Die, an influential mumblegore release that also doubles as a "killer" showcase for actor-filmmakers Joe Swanberg and Amy Seimetz.
2023-11-221h 10Certified ForgottenDoom Annihilation with William BibbianiInevitably, when one of your podcast co-hosts is Matt Donato, all roads lead to Doom. Not in an existential way, but in rants about the 2005 video game adaptation. In this episode, the Matts are joined by the esteemed William Bibbiani to talk about 2018's Doom: Annihilation and how the underrated reboot stacks against not only the prior film, but video game movies as a whole.
2023-10-201h 25Certified ForgottenLast Shift with Rachel ReevesIf you're like us, you were probably surprised to find out that Anthony DiBlasi's Last Shift has less than 10 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. But despite being one of the formative indie horror releases of the 2010s, it turns out that Last Shift falls prey to many of the same challenges faced by other indie horror titles. Join the Matts and special guest Rachel Reeves (@VinylGrrrl) as we discuss the beautiful alchemy of sound design and cinematography that caused this movie to turn heads -- and inspired DiBlasi to remake his own film nearly a decade later.
2023-09-131h 15Certified ForgottenFrom a Whisper to a Scream with Scott DrebitHorror anthologies are a mixed bag by nature, which makes them a harder sell to audiences. No one knows this better than our latest guest, a Canadian import who you've heard and read on Daily Dead, Scott Drebit. He wrote the book on underseen horror (literally), and is bringing us an 80s horror anthology that hopefully will have more of you reaching for the subgenre after another splendid Certified Forgotten conversation.
2023-09-011h 14Certified ForgottenUrban Legends: Bloody Mary with Kim MorrisonDirect-to-video horror sequels aren't exactly known for their staying power, but then again, most direct-to-video horror movies aren't directed by horror royalty Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary). In this episode of the podcast, The Matts are joined by Kim Morrison to discuss rape-revenge horror, parenting, and the dangers of CGI spiders.
2023-08-171h 15Certified ForgottenPin with Drew DietschHere at Certified Forgotten, we've seen some shit. Our guests love bringing us challenging genre films with varying amounts of "weird" and "obscure." Enter our guest Drew Dietsch and this week's focal title, 1988's Pin. You know, the one with a sexualized medical dummy who can "talk" and encourage murder? From Canada with love, baby.
2023-08-041h 16Certified ForgottenThe Final Terror with C. Robert Cargill (The Black Phone)Before he earned accolades for directing The Fugitive - hell, before he turned the heads of action fans with Steven Seagal's Under Siege, director Andrew Davis directed a 1983 low-budget wilderness slasher called The Final Terror. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts talk with novelist and screenwriter C. Robert Cargill (Sinister, The Black Phone) about the challenges of leaving film criticism and the power of becoming a full-time storyteller.
2023-07-211h 16Certified ForgottenSanta Jaws with Michael Varrati (There's a Zombie Outside)If we've learned nothing over the past few weeks, it's that the ocean is a dark and terrifying place, home to crushing depths, revenge-fueled killer whales, and.... Santa Jaws?! That's right, in this week's episode, we're celebrating Christmas in June with screenwriter Michael Varrati (The Boulet Brothers' Dragula, Christmas With You) and discussing Misty Talley's Christmas cult classic, Santa Jaws.
2023-06-241h 15
Certified ForgottenCF67: Santa Jaws (w/ Michael Varrati)"You'll never celebrate Christmas again!" In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, The Matts are joined by screenwriter Michael Varrati ('Christmas With You,' 'The Boulet Brothers' Dragula') to talk about the ongoing writer's strike and everyone's favorite shark attack Christmas movie.
2023-06-221h 15Certified ForgottenFather’s Day with Josh HurtadoDropping a Father's Day podcast episode in May, the month of mothers? That's how we roll here at Certified Forgotten. Join the Matts and their esteemed guest Josh Hurtado as they go head-to-head with Astron 6's goretastic Troma collaboration and live to tell about it.
2023-05-261h 26Certified ForgottenSo Vam with Blayne WaterlooIf you like your coming-of-age films to be both queer and vampiric as hell, then you'll probably be a fan of Alice Maio Mackay's 2021 film So Vam. Joining the Matts for a conversation on the Australian horror film is Blayne Waterloo, Contributing Editor at Fangoria. How does So Vam compare to other queer vampire movies like Bit? And will Monagle ever get over having his childhood fashions mined for onscreen nostalgia? Listen to the episode to find out!
2023-05-101h 19Certified ForgottenHorsemen with Ari DrewWhat happens when Dennis Quaid is tasked with hunting down a group of internet-fueled serial killers? I guess you'll have to watch Jonas Åkerlund's 2009 procedural horror Horsemen and find out for yourself! Back after a brief hiatus, the Matts are joined by two-time guest Ari Drew for a really fun conversation about moving between cities, the current state of the horror industry, and, of course, Horsemen as a cinematic artifact.
2023-04-261h 17Certified ForgottenDon’t Go in the Woods with Sezin KoehlerDid you know that Vincent D'Onofrio directed a low-budget indie horror musical in the mid-2010s? The Matts are joined by Don't Go in the Woods superfan Sezin Koehler to discuss this bloody assessment of creative endeavors, which she already wrote about for our wonderful little website. A rare double Certified Forgotten dip!
2023-02-241h 26Certified ForgottenThe Interior with Brad McHargueThe Matts are going over the river and through the woods in an episode that's alternately dubbed "Nature is Bullshit." Brad McHargue returns with The Interior, a woodland indie that was doing "A24 Horror" before A24 even got popular with moody, grief-stricken tales of terror and trauma.
2023-02-091h 21Certified ForgottenHellraiser Hellworld with Rosie KnightRemember that time Pinhead went viral and created an online multiplayer experience that beckoned Henry Cavill and his friends to a Hellraiser rave? This week's guest does — come let the esteemed Rosie Knight convince you that Hellraiser: Hellworld is the most slept-on sequel in the franchise.
2022-12-091h 14Certified ForgottenHelter Skelter with Tori PotenzaWhat would you be willing to give up to be famous? That's the question at the heart of Mika Ninagawa's Helter Skelter, a 2012 horror film that would fit nicely alongside The Neon Demon on any film shelf. In this episode, the Matts are joined by horror critic Tori Potenza (@theneonbanshee) to discuss this gorgeous Japanese gem - currently streaming on the Internet Archive (!).
2022-11-231h 17Certified ForgottenScooby-Doo on Zombie Island with Joseph HernandezHow can a celebrity pooch as popular as Scooby-Doo fit the Certified Forgotten criteria? That's what Brooklyn Horror and North Bend festival programmer Joseph Hernandez wants to know on this latest podcast episode. Join us as we talk about the life of a film festival curator, the rebirth of the Scooby-Doo franchise, and everyone's favorite cartoon ghost hunters!
2022-11-111h 09Certified ForgottenThe Devil’s Carnival with BJ ColangeloWhile Darren Lynn Bousman might be best known for directing multiple Saw franchise entries, we're here to champion his indie horror musical about saints, sinners, and the shirking gap between them. The Matts are again joined by musical aficionado BJ Colangelo (This Ends At Prom) for a deep dive into the Vaudevillian carnival underworld known as The Devil's Carnival. Expect lots of horror musical chatter, gushing over devious rhythms, and an analysis of the religious commentary that pulsates through Bousman's production.
2022-09-231h 18Certified ForgottenEntrance with Jackson Stewart (Beyond the Gates)If there is a list of the best horror movies made for under $10,000, then Entrance must be high on that list. Directed by Patrick Horvath and Dallas Hallam, Entrance is a tour de force of indie filmmaking. And who better to champion independent horror than another independent horror director who's been in those same trenches? Join Jackson Stewart (Beyond the Gates) for a wide-discussion on voyeurism, Los Angeles, and the dancing, naked Chads of Friday the 13th: The Video Game fame.
2022-09-071h 19Certified ForgottenGraveyard Shift with Meg ShieldsAre you ready for our first Stephen King discussion on Certified Forgotten? We're signing up for the Graveyard Shift with Meg Shields (@TheWorstNun) to talk about rats, goop, and '90s horror decadence. Who knew commentaries about employee rights and corporate greed could be this bonkers?
2022-07-281h 19Certified ForgottenBit with Harmony Colangelo2020 was a difficult year for film distribution, and no film suffered more than Brad Michael Elmore's Bit. Thankfully, erstwhile film critic and professional writer Harmony Colangelo (@veloci_trap_tor) will not let a pandemic overshadow one of the best vampire movies of the decade. In this week's episode, Harmony joins the Matts to talk vampire movies, Los Angeles lifestyles, and the right way to do trans representation in film.
2022-07-111h 08Certified ForgottenDirector’s Cut with Michael Varrati (There's a Zombie Outside)You've heard of found footage horror, but is the world ready for a found commentary horror? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by writer-director Michael Varrati (@MichaelVarrati) to discuss Director's Cut, Adam Rifkin's movie-within-a-movie collaboration with actor-magician Penn Jillette. There's a lot going on in this film, but let us leave with this: if you've ever wanted to hear hear silent magician Teller speak, well, be careful what you wish for.
2022-05-261h 07Certified ForgottenHell House LLC 2 with Alice CollinsIt is the movie that shook the nation - and no, we're not talking about Hell House LLC, but the in-world documentary that serves as the basis for Hell House LLC 2: The Abaddon Hotel. And if that sounds confusing to you, then leave it to the Matts and special guest Alice Collins (@vampaly) to unpack the film. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, we'll discuss found footage, horror franchises, and what it takes to open up your world with a horror sequel.
2022-04-211h 25Certified ForgottenThe Monster Project with DeVaughn TaylorIf the house is a-rockin', it's monsters! This week the Matts are joined by DeVaughn Taylor (@_daddydisco) from the Bloody Blunts Cinema Club to talk about a hidden "found footage" gem that says it all in the title: The Monster Project.
2022-04-011h 14Certified ForgottenBlood of Wolves with Leigh Monson & Amelia Emberwing)What would life be like without the occasional yakuza film to keep us company? In this special two-guest episode of Certified Forgotten, The Matts are joined by Leigh Monson (@LeighMonsonPBF) and Amelia Emberwing (@ThatWitchMia) to discuss Blood of Wolves, a Japanese gangster epic from 2018. How do films about corrupt cops play after two years of police "accountability"? And does Blood of Wolves provide enough gore to live up to its Shudder distribution? All signs point to yes.
2022-03-171h 21Certified ForgottenNorway with Brad HendersonStop dancing and you'll die - that's the challenge faced by Zano, the Greek vampire at the center of Yannis Veslemes's debut horror feature Norway. For this very special episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts speak with Terror Vision's Brad Henderson (@BradFHenderson) about how he came to fall in love with this disco-fueled vampire nightmare. If you've ever wanted to know how independent film distribution and the home video market works, this is the episode for you.
2022-03-021h 21Certified ForgottenWarning: Do Not Play with Richard WhittakerWhat would you give up to make the perfect horror film? If you are the main character in Kim Jin-won's Warning: Do Not Play, the answer is everything - and more. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by Richard Whittaker (@YorkshireTX), Culture Editor at the Austin Chronicle, to discuss the growing Austin film industry and the enduring power of films about films.
2022-02-091h 27Certified ForgottenAlien Raiders with Heather WixsonHow far would you go to protect humankind? In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by Heather Wixson (@thehorrorchick) to discuss Alien Raiders, Ben Rock's sci-fi indie that offers a 2000s spin on The Thing. Don't be fooled by the title: the world is a better place with this single-location monster movie in it.
2022-01-271h 18Certified Forgotten(Re)IntroductionWith a new year - and new listeners - upon us, the Matts decide to take a moment and remind the Certified Forgotten faithful what this beautiful podcast is all about. This mini-episode serves as a re-introduction to the Certified Forgotten series and highlights a few key changes to both the podcast and the website in 2022.
2022-01-2615 minCertified ForgottenSlumber Party Massacre 2 with Ariel FisherAre you ready to go... all the way? In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by Fangoria Managing Editor Ariel Fisher (@Afis8) to discuss the rock-and-roll greatness of Deborah Navarra-Brock's Slumber Party Massacre 2. Is this film deserving of a place in the all-time cult canon? And does its handling of both glitter and trauma make it the rare film that Monagle and Donato both love? Guess you'll just have to listen to find out.
2022-01-131h 20Certified ForgottenThere Are Monsters with Luke MullenReady to greet the end of the world with a smile? In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by veteran film festival programmer Luke Mullen (@ldmullen) to discuss There Are Monsters, writer-director Jay Dahl's feature adaptation of his award-winning short. Did this movie have the best jump scare both Monagle and Donato have ever seen? And what about that killer ending? Listen to the full episode to enjoy Canadian horror at its finest.
2021-12-0859 minCertified ForgottenEat Me with Jenn AdamsThere are tough watches, there are tough fucking watches, and then there is Eat Me. In 2018, Jacqueline Wright brought her controversial play to the big screen, and the result is a pseudo-rape revenge film unlike anything you've ever seen. Join the Matts and special guest Jenn Adams (@jennferatu) as they discuss the fine line between exploitation and catharsis - and why, if you can stick with a rough start, you might find Wright's film to be a love story you can get behind.
2021-10-061h 20Certified ForgottenBag Boy Lover Boy with Dede CrimminsNew York City. Center of the universe. Times are shitty, but I'm pretty sure they can't get worse - unless, of course, you're the title character in Andres Torres's scuzzy horror-comedy Bag Boy Lover Boy. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by horror journalist Dede Crimmins to discuss their shared love of genre film festivals and how to handle the horror that makes us most uncomfortable.
2021-09-171h 15Certified ForgottenWild Zero with Harmony ColangeloIs there a more emblematic midnighter than Tetsuro Takeuchi's Wild Zero? Join The Matts and guest Harmony M. Colangelo as they punch their ticket to a bonkers Japanese spectacle that features zombies, hot pants and greaser punk vibes provided by rockers Guitar Wolf. Don't forget: "Love has no borders, nationalities or genders!" It's time we all practice what Guitar Wolf preaches.
2021-09-011h 18Certified ForgottenBloodRayne 2: Deliverance with Reyna CervantesWhat makes a horror video game different from a horror film? What does the future hold for cinematic video game adaptations? And how will history remember Uwe Boll? These are just a few of the questions The Matts tackle in this week's episode of Certified Forgotten. Here to guide the discussion is film and video game critic Reyna Cervantes, who comes ready to talk all things BloodRayne (and BloodRayne 2: Deliverance in particular).
2021-08-181h 12Certified ForgottenThe Siren with April Wolfe (Black Christmas) & Katie WalshMissed your chance to listen to our podcast episode from the 2021 North Bend Film Festival? We've got you covered! Join the former hosts of the late, great Switchblade Sisters podcast - screenwriter April Wolfe and film critic Katie Walsh - as they discuss The Siren, Perry Blackshear's memorable 2019 horror film. We talk about folklore, filmmaking, and the all-important question: why aren't more horror films as horny as The Siren?
2021-08-041h 13Certified ForgottenMutant Blast with Amelia EmberwingIn this long-overdue new episode of Certified Forgotten - and yes, we missed you too - the Matts are joined by WhatToWatch editor Amelia Emberwing to talk all things Troma and Fernando Alle's absurdist trash-sterpiece, Mutant Blast. Is this a Monagle movie or a Donato movie? You'll never guess the exciting reveal!
2021-07-201h 14Certified ForgottenSweatshop with Mike SnoonianHow much movie can you make for $5,000? If you're writer-director Stacy Davidson, that will buy you one Sweatshop, a throwback-style slasher with some incredibly creative kills. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, the Matts are joined by Mike Snoonian (The Pod and the Pendulum, Psychoanalysis: A Horror Therapy Podcast) to discuss horror, therapy, and the underrated period of post-Saw splatter.
2021-06-091h 25Certified ForgottenThe Convent with Stephanie CrawfordIf one were to describe Mike Mendez's 2000 cult classic in a single sentence, it might be this: The Convent is a film that arrived either 20 years too late or 10 years too early. Steeped in video nasties of the '70s and '80s, Mendez's film offers an early glimpse of the VHS nostalgia that would soon dominate the horror genre. And in this episode of Certified Forgotten, Monagle and Donato are joined by Screamcast co-host Stephanie Crawford to talk about the film and its enduring appeal to horror fans.
2021-05-121h 16Certified ForgottenDeep Murder with Trace ThurmanDid the world really need a porn parody slasher? Well, if the result is as funny - and Adult Swim weird - as Deep Murder, then the answer has to be yes. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, Monagle and Donato are joined by Horror Queers co-host Trace Thurman to talk about Nick Corirossi's 2018 horror-comedy, which runs the gamut from Clue to Pleasantville to, uh, Dude Bro Party Massacre III? Consider yourself warned.
2021-04-281h 17Certified ForgottenBefore the Fall with Becky SayersIn 2008, Spanish filmmaker F. Javier Gutiérrez took his modest end-of-the-world thriller to the highest heights of the film festival circuit, including a nomination for Best Debut Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. So why is Before the Fall (Tres días) so unknown within genre circles? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, filmmaker Becky Sayers joins Monagle and Donato to discuss this paradoxically hopeful and hopeless apocalyptic experience.
2021-04-141h 20Certified ForgottenThe Hive with Molly HeneryIt has been described as Evil Dead (2013) meets Memento, which is probably all you should know going in about David Yarovesky's wildly underseen - and wildly creative - science fiction horror film. And here to guide the conversation is the Blogging Banshee herself, Molly Henery. Join Molly, Monagle, and Donato as they explore maybe the most fun horror movie to grace the Certified Forgotten podcast to-date.
2021-03-311h 25Certified ForgottenPopulation 436 with Christine MakepeaceLooking for a Midsommar fix without all that pesky "prestige" or "budget"? Friends, do we have a pick for you. In this episode, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Certified Forgotten contributing editor Christine Makepeace to discuss Population 436, Michelle MacLaren's 2006 direct-to-video gem.
2021-03-171h 15Certified ForgottenJu-On: The Curse with Terry MesnardIs it possible for the first film in an international horror mega-franchise to really be "forgotten"? If you're the Ju-On franchise, the answer is yes. On this week's episode, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Terry Mesnard to discuss Takashi Shimizu's debut feature, often lost in a confusing labyrinth of remakes and sequels.
2021-03-031h 09Certified ForgottenBreaking Surface with Haleigh Foutch & Perri NemiroffWhat began as a very special video episode of Certified Forgotten for the Reel Love Film Festival now finds its way to your podcast platform of choice! In this episode, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Haleigh Foutch and Perri Nemiroff, the co-hosts of Collider's Witching Hour. Together, the dynamic duos discuss Breaking Surface, a 2020 underwater thriller from director Joachim Hedén.
2021-02-241h 06Certified ForgottenThe Crimson Rivers II: Angels of the Apocalypse with Jonathan BarkanHow can a big-budget sequel to an international hit disappear from the public eye? This is the question the Certified Forgotten team must grapple with. On this week's episode, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Jonathan Barkan to talk about French cinema, religious horror, and those darn ninja monks from hell.
2021-02-031h 17Certified ForgottenThe Poughkeepsie Tapes with Ari DrewIs The Poughkeepsie Tapes truly forgotten when horror fans everywhere have, at least once, uttered this infamous film's title? According to the Certified Forgotten rulebook, it is. Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Ari Drew to discuss the curious case of a found footage horror film that everyone talked about, yet no one saw.
2021-01-221h 21Certified ForgottenIt Comes with Rebecca PahleDo you really deserve that 'World's Best Dad' mug when your daughter is possessed by an evil spirit? In this episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by film critic Rebecca Pahle (Boxoffice Pro) to discuss It Comes, a Japanese exorcism film unlike any other.
2020-12-231h 14Certified ForgottenFugue with Lindsay TravesWho can you trust when you have no memory? That's the intriguing premise of 'Fugue,' the 2018 premiere of Canadian writer-director Tomas Street. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by film critic Lindsay Traves (Bloody Disgusting) to discuss all things genre and Canada.
2020-12-091h 25Certified ForgottenThe Matt Monagle Origin StoryWe're turning the spotlight back on our hosts! In these last two episodes - and at the behest of our guests - each Matt is taking a turn sharing their own history as a horror fan. In Part 2, Matt Monagle opens up about his myriad childhood fears, his love of Irish horror, and how his upbringing in Juneau, Alaska, made him the man (and horror fan) he is today.
2020-11-251h 03Certified ForgottenThe Matt Donato Origin StoryAnd now, for something completely different! At the request of our listeners, the Matts are digging into one another's past to give y'all the full story behind our horror journies until this point. Up first? It's Matt Donato chatting about his childhood horror aversion, his vendetta against Chucky, and the switch that eventually flipped. I hope he at least makes a little more sense, now?
2020-11-111h 03Certified ForgottenThe Devil Lives Here with Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls)Beware the Honey Baron! In this very special episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by writer-director Tyler MacIntyre (Patchwork, Tragedy Girls) to discuss the standout Brazilian horror film The Devil Lives Here.
2020-10-281h 17Certified ForgottenShock 'Em Dead with Breanna WhippleFeeling like you would sell your soul for a good rock 'n roll slasher? Then look no further than 1991's Shock 'Em Dead. In this episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror journalist Breanna Whipple to discuss the beautiful marriage of rock and horror.
2020-10-141h 07Certified ForgottenWebcast with Mary Beth McAndrews (Bystanders)Think you've seen everything found footage has to offer? Think again. In this week's episode of the Certified Forgotten podcast, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror scholar Mary Beth McAndrews to discuss Paul McGhie's brilliant found footage/folk horror mashup 'Webcast.'
2020-09-301h 12Certified ForgottenCast a Deadly Spell with Jerry SmithRemember what life was like back in the days of direct-to-cable HBO originals? That's the question behind this week's film, Martin Campbell's Cast a Deadly Spell. Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror journalist and composer Jerry Smith to discuss how the film brings together the best of fantasy and film noir.
2020-09-161h 09Certified ForgottenDead Mary Zena DixonWould you stand in the mirror and say "Dead Mary" three times? That's the question behind this week's film, 2007's direct-to-video classic Dead Mary. Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror journalist Zena Dixon to discuss the ways in which Dead Mary is basically a cross of Evil Dead and The Thing - and why that makes it so goshdarn lovable.
2020-09-021h 07Certified ForgottenTeenage Cocktail with BJ ColangeloNothing will ever be as scary as your first high school love. That's the premise behind this week's film, John Carchietta's coming-of-age thriller Teenage Cocktail. Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror journalist BJ Colangelo to discuss how the film subverts expectations - and the male gaze.
2020-08-191h 17Certified ForgottenThe Nameless with Joe LipsettWhat do you get when you mix a dash of Clive Barker, a dollop of David Fincher, and one of the most knowledgeable horror scholars this side of Toronto? Why, you get the most recent episode of Certified Forgotten! This week, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Horror Queers host Joe Lipsett to discuss The Nameless, the 1999 horror film from Spanish filmmaker - and Rec creator - Jaume Balagueró.
2020-08-051h 17Certified ForgottenFunky Forest with Katie RifeMore films should come with extended dreamlike dance numbers. That's why, in this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by AVClub writer Katie Rife to discuss Funky Forest: The First Contact, the 2005 science-fiction/comedy film from Japanese filmmakers Katsuhito Ishii, Hajime Ishimine, and Shunichiro Miki
2020-07-221h 04Certified ForgottenZombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead with Ted Geoghegan (Brooklyn 45)Is there a place in the hallowed halls of Certified Forgotten for a movie about toilet zombies? Do you even need to ask? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by horror filmmaker, historian, publicist (and more) Ted Geoghegan to discuss Noboru Iguchi's Zombie Ass: Toilet of the Dead.
2020-07-081h 13Certified ForgottenCold Prey with Brian CollinsWhat happens when five twenty-somethings get trapped in an abandoned ski resort? Slashers happen, my friends. Slashers happen. In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Horror Movie a Day writer Brian Collins to discuss the outstanding Norwegian horror film Cold Prey.
2020-06-241h 13Certified ForgottenBurning Bright with Meagan NavarroTiger, tiger, burning bright, in the... basement of my house? DURING A HURRICANE? That's right, in this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Bloody Disgusting writer Meagan Navarro to discuss Burning Bright, a madcap mixture of Hallmark movie and creature feature.
2020-06-101h 05Certified ForgottenMunger Road with Al LoweWho would've thought that a micro-budget horror film from St. Charles, Illinois, would be the one to get under Donato's skin? In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Loose Canon's Al Lowe to discuss Munger Road and its oh-so controversial ending.
2020-05-271h 10Certified ForgottenOjuju with Meredith BordersWhat movie do you get when you ask the Managing Editor of Fangoria to guest on your podcast? One of the landmark horror films in Nollywood history, of course. In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Meredith Borders to discuss C.J. Obasi's boundary-pushing zombie movie Ojuju.
2020-05-1357 minCertified ForgottenSatan's Little Helper with Leigh MonsonWho is cooler than Satan? Nobody! And what's the best way to get in Satan's good graces? Help him murder everyone in your hometown! In this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by Leigh Monson to discuss Jeff Lieberman's one-of-a-kind horror-comedy, Satan's Little Helper.
2020-04-291h 12Certified ForgottenLittle Deaths with Matt BaroneNeed your fix of violent, cruel, psycho-sexual horror? Then this is the episode for you! On this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by another Matt, Matt Barone, to discuss the oft-overlooked 2011 anthology horror film Little Deaths.
2020-04-171h 23Certified ForgottenRattle the Cage with Kalyn CorriganNothing is more terrifying than small-town cops. Don't believe me? Check out this week's episode of Certified Forgotten, where Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by special guest Kalyn Corrigan to discuss Majid Al-Ansari's Rattle the Cage, the first thrilled from the United Arab Emirates.
2020-04-011h 13Certified ForgottenExte: Hair Extensions with Jenny NulfSometimes, not even a big-name director can save a film from horror obscurity. This week on the podcast, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by special guest Jenny Nulf to discuss Sion Sono's ridiculous, wonderful, and unforgettable Exte: Hair Extensions. Hair, hair, my hair, hair...
2020-03-181h 15Certified ForgottenPatchwork with Amelia EmberwingLove the idea of sewing people together but too squeamish to sit through Human Centipede? Great news! This week on the podcast, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by special guest Amelia E. discuss the, ah, unforgettable horror-comedy Patchwork (from Tragedy Girls writer-director Tyler MacIntyre).
2020-03-041h 14Certified ForgottenThe Last Will & Testament of Rosalind Leigh with Brad McHargueMany ghost stories deal with the idea of unfinished business; only this one takes such an unbearably sad approach to its subject matter. This week on the podcast, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by special guest Brad McHargue to discuss the tragically under-watched The Last Will & Testament of Rosalind Leigh, now streaming on Shudder.
2019-11-201h 11Certified ForgottenParty Hard, Die Young with Ryan OliverDifferent decade, different country, same dead high schoolers. This week on the podcast, Matthew Monagle and Matt Donato are joined by special guest Ryan Oliver to look at Austrian horror film Party Hard, Die Young, a modern take on slasher classics of the '80s and '90s. SPOILER ALERT: Everyone liked it?
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