Hack or Slash - A Horror Movie Review Podcast
Each week a panel of horror fans discuss horror movies past and present. We believe horror is for everyone, regardless of how familiar you are with the genre, or which flavor of fear you fancy most. We dissect new releases, compare originals to reboots, and tell you whether or not the movies are a hack (a waste of time) or a slash (totally killer - pun intended).
Episodes
This week we're wrapping up the year with our 2025 Slasher's Choice Awards. We recap the year's wild stats, celebrate the winners across categories like Best Survivor, Best Villain, and Best Kill, and commiserate over the Hack Awards that call out the absolute worst horrors we endured.
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This week we're taking a bite out of Gingerdead Man 2: Passion of the Crust (2008). We assess the absurdity of its plot, evaluate the chaotic charm of its practical effects, and analyze the film's meta-commentary on low-budget filmmaking. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 32:46.
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Gingerdead Man 2: Passion of the Crust (2008)
Main Episode
This week we're unwrapping Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025). We dissect the film's modern retelling of a cult classic, evaluate its blend of horror and dark comedy, and discuss the effectiveness of its take on Billy. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:15.
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Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)
Main Episode
Episode 191: Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Sup...
This week we're opening up The Advent Calendar (2021). We discuss the film's unique take on the cursed object trope, explore its balance of holiday spirit and psychological horror, and evaluate the development of its main character's journey. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:28.
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This week we're unpacking Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025). We critique the film's character development and writing, assess the effectiveness of its scares, and discuss its dedication to fan service. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 37:26.
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Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025)
Main Episode
299: Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
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This week we're commemorating Thanksgiving with Bambi: The Reckoning (2025). We discuss the film's balance of camp and horror, analyze its quality as a mutated creature feature, and debate its emotional impact. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 40:59.
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Main Episode
This week our patrons have voted for us to review Cloverfield (2008). We discuss the impact of its found footage style, explore the complexities of the characters' relationships, and evaluate its status as a post-9/11 anxiety film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 44:52.
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Main Episode
This week we're embarking on a gothic journey with Frankenstein (2025). We analyze its set design and costumes, discuss the character portrayals of Victor and the Creature, and debate the impact of its deviations from the book. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 39:06.
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Main Episode
We're looking back at this year's Spooky Season and everything that made Hack or Slash University come alive: the watch parties, the 31 Days challenge, the chaos, the community, and the pure horror-loving joy that carried us through October. In this special public edition of Slasher Digest FM, we reflect on the magic that unfolded and share what's ahead for the months to come.
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This week we're unraveling the legacy of The Phantom of the Opera (1925). We analyze Lon Chaney's iconic performance, investigate the film's influence on gothic horror, and dive into the film's technical feats. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 33:22.
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The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Main Episode
How Lon Chaney's Makeup Transformed Hollywood Horror
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We're closing out spooky season with the ultimate guide to horror movies set on Halloween night. From Halloween and Trick 'r Treat to Terrifier 2, Haunt, and Hocus Pocus, we're breaking down the films that make October 31st the perfect home for horror. We explore how the holiday itself becomes a character, and share our favorite picks for everything from brutal slashers to family-friendly classics.
Mentioned in the Episo...
This week we're celebrating the night he came home with Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998). We discuss the film's portrayal of Lori Strode's trauma, analyze the impact of its Scream-inspired elements, and evaluate the franchise's return to form. In this episode's B-side, we ponder the most absurd franchise revivals, predict the future of horror icons, and debate the merits of rebooting classic characters. This episode contains sp...
Over four decades, Halloween has rewritten its own history more times than Michael Myers has cheated death. In this bonus episode, we break down every continuity, from Carpenter's 1978 classic to the Blumhouse trilogy, and share the best ways to marathon the franchise without losing your mind.
We walk through each timeline, debate which ones actually work, and reveal how we each watch the series every spooky season. Whether you're ...
This week we're answering the call of Black Phone 2 (2025). We examine the emotional depth of its characters, analyze the effectiveness of its supernatural elements, and critique the film's cinematography and dream sequences. In this episode's b-side, we discuss the logistics of phone scams, share our own thoughts on phone-related horrors, and debate the plausibility of ghostly phone calls. This episode contains spoilers, beginning...
We traded movie screens for fog machines to relive our night at Halloween Horror Nights 2025. From the haunted thrills of Terrifier and Legacy of Voorhees to the infamous fried pickles and cursed pizza fries, we break down the scares, snacks, and surprises that defined this year's event. Between merch hauls, drink quests, and house rankings, we unpack what made HHN 2025 feel like a full-blown return to form for spooky season.
This week we're diving into The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). We analyze the film's balance between legal drama and horror, unpack Jennifer Carpenter's performance, and examine the lasting impact of its ambiguous ending. In this episode's b-side, we discuss into the true events that inspired the film, ponder the moral implications of exorcisms, and explore the legal ramifications of the real-life case. This episode contains spoile...
This week we're checking out The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025). We evaluate the film's attempt at expanding the lore, assess its overall pacing, and dissect the effectiveness of its horror elements. In this episode's b-side, we debate the merits of horror trilogies, discuss which horror franchises could make successful TV series, and envision our ideal cut of this film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:12.
M...
This week we're diving into the heart of spooky season with a special community-focused update from Slasher Digest FM. We explore upcoming activities within our community, October's lineup of horror film reviews, and special bonuses for patrons and newcomers alike. We also check in on our 31 Days of Horror community event, and discuss our updated 31 Days tracker.
Mentioned in the Episode
Spooky Season
This week we're carving into Candy Corn (2019). We analyze its nostalgic atmosphere, critique the film's underwhelming story and pacing, and discuss the inconsistency of its performances. In this episode's b-side, we explore the best and worst Halloween pranks, debate the merits of practical effects in B-horror movies, and share our own Halloween decorating traditions. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 22:33.
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This bonus episode kicks off spooky season with everything you need to dive into our 31 Days of Horror. We walk through the origins of the calendar, the new host-themed days, and the custom watchlist tracker we designed to help you build and reflect on your own lineup. We share strategies for pacing yourself, creative ways to interpret the themes, and reminders that the heart of the challenge is community and fun. Whether you're jo...
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