In this episode of the Compelled by Schlock podcast, we revisit Suburban Commando (1991), the sci-fi action comedy starring Hulk Hogan as an intergalactic warrior stranded in middle-class America. Released at the height of Hogan’s crossover stardom, the film blends slapstick humor, rubber-suit aliens, and fish-out-of-water gags with a surprisingly sincere attempt at genre filmmaking on a limited budget. As a tribute to the late wrestling icon, this review breaks down the movie’s narrative structure, practical effects, and tonal balancing act between camp and sincerity. From Christopher Lloyd’s deadpan delivery to the unmistakable charm of early-90s family comedies, this episode unpacks how Suburban Commando reflects the filmmaking quirks and creative problem-solving of its era.
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Fear Below
Fear Below (2025) continues the Shark Month lineup with a tense, low-budget thriller about a coastal dive team investigating a series of unexplained underwater attacks. In this podcast episode, we break down the film’s narrative structure, practical effects, sound design, and direction, highlighting what independent filmmakers can learn from its creative choices and limitations. We analyze where Fear Below succeeds as a B-movie shark flick, where it falls short, and how it fits into the long tradition of cult aquatic horror. Whether it’s tension-building, creature design, or budget-conscious storytelling, this review surfaces key takeaways from one of this year’s newest shark films.
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Jaws 2
Shark Month is back, and we're celebrating JAWS' 50th anniversary by continuing the series with JAWS 2: the often-overlooked sequel to Spielberg’s classic. In this episode of our cult cinema podcast, we're joined by @LanceOMG as we examine what works and what doesn’t in this 1978 shark thriller. We'll compare it to the original Jaws, unpack behind-the-scenes drama, and break down the filmmaking techniques that made or broke the tension. If you’re a fan of 70s movies, retro horror, or an aspiring filmmaker hungry for lessons from low-budget and legacy sequels, then this is your one-stop review for cinematic inspiration and nostalgic shark-fueled thrills!
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Friday the 13th A New Beginning
Join Darby, Chris, and special guest @martingilmore as we slash into Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985), the fifth entry in the iconic horror franchise, and break down what works—and what really doesn’t—in this controversial sequel. In this episode of our ongoing Friday the 13th retrospective, we dissect the film’s twist ending, excessive body count, and departure from Jason Voorhees, while uncovering what aspiring filmmakers can learn from its production choices, character tropes, and storytelling misfires. Perfect for horror fans craving a nostalgia trip and creators studying cult classics, this horror movie podcast episode is your bloody backstage pass to the wildest installment yet.
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Puppet Master 3: Toulon's Revenge
We continue the pain with Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge (1991), one of the most beloved entries in the Full Moon franchise. A prequel set during World War II, this cult classic blends killer puppets, Nazi villains, and tragic backstory into a surprisingly emotional gorefest. We break down what works, what doesn’t, and why Toulon’s Revenge stands out in the Puppet Master series. If you’re a fan of low-budget horror, practical effects, and campy 90s cinema, this discussion is for you. Whether you grew up renting Full Moon VHS tapes or you’re just discovering the franchise, join us as we explore the legacy and madness of Puppet Master III.
We are Compelled by Schlock, a weekly podcast about schlocky movies. You know the kind: cheesy effects, bad acting, low budgets... Not only do we love them, but we are compelled by them.
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