Prince of Darkness (1987)

Is 1987's Prince of Darkness one of the most underrated and overlooked films in the John Carpenter canon? Or does this smaller-budget but thematically ambitious tale about science, religion, and bicycle impalements not quite hit the sweet spot of cinematic craft and outright horror that, by the late 80s, we knew was well within his wheelhouse? Chris and Nick wrestle with these questions, and many more, in an exploration of a movie that might not have won over the box office or the critics, but undoubtedly contains some of the craziest and most fascinating stuff Carpenter has ever put on film. With a cast of returning players (More Donald Pleasance! Back-to-back Victor Wong and Dennis Dun!), the debut of a longtime collaborator in cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe, and thematic echoes of everything from Assault on Precinct 13 to The Thing, we've got a lot to talk about with this one! Plus: Chris sings the praises of a definitive documentary on 80s horror, Nick has some thoughts on the video games inspired by the Carpenter filmography, and we look ahead to the kick-ass (and chew bubblegum) follow-up,They Live.