The Neighbourhood Watch - Issue No. 2: 'Hot as Hell'
Where the Devil Runs the Thermostat.
The heat is on us.
I know you feel it too. It's different than before but it's the same white-hot fear that's become disturbingly familiar. The temperature keeps rising, we feel closer to Hell than ever before, and even the thought of just how much personal information of yours is available RIGHT NOW for the government to (mis)use how they see fit is enough to make you sweat. The end is extremely fucking nigh but the only thing keeping me up at night...The thing that makes my blood boil...The one unforgivable sin! Letting good movies go unwatched.
Since last month we've had wildfires in the forest, dumpster fires on the evening news, and a heat wave that has Satan looking for vacation homes on Mars. But since then, we've also discovered some new faves at the multiplex, unearthed hidden gems at the thrift store, and become reacquainted with our first true love: Drive-in Movie Theatres.
Yes, fire may come raining down upon us any minute but the drive-in will always be a blast from the past that gives you permission to let your worries float away on the evening breeze. A place where scratched up 35mm prints of old favorites look even better under the starry night sky. Where you can smuggle in an entire picnic basket of beers and bug repellent. Where your vehicle is transformed into a mobile movie theatre…or a secret make-out palace ;)
This month The Neighbourhood Watch is bringing you a new batch of creepy tips & tricks to beat the heat and avoid the prying eyes in the car next to you. We've also got a new mix of blazing hot tracks to keep the demons at bay, and a surprise series of Hellfire Approved Horror recommendations from The Devil himself!
So crack a window and let the sulfur in; Hell’s in the air tonight, and something’s crawling up from the storm drain. The streets may be melting, the skies may be bleeding, and the ice cream truck hasn’t been seen in weeks—but The Neighbourhood Watch is still on patrol. We’ll be here until the sun burns out… which realistically, is likely sooner than later.
- The Watch.
SUBJECT: 28 YEARS LATER
LAST SEEN: In theatres as of June 20
SUMMARY: Danny Boyle’s long-gestating sequel drops us into a quarantined, almost-medieval U.K., where 12-year-old Spike must dodge newly evolved “Alpha” infected while trying to save his mum. Shot partly on souped-up iPhones, the film mixes bullet-time carnage with a meditative, coming-of-age core; Jon Dehaan said he digs the performances and gnarly gore but notes it plays more like chapter one of a bigger apocalypse than a full meal.
RISK ASSESSMENT: 👁️👁️👁️
📋 FURTHER REPORTING: 28 Years Later Review - Jonathan Dehaan of Nightmare on Film Street
🔒 FIEND CLUB EXCLUSIVE REPORT: 28 Years Later Drive-Home From the Drive In Review, Nightmare on Film Street
SUBJECT: MEGAN 2.0
LAST SEEN: In Theatres as of June 28
SUMMARY: Reviewer Chris Vogel finds our killer doll alive, online, and twice as mouthy, cutting a deal with her former creator to trash AMELIA, the Pentagon’s runaway war-bot. The follow-up dials back the horror in favor of bigger laughs, slick sci-fi brawls, and enough snarky carnage to keep the crowd grinning from ear to severed ear. Those looking for robo-horror may be disappointed, but if you go in expecting a genre-bender akin to Blumhouse’s HAPPY DEATH DAY 2 U, you might be pleasantly surprised.
RISK ASSESSMENT: 👁️👁️
📋 FURTHER REPORTING: Megan 2.0 Review - Chris Vogel of Nightmare on Film Street
Something to Report?
LOG ANY AND ALL SIGHTINGS IN DISCORD under SIGHTING REPORTS or SPOILER ZONE. Use the appropriate channel if you’ll be documenting classified information. Citations for improper filing will be issued.
SAW – Jason Blum’s Blumhouse bought a 50 percent stake in the splatter franchise from Twisted Pictures. Lionsgate keeps the other half, and James Wan hints that new, nastier traps are already in the works.
CRYSTAL LAKE – Peacock and A24 finished stocking the camp cabins of the new series, adding Devin Kessler, Cameron Scoggins (SHADES OF BLUE) and newcomer Gwendolyn Sundstrom to join Linda Cardellini (FREAKS AND GEEKS, ER) as a younger Pamela Voorhees. Cameras roll this month in British Columbia. But when 13th movie tho?
RETURN TO SILENT HILL – Iconic Events and Cineverse locked Christophe Gans’s video-game sequel for wide U.S. release on 23 January 2026, ending years of fog-shrouded limbo.
BACKROOMS – A24’s feature version of Kane Parsons’s viral shorts began shooting in Vancouver on June 30. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 YEARS A SLAVE) and Renate Reinsve (THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD) head into the liminal maze.
DON'T LOOK INSIDE – Director Mike Lé Han unveiled a franchise-minded psychological chiller with Rachel Nichols (P2), Britt Robertson (TOMORROWLAND), Missi Pyle (GALAXY QUEST), Nelson Lee (MULAN) and Bruce Davison (X-MEN) set to star. Said to be a cross between Talk to Me and Smile. Production starts in Minnesota this fall.
WEIRD BUT TRUE
Phone Call from the Dead? A Michigan man received a ring from his own landline on June 28, rushed home, found signs of a break-in, then later discovered his former roommate’s body hidden beneath a trap-door shaft. No clear foul play yet; police are baffled.
July 7th, 2000 (25 years ago) - SCARY MOVIE
July 10th, 1985 (40 years ago) - MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME
July 19th, 1985 (40 years ago) - DAY OF THE DEAD
July 24th, 1985 (40 years ago) - THE BLACK CAULDRON
July 21st, 2000 (25 years ago) - WHAT LIES BENEATH
July 22nd, 2005 (20 years ago) - THE DEVIL’S REJECTS
July 26th, 1955 (70 years ago) - NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
July 8th - Streaming on Criterion/VOD - THE SHROUDS
July 8th - DVD - SINNERS
July 8th - DVD - UNTIL DAWN
July 8th - DVD - THE RULE OF JENNY PEN
July 18 - Theatrical - I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
July 22 - DVD - FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES
July 25th - Theatrical - THE HOME
July 25th - Limited Theatrical - BAMBI: THE RECKONING
August 1st - Theatrical - TOGETHER
Burn These Into Your Windshield: The 5 Drive-In Commandments
Thou Shalt Pick A Spot That Matches The Vibe
Picking a good spot at the drive-in really comes down to what kind of Drive-in night you're looking for. Want a peaceful, undisturbed viewing experience? Definitely don't park too close to the concession stand, the bathrooms, or the pickup trucks full of teenagers and air mattresses. Wanna pet other people's cute dogs? Parking near the edges or the back is always a safe bet to bump into dogs sniffing around for spilled popcorn. Just looking to chill out and soak in those nostalgic, outdoor vibes? Keep an eye out for meteor showers on the calendar (the annual Perseid's shower peaks on August 12th) and don't park too close or you won't get a good view of the night sky.
Thou Shalt Upgrade Thy Dirty Windshield To High Definition!
Always pack a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towel. You'll never notice how dirty your windshield is until you're trying to watch a movie through it. And keep in mind that most drive-ins are pretty far outside the city. Even if you just finished washing your car, you're bound to hit a few monster-sized bugs on the way and you don't want to wind up staring at guts during all those spooky sequences. Which brings us to our next tip....
Thou Shalt Not Kill, Except Of Course For Bugs
The bugs you encounter at the drive-in are not your normal bugs. These are superbugs. They snort Deet for fun, they'll deke around your swatter like an Olympic athlete, and worst of all- they have a lot of friends. I'm not going to sugar coat, you're outmatched. And if you're planning on sitting outside in a lawn chair, make sure you take a full bug spray bath, pack one of those Thermacell dome infusers, and say your prayers. There is no God that can help you fight these bugs, but Satan has offered to look into it for you, if you're ready to sign. His firm’s contact info can be found in the Classifieds.
Honor Thy Concession Stand
You know the score; Movie theatres don’t make much on ticket sales, and drive-ins especially depend on your concession purchases to stay alive. Now, there is no greater feeling than bringing an entire party pizza with you to the movies, BUT! The unwritten rule of all drive-in is: THOU SHALT PURCHASE AN EQUAL DOLLAR VALUE OF CONCESSIONS AS THOU HAST SMUGGLED IN. If you want to go to the drive-in next summer, you gotta invest in a future where that drive-in isn't demolished (or bought out by some boring corporate chain). Plus, drive-ins are basically BBQ joints that show dope movies in the parking lot. Regular theatres can only dream of having menus this good!
Thou Shalt Not Be A Dick
It's really easy to be a Dick at the drive-in. Here's some bullshit everyone hates that you’ll want to avoid:
Drive Slow. There are kids, dogs, and stoned teenagers everywhere
Turn off your goddamn headlights after the movie starts. Get cold later? Deal with it. DO. NOT. TURN. YOUR. HEADLIGHTS. ON.
Don't knock on that steamy car in the back. They’re… napping.
If you're not going to stay for the 2nd movie, leave before it starts. (see Headlights rule)
Yeah, peeing in the bushes is fun n’ all but just use the bathrooms dude
Got a big, tall vehicle? Park in the back rows so you aren't blocking the view
Don’t get into an accident going home because you “didn’t want” a coffee
28 Years Later left the Watch divided—“It took some weird big swings and I kinda love it for that!” said JohnnyMcAninch, while JessLaa admitted “it didn’t hit the mark” despite her love for the franchise. Chris V called Boyle’s direction “so much fun to watch,” while others felt the film was more setup than story. BethanyLaurel dubbed it “an old man movie” about legacy and mortality—some found that refreshing, others just wanted the rage virus back in full swing.
The I Know What You Did Last Summer tackle box popcorn bucket and hook cup got a few chuckles—“I do want a hook cup tho 😂”, admitted KimmiKillZombie—but the real horror? U.S. concession stands. Chris V described local lids as “a Saw II trap,” while CityLovesPudding revealed the darkest twist yet: “The small theatre by us doesn’t even have lids. You gotta raw dog your cup.”
Shark Week was alive and thrashing—Baner87 started a rewatch but joked they might tap out after Jaws 2, while CityLovesPudding insisted “part 3 is so good.” Talk turned to the lost art of Quint-style monologuing, with Baner87 asking why no one’s tried to revive the salty sea dog trope: “Put us on a boat and promise some shark action and you can launch into a scenery-chewing monologue about fish and audiences will eat it up.”
When asked for their Top 3 Zombie Movies, the Watch delivered a gloriously chaotic mix—from Return of the Living Dead to Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. JW, e.g. gave the edge to Korean horror with Train to Busan and The Wailing, while Chris V shouted out The Crazies (2010) and gave REC a special mention as “the scariest zombie movie I’ve seen.” Ashly_B.997 highlighted voodoo-era classics like White Zombie (1932) and I Walked with a Zombie (1943): “Both [..] reference the zombie's origins in Haitian Folklore and Voodoo beliefs.” And yes, someone watched White Zombie just to understand Rob Zombie’s band name.
M3GAN 2.0 brought mixed feelings—“It’s like Gremlins 2 but bad,” winced Jurassic Reptile of Horror, while TylerAndJack called it “an absolute blast… a strong contender for my cinema experience of the year.” Chris V praised its “pinch of Malignant” energy and self-aware fun, while BethanyLaurel admitted, “I didn’t hate it… but I rolled my eyes A LOT.”
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? The Watch is always listening. Leave your intel at: nofspodcast.com/discord
no. 002
Get down at the drive-in with this month’s playlist of retro horror classics and rockabilly beats! Blast this playlist on the open road or as the sun sets outside your favorite burger joint. Don’t forget to visit the snack bar during the intermission!
Demolición - Los Saicos
Bikini Girls with Machine Guns - The Cramps
El Monstruo - Los Shain's
Watusi Zombie - Jan Davis
Stronger Than Dirt - The Mummies
Pride of Frankenstein - Beach Creeper
Pet Sematary - Ramones
Disgusteen - Teenage Head
Gremlins Crawl - Shannon & The Clams
Peyoteando Con Ayahuasca - Los Peyotes
Surfin' Dead - The Cramps
The Living Dead - Jim Burgett
It Came In The Night - A Raincoat
The Witch - The Sonics
Jesus Christ Twist - Reverend Beat-Man
Psychobitches Outta Hell - Horrorpops
Sugar Town - ShitKid
Damien’s Delight
The Omen, 1976
Amaretto, Campari, Cinnamon Whisky. Fiery.
Step into the shadows with Damien’s Delight, a cocktail that burns as fiercely as the hellfire in little Damien’s lineage. This sipper is sinfully spicy like a cinnamon heart and promises to set your very soul aflame (or tickle your throat, at the very least). Those precise measurements of 0.6 oz? Let’s just say they’re a wicked wink to a number that’s, well, beastly. So, if you’re in the mood to embrace your darker side or to simply stir up some mischief, this elixir is devilishly designed just for you.
INGREDIENTS:
.06 oz [⅔ oz or 17 ml] Fireball Whisky
.06 oz [⅔ oz or 17 ml] amaretto
.06 oz [⅔ oz or 17 ml] Campari
METHOD:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the Fireball Whisky, amaretto, and Campari.
Stir well to ensure the devilish flavors meld together.
Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
Sip cautiously and keep an eye out for any signs of the beast.
“It’s all for you, Damien.”
WE PAY CASH FOR YOUR SOUL! Contact: YourSoul4Cash@gmail.com with Age, Location, and Most Recent Sin.
WANTED: VHS copies of Scream (1996) & Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - Contact @bethany_laurel on Discord
PUBLIC NOTICE: Whoever has been leaving sketchy mail at 202 Film St. STOP! I checked with the post office and it’s not being delivered by them. I’m installing a ring camera, so your days are numbered, bud!
FOR SALE: Cherry Red 1958 Fury Hardtop. Body by Plymouth, Soul by Satan.
REPENT! THE END IS EXTREMELY FUCKING NIGH. zombie camouflage (tshirts) available now at STORE.NOFSPODCAST.COM
MISSING: Hellhound. Long black fur. Red glowing eyes. Fire breath. Last seen in the south east woods of Bohemian Grove. Responds to the name “Mitsy”. If found, encircle with white salt, prick index finger, and call out my name. You know my name.
BABY $ITTER NEEDED: One Night Only. Pizza Money Included. MUST AGREE TO NOT LOOK IN BASEMENT. 1-866-666-8968
TO THE PERSON LOOKING FOR THE VENN MIRROR: I think I saw it at the church yard sale last summer? I wanted to buy it, but Cheryl, the organist, talked me out of it. She said something was ‘off’ about it. They might know where it ended up. Check with Cheryl?
VHS FOR TRADE! HAVE: The Relic, Get Even, Mondo Double Cassette. WANT: ?? Contact @JonOnAString on Discord
MEMBERS ONLY: Fiend Club Enrollment Open. Support the show, unlock exclusive podcast series, and receive a printable version of this very newsletter (folded, ominous, and slightly damp with mystery). Join the creepiest cul-de-sac on Patreon:nofspodcast.com/fiendclub
Missed connection? Cursed item? On the hunt? Email us at CLASSIFIEDS@NOFSPODCAST.COM
Enjoy this bonus insert of ‘The Devil’s Delights’ from the FIEND EDITION of this Month’s Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter!
Want the full report?
This is just the public version. Fiend Club members get the Fiend Edition—a fully immersive, printable version of this issue of the The Neighbourhood Watch complete with handwritten scribbles, classified diagrams, and other top secret nonsense we can’t publish here. This month’s dossier includes a hellish themed crossword on devilish pop culture and mythology!
🩸 Unlock it now at nofspodcast.com/fiendclub.
