The Scarecrow Video Psychotronic Challenge
31 days • October • 2024
“They’re coming to get you, Barbara.”
Psychotronic:
-adjective
Denoting or relating to a genre of films that typically have a science fiction, horror, or fantasy theme and were made on a low budget.
-Oxford English Dictionary
We staff don’t necessarily subscribe to the low budget part of that definition since movies like Alien: Romulus and A Quiet Place: Day One are not exactly low budget affairs but are well within the above mentioned sub-genres. That being said, we do like an underdog more often than not and when you're challenging the mean you might as well have a lot of fun pushing yourself to new lows.
The basic guidelines are:
• Watch at least 1 movie per day during the month of October in whatever order suits you.
• Must fall within the psychotronic definition.
• Have fun and get weird.
• If you see something, say something! Post your watches on social media and make sure to tag them with #SCVpsychochallenge. @scarecrowvideo (Letterboxd, Twitter/X, Facebook) @scarecrow.video.official (Instagram) @scarecrow.video (Tiktok)
Now for the watch list:
1. JUMP-OFF POINT: Kick off the Challenge festivities by watching a movie that inspired a TV series.
2. DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS: Mad scientists never seem to follow the rules…
3. BLURRING THE LINES: Magical realism is the key for today’s witnessing.
4. FAMILY MATTERS: It takes a family to raise this village.
5. BROKEN BONES: Snap, crackle, “stop… is it sticking out?”
6. MAN’S BEST FRIEND?: This canine is no pal of mine.
7. LITTLE DEVILS, BIG SHRIEKS: How much terror can a child really wreak?
8. POOL PARTY: Is there a swimming pool in your plot? Take a dip, mind the drip.
9. BUT AFTER THE GIG: Just because the party has ended, that doesn’t mean the activities have.
10. NEW YORK NEW YORK: A slice and dice set in the city so nice they named it New York
11. BREAKING THE MOLD: More than make up, this one is when practical effects masters employ their crafting skills directly to making the whole damn movie.
12. THE LIVING IMPAIRED: Insert zombie joke here.
13. ALL THINGS BEING SEQUEL: …As long as it isn’t a Part 1.
14. HALLOWED GROUND: Made by an indigenous filmmaker or has featured indigenous cast members.
15. YOU TOO, SHALL PASS: …If the gatekeeper permits.
16. INCREMENTAL BREAKDOWN: Stop-motion films are hard to make. Appreciate that mania today.
17. DON’T BLAME THE NAME: Many great films have been poo-pooed because of dumb titles. It’s time to let go of your judgement and enjoy one of those.
18. THE EYES HAVE IT: Elect to watch one with an eye specific scene. See what I did there?
19. VIDEO STORE DAY: This is the big one. Watch something physically rented or bought from an actual video store. If you live in a place that is unfortunate enough not to have one of these archival treasures then watch a movie with a video store scene in it at least. #vivaphysicalmedia
20. WITCH, PLEASE!: Watch a saucy spell caster do her damnedest. Be sure to check the Witch, Please! book for spelling errors…
21. STAGEFRIGHTS: Musicals are hell to endure. Can I get a hell yeah!?
22. CTHULHU’S COHORT: Wrap your tentacles around a “weird fiction” tale.
23. FOR PEAT’S SAKE: Log one that takes place in a swamp or a bog.
24. SHLOCK & AWE: Can you believe how “good” this is?
25. ICONOCLADS: Features a character that you have dressed up as for Halloween.
26. DANZA MACABRA: Boogie down with some soundtrack heavy Giallo.
27. MAN & MACHINE: When one interacts with the other, both are forever changed.
28. COUNTDOWN TO OBLIVION: Watch a race-against-timer. Oh, the tension…
29. RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB: An antagonist is only as good as his implements.
30. EXHUMATION POINT: Digging up the past one coffin at a tomb time.
31. “I’LL BE BACK”: We hope you had a good time with our little Challenge. Conclude your journey by watching one with a catchphrase you find yourself repeating in the real world.
