
(115) Horror Originals Usually Beat Remakes (And Why CGI Ruins Them) With The Real Reel's Josh Bell
From Hot Mess Espresso by Heather Herington
February 25, 2026 · 1h 30m
About this episode
Josh Bell discusses the impact of horror films, the influence of real-life events on the genre, and the pitfalls of CGI in remakes.
Josh Bell, host of the Real Reel podcast, spills the horror tea, sharing why he’s obsessed with slasher flicks, why horror is a safe zone for fear, and how movies turned him into a lifelong film nerd (spoiler: it’s not what you think).He breaks down the real-life inspirations behind classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and how even serial killers influence the genre’s dark brilliance. Curious about remakes that outshine the originals? Or why CGI can ruin rather than elevate your favorite franchises? Josh has both the facts and the hilarious takes. Perfect for horror buffs, film fanatics, and anyone craving the kind of insight that makes you look at your favorite movies and your own fears differently. Want to know which movies unexpectedly stole his heart? Or how he balances a demanding job with his podcast passion? Tune in for a masterclass in movie obsession, with a whole lot of laughs along the way. If you love gritty horror, fun debates about the best slashers, or just need a reminder that sometimes, the real scares are just behind the door (or in your social media feed) this episode is your ticket. Podcasts: The Real Reel & Couch Critics
People in this episode
Host: Heather Herington
Guest: Josh Bell
Topics covered
- horror films
- slasher flicks
- CGI in movies
- film analysis
- remakes vs originals
- real-life inspirations
- movie obsession
Keywords
- horror
- slasher
- CGI
- remakes
- film nerd
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- movie analysis
- fear
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Real Reel, Couch Critics
Books & works: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
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