All The Splatter That Matters

• Sick Flicks
• Hosted by Mike Bracken
• October 28, 2019 to Present

I’m not sure what particular video I first watched when I first checked out this particular YouTube channel. I just recall it was something gleefully trashy of the so-bad-it’s-good-variety. At least that is how I took it along with so many other movies host Mike Bracken has focused on.

While known as ‘The Horror Geek’ based on his time on Beat the Geeks, he has a YouTube channel referred to as The Horror Geek. The Sick Flicks series focuses on movies that hopefully touch a fan’s inner gore geek. Bracken features any number of *hopefully* gory movies whereupon he will humorously discuss the premise and story. After that he offers up a 1 to 5 barf bag rating depending on his opinion of the ephemeral gore factor. He is a person that’s more into a movie like The Slumber Party Massacre than something more artful.

Though I have not made it through all of them, most of the movies appear to get a Three Barf Bag Rating. Not a disappointment based on the ratings system, but it implies that there are very few that meet Bracken’s standards. He’s not trying to be deeply insightful here, but rather just discuss the movie from a gore fans perspective. I can’t say Bracken is a fan of every movie he views. There are clearly certain qualities that get him to pick a movie, but sometimes you feel he regrets the investment of time because he did not enjoy himself.

There are a few running gags like the clips featuring Lynda Day George or Lance Henriksen. Or he will reference something that younger viewers may not be aware of and follow that with “Do you guys even remember ______? Christ I’m old!”

This is certainly no slick or artsy presentation. Using clips and speaking on a bare minimum set while at a podium, Bracken goes over the film in enough detail that you understand the basics of the plot, but not so much so that should you choose to watch it for whatever reason that there are significant spoilers presented which could potentially ruin your viewing. He understands just how much to give.

There is a relatable nature about him as a presenter. There is something about him that conveys you could have a passionate and enjoyable conversation over horror. He is able to connect with you the viewer.

If you are a genuine horror geek then Sick Flicks is for you. Bracken speaks to the fan and not the critic so you will get an idea of what you are going into if a title piques your interest. Check out his YouTube channel here. He can also be followed on X, Facebook, and Instagram.