Hey everybody, have you heard the news? Joe Bob is back in town. This week, Joe Bob and Darcy kicked off Season 7 with an operatic horror double feature. The movies shown were The Phantom of the Opera (1925) and Opera (1987).

If you’re unfamiliar, every second week first Friday of the month on The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, the former Monstervision host and his co-host Darcy the Mail Girl feature a movie. The movie sometimes has a timely theme (though it’s not always necessary).

The Phantom of the Opera’s Silent Terror

The first feature of the night was the 1925 silent classic The Phantom of the Opera, starring the legendary Lon Chaney. As one of the earliest and most iconic horror films, this was a welcome shift into the realm of gothic horror.

Joe Bob delivered a solid history lesson on Chaney’s dedication to his terrifying makeup design. This design still holds up as one of the greatest practical effects of all time. Darcy, dressed in a Phantom-inspired look, voiced her love for the film’s moody atmosphere and impressive set design. However, she admitted she’s never been a huge fan of silent films.

The segments had some fun moments. Joe Bob poked fun at various Phantom adaptations over the years, from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical to the baffling Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge (1989). The chemistry between Joe Bob and Darcy kept things lively, even if there wasn’t much new to say about such a well-covered classic.

Opera’s Blood-Soaked Grandeur

Dario Argento’s Opera was the second film of the night. It was a stylish and brutal way to close the double feature. This late-era Giallo is known for its stunning cinematography, gruesome kills, and a haunting atmosphere that makes it one of Argento’s most memorable films.

Joe Bob went deep into Argento’s love-hate relationship with opera. He also discussed his obsession with birds as symbols of fate. Of course, he mentioned the infamous eye-needle scene that still makes horror fans squirm. Darcy, as expected, had some strong opinions about the film’s questionable logic and the metal soundtrack. She felt it clashed with the elegance of the setting.

Conclusion

This was a solid season premiere, even if it didn’t quite hit the high-energy heights of some past openers. Phantom was a strong choice. Opera provided a striking modern contrast. While the segments weren’t packed with surprises, they were still fun. Joe Bob’s insights into Chaney’s legendary work and Argento’s filmmaking made for an engaging watch.

Not the most explosive premiere, but a worthwhile start to the season.

The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs airs live on Shudder every month on the first Friday at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST. If you miss the live airing, episodes are archived and posted the following Sunday.

For more on Horror, make sure to check back to That Hashtag Show.

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