Chris does love a good car movie, though whether this one hits that description is up for debate. This week's movie is Gone in Sixty Seconds from the year 2000.

Gone in Sixty Seconds was a high-octane production that aimed to modernize the 1974 cult classic while capitalizing on Hollywood’s growing appetite for stylish car heist films. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film assembled a star-studded cast led by Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, and Robert Duvall, with Dominic Sena directing. Unlike the original’s more guerilla-style filmmaking, the remake had the full backing of a major studio, leading to a more polished but equally adrenaline-fueled experience. Cage, ever the committed performer, insisted on doing many of his own driving stunts, and the production featured over 50 high-end vehicles, including the now-iconic Shelby GT500 “Eleanor.” The film’s vehicular action sequences were a mix of practical stunts and CGI enhancements, though efforts were made to keep the high-speed chases feeling raw and authentic.

Filming took place primarily in Los Angeles, with key sequences shot in Long Beach, including the climactic jump scene. The production team worked closely with car manufacturers and stunt coordinators to ensure the film delivered on its promise of thrilling, realistic chase scenes. However, some logistical challenges arose, including securing permits for large-scale stunts in heavily trafficked urban areas. The film’s heavy use of practical effects and real car chases set it apart from other CGI-laden action films of the era, maintaining a grounded feel. While Gone in Sixty Seconds received mixed reviews from critics, who found the plot formulaic, audiences embraced its stylish action and high-energy spectacle, propelling it to a solid box office performance and cementing its place as a staple of early 2000s action cinema.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trailer Guy Plot Summary

In a world where time is running out and the stakes have never been higher, one man must do the impossible. Nicolas Cage is Memphis Raines, a legendary car thief dragged back into the game for one last job. With his brother’s life on the line and a ruthless crime boss breathing down his neck, he has just 72 hours to steal 50 exotic cars—or face the ultimate price. But standing in his way is a relentless detective, a crew of misfit wheelmen, and the one car that has always eluded him: the infamous Eleanor. High-speed chases, impossible escapes, and engines roaring, Gone in Sixty Seconds proves that fast is never fast enough.

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This week's pick was made supporter Dylan, who's previous picks have ranged from the gritty realism of Training Day to the surreal comedy The Big Lebowski. And this pick is going back to 1978 on on the serious side of the scale with, The Deer Hunter.

The Deer Hunter was an ambitious and challenging endeavor, driven by director Michael Cimino’s meticulous vision. Initially conceived as a smaller war film, the project expanded dramatically as Cimino rewrote the script, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of war. The film’s harrowing Russian roulette sequences, which became its most infamous hallmark, were not based on historical accounts but rather intended as a metaphor for the randomness and brutality of war. The production faced difficulties from the start, with Cimino’s insistence on authenticity leading to grueling shoots in both the U.S. and Thailand, where the Vietnam War sequences were filmed. The cast, led by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage, underwent intense training to embody their roles convincingly, even immersing themselves in the culture of steelworkers in Pennsylvania before filming.

The film’s Thailand shoot was particularly grueling, with cast and crew working under extreme conditions to capture the harrowing war sequences. Controversy also surrounded the film’s depiction of the Vietnam War, with critics arguing that its portrayal of the Viet Cong was one-sided and sensationalized. Additionally, Cimino’s perfectionism led to a chaotic production schedule, frequently going over budget and over time. However, despite these challenges, The Deer Hunter became a landmark film, earning widespread critical acclaim and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cimino. The film’s haunting themes, striking cinematography, and raw performances solidified its place as one of the greatest war films ever made, though its troubled production foreshadowed the excesses that would later plague Cimino’s career.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trailer Guy Plot Summary

In a world where friendship is forged in steel and tested by war… three men embark on a journey that will change them forever. From the quiet streets of a Pennsylvania mill town to the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam, they will face horrors beyond imagination. Captured. Tortured. Forced to play a deadly game where the stakes are their own lives. As they return home, shattered and haunted, one man will risk everything for the brother he left behind. Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep—this is The Deer Hunter. A story of survival, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

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Timothy's picked some belters in the past with the likes of the Hitcher, Scarface, Nighthawks and others. And this time, he's gone for the iconic 1992 action crime thriller, Hard Boiled.

Hard Boiled (1992), directed by action maestro John Woo, is a landmark in the Hong Kong action genre, known for its hyper-stylized violence and stunning gunplay choreography. The film was a departure from Woo’s typical themes of brotherhood and loyalty, focusing instead on a relentless, hard-edged cop named Tequila. Woo wanted to push the limits of action cinema, combining emotionally driven storytelling with balletic shootouts. The film’s production was intense and complex, featuring elaborate set pieces that required meticulous planning, including the now-legendary hospital shootout that took over a month to film.

The production was plagued by challenges, from budget constraints to Woo’s perfectionist approach, which led to prolonged filming. At one point, the crew had to rebuild part of the hospital set after a massive explosion shot went awry. Despite the hurdles, Hard Boiled became a genre-defining classic, with Woo’s signature slow-motion action sequences and inventive camera work influencing Hollywood filmmakers for decades. It marked the end of Woo’s Hong Kong career before his move to Hollywood, where his style became a blueprint for modern action cinema.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary

Inspector Tequila, a tough Hong Kong cop, goes on a relentless mission to take down a dangerous arms-smuggling syndicate after his partner is killed in a brutal shootout. Teaming up with an undercover cop named Alan, who is deeply embedded in the criminal world, Tequila navigates a treacherous web of deception and violence. As tensions rise, the duo finds themselves in a deadly showdown inside a hospital packed with innocent lives at stake, culminating in an explosive battle of survival and justice.

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Patreon Justin has picked some gems and corkers before, like Blood Simple and Hard Eight, and this time he's chosen the little known 1992 comedy, Brain Donors.

"Brain Donors" was produced during a time when Hollywood was revisiting and paying homage to classic comedy styles, and its production was heavily influenced by the desire to recreate the Marx Brothers' iconic brand of humor. The film was written by Pat Proft, known for his work on the "Naked Gun" series, and produced by David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, and Jim Abrahams, the trio behind many successful comedies of the 1980s. Their involvement ensured that the film would be packed with rapid-fire jokes, slapstick, and absurdity, staying true to the spirit of the Marx Brothers while adding a modern twist. The project was initially conceived as a direct tribute to the Marx Brothers, with the working title "Lame Ducks," and the characters were loosely based on Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx.

John Turturro, who played the Groucho-esque character Jacques, was a standout in the cast, bringing his unique energy and comedic timing to the role. The production faced challenges in balancing the homage to classic comedy with appealing to contemporary audiences, which led to mixed reactions upon its release. Despite its star-studded creative team and ambitious vision, the film struggled at the box office, partly due to limited marketing and the niche appeal of its humor. However, over time, "Brain Donors" has garnered a cult following, appreciated for its commitment to reviving the chaotic, irreverent spirit of the Marx Brothers. The making of the film reflects a passionate attempt to honor a bygone era of comedy, even if it didn't achieve mainstream success.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary

Roland T Flakfixer, Jacques and Rocco, a trio of eccentric misfits, are hired by the wealthy widow Lillian Oglethorpe to establish a ballet company in honor of her late husband. Their mission quickly spirals into a series of absurd misadventures as they clash with the snobbish elite, outwit a scheming lawyer named Edmund Lazlo , and attempt to pull off a grand ballet performance.

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After being exposed to the so-called bad boys of bodybuilding with Double Trouble last year, Dave decided to pick the breakthrough movie for Peter and David Paul. The Canon Films sword-and-sorcery adventure, The Barbarians.

The Barbarians (1987) was a quintessential example of 1980s sword-and-sorcery filmmaking, helmed by cult director Ruggero Deodato, best known for his controversial work on Cannibal Holocaust. Shot on location in Italy and Yugoslavia, the film embraced the rugged landscapes and ancient ruins of Eastern Europe to create its gritty, fantastical world. The producers, including the legendary Cannon Group, aimed to capitalize on the success of films like Conan the Barbarian, infusing the project with a mix of campy action and over-the-top theatrics. Real-life bodybuilder twin brothers Peter and David Paul, dubbed "The Barbarian Brothers," were cast as the lead warriors, their muscular physiques and comedic chemistry serving as the film’s primary draw.

The production leaned heavily into the aesthetics of the genre, with elaborate costumes, oversized weapons, and practical effects dominating the visual style. Special care was given to creating the film's larger-than-life set pieces, which often featured a mix of brutal combat and exaggerated physical comedy. The soundtrack, composed by Pino Donaggio, added an epic, adventurous tone to the film. While The Barbarians was far from a critical success, it gained a cult following for its unabashed embrace of cheesy spectacle and campy performances. Deodato’s direction ensured that the film maintained a self-aware sense of humor, making it a memorable, if not particularly polished, entry into the sword-and-sorcery genre.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary

Twin brothers Kutchek and Gore are raised as slaves after their peaceful tribe is attacked by the tyrannical warlord Kadar. They grow into mighty warriors determined to reclaim their freedom. Separated as children and forced into gladiatorial combat, the brothers reunite and embark on a quest to rescue their people and recover a magical ruby that holds the key to their tribe's survival. Along the way, they face off against Kadar's forces, monstrous creatures, and treacherous obstacles, relying on their strength, courage, and occasionally bumbling teamwork.

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Tough Guys was a Phelps family household favourite in the late 1980's and this week we take a look back at a movie long since forgotten.

Tough Guys brought together two Hollywood legends, Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster, marking their seventh on-screen collaboration and injecting star power into this comedy crime caper. Directed by Jeff Kanew, who had worked with Douglas on Eddie Macon’s Run, the film aimed to blend comedy and nostalgia with action. Set against the backdrop of the rapidly changing 1980s, the production team leaned into the contrast between the golden age of Hollywood and the modern era, using this as a thematic anchor. Filming primarily took place in Los Angeles, utilizing both urban settings and iconic locations to underscore the characters’ struggle to adapt to contemporary life.

The film was produced by Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of Disney, which aimed to target a slightly more mature audience with its blend of lighthearted humor and action. Douglas and Lancaster, already familiar with each other's rhythms and dynamics, brought a natural chemistry to their roles, making their performances one of the film’s standout elements. Composer James Newton Howard provided a score that balanced upbeat, jazzy tunes with more sentimental pieces to reflect the characters’ journey. This movie was a fond farewell to the screen partnership of Douglas and Lancaster, celebrating their enduring legacy in cinema.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Harry Doyle and Archie Long are two aging gangsters who are released from prison after serving 30 years for hijacking the last great train robbery. Struggling to adjust to the modern world of the 1980s, the duo quickly realise that society has moved on without them, and their old-school ways no longer fit in. Despite their attempts to go straight, the allure of one final heist proves irresistible as they plot to steal the same train they hijacked decades ago. Meanwhile, a relentless parole officer and their old nemesis, now a retired police officer, are hot on their trail.

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Never one to take the easy choices, supporter and friend of the show Spider-Dan has chosen a sequel by German Director Jörg Buttgereit, in Nekromantic 2.

Buttgereit, building on the underground success of the first Nekromantik film, aimed to create a sequel that delved deeper into themes of love, death, and societal taboos. Shot on a modest budget with a crew of close collaborators, the film maintained its predecessor's grim aesthetic while incorporating more surreal and darkly comedic elements. The production faced logistical challenges due to its provocative subject matter, with limited resources and a reliance on guerrilla filmmaking techniques. Despite these constraints, the team crafted a visually striking and unsettling film, cementing Buttgereit's reputation in the underground horror scene.

The film’s release was equally fraught, as Nekromantik 2 faced immediate backlash from censors in Germany. Authorities deemed it obscene, leading to a temporary ban and a high-profile raid during one of its public screenings. This controversy only heightened the film's cult appeal, drawing the attention of horror enthusiasts and cinephiles intrigued by its boundary-pushing content. Buttgereit, known for his defiance of traditional storytelling and societal norms, embraced the notoriety, using the controversy to highlight the artistic and philosophical underpinnings of his work. Today, Nekromantik 2 remains a polarizing but influential entry in transgressive cinema, often cited as a provocative exploration of love, death, and the limits of human desire.

Check out Dan's work at  https://www.spiderdanandthesecretbores.com.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Monika, a young woman with a macabre fascination for death, develops a romantic relationship with the corpse of Rob, the protagonist from the first film. However, Monika's life grows more complicated when she meets and begins dating a living man, Mark, a voice actor with a far more conventional approach to relationships. Torn between her attraction to the living and her morbid obsession with the dead, Monika wrestles with her desires, leading to unsettling and grotesque consequences.

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Helen's pick this week is the 2000 movie which really put Christian Bale on the map, is American Psycho! American Psycho was a journey marked by controversy, creative vision, and a touch of chaos. Initially, the project faced significant challenges, with multiple directors and actors attached to the adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's infamous novel. Mary Harron eventually took the helm, bringing a sharp satirical perspective to the material. Her insistence on Christian Bale as the lead, despite studio pressure to cast bigger names like Leonardo DiCaprio, proved pivotal in shaping the film’s identity. Bale’s unwavering commitment to the role, including his meticulous physical transformation and deep understanding of the character, set the tone for the entire production.us costume choices. Harron’s direction, alongside co-writer Guinevere Turner, skillfully balanced the satirical elements of the story with its darker undertones. The production faced criticism and protests from the outset due to the book’s graphic contenFilmed in Toronto to replicate 1980s New York City, the movie captured the era's sleek, cold aesthetic with a mix of opulent set design and meticulot, but Harron’s adaptation reined in the gratuitousness, focusing instead on societal commentary. Despite its tumultuous path to the screen, the film ultimately became a cult classic, celebrated for its biting critique of materialism and its razor-sharp performances.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and seemingly successful investment banker in 1980s Manhattan, hides a dark and psychopathic side beneath his polished exterior. While obsessing over materialism and social status, Bateman’s mask of normalcy slips as he indulges in increasingly violent and depraved acts. His descent into madness blurs the lines between reality and delusion, leaving viewers to question whether his horrific crimes are real or merely figments of his deranged imagination.

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This week's pick is the turn of one of our longest supporters, Kent! And he's chosen THE road trip movie that spawned a franchise and influenced all that came after. It's the 1983 black comedy, National Lampoon's Vacation!

The movie began as an adaptation of John Hughes's short story, “Vacation '58,” published in National Lampoon magazine. The screenplay was penned by Hughes himself, marking one of his early ventures into Hollywood comedy. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film starred Chevy Chase as the hapless family patriarch, Clark Griswold. Chase’s improvisational comedy style helped shape the film’s humor, with Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron rounding out the Griswold family. The road trip concept, centered on the Griswold family's disastrous journey to the fictional Wally World amusement park, resonated with audiences, blending slapstick humor with relatable family dynamics.

Principal photography took place across various U.S. locations, including Arizona, California, Colorado, and Missouri, to capture the authentic feel of a cross-country road trip. Notable challenges included shooting in sweltering heat during desert scenes and the logistical complexities of filming with a live moose at the park. The film also saw some creative last-minute changes, such as altering the original ending (where Wally World was closed indefinitely) after test audiences found it too dark. The film's mix of irreverent comedy, Hughes's sharp writing, and Ramis's deft direction made it a critical and commercial success.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Clark Griswold is an overenthusiastic father, determined to take his family on the ultimate cross-country road trip to the Wally World amusement park. Along the way, Clark, his wife Ellen, and their children, Rusty and Audrey, face a series of increasingly absurd and catastrophic setbacks, including a car breakdown, disastrous stays with relatives, a flirtation with a mysterious woman in a Ferrari, and the tragic demise of their aunt's dog. Despite the chaos, Clark's relentless optimism drives the family to press on, culminating in a hilariously chaotic finale at Wally World that underscores the unpredictable and often hilarious nature of family vacations.

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Gor is a planet, a counter Earth, that sits in orbit at the opposite side of the Sun to the Earth we inhabit. And on the Vernal Equinox, this marks the New Year for most Gorean cities. This is the kind of sci-fi, fantasy sword and sorcery that Chris despises, and Dave loves. So it's only right that Dave's pick to see us into the new year would be Gor! But there might be a wildcard in this 1987 loose adaptation which has the review for this much maligned Canon picture going a different way.

The making of Gor (1987) was a quintessential Cannon Films production—big ambitions, tiny budget, and just a dash of chaos. Helmed by Fritz Kiersch (the bloke behind Children of the Corn), the film aimed to bring John Norman's Gorseries to life. Now, Norman's books are… let’s say “divisive,” so the filmmakers wisely ditched the dodgy bits and went all-in on the swords, sandals, and overly shiny chest plates. Shot in South Africa, the production made the most of the sweeping landscapes, though "epic fantasy" occasionally veered into "amateur cosplay." Still, it had that scrappy Cannon charm, the kind of vibe that screams, "This’ll look brilliant on VHS!"

As for the cast, it was a mixed bag. Urbano Barberini and Rebecca Ferratti led the charge, while Oliver Reed—bless him—turned up to chew scenery like it owed him money. Rumor has it Reed’s off-camera antics were just as entertaining as what made it into the final cut. The costumes looked like a sale at the world’s least practical armour shop, and the effects… well, let’s just say they tried. Despite the shoestring budget and dodgy execution, Gor carved out a weird little niche for itself among fantasy film enthusiasts, probably because it’s so delightfully bonkers. It’s the sort of film you stick on late at night with a few mates and some questionable snacks, knowing full well you’re in for some glorious nonsense.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Professor Tarl Cabot is a mild-mannered academic who is accidentally transported to the planet Gor, a savage world ruled by warlords and filled with brutal battles. Upon arrival, Tarl discovers that he’s seen as a prophesied hero destined to free the oppressed people from the tyranny of the evil Sarm and his minions. Armed with a mysterious magical ring and a newfound knack for sword fighting, Tarl joins forces with a group of rebels, including the brave warrior Talena, to overthrow Sarm’s regime. Along the way, Tarl must embrace his inner warrior, navigate treacherous alliances, and decide if he’s willing to leave his old life behind to become the hero Gor desperately needs.

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