The VHS Strikes Back

Timothy's choice this week and he's gone for the 1986 thriller, The Hitcher.

Directed by Robert Harmon and written by Eric Red, the film's production began with a script that was compelling enough to draw the interest of producer Edward S. Feldman. Rutger Hauer was cast as the enigmatic and terrifying hitchhiker, John Ryder, delivering a performance that would become iconic in the thriller and horror genres. C. Thomas Howell played the young protagonist, Jim Halsey, whose cross-country drive turns into a nightmarish battle for survival. The film's casting was critical, as the chemistry and tension between Hauer and Howell carried much of the film’s suspenseful and psychological weight.

Filming took place primarily in the desolate landscapes of the American Southwest, which provided a stark and haunting backdrop that enhanced the film's eerie and isolated atmosphere. The production faced numerous logistical challenges, including shooting high-speed car chases and violent confrontations in remote locations. Despite a modest budget, the crew's resourcefulness and the director’s vision ensured that the film maintained high production values. The cinematography by John Seale captured the vast, empty highways and the sense of foreboding that permeated the film.

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Plot Summary:

Jim Halsey, a young man driving cross-country, makes a fateful decision to pick up a hitchhiker named John Ryder. Unbeknownst to Jim, Ryder is a psychopathic killer who begins a relentless and sadistic game of cat and mouse, framing Jim for his murderous acts. As Jim tries to evade both Ryder and the pursuing law enforcement, he must confront his own fears and find a way to stop the seemingly unstoppable killer.

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Patreon supporter Justin's last pick was Bottle Rocket from the 90's and this time we're going 3 decades back to 1963 with The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.

The Courtship of Eddie's Father, directed by Vincente Minnelli, was a noteworthy project within the family-comedy genre, combining elements of drama and humor to tell a heartfelt story. Based on the novel by Mark Toby, the film starred Glenn Ford as Tom Corbett, a widower struggling to raise his young son Eddie, played by Ronny Howard. The casting of Ronny Howard, already known for his role on "The Andy Griffith Show," brought a natural and endearing quality to the film. The chemistry between Ford and Howard was central to the film's success, as their believable father-son relationship drove the emotional core of the story.

Filming took place in various locations around Los Angeles, which provided an authentic backdrop for the characters' lives. Minnelli's direction emphasized the subtleties of familial bonds and the complexities of single parenthood. The production also benefited from a strong supporting cast, including Shirley Jones and Stella Stevens, who played potential love interests for Ford's character. The film's balance of lighthearted moments with more serious themes of loss and moving on resonated with audiences, making it a box office success.

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Plot Summary:

Tom Corbett, a widowed father, is trying to raise his young son Eddie. As Tom navigates single parenthood, Eddie takes it upon himself to find a new wife for his father, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt encounters with potential candidates. Throughout their journey, Tom and Eddie form a deeper bond, learning to cope with their loss and understanding the importance of love and companionship.

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John Hammond is another long-time supporter and has picked some of the greatest terrible movies committed to VHS, and this week he may have just raised the bar.

Checkout John's recent vlog from Horrorcon UK 2024 in Sheffield: https://youtu.be/Q0IAAvR8O2E?si=dar8gRmqGWQDWFSX

Devil Fetus was produced by Shaw Brothers Studio, a prolific company known for its martial arts and exploitation films. Seeking to capitalize on the rising popularity of supernatural horror, the studio embraced the genre's potential for both shock and visual spectacle. The production was notable for its ambitious use of practical effects and makeup to create the film's numerous grotesque and supernatural elements. These included scenes of possession, monstrous transformations, and graphic violence, which required innovative special effects techniques that pushed the boundaries of the studio's capabilities at the time.

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Plot Summary:

A young woman purchases an antique jade vase at an auction and unknown to her, the vase is cursed and contains a demonic spirit. Upon bringing it home, she falls under the spell of the spirit, leading to her death. Years later, the curse begins to plague her descendants with horrifying supernatural occurrences, including possessions and gruesome deaths. The family, desperate to end the torment, seeks the help of a Taoist priest to exorcise the malevolent spirit. As they battle the demonic force, they uncover dark secrets and must confront the terrifying power of the curse to save themselves from total destruction.

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Long-time supporter Kent and has picked another classic this week in Deliverance from 1972. And is also the last installment of our 3 week Burt Reynolds season!

Check out a whole bunch of cool stuff Kent does on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kentgustavsonphd.

Deliverance, directed by John Boorman, was both ambitious and challenging, marked by its decision to shoot on location in the remote wilderness of northern Georgia. This choice lent the film an authentic and gritty atmosphere but also presented numerous logistical and safety challenges. The actors, including Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox, performed many of their own stunts, including navigating the treacherous Chattooga River in canoes, which heightened the realism but also exposed them to significant risks. Burt Reynolds was injured while performing a canoe stunt when he was swept downriver and hit by rocks. The production team had to contend with the natural elements, which often made filming difficult and unpredictable, yet these same challenges contributed to the film’s visceral and immersive quality.

The production's commitment to authenticity extended beyond the physical challenges. Boorman chose to cast relatively unknown actors at the time to enhance the believability of the characters. The decision to film the infamous "Dueling Banjos" scene and other intense moments in natural settings without relying heavily on special effects or studio sets helped cement the film’s raw and unsettling tone. Additionally, the script, adapted by James Dickey from his own novel, required delicate handling of its controversial themes, including graphic violence and sexual assault. Despite the difficulties faced during production, Deliverance emerged as a critical and commercial success, praised for its unflinching portrayal of survival and its exploration of human nature under duress. The film’s stark realism, powerful performances, and haunting musical score have left a lasting impact on audiences and cinema history.

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Plot Summary:

Four Atlanta businessmen, Ed, Lewis, Bobby, and Drew, embark on a weekend canoe trip down a remote Georgia river before it is dammed. Seeking adventure, their journey turns into a nightmare when they encounter hostile locals. After Bobby is brutally assaulted, the men are forced into a desperate fight for survival. Navigating the dangerous river and evading the vengeful mountain men, they must confront their own fears and primal instincts. The harrowing experience leaves them forever changed, highlighting the thin veneer of civilization and the raw brutality of human nature.

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After falling asleep through this one years ago, Dave's pick is to revisit and see what it's all about.

Boogie Nights (1997), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, was a bold and ambitious undertaking that captured the glitz, glamour, and excess of the 1970s adult film industry. Anderson, known for his meticulous attention to detail and immersive storytelling, meticulously researched the era to recreate the look and feel of the time period. From the costumes and set design to the music and cinematography, every aspect of the production was carefully crafted to immerse audiences in the world of adult entertainment. The film's ensemble cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, and Heather Graham, delivered powerhouse performances that brought depth and authenticity to their characters, from struggling actors to industry moguls. Additionally, Anderson's visionary direction and innovative storytelling techniques, such as long tracking shots and complex character dynamics, elevated "Boogie Nights" beyond its genre trappings, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Despite its provocative subject matter, "Boogie Nights" was a passion project for Anderson, who sought to explore themes of ambition, desire, and the pursuit of fame in the context of the adult film industry. The production faced challenges in securing financing and navigating censorship issues due to its explicit content, but Anderson's uncompromising vision ultimately prevailed. The film's success at the box office and critical acclaim solidified Anderson's reputation as one of the most visionary filmmakers of his generation and cemented "Boogie Nights" as a modern classic that continues to resonate with audiences for its bold storytelling and immersive portrayal of a bygone era.

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Plot Summary:

Eddie Adams is a young dishwasher with dreams of stardom and he transforms into Dirk Diggler in the vibrant world of the San Fernando Valley adult entertainment industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Under the mentorship of adult filmmaker Jack Horner, Dirk becomes a rising star alongside a colorful ensemble of characters, including Amber Waves, Rollergirl, and Reed Rothchild. As Dirk's fame and fortune grow, so do the excesses of drugs, greed, and hubris that threaten to unravel his life and the lives of those around him.

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Chris' love for the icon Burt Reynolds seems to know no bounds, and this week he's chosen the 1983 action comedy, Stroker Ace. But is this one going to be a car chase too far?

Directed by Hal Needham, known for his work in action-comedy films, and based on a novel by William Neely, the film aimed to capture the excitement and glamour of stock car racing while infusing it with humor and entertainment. Burt Reynolds, who starred as the titular character Stroker Ace, embodied the cocky yet endearing persona of the brash race car driver.

The production faced challenges typical of filming high-speed action sequences and coordinating large-scale racing scenes, but Needham's experience as a former stuntman helped to overcome these obstacles. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Stroker Ace" achieved moderate success at the box office and remains a cult classic among fans of racing films and Reynolds' filmography.

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Plot Summary:

When Stroker's reckless behavior causes trouble with his sponsors, he finds himself in need of a new corporate sponsor to fund his racing career. Enter Clyde Torkle a fried chicken mogul who offers Stroker a lucrative deal in exchange for promoting his brand. However, Stroker soon discovers that the arrangement comes with unexpected challenges and humiliations, including dressing up as a chicken mascot. Along the way, Stroker navigates rivalries, romantic entanglements, and outrageous stunts in his quest to reclaim his dignity and dominance on the racing circuit.

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It's Trent's pick this week and he's unleased an iconic one! It's the 1992 erotic thriller that saw Sharon Stone propelled into the Hollywood A-list, Basic Instinct!

Basic Instinct, directed by Paul Verhoeven, was marked by controversy, meticulous attention to detail, and the collaboration of a talented cast and crew. Verhoeven worked closely with screenwriter Joe Eszterhas to craft a screenplay that blended elements of eroticism, suspense, and psychological thriller, creating a film that pushed boundaries and sparked debate. Casting played a crucial role in the production, with Sharon Stone delivering a memorable and provocative performance as Catherine Tramell, the enigmatic and seductive femme fatale at the center of the story. Michael Douglas's portrayal of Detective Nick Curran added depth and intensity to the film's protagonist. The production team faced challenges in filming the movie's steamy and controversial scenes, navigating issues of censorship and public outcry. Despite these challenges, "Basic Instinct" became a cultural phenomenon, earning both critical acclaim and box office success, solidifying its place as a defining entry in the erotic thriller genre.

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Plot Summary:

Detective Nick Curran investigates a murder case involving a wealthy and seductive novelist, Catherine Tramell. As Curran delves deeper into the case, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Tramell, whose manipulative and enigmatic nature keeps him guessing at every turn. As the investigation progresses, Curran finds himself drawn to Tramell's allure even as he suspects her involvement in the crime. As the line between suspect and detective blurs, Curran must navigate a web of deception, betrayal, and eroticism to uncover the truth before it's too late.

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It's time for Patreon supporter, and co-host of the Star Wars Clone Conversations podcast, Maff to make his pick and it's the 1989 dystopian future movie, Robot Jox.

Robot Jox blends elements of action, adventure, and futuristic technology. Directed by Stuart Gordon, the film's production faced numerous challenges, particularly in bringing its ambitious vision of giant robotic gladiators to life on the screen. Utilizing a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and stop-motion animation, the production team created impressive battle sequences that showcased the massive scale and power of the film's mechanized combatants. Additionally, the film's production benefited from the talents of its cast, including Gary Graham and Anne-Marie Johnson, who brought depth and authenticity to their roles as pilots controlling the giant robots known as "robot jox."

Despite its modest budget, Robot Jox succeeded in delivering a visually stunning and action-packed spectacle that captivated audiences with its imaginative world-building and thrilling fight scenes. The film's unique blend of practical effects and innovative storytelling techniques cemented its status as a cult classic within the science fiction genre, earning a dedicated fanbase and influencing future filmmakers. While "Robot Jox" may not have achieved widespread commercial success upon its initial release, its enduring popularity and cultural impact have solidified its place in the pantheon of beloved sci-fi classics.

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

Plot Summary:

In a world devastated by nuclear war, nations have abandoned conventional warfare in favor of settling conflicts through gladiatorial battles fought by towering machines called "robot jox." Among these pilots is Achilles, a skilled warrior representing the Western Market. His fierce rivalry with Alexander, the Eastern Market's champion, escalates when a tragic accident during their match leaves Achilles devastated and haunted by guilt. Vowing never to fight again, Achilles retreats from the arena. However, as tensions between the two markets reach a boiling point, Achilles is reluctantly drawn back into the arena for a final showdown. With the fate of humanity at stake, Achilles must confront his past and overcome his inner demons to emerge victorious in the ultimate battle between man and machine.

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This weeks Patreon choice comes courtesy of Matt Bates aka, Black Country Vlogger. Matt shares a passion for Las Vegas with Chris and you'll have to listen to see whether they also share a passion for 1960's musical comedies.

Checkout Matt on https://www.youtube.com/@BlackCountryVlogger

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) was a collaborative effort between director Richard Lester, screenwriter Melvin Frank, and a talented ensemble cast. Filming primarily took place on location in Madrid, Spain, providing the production with access to authentic Roman architecture and settings. This decision added to the film's visual authenticity and allowed the filmmakers to immerse audiences in the bustling streets of ancient Rome. The production also benefited from the participation of Broadway veterans like Zero Mostel, who reprised his Tony Award-winning role as the cunning slave Pseudolus, alongside a cast that included Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton, and Jack Gilford, all contributing their comedic talents to the ensemble.

Despite facing challenges inherent in filming on location, such as coordinating logistics and navigating cultural differences, the production team successfully brought the lively and irreverent musical to life on the big screen. The film's elaborate sets, colorful costumes, and energetic choreography captured the essence of classical farce and delighted audiences with its witty humor and catchy musical numbers. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum remains a beloved adaptation of the Broadway hit, cherished for its spirited performances and timeless comedic appeal.

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

Plot Summary:

Pseudolus is a wily slave played by Zero Mostel and schemes to win his freedom by helping his young master, Hero win the heart of the beautiful courtesan Philia. Pseudolus's plans are complicated by a series of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and slapstick mishaps, all set against the backdrop of the chaotic streets of Rome.

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Dave's chosen another Blockbusters special from the late 1990's with David Fincher's The Game.

The Game (1997) was marked by meticulous attention to detail and innovative filmmaking techniques that brought the film's complex and suspenseful narrative to life. Fincher, known for his distinctive visual style and penchant for psychological thrillers, collaborated closely with screenwriters John Brancato and Michael Ferris to craft a screenplay that kept audiences guessing until the very end. The film's production involved extensive location shooting in various iconic settings, including San Francisco, which added to the atmospheric backdrop of the story.

The cast, led by Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, brought depth and authenticity to their roles, contributing to the film's immersive and emotionally resonant experience. Additionally, Fincher's visionary direction and mastery of suspenseful storytelling techniques, such as inventive camera work and clever editing, heightened the tension and kept audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The Game stands as a testament to Fincher's skill as a filmmaker and remains a beloved entry in the thriller genre, known for its mind-bending twists and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

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

Plot Summary:

Nicholas Van Orton is a wealthy and emotionally distant investment banker who receives an unusual birthday gift from his brother Conrad. The gift is an invitation to participate in a mysterious game orchestrated by a secretive organization known as Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). As Nicholas delves deeper into the game, he finds himself trapped in a surreal and increasingly dangerous series of events that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Unsure whom to trust and unable to distinguish between the game and real life, Nicholas embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery that forces him to confront his deepest fears and reevaluate his priorities.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠