
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Sometimes, you can see a stickup coming a mile off. Other times, they come in the dressing of a movie with lots of awards and credibility. But Maff might've just played a blinder here in The Year of the Stichup.
Naked Lunch (1991) was a challenging and experimental adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, helmed by Canadian director David Cronenberg. The film’s production was marked by its complex narrative and the integration of surreal, often disturbing imagery, which reflected Burroughs' unorthodox storytelling style. Cronenberg, known for his work in body horror, worked closely with the cast, including Peter Weller, who portrayed the lead role of William Lee, to create a psychological and disorienting atmosphere. Filming took place in various locations, including Toronto, where the filmmakers utilized practical effects and innovative set designs to create the film's nightmarish world. The production team also employed a mixture of animation and special effects to bring Burroughs' hallucinatory visions to life, making Naked Lunch a visually striking, albeit polarizing, adaptation of the cult novel.
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 reality is blurred and paranoia runs deep, Naked Lunch follows William Lee, a writer who becomes entangled in a web of drugs, conspiracy, and bizarre creatures. As he tries to escape his hallucinatory nightmare, Lee finds himself in the midst of a deadly game involving corrupt agents, mysterious organizations, and a sinister plot to control the world. With his mind unraveling, Lee must navigate a twisted labyrinth of absurdity and horror, where nothing is what it seems, and the lines between fantasy and reality are dangerously thin. Prepare for a journey into madness that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s not.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
When it comes to supporters of the show, Tony Farina is the OG. And when it comes to stitch ups, the same could be said! Back when Chris and Dave were still finding their way with Comics In Motion, Tony found the podcast and suggested both Speed Racer and Tank Girl. And at the time, Chris believed these were the worst movies he'd ever seen. Fast forward to 2025, Tony has chosen a favourite of his. The much maligned, Hudson Hawk.
Hudson Hawk was an infamously chaotic and overblown affair, marked by creative clashes, ballooning costs, and a shifting tone that left even the filmmakers unsure of what they were making. Conceived as a pet project for Bruce Willis, who co-wrote the story, the film was meant to be a stylish, fast-paced heist comedy with a quirky sense of humor. However, as production went on, the film became a strange hybrid of slapstick, action, and self-aware absurdity. Director Michael Lehmann, best known for Heathers, struggled to balance the various tones, while Willis—at the peak of his Hollywood power—reportedly had significant influence over creative decisions, leading to constant rewrites and improvisation on set.
Adding to the mayhem, Hudson Hawk had a bloated budget of around $65 million, due in part to its globe-trotting locations, elaborate stunts, and extensive reshoots. The film was primarily shot in Italy, making use of grand European backdrops for its bizarre plot about an art heist intertwined with Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Despite its high production values and an ensemble cast including Danny Aiello, Andie MacDowell, and Richard E. Grant, the film flopped spectacularly at the box office and was widely panned by critics. Over time, however, Hudson Hawk has developed a cult following, appreciated for its sheer audacity, oddball humor, and the sheer spectacle of witnessing Hollywood excess at its most baffling.
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 stealing priceless artefacts is just another day at the office, legendary cat burglar Hudson Hawk is fresh out of prison and ready to go straight, until he's blackmailed into pulling off the heist of a lifetime. With his loyal partner Tommy Five-Tone by his side, Hawk must dodge ruthless criminals, corrupt CIA agents, and a deranged billionaire couple who want him to steal Leonardo da Vinci’s secret alchemy machine. From the rooftops of Rome to high-speed chases and over-the-top action, Hudson Hawk sings, cracks wise, and fights for his life in a high-stakes adventure where the only thing more dangerous than the mission... is surviving it.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
Though it's the Year of the Stitch-up, John Hammond has been building up a repertoire of picks for some time that would fit the bill! Previous picks include Samurai Cop, For Your Height Only, Hard Ticket to Hawaii, New York Ninja and Devil Fetus. So this week is totally on brand with the 1995 Japanese horror, Bloody Muscle Body Builder In Hell.
Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell is a fascinating oddity in the realm of low-budget Japanese horror, with a production history almost as legendary as its over-the-top gore. Filmed in the mid-1990s by director Shinichi Fukazawa, who also starred as the film’s musclebound protagonist, the movie was heavily inspired by Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead. Fukazawa, an avid horror fan, took a DIY approach to filmmaking, handling multiple roles including directing, writing, editing, and even special effects. However, despite completing the initial shoot, the film languished in obscurity for years due to budgetary issues and technical limitations.
It wasn’t until nearly two decades later that Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell finally saw release, thanks to Fukazawa’s painstaking efforts to edit and complete the film. The result is a gloriously campy, blood-drenched homage to splatter horror, packed with stop-motion effects, homemade prosthetics, and a relentless energy that belies its minuscule budget. Its long-delayed 2012 release—and later international cult status—proved that passion and dedication can sometimes trump production values, securing the film a place as Japan’s answer to Evil Dead.
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 the dead refuse to stay buried… one man must flex his way through a nightmare of blood, guts, and pure terror! After receiving a mysterious invitation, a bodybuilder and his ex-girlfriend venture into an abandoned house, unaware that an ancient, vengeful spirit lurks within its walls. Trapped inside, surrounded by grotesque horrors and relentless demonic forces, he’ll have to use more than just his muscles to survive. Armed with raw strength, determination, and a whole lot of splattered gore, he must fight his way through the madness… or become just another victim in the house of hell! Bloody Muscle Body Builder in Hell, where every rep could be your last!
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
The year of the stitch up has had a couple of misfires for Dave's picks, with Chris unfortunately declaring Cloud City's for both sword and sorcery adventures - Gor and The Barbarians. So this is the time to roll out the cult classic sci-fi movie from 1984, Trancers.
Trancers was a low-budget sci-fi film produced by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, a company known for its B-movie output during the 1980s. Directed by Charles Band and written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, the film was conceived as a time-traveling noir with a futuristic twist, inspired by Blade Runner and classic detective stories. The production had limited financial resources, so the filmmakers cleverly set much of the movie in present-day Los Angeles rather than the distant future, allowing them to save on costly futuristic sets and effects. The film starred Tim Thomerson as the grizzled, time-traveling cop Jack Deth and a young Helen Hunt in one of her early roles. Despite its modest budget, Trancers managed to craft a unique cyberpunk atmosphere using creative cinematography and neon-lit cityscapes.
Empire Pictures, known for churning out cult classics, ensured the movie had a quick and efficient production, utilizing familiar locations and a mix of practical effects to bring its sci-fi elements to life. The film’s pulpy, hard-boiled dialogue and time-travel premise helped it stand out in the crowded landscape of low-budget sci-fi, leading to a small but dedicated cult following. Trancers performed well enough on the home video market to spawn multiple sequels, solidifying its place in the annals of ‘80s cult cinema. The movie’s mix of noir and sci-fi influences, along with Thomerson’s performance, kept it alive long after its initial release, proving that even a low-budget indie film could leave a lasting impact on the genre.
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 the future is on the brink of collapse, one man must travel back in time to stop an unstoppable evil. Jack Deth is a hard-nosed cop on the hunt for Martin Whistler, a madman who turns people into mindless, murderous Trancers. But when Whistler escapes to 1985, Deth is forced to follow, leaping into the body of his own ancestor. With the help of a fiery young woman, Leena, he’ll have to fight his way through an army of mind-controlled killers, stop Whistler, and save the future… before time runs out!
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
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.
[email protected]
https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
From the publisher's feed

2,595 Listeners

4,555 Listeners

131 Listeners

1,157 Listeners

603 Listeners

1,444 Listeners

58 Listeners

161 Listeners

15,571 Listeners

709 Listeners

15,582 Listeners

344 Listeners

700 Listeners

15 Listeners

39 Listeners