Welcome back to another edition of the Video Store Podcast! We’re celebrating Memorial Day weekend with four films that might not have made your typical holiday weekend watchlist.

Captain America (1990)

You may have heard of Reb Brown, Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, and Carl Lumbly, but you may have missed Matt Salinger. This overlooked Captain America film isn’t highly rated, and yet boasts 2 Oscar nominees, an Emmy nominee, and Captain Jellico from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It’s an oddity of early Marvel films, but one worth watching at least once.

M*A*S*H (1970)

Spinning off an incredibly popular TV series, this is the film that started it all. A black comedy that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war, it’s an odd movie that got 5 Oscar nominations and won one for best screenplay based on another medium. Starring Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Bud Cort, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall, Rene Auberjonois, Robert Shuck, and so many more, it’s a film that must be seen to be believed.

G. I. Jane (1997)

Next up is G. I. Jane, a film about fortitude, perseverance, and courage, starring Demi Moore. Demi Moore’s Lt. Jordan O’Neill is selected as the first woman to attempt Navy Seal training. Demi Moore calls G. I. Jane her finest professional work in her autobiography, and I must say, I think I agree.

The Rocketeer (1991)

Our final film for this week is The Rocketeer, based on the comic of the same name. Directed by Joe Johnston and starring Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, and Timothy Dalton, this is a fun pulpy adventure that is great fun and offers a good reminder about what to do when you encounter evil. Punch it in the face.

Thanks for spending your Memorial Day with us on the Video Store Podcast!

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.

I grew up on Route 66 and have road trips in my veins. I’ve driven all over this great country, visited every single state and seen thousands of interesting things. Nothing inspires me more than a good road trip film — if you’re the same way, check out one of this week’s recommendations. All of the my picks on this week’s list are pretty well known, which makes them so much fun to revisit. If you haven’t seen one or all of them in a few years, what better time to revisit them?

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

There’s nothing Pee-wee Herman loves more than his bicycle. Unfortunately for him, spoiled frenemie Francis Buxton loves it to, and hires someone to steal it for him. A distraught Pee-wee organizes a search party to find his bicycle and eventually hits the road and crosses multiple states in search of his irreplicable bike. Join Pee-wee and all the friends he meets along the way as he goes on his adventure.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

Life’s like a movie, write your own ending! In the first full-length Muppet film, Kermit is convinced by a lost agent to head to Hollywood to fulfill his dream of making millions of people happy. Along his journey, Kermit meets a joke-telling bear named Fozzie, a weirdo named Gonzo, a rock band called the Electric Mayhem (led by Dr. Teeth), and the world’s most beautiful women, Miss Piggy. Will Kermit and his friends reach Hollywood before Doc Hopper catches Kermit and forces him to become the mascot for his restaurant? I hope so, because there are a lot more Muppet movies after this one!

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

While hiding from school bullies, young Bastion acquires a book promising a never ending story and skips school, hiding in the attic to read it. The book tells the story of Atreyu and his quest to save Fantasia from a darkness known as The Nothing. The more Bastian reads, the more it seems his own life is becoming entertwined with the book itself! Featuring a hit theme song and a luck dragon, The NeverEnding Story is a journey not to be missed.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

If you’ve ever gone on a road trip, either as a child or a parent, you’ll relate to the Griswolds as they drive across the country in their new station wagon from Chicago to Wallyworld! Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron, and Randy Quaid, and featuring cameos from comedians including Eugene Levy and John Candy, among others. As a kid I identified as oldest sibling Rusty, and as a parent I can’t help but see a little bit of Clark in the rearview mirror.

Spring is here and there’s no better time to roll down your windows, put the pedal to the metal, and hit the open road. If you can’t fit a road trip into your current schedule, watching one of these movies about journeys is the next best thing!

This week on the podcast, I’m recommending four sports movies from the 1970s. These aren’t the usual titles you hear brought up. Some are a bit strange, some are just overlooked. All of them are worth checking out.

Slap Shot (1977)

Directed by George Roy Hill, who also did The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Paul Newman plays the player-coach of a struggling minor league hockey team. The film is known for its rough humor and violence on the ice. It was written by Nancy Dowd, based on her brother’s experience in the minors. The Hanson Brothers, who steal most of their scenes, were played by real hockey players. The film didn’t do well at first but built a strong following over the years.

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979)

This one is about astrology and basketball. A Pittsburgh team becomes good after aligning its players' zodiac signs. It stars Julius Erving, who was still playing in the NBA at the time. The movie was shot in actual basketball arenas and features real NBA footage. The soundtrack was put together by Thom Bell, known for his work with The Spinners and The Stylistics. It’s not a typical sports movie, and it’s not serious, but that’s part of the appeal.

One on One (1977)

Robbie Benson stars as a small-town high school basketball player who gets a scholarship to a big college. Benson co-wrote the script. The film was directed by Lamont Johnson, who worked mostly in television but had a few feature films. The music is by Seals and Crofts. It’s more grounded than the other films in this group. The basketball scenes are decent, and the story focuses on the pressure college athletes face.

The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973)

A Disney comedy with John Amos and Tim Conway. They go to Africa to find a new track star and bring back a Tarzan-type athlete played by Jan-Michael Vincent. Vincent did some of his own stunts, including a few track scenes. The film mixes broad humor with some light sports moments. It’s not realistic, and it wasn’t supposed to be. Worth a look if you want something lighter.

All four of these were made during a time when studios were trying different things with sports movies. None of them are exactly like the others. If you’re looking for something off the usual path, any of these would work. This is probably the first in a series of episodes I will eventually do about sports movies from this decade, I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Make a date with the Video Store Podcast this Prom season. We’ve selected four of our favorite films to enjoy on prom night, either with a date or your friend group. And I bet your friends aren’t made of plastic either.

Prom Night (1980)

Even if you had a bad prom night, I guarantee your prom night didn’t go quite as bad as it did for the folks in Prom Night from 1980. What would otherwise be an uneventful 1980s slasher is brought to life as a pulsing disco-veneered horror flick. Starring Leslie Nielsen and Jamie Lee Curtis, among others, put on your dancing shoes for Prom Night.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

One more in a string of brat-pack films by John Hughes, Pretty in Pink stars Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, Annie Potts, James Spader, and Harry Dean Stanton. Focusing on social class, unrequited love, and of course, the prom, Pretty in Pink is a thoughtful and light-hearted romantic comedy with a delightful new wave soundtrack. Cue this one up for your after-prom party.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Pedro, give me your movie recommendations! Next up, we have the cult comedy Napoleon Dynamite. This film is a real sleeper hit, featuring iconic school dance scenes and an iconic dance number. Put on your best sleeves, make some tots, and join us on the couch for a wonderfully charming and quirky comedy.

Mean Girls (2004)

Stop trying to make fetch happen and join us on the couch for Mean Girls. This hilarious comedy, produced by Lorne Michaels of Saturday Night Live is sure to make you and your clique crack up. While the prom is the culmination of the film, it’s a prom film that isn’t totally about the prom. It’s about friendship, honesty, and the importance of being yourself.

Thanks for making a date with the Video Store Podcast!

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Welcome back, custmers! I recently took a vacation from the video store to go on a cruise with my wife. I’ve had cruises on the brain ever since, so what better time to recommend some of my favorite films that take place on ships!

OVERBOARD (1987)

Handyman and single-father Dean Proffitt sees an opportunity to get even with a pompous heiress named Joanna after an accident leaves her with amnesia. Dean takes advantage of the woman’s lack of memory and convinces her that she is his wife and the mother of his four children. What starts out as a simple bit of revenge gets complicated as relationships are formed… and broken. Starring real life couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Dean and Annie, with appearances from Edward Herrmann, Roddy McDowall, and Mike Hagerty.

CABIN BOY (1994)

In this utterly bizarre comedy starring Chris Elliott, Nathan Mayweather is a spoiled and tone-deaf “fancy lad” who accidentally boards the wrong ship and finds himself sailing the seas with a grizzled crew of career fishermen. The plot is silly, the jokes are weird, and the comedy is abstract. One moment cabin boy Mayweather is talking to imaginary cupcakes and in the next, he’s being rescued from the depths of the ocean by Choki — half-man, half-shark. Cabin Boy was such a box office failure that director Adan Resnick literally never directed another film. I love this movie and my wife will get in her car and leave the house when I watch it. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s for you.

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972)

If you’ve ever wondered what’s the worst that could happen while sailing on a cruise ship, you’ll soon find out. Due to a series of unfortunate events, the unstable ship is knocked over by a 90-foot-tall wave. Passengers must work together to find a way out of the upside-down cruise ship before it sinks to the bottom of the ocean. This multi-Academy Award winner features an all-star cast including Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons, Carol Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Jack Albertson, and more.

CITY HUNTER (1993)

Jackie Chan is known for his wacky action flicks, and this may be the wackiest of them all. In City Hunter, Chan plays Ryu, a private detective hired to find a missing woman. Ryu and his assistant Kaori track the woman to a cruise ship and follow her there, only to discover the ship is being hijacked by terrorists. Ryu is the ultimate ladies man — they love him and he loves them. City Hunter is part comedy and part action. It’s like if they remade Porky’s and added machine gun wielding terrorists who constantly mow down passengers in cold blood. Is this film for everybody? No. But is it for anybody? Also, maybe not. Jackie Chan said City Hunter is the least favorite film he ever worked on, which made me pick up a copy and add it to the video store’s library.

Usually when my wife and I go on cruises the only thing I worry about is them running out of pudding or margaritas. After watching these I’ll be keeping an eye out for terrorists, gigantic waves, and terrorists. If any of those things happen I’ll cross my fingers and hope for amnesia.

Happy viewing and thanks for visiting our video store!

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This week on The Video Store Podcast, I’m recommending four offbeat cop films that have stuck with me over the years. These films can be funny, gritty, offbeat, and sometimes kind of chaotic in the best way possible. So what movies am I recommending?

Running Scared (1986) – Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines as two wisecracking Chicago detectives. This one’s got a great mix of comedy and action, and it leans into that mid-80s buddy cop energy without taking itself too seriously. Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom” is on the soundtrack, which feels like a time capsule in itself.

Miami Blues (1990) – Alec Baldwin in a role that’s kind of hard to pin down. He plays a violent conman who ends up impersonating a cop. It’s based on a Charles Willeford novel and keeps that oddball tone where you’re not always sure if you’re supposed to laugh or be disturbed. Fred Ward is great in it too, playing the worn-out detective trying to catch him.

Freebie and the Bean (1974) – This one’s messier than most cop movies, but it’s intentional. Directed by Richard Rush, who also did The Stunt Man, it's full of reckless driving, dark humor, and strange tonal shifts. Alan Arkin and James Caan play the leads, and they’re either chasing criminals or arguing with each other. It kind of laid the groundwork for a lot of buddy cop films that came later.

Stakeout (1987) – Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez as partners on a surveillance detail that doesn’t stay professional for very long. There’s a good balance of suspense and comedy, and Madeleine Stowe holds her own in her first major role. It was directed by John Badham, who also did WarGames and Short Circuit, so the pacing is solid.

If you’re in the mood for movies where different type of cops break rules, hunt odd suspects or drive their car on the track of an elevated train, I think you will find something here you will like.

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast and a happy belated Record Store Day to you! Since you hang out at the Video Store, you are obviously a fan of physical media, and I hope that includes vinyl records. I’ve selected four films this week that look at films featuring records and record stores.

High Fidelity (2000)

First up is High Fidelity featuring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Luiso, Jack Black, Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack, and Tim Robbins. Reeling from a big break-up with Laura (Iben Hjejle), Rob Gordon (John Cusack), recounts to the audience his top 5 break-ups of all time, the same way he would his top 5 favorite albums. As he walks the audience through his break-ups, he starts to work through his relational issues. It’s a film about working through your own problems, taking responsibility for how you’ve hurt other people, and trying to be better. And with its setting of Rob’s record store, a killer soundtrack, and all the vinyl records everywhere, it’s a great pick for this theme.

Sing Street (2016)

Sing Street is the best film nobody saw in 2016. Set in the early-mid 80s, Conor is forced to change schools due to the economic downturn in Ireland at the time and his parents’ looming separation. Struggling to fit in, Conor finds solace in music and music videos with his brother Brendan. Conor decides he wants to start a band that forms an accidental community among his bandmates, an aspiring model, Raphina, and even the school bully. Conor and his friends start to find hope through music, even in a seemingly hopeless and desperate situation. There are loads of things to love about Sing Street, but the original music really makes this film something special. The soundtrack even got a vinyl release, so look for it at your local record shop, though, heads up, it’s a bit hard to track down in the US.

Pirate Radio (released as The Boat That Rocked in the UK) (2009)

Set in 1966, Pirate Radio tells the story of a young teenage boy, Carl, who is sent to live with his godfather on Radio Rock, the pirate radio station ship anchored in the North Sea, broadcasting rock music to the UK. Featuring a killer ensemble cast, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Billy Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Emma Thompson, January Jones, Kenneth Branagh, Chris O’Dowd, and so many more, this is a wonderful film about getting into trouble for the right reasons. The film centers on the love of music and finding where you fit in. Plus, look at all that beautiful, vintage radio equipment and the shelves and shelves of records. Absolutely gorgeous.

Empire Records (1995)

The last film I’ve selected for today is Empire Records. While set in a record shop, this is a film that’s really more about finding out who you are and finding where you fit. For the group of young misfits that work at Empire Records, it’s right there at the record store. This is a story about protecting that found family and celebrating the good things in your life. Plus you’ll want to have a dance party with your chosen family at the end of the movie.

Thanks for joining us this week at the Video Store Podcast. As the great philosopher Corrine Bailey Rae says, “Girl, put your records on. Tell me your favorite song. Just go ahead let your hair down,” while you spin some records and movies about records.

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast! Our little store recently celebrated two separate milestones! Not only does March mark the one year anniversary of our fun little podcast, but this just so happens to be the 50th episode of the show, which means I (Rob "Flack" O'Hara), Ashley Thomas, and The Retroist have officially recommended 200 films for your viewing enjoyment. U hope you returned them all on time.

For this week’s show I had planned to do something that coincided with our show’s anniversary… and right as I was walking the store’s aisles looking for movies to recommend I learned of the untimely passing of Val Kilmer, which convinced me to change course. Kilmer will be remembered as one of the great actors of our time. From Batman to Willow, Kilmer was woven into the 80s and 90s. The hardest part about this week’s show was narrowing my selections down to only four.

Top Gun (1986)

Ride into the danger zone with this classic from the 1980s starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, Kelly McGillis as Charlie, and Val Kilmer as the one and only Ice Man. When I was a teen I didn’t know anyone who hadn’t seen this film and yet today it seems many younger film fans skipped it. Featuring an all-star cast and a soundtrack full of hits that will “take your breath away,” Top Gun is a classic that remains watchable and relevant today.

Real Genius (1985)

In Real Genius, a group of brilliant college students are brought together to work on a project that someone may or may not have nefarious plans for. Val Kilmer is Chris Knight, a loveable, quirky genius who takes a fifteen-year-old genius named Mitch under his wings. Will the geniuses have what it takes to complete their project — and if they do, will they also be able to stop it? Real Genius remains one of my favorite 80s comedies of all time. A guy’s gotta have his standards.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

In this old-school pulp detective story dragged into the 20th century, a thief (Robert Downey, Jr.) and a private detective (Kilmer) work together to solve a murder — and then more murders… and then try to avoid getting murdered. This is a fantastic film, dripping with style and unexpected twists and turns. Sit back, relax, and try not to lose the plot… or a finger.

Tombstone (1993)

No tribute to Val Kilmer would be complete without this film, featuring his iconic performance as Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp’s loyal friend. Also starring Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, and several others, Kilmer’s performance in Tombstone will never let you forget who’s your Huckleberry.

Rest in peace, Mr. Kilmer. If you haven’t seen any of these in a while (or at all) feel free to check one (or all) of them out — just don’t forget to rewind your tapes and have them back on time to avoid late fees.

Thanks for visiting our store over the past year. Business is booming and it looks like management will be renewing the lease for another year!

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Welcome back to another edition of the Video Store Podcast. In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve selected four films featuring what I like to call “Wonder Women.” These are women who are brave, kind, strong, and all-around wonderful. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list—simply four films that resonate with me personally as a woman, and you should watch, whether you’re a woman or not.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

First up is the 1991 Oscar-nominated film, Fried Green Tomatoes. The film stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Kathy Bates, and Jessica Tandy, among others. Fried Green Tomatoes is based on the book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg, who also wrote the first draft of the screenplay. This film flashes between the 1920s and the 1980s, looking at Wonder Women through all stages of life. No matter where you find yourself, Fried Green Tomatoes is a great film to enjoy with the wonderful women in your life.

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Next up is Steel Magnolias from 1989. Focusing on southern women’s culture in the 1980s, Steel Magnolias highlights the friendship among six women who must persevere through difficult circumstances. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, and Tom Skerritt, Steel Magnolias expertly blends comedy and drama, making a great movie full of Wonder Women.

9 to 5 (1980)

The second Dolly Parton film in today’s line-up is 9 to 5. The film, in addition to Dolly Parton, features Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dabney Coleman. Highlighting 1980s office politics that are unfortunately still all too relevant today, 9 to 5 tackles serious women’s issues with humor, making their points even more effective and poignant. This is a great laugh after the tear-jerking drama after Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Alien (1979)

The last film in our Wonder Women selections is 1979’s Alien directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, and Bolaji Badejo as the Xenomorph, Alien, is a phenomenal sci-fi horror film. Alien’s leading wonder woman, Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is an amazing sci-fi heroine. She’s smart, brave, and resourceful, totes a flamethrower, and has a kitty-cat sidekick. What more do you want in a film about a Wonder Woman?

We hope you enjoy these films and come back and see us next week on the Video Store Podcast.

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This week, I’m recommending four movies that have some connection to Ireland, whether through folklore, setting, or just a certain Irish sensibility. There’s a mix of fantasy, horror, family-friendly adventure, and romantic drama, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you might find something here to check out.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) – A quiet, beautifully filmed story about a girl uncovering her family’s past on a small Irish island. Directed by John Sayles, it weaves folklore into everyday life in a way that feels completely natural. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Irish coast, and the film has a slow, almost dreamlike quality. It’s based on the book Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry, but Sayles changed the setting to Ireland and made it feel like an old story passed down through generations. If you like films that take their time and let you soak in the atmosphere, this is one to watch.

Note: I am not sure why I cannot properly differentiate the syllables when I pronounce Roan Inish. I kept trying to say it with two syllables in a natural way, but when it did it blends. Not sure why.

Leprechaun (1993) – A horror-comedy that leans into its absurd premise and I love it! Warwick Davis plays the title character, and his performance is a big part of what makes the movie memorable. The film was originally meant to be more of a straight horror movie, but as they shot it, they leaned into the campy humor. This was Jennifer Aniston’s first film role, before Friends made her famous, and it’s fun to see her in an early ‘90s horror setting. The movie spawned a long series of sequels so if you enjoy this kind of thing, there’s a lot more to watch.

The Luck of the Irish (2001) – A Disney Channel Original Movie that a lot of people remember from childhood. It follows a teenager who finds out he’s part leprechaun, which leads to some strange changes in his life. Like a lot of early 2000s Disney Channel movies, it has a mix of comedy, adventure, and a little bit of sports. The villain, played by Timothy Omundson, gives an over-the-top performance that makes the movie more fun than it probably should be. If you grew up watching it, it’s a nostalgic rewatch, and if you haven’t seen it, it’s an interesting look at the kind of family movies Disney was making at the time.

Only the Lonely (1991) – A romantic dramedy starring John Candy in a more low-key role. In it, he plays a Chicago cop dealing with his overbearing mother, played by Maureen O’Hara, while trying to start a relationship with a shy funeral home worker, played by Ally Sheedy. O’Hara came out of retirement for this film, and she still had the same screen presence she had in movies like The Quiet Man. Chris Columbus directed this, right around the time he was making Home Alone, and you can see a similar mix of warmth and humor. It’s an underrated John Candy performance, showing more depth than his usual comedic roles. If you like movies that balance comedy with a little drama, it’s worth checking out.

That’s this week’s recommendations. If you end up watching any of these, let me know what you think and remember someone will be back behind the counter next week with four more recommendations.

Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.