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!

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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.

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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.

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Welcome to another episode of the Video Store Podcast. Inspired by a wild kung-fu brawl that recently took place in the street in front of the video store, I decided to recommend four kung-fu style films. None of these will win many points for their creative plots, but all of them are fun to watch with popcorn and friends. An alcoholic beverage or two might not hurt, either.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Big Trouble in Little China is probably the most mainstream movie on this week’s episode. As a teenager this was one of my favorite films (and I still enjoy it today), but as time goes on I find lots of people familiar with the film that haven’t actually seen it from beginning to end.

John Carpenter’s dive into the surreal, magical world of Chinatown introduces us to Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) and his pal Wang as they delve into the dark, underbelly of “little China” This film is often referred to as a “cult classic” today but to me, it’s just good, clean fun.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

In the early 90s, Mortal Kombat set arcades on fire. Riding on the popularity of the game’s arcade sequel and home versions was this film which is based on the game and pretty blatantly rips off the plot of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. Like that film, fighters from different locations travel to a mysterious island to partake in a tournament… to the death! You may not have had “videogame-based movie starring the guy from Highlander, the schoolteacher from Billy Madison, and the voice of Dr. Claw from Inspector Gadget… but here we are.

Some people say this movie is cheesy, some say it’s fun, and I say it’s both. In fact, I’d say it’s a flawless victory.

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991)

In the future (2001, in the film), prisons has been privatized and are largely corrupt. Our hero, Riki, has been sent to one of these prisons and the Prison Ward has dispatched the leaders of the Gang of Four to make sure Riki doesn’t get any ideas and start a rebellion. Unfortunately for them, Riki — who also happens to possess superhuman strength — has other plans.

Riki-Oh is based on a Japanese manga series known for its over the top violence and this film is no different, containing lots of gore, all presenting in comic-book style. Riki punches a hole right through one guy and punches the head off of someone else. It’s not for everybody, but if you like your kung-fu campy an dover the top, check this one out immediately.

Police Story (1985)

Police Story was I believe Jackie Chan’s breakout film. The popularity of this film and the sequel led to Chan getting multiple offers from Hollywood, and the third film in the series (Police Story III) was released in America as Supercop.

The plot of this one is relatively thin. Jackie Chan is a police officer who, after busting a drug lord, must protect the criminal’s secretary before she can testify against him in court. The real star of the show are the fight scenes and Chan’s stunts. It’s impossible to watch this film without wondering if people got hurt doing these stunts. Spoiler, they did.

I love all kinds of films, from silent and black and white films to the latest sci-fi blockbusters. One of my guilty pleasures will always be these types of kung-fu films, films you can enjoy without thinking too hard about them.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Video Store Podcast . This week, I’m focusing on animated movies that lean into darker themes and mature storytelling. These aren’t your typical Saturday morning cartoons or Disney films. They’re imaginative, ambitious, and not afraid to explore the more complicated corners of life.

Let’s dive into the four films I’m recommending this week.

1. Watership Down (1978)

This adaptation of Richard Adams’ novel is often remembered for its striking animation and unflinching depiction of survival. On the surface, it’s a story about rabbits searching for a safe place to call home, but the film works on deeper levels, touching on themes like leadership, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of nature.

Director Martin Rosen made the choice to stay true to the novel’s tone, which makes this film stand out from other animated projects of the time. The voice cast is strong, John Hurt as Hazel and Richard Briers as Fiver bring a lot of emotion to their roles. The animation is hand-drawn, with detailed backgrounds that create a world that feels both beautiful and dangerous.

2. The Last Unicorn (1982)

Based on Peter S. Beagle’s novel, The Last Unicorn has a dreamlike quality that sets it apart from other animated films of its time. It tells the story of a unicorn searching for her lost kind, encountering both friends and enemies along the way. While the animation was produced by Rankin/Bass, the actual work was done by a Japanese studio that would later become Studio Ghibli, which might explain the film’s unique visual style.

This voice cast is great. Mia Farrow voices the Unicorn, Jeff Bridges plays Prince Lir, and Christopher Lee is unforgettable as King Haggard. Lee was reportedly a huge fan of the book and even brought his own copy to recording sessions to ensure his performance stayed faithful to the source material.

The soundtrack, provided by the band America, gives the movie a melancholy, almost folk-like feel that complements its tone.

3. The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Don Bluth made his directorial debut with this adaptation of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. The film tells the story of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Brisby, who must save her home and sick child with the help of highly intelligent rats.

What makes The Secret of NIMH stand out is how dark and detailed it is. Bluth and his team left Disney to make this film because they wanted to push the boundaries of animation, and it shows. The level of detail in the animation is stunning, especially in the rats’ lair, which feels alive with glowing lights and intricate designs.

The score by Jerry Goldsmith is sweeping and dramatic, which matches the film’s high stakes. And while it’s technically a kids’ movie, it doesn’t shy away from mature themes like death, ethics, and the consequences of human interference with nature.

4. Heavy Metal (1981)

If you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, or anthology storytelling, Heavy Metal is one to check out. It’s based on the magazine of the same name and features multiple stories connected by a mysterious glowing orb called the Loc-Nar. The animation is bold, with an unapologetically adult tone. Even though I saw it as a kid, I think this one is definitely not for kids.

What’s interesting about Heavy Metal is how it pulls from different art styles, with each segment feeling distinct. The soundtrack is packed with rock and heavy metal tracks from bands like DEVO, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, and Journey, giving it a unique energy.

Each of these films pushes the boundaries of what animated storytelling can do, whether through their themes, visual style, or just their ambition. They’re all worth watching if you’re looking for something that goes beyond the typical animated fare. That’s it for this week’s episode of The Video Store Podcast. Thanks for listening, and let me know what you think of these recommendations.

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Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast! Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but we’re still feeling the love at the Video Store. I’ve selected four films this week that love love so much that even the romance denier in your life will melt like so many boxes of chocolate in the noonday sun.

Miss Congeniality (2000)

Put on your dress and strap on your gun, it’s time for Miss Congeniality. Sandra Bullock stars as FBI Agent Gracie Hart, who must go undercover at the Miss United States Beauty Pageant to protect the participants from an anonymous bomb threat. While Gracie is put through her primping paces, she starts to learn that beauty isn’t skin-deep with the pageant participants, but it might be with its runner. She and Agent Matthews must work together to find the bomber before it’s too late. This one will keep you laughing every day of the year, especially on April 25.

Love & Basketball (2000)

Hit the court for our next film, Gina Prince-Blythewood’s first major film, Love & Basketball from 2000. I don’t say this lightly. Love & Basketball is a perfect movie. Period. A phenomenal story, direction, great character development, performances, and a bangin’ soundtrack to boot, all make Love & Basketball a wonderful movie to enjoy with even the deepest romantic skeptic in your life. Swish, swish, bish.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Take a trip to Singapore with Rachel and Nick this week with 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book of the same name. Rachel Chu finds out her sweet and unpretentious boyfriend, Nick Young, is actually the son and heir to one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Singapore when he takes her back home for his best friend’s wedding. Learning to navigate high society is difficult enough, let alone in a new country with Nick’s overbearing family. Watching Rachel and Nick learn to navigate difficult family dynamics and fight for each other will warm even the coldest heart. This is a rom-com that everyone will enjoy.

Hitch (2005)

Our last film for the week is Hitch from 2005, starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta. This is a film about learning to let down your walls just long enough for the right person to get through, even if you might get hurt. Filled with great one-liners, loads of laughs, and a soundtrack that will keep you dancing, Hitch is a solid choice for movie night.

Thanks for sharing the love with us at the Video Store Podcast!

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Welcome back to the Video Store! Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and if you’re here looking for movie selections instead of out buying flowers or making dinner reservations, then sir or madam, I salute you.

For this week’s episode of the show I’ve picked four movies that feature unconventional relationships. After browsing the stores aisles looking for this week’s film recommendations, I ended up rewatching all four of these movies (a couple of which I hadn’t seen in decades) and for the most part they have all aged well.

Harold and Maude (1971)

Harold is a young adult obsessed with death, while Maude is a 79-year-old woman infatuated with life. The two share a hobby in common — attending the funerals of strangers — and soon this odd couple forms a close relationship. Wikipedia describes this film as a “romantic black comedy drama,” which only begins to describe it. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s emotional. While critics originally hated it, the film as gone on to appear in many “best of” film lists.

Something Wild (1986)

The last person you would expect a New York banker like Charlie to get involved with is a carefree person like Lulu, but after she kidnaps the yuppie for a weekend of

reckless fun, Charlie finds the adventure exciting… until things get out of hand. When Lulu’s husband discovers what the pair has been up to, he is none too happy. Someone — or perhaps everyone — has been lying. This not-to-miss thriller stars Jeff Daniels as Charlie, Melanie Griffith as Lulu, and a terrifying Ray Liotta has Lulu’s husband, Ray.

After Hours (1985)

Have you ever had one of those days? After work, Paul Hackett heads to a local diner where he meets a woman named Marcy. The two exchange numbers and later, she invites him over to her apartment. This starts off a chain of events that will have Paul running around the streets of New York from one mess to the next. Before the end of the night his face ends up on wanted posters, he’s chased by an angry mob, and he becomes involved in a city wide crime ring. It’s a night that Paul will never forget — or maybe, survive. Featuring a star-packed cast including Griffin Dunne (An American Werewolf in London), Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, Catherine O'Hara, Bronson Pinchot, Dick Miller, and even Cheech and Chong. Directed by Martin Scorsese.

Valley Girl (1983)

Randy (Nicholas Cage) is a punk rocker from Hollywood. Julie (Deborah Foreman) is a Valley Girl. Their worlds are complete opposites and it seems that everybody and everything will try and stop them from getting together, but sometimes, love finds a way. This classic 80s film was directed by Martha Coolidge and will take you back to the sights, sounds, and music of the 1980s.

Thanks for checking out the podcast. If you don’t have plans this Valentine’s Day, you can have a great time renting and watching one of these films. And if you would prefer to get out of the house, you can always drop by a stranger’s funeral. You never know who you’ll meet!

Welcome back to The Video Store Podcast. This week, I’ve curated a lineup of films that capture different aspects of Los Angeles: its humor, its struggles, its danger, and its intrigue. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these movies or discovering them for the first time, I think they’re worth your time. Here’s what we’re watching this week:

L.A. Story (1991)

Steve Martin stars in and wrote this quirky romantic comedy that doubles as a love letter to Los Angeles. It’s full of surreal humor, like talking freeway signs, and it pokes fun at the city’s obsession with image and trends. But it’s also heartfelt, exploring how we connect with others in a place that can feel isolating. Keep an eye out for some great cameos, including Patrick Stewart as a hilariously serious maître d'. The film was shot all around L.A., including Griffith Park and Venice Beach, which really adds to its sense of place.

Born in East L.A. (1987)

Cheech Marin wrote, directed, and stars in this comedy about a Mexican-American man who gets mistakenly deported to Mexico. It’s packed with laughs, but it also has a lot of heart as it explores cultural misunderstandings. Make sure to check out Paul Rodriguez and Daniel Stern both have memorable roles here, adding to the film’s charm.

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

If you’re into crime thrillers, this one’s a must. Directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection), it’s a gritty and intense look at the darker side of Los Angeles. The film follows a Secret Service agent, played by William Petersen, as he becomes obsessed with catching a counterfeiter (Willem Dafoe). Friedkin’s commitment to authenticity shows, especially in the car chases, which are some of the best ever put on film. The movie also features an amazing soundtrack by Wang Chung, which perfectly complements its tense, stylish vibe.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Curtis Hanson’s neo-noir is a masterpiece. Set in the 1950s, it dives into corruption, scandal, and ambition within the LAPD. The ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, and Russell Crowe, delivers some of their best work. Basinger even won an Oscar for her performance. The screenplay, co-written by Hanson and Brian Helgeland, is a brilliant adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel. The production design and costumes perfectly recreate the glamour and grit of post-war Los Angeles, making it as visually striking as it is narratively gripping.

That’s the lineup for this week. Each of these films captures something unique about Los Angeles, from its humor and charm to its danger and complexity. If you decide to check out any of these, let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by The Video Store Podcast, and we’ll see you next time with more movies to add to your watchlist.

Welcome back to another edition of the Video Store Podcast. This week, get your BFFs together for a movie marathon focusing on Film Friendships. I’ve selected four films for the staff picks wall, highlighting my favorite best buds and friendships forged in fire. I also answer the age-old question, “Can men and women really be friends?” Let’s dig in.

Stand by Me (1986)

First up is Rob Reiner’s 1986 coming-of-age classic, Stand by Me. Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Keifer Sutherland, Stand by Me is a classic focusing on the friendship between four boys growing up in the summer of 1959. Do you still have friends like you did when you were twelve? I hope so. Gather your besties on the couch for this one.

Now and Then (1995)

Next is the 1995 film Now and Then. I return to my twelve-year-old self whenever I watch this film, not just because I relate to the young leads of the film, but because of the deep and sincere friendship that is the film’s through-line. Starring Christina Ricci, Rosie O’Donnell, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Gaby Hoffman, Demi Moore, Ashleigh Aston Moore, and Rita Wilson, these ladies deliver a powerful dramatic, and comedic performance. Get your best gals together for a great film with a great soundtrack.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: a rom-com in a movie about friendship? You read that right. When Harry Met Sally… addresses the age-old question, “Can men and women be friends?” Well, I’ve got thoughts on the matter and you’ll have to listen to this week’s show to find out why I’ve selected this one for a podcast on film friendship.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Closing out our staff picks wall this week is the 1991 drama/comedy/road movie Thelma & Louise. Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, this Oscar-winning film about two best friends on the run from the law deals deeply with ideas of freedom, friendship, and letting go of others’ expectations. Get your bestie to ride shotgun with you for this one. Buckle up. It’s a bumpy ride.

Thanks for joining us this week on the Video Store Podcast. We hope you’ll bring a friend with you and enjoy these films together.

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Greetings, customers. Last week, the world lost one of our boldest creators, the one and only David Lynch. On this episode of the Video Store Podcast, I recommend four of David Lynch’s “most Lynchian” films. In the episode I explain why I didn’t pick anything related to Twin Peaks or some of Lynch’s more mainstream films, including The Elephant Man and Dine.

In this episode you’ll hear me use the phrase “these films are not for everybody” which I want to emphasize does not imply any sort of film snobbery or elitism. As I say in the episode, I like both really expensive sushi and fried burritos from gas stations. Mmm, burritos. My point is, Lynch’s films aren’t necessarily better than other types of films, they’re just different and it’s okay to like one, both, or neither. Wait, if you like neither, why are you here? Watch more movies!

Here are the four films I am recommending this week.

ERASERHEAD (1977) is Lynch’s first feature length film and tells the story of Henry, a man who reconnects with his ex-girlfriend only to discover that she has given birth to their child, which doctors say “might be human.” The first time I watched Eraserhead I couldn’t make heads or tails out of it but after a dozen or so viewings, it makes total sense! It’s a slow burn, but worth a watch.

BLUE VELVET (1986) is the most “mainstream” film on this week’s list, although "there’s a reason I keep putting “mainstream” in quotes. The film stars Kyle MacLachlan (fress off of Dune) as Jeffrey, a young man who, while walking through a field, discovers… a human ear. Jeffrey gains information regarding the investigation from Sandy (Laura Dern), a detective’s daughter, which leads him to the apartment of a lounge singer who happens to be dating a violent criminal named Frank (Dennis Hopper). Things turn dark and it soon becomes unclear whether or not Jeffrey will escape his encounter with both of his ears… or his life.

LOST HIGHWAY (1997) is perhaps the most difficult film to follow from a narrative standpoint. It stars Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette as as Fred and Renee Madison, a couple of discover a VHS tape containing footage of the outside of their home. Soon a second tape is delivered that contains footage from inside their home of them sleeping, and the third tape contains something much worse, for which Bill goes to prison. One day Bill is locked in a cell and the next morning, out pops Pete Dayton, a petty criminal who isn’t supposed to even be in prison. Pete is released and crosses paths with Alice… also played by Patricia Arquette. Sound weird? Trust me, we’re just getting started.

MULHOLLAND DRIVE (2001) is the last film on my list and is considered to be the greatest “Lynch” film. The mystery begins when Betty (Naomi Watts) discovers a woman with amnesia named Rita (Laura Harring) inside her apartment. The two women form a bond as they struggle to determine Rita’s true identity, but by the end of the first act a dead body has been discovered and by the end of the second act everyone is playing different characters and your mind will explode. This film is like a dream that almost makes sense.

David Lynch was a bit of an evil genius. He certainly did not march to anyone else’s drum, and his desire to not just make genre-bending films but completely destroy what “films” mean will be missed. As I say in this week’s episode, you may not like each of these films, but you’ll never forget having watched one of them.