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In this episode of The Video Store Podcast, I am recommending into a mix popular and lesser-known Joe Pesci comedies from the '90s. If you're in the mood for a good laugh, these are films you might want to rent.

The Super (1991): This film stars Joe Pesci as Louie Kritski, a slumlord who gets sentenced to live in one of his own run-down buildings until he fixes it up. Pesci’s performance brings humor to a story about class and redemption. This movie might not be as well-known as others from the era, but it’s worth a look, especially for fans of Pesci. You might not know this, but the film was directed by Rod Daniel, who also directed Teen Wolf (1985).

My Cousin Vinny (1992): In this award-winning classic, Pesci plays Vinny Gambini, a brash, inexperienced lawyer who has no courtroom experience, defending his cousin and a friend accused of murder. Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her role as Vinny’s fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito, and it is well-deserved. The chemistry between Pesci and Tomei works well, and the film’s humor holds up well, even decades later.

8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997): This dark comedy has a pretty bizarre premise: a hitman, played by Pesci, accidentally loses a bag containing eight heads. The film balances slapstick humor with dark comedy. While it didn’t make a huge splash when it first came out, it’s gained a bit of a cult following over the years. The film also features early performances from David Spade and Kristy Swanson.

Gone Fishin' (1997): Rounding out this week’s recommendations has Pesci alongside Danny Glover. These two stars play best friends whose fishing trip goes hilariously off the rails. It’s a lighthearted buddy comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The movie was directed by Christopher Cain, who also directed Young Guns (1988). It might not have been a critical success, but it’s a fun, easy watch if you’re in the mood for something light.

That wraps up this week’s picks. Whether you’re in the mood for slapstick comedy, a courtroom classic, or a buddy adventure, Joe Pesci’s comedic range in these films is sure to bring some laughs. So next time you're browsing for something to watch, give one of these a try—you might just find a new favorite.

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Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast! As baseball season is winding down, we’ve selected four more baseball films to help you get through the post-season, especially if your team isn’t looking quite as good as they were at the start.

Batting first is 1988’s Bull Durham, written and directed by Ron Shelton. This film is a wonderful snapshot of minor league ball in the late 80s and reminds the audience that it’s not just about the game. It’s about figuring out who you are and what you want out of life, regardless of your occupation. Starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins, it’s a drama that will keep you swinging for the fences.

Next up is 1989’s Major League. A wealthy divorcee obtains the Cleveland Indians in the divorce but wants to relocate the team to a warmer climate. However, the escape clause only triggers if attendance drops below a certain threshold. Stacking the team with nobodies and has-beens, she hopes to move to Miami by the end of the season. When the team learns why they’ve been dealt the hand they’ve dealt, they rally to show her what they’re really made of. It’s a cheeky comedy that will make you stand up and cheer.

Batting third in our line up is The Natural from 1984, starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Darren McGavin, and Robert Farnsworth. Adapted from a book of the same name by Bernard Malamud, The Natural is a 4-time Academy Award-nominated film about finding your purpose, even in less-than-ideal circumstances, and knowing that you could be “the greatest that ever was.”

On clean-up duty is 1989’s Field of Dreams. If you podcast it, they will come, and they hopefully will check out this film. Field of Dreams is about creating space, both literally and figuratively, for the unimaginable. It’s about making peace with your past, and moving towards a better future. It’s a truly beautiful film, nominated for three Academy Awards, and boasts an incredible cast of performers, including Kevin Costnery, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Gaby Hoffmann, and Tim Busfield, among others. Grab a hot dog and watch the game with us here at the Video Store Podcast.

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Welcome to another episode of The Video Store Podcast. Are you ready for some recommendations? This week, I am focusing on films that are perfect for anyone looking for some Dungeons & Dragons inspiration. I have got four fantastic picks: "Hawk the Slayer" (1980), "Dragonslayer" (1981), "The Sword and the Sorcerer" (1982), and "The Dungeonmaster" (1984).

First up is "Hawk the Slayer." This 1980 fantasy film directed by Terry Marcel is a great watch for those who enjoy classic sword and sorcery adventures. The story follows Hawk, played by John Terry, on his quest to defeat the evil Voltan, portrayed by Jack Palance. The film stands out for its creative use of special effects, particularly for its time. It’s a cult favorite and a prime example of low-budget fantasy done right.

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Next, we have "Dragonslayer" from 1981. Directed by Matthew Robbins, this movie features groundbreaking special effects that earned it an Academy Award nomination. The story revolves around a young sorcerer’s apprentice, played by Peter MacNicol, who sets out to slay a dragon. The dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative, remains one of the most impressive and realistic dragons ever put to film. The combination of practical effects and CGI was ahead of its time, and it’s one of my favorite fantasy movies.

"The Sword and the Sorcerer," released in 1982 and directed by Albert Pyun, is another gem. Lee Horsley stars as Talon, a mercenary with an AMAZING three-bladed sword on a mission to rescue a princess and reclaim his kingdom. This film has some action-packed sequences and impressive low-budget practical effects.

Lastly, we have "The Dungeonmaster" from 1984. Directed by several directors, including Charles Band and Dave Allen, this anthology-style film follows Paul, a computer programmer who must face various challenges set by the evil Mestema, played by Richard Moll. The film’s blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements makes it unique. Each segment of Paul’s journey showcases different styles and imaginative scenarios that keeps it fresh.

These four films offer a great mix of fantasy adventure, imaginative storytelling, and unique special effects. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get inspired for their next Dungeons & Dragons campaign. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these classic fantasy films. Then go roll some dice.

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Are you like me and just a little too young to have experienced firsthand some of the retro pop culture you’ve grown to love? Then I’ve got five films to help take you back to the 70s and 80s, that weren’t made during that time. These films are like me—not quite retro.

First, we have It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), which deliver a one-two punch of horror and nostalgia. This film adaptation of Stephen King’s It moves the setting up to the late 1980s and mid-2010s, modernizing the original story just a bit, but still leaning into the nostalgia of childhood, friendship, and conquering childhood trauma.

Next up is 2011’s Super 8, written and directed by J. J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. Set in 1979, a group of kids while making a Super 8 movie accidentally record a train crash and get footage that they shouldn’t have seen. It’s a wonderful send-up of horror and sci-fi directors, like Spielberg, George Romero, John Carpenter, and Alfred Hitchcock, while also being a poignant exploration of grief.

If you need something to lighten the mood after the scariness of the It films and Super 8, you’ll enjoy 1998’s The Wedding Singer! The tagline for the film is “He’s going to party like it’s 1985!” and boy, does he ever. Wonderfully silly and surprisingly sincere and romantic, The Wedding Singer is a lot of fun from start to finish. Grab your Aqua Net and enjoy this fun rom-com with the person who wants to grow old with you.

Our final selection for our Not Quite Retro movie night is the 2021 Paul Thomas Anderson film, Licorice Pizza. While met with some initial controversy, this is a multi-award nominated and winning film from the writer and director that brought you Magnolia and Boogie Nights. Set in 1973, Licorice Pizza watches our leads, Alana Kane (played by Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (played by Cooper Hoffman), grow up, figure out life, and fall in love. It’s a mythology of early 70s San Fernando Valley legends with an amazing soundtrack, a cast stacked with phenomenal actors, and the band HAIM, as well as their parents. Make a martini, or maybe just grab two cokes, and enjoy the feel-good comedy that is Licorice Pizza.

We hope our selections this week take you back to a time in history that you may or may not have experienced firsthand. If you did, do these films accurately capture that time period? Which films do you think capture it best? Thanks for joining us on this trip back to the 70s and 80s in this episode of the Video Store Podcast.

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I was thinking a lot about thrillers that I watched as a kid and how many of them stayed with me longer than more kid-friendly genres. It is probably because I found them confusing and it forced my kid-brain to work twice as hard trying to figure them out. On this week’s episode, I wanted to look at some of these thrillers from the 70s and 80s that stuck with me after seeing them on cable TV. They were so evocative that years later I would purposefully seek them out to fill in the blanks.

First up, we have "The Conversation" from 1974, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. This thriller stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert who becomes paranoid after recording a mysterious conversation. Coppola wrote the script in the mid-1960s but couldn't get it made until after the success of "The Godfather"? So her directed it between that film and its sequel. Worth it alone for the sound design, it is groundbreaking, earning Walter Murch an Academy Award nomination.

Next is "Marathon Man" from 1976, directed by John Schlesinger. This film features Dustin Hoffman as a graduate student who gets caught up in a conspiracy involving a former Nazi war criminal, played by Laurence Olivier. One of the most famous scenes involves Olivier's character using dental torture. It is not fun.

Moving on, we have "Blow Out" from 1981, directed by Brian De Palma. This neo-noir thriller stars John Travolta as a sound effects technician who accidentally records evidence of a political assassination. De Palma was inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni's "Blow-Up" (1966) and the real-life Chappaquiddick incident. Like “The Conversation,” the film's complex sound design plays a crucial role in the storytelling, making it a tremendous audio-visual experience.

Finally, we have "Body Heat" from 1981, directed by Lawrence Kasdan. This steamy thriller features William Hurt and Kathleen Turner in a story of lust, deception, and murder. Turner’s amazing performance as the femme fatale made her an instant star. The film was heavily influenced by classic film noir, particularly "Double Indemnity," and it brought the noir genre into the modern era with its explicit content and stylish direction.

That's it for this episode of the Video Store Podcast. I hope you enjoy these picks as much as I do. Each of these films offers something unique, whether it's groundbreaking sound design, gripping suspense, or unforgettable performances. Until next time I see you in the shop, remember, be kind rewind.

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Welcome back to a new school year and another episode of the The Video Store Podcast. Hope you’ve gathered your school supplies and movie rentals for back-to-school time.

First up is a horror film that will remind you that no matter how tough your school might be, it could always be worse. It’s 1977’s Suspiria directed by Dario Argento. This classic film is the first in his Three Mothers trilogy. It’s one of those films that shows just how scary going to school can be. There’s horror, there’s drama, but the good news is, your school probably isn’t run by witches. With an iconic score by Goblin and incredible sound editing, Suspiria is a film that keeps you coming back every school year.

The second film on our list this week is the Academy Award-nominated and winning film, Dead Poets Society from 1989. This film will have you seizing the day and standing on your desk shouting “Oh Captain, my Captain!” by the end. The film also focuses on the pressures young men face to have “success” and to suppress emotions back in 1959, and honestly, still today. It’s a timeless classic that sets the mood for back to school.

The third film on our list pairs well with our second—Mona Lisa Smile from 2003. While the film is sometimes called Dead Poets Society with girls, I think that undercuts the film. While yes, there are similarities, Mona Lisa Smile focuses on the pressures facing women in the early 50s, rather than men. Both perspectives are valuable, making it a great double bill with the previous film. Look for a cameo from singer Tori Amos in this one.

The last film in our show this week is the 1985 comedy, Real Genius directed by Martha Coolidge. Starring Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, William Atherton, Robert Prescott, and Michelle Meyrink, Real Genius is about some college students, including a child prodigy, who find out their school project is actually an illegal government project. Make some popcorn for this one. You’ll be glad you did.

We hope these selections will help you have a great start to the school year. Here’s hoping your school year is filled with great teachers, great friends, plenty of popcorn, and 100% less murder than in Suspiria. Thanks for joining us on the school bus for this week’s Video Store Podcast.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Video Store Podcast. This week, I have some new recommendations, featuring a selection of neo-noir classics from the '70s and early '80s. These films capture the essence of the genre with their complex characters, intricate plots, and moody atmospheres. I grew up as a fan of original noir films that I would see on TV late shows and weekend film fests. So as I got older, my enjoyment of these made a lot of sense.

First up is The Long Goodbye (1973), directed by Robert Altman. This film features Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, a laid-back private detective navigating a world of mystery and betrayal in contemporary Los Angeles. Altman’s unique take on Raymond Chandler’s classic character adds a touch of humor and irreverence to the story. Pay attention to the film's soundtrack by John Williams, which cleverly reprises the same theme in various styles throughout the movie.

Next, we have Chinatown (1974), directed by Roman Polanski. This film stars Jack Nicholson as private investigator Jake Gittes, who gets entangled in a web of corruption and deceit in 1930s Los Angeles. Faye Dunaway and John Huston deliver unforgettable performances. Keep an eye out for the film’s meticulous attention to detail, from its period-accurate costumes to its stunning cinematography by John A. Alonzo. This might be the most famous film that has a nose-slashing in it.

Moving on, I am recommending Night Moves (1975), directed by Arthur Penn. Gene Hackman stars as Harry Moseby, a former football player turned private investigator. As he searches for a runaway teenager, Moseby finds himself caught in a dark and twisted conspiracy. Hackman’s performance, as you might expect, is a standout, and the film’s ambiguous ending will leave you pondering long after the credits roll (Seventies!) Keep an eye out for a young Melanie Griffith in one of her earliest roles.

Lastly, we have Cutter's Way (1981), directed by Ivan Passer. This film features Jeff Bridges as Richard Bone, who becomes involved in a murder investigation with his friend Alex Cutter, played by John Heard. The film paints a sad/confusing picture of post-Vietnam America and explores themes of disillusionment and betrayal. The chemistry between Bridges and Heard is electric, and Lisa Eichhorn delivers a heartbreaking performance as Cutter's wife, Mo.

These films are essential viewing for any fan of the noir genre or films of the seventies. While they have a lot in common, they each also bring something unique to the table and showcase some of the best talent of their time, both in front of and behind the camera.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Video Store Podcast, the podcast that really knows how to rock! 🤘 This week, we are rocking with four films featuring fictional bands.

First up is the 1984 mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap. Directed by Rob Reiner, this rock mockumentary follows Spinal Tap, one of “England’s Loudest Bands” through their rise and fall. Make some popcorn and laugh along with one of the funniest films ever inducted into the Library of Congress.

Next is That Thing You Do! (1996), written and directed by Tom Hanks. The film follows the 1960s band, The Wonders, who are basically the American Beatles, on their fast rise to stardom. Navigating fame is a challenge, but is it one that The Wonders can handle? This film marks Tom Hanks’ directorial debut and features the title song written by the late, great Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne. Grab your shades and prepare to scream at this one.

The third act in our music festival of movies is the Oscar, BAFTA, Grammy, and SAG Award-winning Almost Famous (2000), written and directed by Cameron Crowe. This semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale is set in the early 70s and follows young William Miller, a 15-year-old music writer. William’s writing is advanced for his age, so much so that Rolling Stone magazine hires him over the phone to follow the band Stillwater on tour, not realizing they’ve sent a 15-year-old kid on the road with a drug and alcohol-sodden band. With incredible performances from Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, this is a film that will keep you thinking about the music you love and why you love it for years to come.

Our closing act is the criminally underrated Josie and the Pussycats (2001), written and directed by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. Based on the Archie comic and Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the same name, the film follows Josie, Valerie, and Melody as they try to move their band, The Pussycats, out of the gutter and into the spotlight. Filled with meta-humor, satire, and an insightful commentary on the insidious nature of marketing directed at kids and teenagers, Josie and the Pussycats is a smart comedy that also serves as a time capsule for the early 2000s. The soundtrack totally rocks too, featuring lead vocals by Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo and our lead actresses on background vocals and playing their own instruments. You will be shocked at the sheer number of cameos in the film and the big names who wrote the songs on the soundtrack.

We hope these selections will inspire you to grab an instrument and play along. Even if the bands are fictional, our love for the music and these films is real. Enjoy this four-stop tour down memory lane in this week’s Video Store Podcast.

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Welcome to another episode of The Video Store Podcast, where we dive into some classic films you might want to add to your watchlist. This week, I dug deep into my darkest fears and selected four classic movies from the 1980s that, in one way or another, either scared or scarred me for life.

My Bodyguard (1980)

All Clifford Peache had to do was surrender his lunch money to school bully Moody just like everybody else to avoid being constantly tormented. Instead he refused and comes with a plan to hire an even scarier student, Ricky Linderman, to be his bodyguard. This works briefly, until Moody gets a bodyguard of his own. For years after seeing this film I was terrified of moving on to middle school, mostly because I knew I could never afford to hire my own bodyguard.

The Outsiders (1983)

This classic coming of age film takes place during the 1960s in a small Oklahoma town where the Greasers are in a never-ending battle against the well-to-do kids in town, the Soc’s. With performances by C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Diane Lane, Leif Garrett, it’s a wonder they had enough room for the film’s title on the movie poster. The struggle between classes, along with the senseless violence between the two gangs, bothered me as a kid; maybe even more so as an adult.

Bad Boys (1983)

Not to be confused with the more popular film franchise of the same name, this 1983 film stars Sean Penn as Mick O’Brien, a teenager on the wrong path who accidentally kills a drug dealer’s younger brother while fleeing a crime. Eventually O’Brien and the drug dealer, Paco, end up in a youth detention center with hardened criminals, but not before O’Brien’s girlfriend J.C. (played by Ally Sheedy in her film debut) is savagely attacked by Paco out of revenge. “Bad Boys” is a savagely dark film that features a scene in which O’Brien defends his life by using a pillowcase full of soda cans as a weapon. This movie worked better than any of those “Scared Straight” videos they showed us in school and made me afraid of getting in trouble with the law for life.

Red Dawn (1984)

By the time the opening credits come to an end, Colorado is being invaded by enemy paratroopers that signals the beginning of World War III. A small group of high school students known as the Wolverines are able to escape to the mountains where they use their knowledge of the land combined with their hunting and camping skills to survive. When it becomes obvious they will not be able to hide forever, the group begins attacking the enemy forces using guerilla warfare tactics. As a kid, this film made me painfully aware just how few survival skills I actually possessed. When you’re hiding from enemy soldiers in the Colorado Rockies during the winter, getting second place in a spelling bee seems wildly unhelpful.

I loved growing up int he 1980s, but between cable television, movie channels like HBO and Showtime, and satellite television, an entire generation of latchkey kids ended up seeing adult-themed movies earlier than we should have. Never accuse a Gen Xer of being soft. We’ve seen things.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Video Store Podcast, where we dive into some classic films you might want to add to your watchlist. This week, I am focusing on two sports, one dance and a coming-of-age story with a side of sports from the late '70s and '80s. I've picked out four films that capture the character with determination, who try to succeed despite the against them.

Breaking Away (1979)

This charming film follows a group of friends in Bloomington, Indiana, who are trying to find their place in the world after high school. The story centers around Dave, a young man obsessed with Italian cycling. What makes "Breaking Away" stand out is its authentic portrayal of friendship and the tension between townies and college kids. It artfully crafted, and the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Vision Quest (1985)

"Vision Quest" is a story about a high school wrestler named Louden Swain, who is determined to drop two weight classes to take on the best wrestler in the state. This film is a great blend of sports action and personal growth. Look out for a young Madonna performing "Crazy for You" in one of her early film appearances. It's a testament to the lengths one will go to achieve their goals.

Lucas (1986)

This heartwarming film tells the story of Lucas, a small, nerdy kid with a big heart, navigating the complexities of high school life. Corey Haim delivers a memorable performance (my favorite of his), and the film features early roles for Winona Ryder and Charlie Sheen. "Lucas" tackles themes of acceptance, friendship, and the pain of unrequited love. It's a near-genuine portrayal of the highs and lows of adolescence. Listen to the commercial I play in the show, it’s very misleading.

Tap (1989)

"Tap" showcases the incredible talent of Gregory Hines as Max, a former tap dancer turned burglar trying to reclaim his passion for dance. The film beautifully blends the art of tap dancing with a compelling storyline about redemption and the pursuit of one's true calling. The dance scenes are a highlight, featuring legendary tap dancers like Sammy Davis Jr. It's a must-watch for fans of dance.

These four films offer a mix of people on different paths, but each one provides a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of determined people. I hope you enjoy these recommendations and find some new favorites to revisit. Don't forget to subscribe to The Video Store Podcast for more film recommendations.

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