The VHS Strikes Back

Herb's picked some classic Aussie gems in the past and this week we'll find out if he's done it again! "The Exchange Lifeguards" (1993), also known as "Wet and Wild Summer," directed by Maurice Murphy, is an Australian comedy that emerged during a period of increased interest in lighthearted, beach-themed films. The production involved navigating the challenges of c...

"The Usual Suspects" (1995), directed by Bryan Singer, was a neo-noir crime thriller that gained widespread acclaim for its intricate plot and unexpected twists. The production of the film involved assembling a talented ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Chazz Palminteri. The screenplay, penned by Christopher McQuarrie, intricately weaved a narrative that kept audi...

"Stone Cold" (1991), directed by Craig R. Baxley and starring Brian Bosworth, was a gritty action film that aimed to showcase Bosworth, a former professional football player, as a potential action star. The film's production involved crafting intense and explosive action sequences, taking advantage of Bosworth's physicality and charisma. The story follows Bosworth's character...

Never let it be said that our supporters don't have the ability to pull one out of the bag! And this week our good friend and supporter JAC has introduced us to one of the greatest dupes we've ever seen! Can only imagine the disgruntled video shop browsers returning after they find that Norris, Swayze and McQueen are actually just related to their better-known namesakes. Checkout JAC's...

This week's pick is our good friend and supporter, Geek Girl Soup's Susan! And this week it's the 1988 musical comedy, Hairspray! Check out Geek Girl Soup at https://geekgirlsoup.com . "Hairspray" explored themes of racial integration and body image while celebrating the vibrant subculture of dance and music in 1960s Baltimore. Starring Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, the film&...

"Skin Deep" (1989), directed by Blake Edwards, is a dark comedy that explores the life of a promiscuous and self-destructive writer, played by John Ritter. The production of the film involved the collaboration of Edwards, known for his work on classic comedies like "The Pink Panther" series, and Ritter, celebrated for his comedic talents. Edwards infused the film with his signa...

"Die Hard with a Vengeance" (1995), directed by John McTiernan, was the third installment in the iconic "Die Hard" franchise. The film marked Bruce Willis's return as NYPD detective John McClane, and this time he's teamed up with Samuel L. Jackson's character, Zeus Carver, to thwart a series of terrorist attacks in New York City. The production faced various challen...

This week's pick is thanks to long time supporter, Tony Farina! The production of "Last Action Hero" in 1993, directed by John McTiernan, was a high-profile endeavor that aimed to blend action-adventure with metafictional elements, satirizing and paying homage to the action movie genre. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as fictional action hero Jack Slater and Austin O'Brien as the...

"Predator" (1987), picked by Sargy and directed by John McTiernan, was a significant undertaking that brought together a formidable cast and crew to create a landmark sci-fi action film. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch, the leader of an elite military rescue team, the film blended elements of traditional action with science fiction, introducing a new level of suspense and terror...

"Scrooged" in 1988, directed by Richard Donner, brought a contemporary and comedic twist to Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol." Starring Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a cynical and heartless television executive, the film reimagines the timeless tale with a satirical take on the commercialization of Christmas. The production faced the challenge of blending the tradi...

"I Come in Peace" (also known as "Dark Angel" in some regions), released in 1990 and directed by Craig R. Baxley, is a sci-fi action film starring Dolph Lundgren. The production of the film involved blending elements of science fiction, crime drama, and action genres. Lundgren plays a Houston cop, Jack Caine, who finds himself battling an extraterrestrial drug dealer threatenin...

"The Dragon Lives Again" (1977), directed by Law Kei, is a martial arts comedy that gained a reputation for its unconventional and imaginative take on the kung fu genre. The film features Bruce Leung Siu-lung as the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, who finds himself in the afterlife surrounded by iconic characters such as James Bond, Clint Eastwood, and Dracula. The production of &quo...

"The War of the Roses", directed by Danny DeVito, was a darkly comedic exploration of divorce and the disintegration of a once-happy marriage. Starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as Oliver and Barbara Rose, the film required a delicate balance between humor and the serious subject matter of marital breakdown. DeVito, who also plays a supporting role in the film, brought his uniq...

"Big", directed by Penny Marshall, was a heartwarming and whimsical endeavor that brought together a talented cast and creative team to craft a unique and magical story. Starring Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin, a young boy who makes a wish to be "big" and wakes up in an adult body, the film navigates the challenges and joys of growing up in a reversed manner. The casting of Tom Hanks...

"Gladiator" is a 1992 sports drama film directed by Rowdy Herrington, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Marshall as Tommy Riley, a troubled young man who becomes embroiled in the world of illegal underground boxing. The film's production involved capturing the gritty and intense atmosphere of the underground fight scene. Cuba Gooding Jr.'s portrayal of Tommy Riley required rigo...

"Scarface" released in 1983 and directed by Brian De Palma, was a cinematic reimagining of the 1932 film of the same name. The movie tells the story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant turned powerful drug lord, portrayed by Al Pacino. With Oliver Stone penning the screenplay, the production faced challenges in ensuring authenticity and accuracy in depicting the criminal underworld of Mia...

"Training Day," released in 2001 and directed by Antoine Fuqua, was a significant milestone in the crime thriller genre, largely due to the transformative performance of Denzel Washington. The film follows the corrupt and morally ambiguous Detective Alonzo Harris (played by Washington) as he takes rookie cop Jake Hoyt (played by Ethan Hawke) under his wing for a day of training on the me...

"Jeepers Creepers," released in 2001, was helmed by writer-director Victor Salva and marked a unique entry into the horror genre. The film's plot, centered around a mysterious and malevolent creature that terrorizes a brother and sister on a road trip, required the creation of a distinct and terrifying antagonist. The team's efforts were largely focused on crafting the creature,...

Christine, released in 1983, was an adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name, directed by John Carpenter. The film tells the story of a possessed and malevolent 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine, and the havoc it wreaks on the life of its owner, Arnie Cunningham (played by Keith Gordon). The production process involved bringing this sinister car to life and capturing the eerie and...

The production of "Bottle Rocket" in 1996 marked the auspicious debut of director Wes Anderson and co-writer Owen Wilson, both of whom would go on to become prominent figures in American independent cinema. The project began as a short film of the same name in 1994, which caught the attention of producer James L. Brooks. Impressed by Anderson and Wilson's unique vision and comedic se...

This week it's Maffs pick, Sleepwalkers! And what a backstory there is to this one! Sleepwalkers is a 1992 horror film directed by Mick Garris and written by Stephen King. The film revolves around a mother and son who are shapeshifting, vampiric creatures known as "Sleepwalkers." They feed on the life force of young virgins to sustain themselves. The production of Sleepwalkers involv...

The production of "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, was a painstakingly detailed and immersive experience that exemplified the director's penchant for perfectionism. Kubrick's approach to creating the gritty world of the Vietnam War was nothing short of meticulous. One of the standout aspects of the production was the casting and training of t...

Production of "Equilibrium" began in the early 2000s with Kurt Wimmer both writing and directing the film. The movie was set in a future society where emotions were suppressed and prohibited, and a special police force known as "Grammaton Clerics" enforced this emotionless state. The film had a modest budget, which influenced its visual style. To create the distinctive and mini...

"Romancing the Stone" is a 1984 romantic action-adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito. The film follows a romance novelist who embarks on a thrilling journey in Colombia to rescue her kidnapped sister and becomes entangled with a charismatic treasure hunter. Here are some key aspects of the production: Script and Developme...

The 1977 comedy film "Oh, God!" had an interesting production process involving notable individuals from the entertainment industry. Here's a more detailed overview of its production: Source Material and Adaptation: The film is based on the novel "Oh, God!" by Avery Corman, published in 1971. The novel's premise, which presents a humorous and heartwarming interaction be...