"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, known as "The Creeper," played by actor Jonathan Breck. Special effects and makeup artists were tasked with designing ...
Oct 25, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 130
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 atmospheric elements of King's source material. Carpenter, known for his work in the horror genre, was a...
Oct 18, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 129
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 sensibilities, Brooks provided the funding needed to expand the short into a feature-length film. This financial bac...
Oct 11, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 128
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 involved a mix of horror and dark fantasy elements, typical of Stephen King's work. The movie featured a mother and son ...
Oct 04, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 127
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 the actors. Kubrick sought out actors who could fully embody their roles, and this included intense auditions and physi...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 126
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 minimalist look of the film, the production team drew inspiration from sources such as classic German expressionist cinema a...
Sep 20, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 125
"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 Development: The script for "Romancing the Stone" was written by Diane Thomas. The story was initially inspired by Thom...
Sep 13, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 124
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 between an ordinary person and God, captured the attention of Warner Bros. executives, who saw the potential for a compelling and ...
Sep 06, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 123
"Deep Blue Sea" is a 1999 science fiction thriller film directed by Renny Harlin. The movie revolves around a group of scientists conducting research on a remote underwater facility where they genetically engineer sharks to increase their brain size in order to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, their experiment goes awry as the highly intelligent sharks become smarter and more dangerous, leading to a series of intense and suspenseful events. As the sharks wreak havoc, the scientists ...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Chris has pulled another turkey out of the bag this week. And a really leathery turkey at that. This week's pick is The Ultimate Weapon starring Terry Gene Bollea aka Hulk Hogan and a bunch of other people you're unlikely to ever have heard of, or hear again. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: When mercenary "Hardball" Cutter discovers that the team he is working with is actually...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 121
The production of "Anguish" in 1987 was a unique and ambitious endeavor that brought together a talented team led by director Bigas Luna. The film is notable for its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of psychological horror, which set it apart from conventional horror movies of its time. Director Bigas Luna, known for his distinctive and imaginative filmmaking style, carefully crafted a gripping narrative that delved into the complexities of the human mind. Luna's vision fo...
Aug 16, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Office Space is a cult classic comedy film that was released in 1999. The movie was written and directed by Mike Judge, who is best known for creating "Beavis and Butt-Head" and "King of the Hill." The production of "Office Space" had its own share of ups and downs, much like the fictional office depicted in the film. Conception: The idea for "Office Space" originated from Mike Judge's own experiences working in cubicle-based jobs in the past. He drew inspiration from the mundane and absurd aspe...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 219
"Species" is a science fiction horror film released in 1995. The film was directed by Roger Donaldson and produced by Frank Mancuso Jr. The concept for the movie was originally conceived by Dennis Feldman, who also wrote the screenplay. The production was a collaborative effort between MGM and the American Film Marketing Association (AFMA). The story revolves around the discovery of an extraterrestrial DNA sequence received from outer space. A group of scientists, led by Xavier Fitch (played by ...
Aug 02, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 218
Chris' man-crush, Burt Reynolds, directed and starred in this week's pick. "Sharky's Machine" is a 1981 crime thriller film directed by and starring Burt Reynolds. The movie is based on a novel of the same name written by William Diehl. The production was significant for Reynolds as it marked his directorial debut. The film was shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, and the city's distinct urban landscape plays a crucial role in creating the gritty atmosphere of the movie. Reynolds was determined...
Jul 26, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 217
Steve picked this week's and it's a classic from 1974, The Conversation. Never before seen by Chris and Dave, this one was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Cindy Williams, and Frederic Forrest. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: "The Conversation" is a gripping psychological thriller from 1974 directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film r...
Jul 19, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 216
John Hammond has picked some classics in the past, and this week is no exception. And when we say classics, we mean movies that fit into the category of 'so bad they're good'. Originally shot in 1984, New York Ninja was never released after the distribution company went bust. But Vinegar Syndrome picked up the film, which had no audio or script to it, restored it digitally and added some serious B-Movie voice talent! Originally directed, written and starring John Liu, this one was "Re-Directed" ...
Jul 12, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 215
A classic from the mid-90's this one! It's Quentin Tarantino's second movie, Pulp Fiction from 1994. Written and directed by Quentin himself, with some of the story by Roger Avary, this iconic movie stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Maria de Medeiros, Ving Rhames, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Walken, Bruce Willis. Now listen to this episode. Pretty f**kin please, with sugar on top. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, ...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 214
It's one of Chris' top 5 movies of all time this week, Beverly Hills Cop II. Taking the essence of the first movie and turning everything up to 11. This was directed by Tony Scott, written by Larry Ferguson and Warren Skaaren, and starring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Jürgen Prochnow, Ronny Cox, John Ashton, Brigitte Nielsen. And a bit of a tangent reminiscing about the old band days and Dave settles a 15 year debate. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. ww...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 213
This week is the pick of Patreon long-time Patreon supporter Lucky Loo Loo Green, and they've gone for the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space from 1988. Written by the Chiodo brothers, Charles, Stephen and Edward, with Stephen taking the director chair, this one stars Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, Royal Dano, and John Vernon. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: When a sm...
Jun 21, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 212
New supporter Leigh has come straight in with a classic from the 'best worst movies' list with Troll 2. And this one hasn't disappointed on the first watch for both Chris and Dave. Directed by Claudio Fragasso, written by Rossella Drudi and starring Michael Stephenson, George Hardy, Connie McFarland, and Jason Wright. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: In this family comedy adventure, the Waits fami...
Jun 14, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 211
It's time again for some sword and sorcery fantasy adventures, Roger Corman style! It's Dave's pick and Chris' most hated genre of movies, but I think there are some aspects of this that may strike a chord. Directed by Jim Wynorski, screenplay by Neil Ruttenberg (bit of a Frank Dux level stretch that one), and starring John Terlesky, Monique Gabrielle, John LaZar, and Toni Naples. Promo for Tony Farina's new book Welcome to Mansfield and you can checkout here: https://www.arfarina.com . If you e...
Jun 07, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 210
Not too many people seem to have seen this one, Dave included, but Chris' pick this week is Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. Directed by Simon Wincer, written by Don Michael Paul and starring Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: Two lone riders and childhood friends, the rough and silent Harley Davidson and the ragged sun-baked cowboy Marlboro, assemble once more when t...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Patreon supporter Blake has picked another out of the bag with the 1999 Graham Baker movie, Beowulf. And no, that's not the animated one either. This one stars Christopher Lambert, Oliver Cotton, Gotz Otto, Layla Roberts, Patricia Velásquez, and Rhona Mitra. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: This post-apocalyptic future story is based on the 8th-century Saxon epic poem about the knight who battled a mons...
May 24, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 208
This week is Patreon supporter Susan's pick and it's a martial arts classic, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin from 1978. Directed by Chia-Liang Liu, written by Kuang Ni and starring Gordon Liu (Kill Bill) and Lo Lieh. Check out Susan on Geek Girl Soup: https://geekgirlsoup.com/ https://geekgirlsoup.com . If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly...
May 17, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 207
'Greed is good' was a legendary line delivered by the infamous Gordon Gecko in the 1987 Oliver Stone movie, Wall Street. Directed by Stone, and starring Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, and Terence Stamp. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: On the Wall Street of the 1980s, Bud Fox is a stockbroker full of ambition, doing whatever he can to make his way to the top. Admir...
May 10, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Mr. Destiny is the 1990 fantasy comedy and Chris' pick for this week. Produced, written and directed by James Orr and Jim Cruickshank, this one stars James Belushi, Linda Hamilton, Jon Lovitz, Hart Bochner, and Michael Caine. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: Larry Burrows (Jim Belushi) is unhappy and feels powerless over his life. He believes his entire life could have turned out differently had he not missed...
May 03, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 205
Well, that rascal Spider-Dan has done it again and picked one from the archives that few may have seen. In a tale as old as time, struggling actor does questionable porno flick to get by before hitting it big. And this one features a young Sylvester Stallone as 'Stud' in The Party at Kitty and Stud's. Directed and "written" (cough) by Morton Lewis, this movie cost $5k to make and was re-released as Italian Stallion after the success of Rocky in 1976. Catch Spider-Dan at https://www.spiderdanandt...
Apr 26, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 204
And now for something, completely different. Mulholland Drive is the 2001 surrealist neo-noir mystery film picked by our supporter, Helen! Written and directed by David Lynch and starring Naomi Watts, Justin Theroux, Laura Elena Harring, Ann Miller, and Robert Forster. This one is sure to divide opinions! If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: Still untarnished by the false promises of the rapacious film industry, the ...
Apr 19, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 203
Hey you guys!! It's been a long time in coming, but this week Dave subjects Chris to The Goonies! Directed by Richard Donner, screenplay by Chris Columbus, and the story by Steven Spielberg. This one stars Sean Astin, Josh Brolin Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, and Ke Huy Quan. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: Mikey and his friends have always wanted to go on an adventure. One night they ...
Apr 12, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 202
There aren't too many people who hold more love for Patrick Swayze than Chris, and this week he's gone for the 1989 action thriller, Next of Kin. Never heard of it? Well, you aren't the only one so strap yourself in! Directed by John Irvin, written by Michael Jenning and starring Patrick Swayze, Adam Baldwin, Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Liam Neeson. If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, become a supporter. www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback Plot Summary: Chicago cop Truman Gates has alienated...
Apr 05, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 201