I start with Sweet Smell of Success (1957), which may be the coldest movie on this list. Tony Curtis plays Sidney Falco, a press agent who is always working an angle and always trying to stay useful to Burt Lancaster’s J. J. Hunsecker. Hunsecker has the power, but Falco is the fixer. He is the one moving through restaurants, clubs, offices, and sidewalks trying to make things happen for people who would rather not get their own hands dirty. The film was directed by Alexander Mackendrick, with cinematography by James Wong Howe and music by Elmer Bernstein. It was shot partly on the streets of New York, and it still feels like a movie made out of cigarette smoke, bad favors, and late night anxiety.

Then I move to Wise Guys (1986), a Brian De Palma comedy that feels a little odd in his filmography, which is part of what makes it interesting. Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo play low level mob guys who are useful until they are not. They run errands, take orders, and try to read the room, but the room keeps changing on them. Harvey Keitel, Dan Hedaya, Ray Sharkey, Frank Vincent, and Captain Lou Albano are all in the cast, which gives the movie a nice mix of mob movie faces and broad comedy. It is not De Palma in thriller mode, but you can still see his interest in people trapped inside systems they do not fully control.

The third recommendation is La Femme Nikita (1990), Luc Besson’s French action thriller about a young woman pulled into a government program that turns her into an assassin. The fixer here is not only one person. It is the whole structure around her. Tchéky Karyo’s Bob is part handler and part threat, someone who can seem kind while reminding Nikita that her new life is not really hers. Jeanne Moreau also appears as Amande, who helps shape Nikita into someone who can move through polite society while carrying a completely different life underneath. Anne Parillaud won the César Award for Best Actress for the role, and you can see why. She has to play the violence, the fear, and the strange sadness of someone being rebuilt for other people’s purposes.

The last movie is Pulp Fiction (1994), where Harvey Keitel’s Winston Wolf may be the cleanest example of this week’s theme. He arrives, assesses the problem, gives instructions, and leaves before the movie can turn him into something bigger. That is part of why the character works so well. He does not need a long backstory. He is there because somebody called the right number. The movie is full of people talking themselves into and out of danger, but Mr. Wolf is different. He does not talk around the problem. He handles it.

So this week, the shelf has a bitter New York classic, an oddball mob comedy, a French thriller, and one of the defining crime films of the 1990s. Four very different rentals, all built around people who know what to do when the situation has gone bad.

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As the 1960s rolled into the 1970s, something changed in Hollywood. Movies got bigger. Louder. More chaotic. And sometimes… they were a total disaster, in the best way possible.

These were practical, physical, dangerous productions, massive sets, real stunts, and ensemble casts packed with stars who weren’t guaranteed to make it to the end.

The disaster movie wasn’t born in the ’70s but it peaked there. Airplanes in crisis, cities collapsing, ships overturning, skyscrapers burning.

This week, my picks come from the golden age of disaster movies as we look at four of my favorite disaster movies that still hold up, and that showcase exactly why the 1970s did the disaster movies better than anyone else ever has.

Airport (1970)

Set over one snowbound night at a busy Chicago airport, Airport weaves together multiple storylines, an overworked airport manager, a conflicted pilot, strained relationships, and a desperate man with a dangerous plan. The tension builds gradually, before the larger stakes take hold.

What makes Airport work so well is it’s scale. Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, Jean Seberg, Helen Hayes, the cast is stacked with faces you may not know by name, but absolutely recognize. The movie treats its ensemble seriously, letting each storyline unfold without feeling forced.

It was a massive hit, one of the earliest true “blockbusters,” and set the template the entire decade would follow: big casts, grounded storytelling, and high-stakes tension.

Earthquake (1974)

Earthquake promised exactly what it delivered: the complete destruction of Los Angeles.

Centered in Los Angeles, the film introduces a wide range of characters, before unleashing a catastrophic quake that tears the city apart. Once it hits, the movie becomes pure spectacle: collapsing buildings, massive destruction, and survival stories unfolding in real time.

At the center is Charlton Heston, bringing his signature intensity to a man caught between personal turmoil and unfolding disaster. Around him is a deep ensemble cast, including familiar faces like George Kennedy, Lorne Green and Ava Gardner.

Earthquake was create as an event, not just it a movie, it was a physical experience. The filmmakers pioneered the shaker mount camera system to simulate realistic movement, and introduced Sensurround, blasting sub-audible bass through giant speakers so powerful they made seats (and sometimes ceiling tiles) vibrate.

The stunt work is amazing: real falls, real debris, real crashes.

In the midst of all the destruction, the personal stories carry real weight, making the survival (or loss) of characters more emotional than expected. It’s pure disaster chaos.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

Set aboard a luxury ocean liner on New Year’s Eve, the movie quickly turns into a survival story when a rogue wave capsizes the ship. The survivors must navigate an upside-down world, climbing their way through the wreckage in hopes of escape.

Led by Gene Hackman as a determined and unconventional preacher, the movie leans heavily into character dynamics. Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Jack Albertson, it’s another stacked cast, but no one is safe simply because they’re famous.

Relationships evolve, tensions flare, and every character has a purpose. The writing gives each person a distinct arc, making the journey feel and survival feel important. Add in a powerful score by John Williams, and you get one of the best disaster movies ever made.

The Towering Inferno (1974)

Set in the world’s tallest skyscraper during its grand opening, The Towering Inferno follows what happens when overlooked safety shortcuts turn into a full-scale catastrophe.

The film is powered by two Hollywood titans: Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Their dynamicm, one a no-nonsense fire chief, the other the building’s architect, gives the film a strong emotional core amid the chaos.

The practical effects and stunt work are relentless: real fire, real smoke, real danger. You can feel the heat.

It’s also one of the best examples of the genre’s ensemble storytelling—multiple perspectives, intersecting arcs, and constant tension. And once again, John Williams’ score gives you a movie that is epic and intense.

These movies hold up today because of the disaster but also the story telling.

They take their time. They let you meet the characters, understand their relationships, and invest in their outcomes. So when disaster strikes, it actually matters. And there’s no guarantee of survival, not even for the biggest stars.

Long before the term “blockbuster” became standard (thanks to Jaws), these films were already defining what that meant.

No matter which of these you choose, you’re guaranteed a movie night that’s anything but a disaster.

Until next time — be kind, rewind.

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Ghostbusters (1984)

We’re keeping it light and breezy to start this week’s show with Ghostbusters (1984). It’s a silly comedy with a healthy dose of spooky fun. Yes, our leading young guys are dressed as Ghostbusters, have their own proton packs, PKE Meters, and ghost traps to bust all the ghosts in the neighborhood. But what makes this an inspiration for Stranger Things season 2 is the haunted feeling our cast has during this season. And of course, Dustin catches a baby demogorgon with his ghost trap. What’s not to like about that?

Aliens (1986)

Next is the sequel to 1979’s Alien, Aliens, directed by James Cameron. This sci-fi action horror flick gives Stranger Things season 2 inspiration for its newest form of demogorgon, the demodog, as well as flamethrowers aplenty. Eleven is a mini-Sigourney Weaver in aesthetics and tenacity. And can we really trust Doc Owens if he is played by Paul Reiser, aka Burke from Aliens? Guess you’ll just have to watch Aliens and find out.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is the second example of a sequel that sticks the landing in today’s show, and truly, that’s why Stranger Things season 2 nods to it. As James Cameron sought to honor the original source material and give it a twist with Aliens, he does the same with Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The film turns expectations upside down, and that’s exactly what Stranger Things season 2 does! And for that reason, it’s worth watching the film to see what jumped to Stranger Things. You’ll be back for more!

The Exorcist (1973)

The final film I’ve got for you today is often called “The Scariest Movie of All Time,” 1973’s The Exorcist. And with good reason! This film’s final act inspires the Stranger Things season 2 finale’s final act as well. There are also certain parallels that can be drawn between Father Karras’ journey and Hopper’s journey to be a father. This is a really scary film, and it’s not for everyone, but it is a film that’s worth watching at least once.

Honorable Mentions

Go back and listen to Flack talk about Gremlins in his “I’m Dreaming of a Bloody Christmas” episode. I discussed Stand By Me in my “Film Friendships” show, which was visually referenced in the first two seasons of Stranger Things (and it won’t be the last time either). Flack talks on the Ozploitation genre in his “Ozploitation Cinema” episode, of which Mad Max is the most famous, which is where Max gets her gamer tag in the Dig Dug game. Finally, I would be beyond remiss if I failed to include the most obvious reference---Eleven, dressed as a ghost, begging to go out for Halloween, just like E. T. did in E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which I covered in my first installment of this series. There are loads more I could mention, but I’ll spare you that today. Come talk to me after hours if you want the full thesis dissertation.

Thanks again for joining us today on the Video Store Podcast. I must say, it’s pretty…b!t₵h1n’ of you to do so!

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Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast. It is a complete coincidence that today, on 4/20, I am taking a look at some of the best “stoner comedies” of all time. While I personally “just say no,” I like celebrating 4/20 my own way — by revisiting films that are “high”ly recommended.

In Up in Smoke (1978), Cheech and Chong’s first film, Pedro (Cheech Marin) picks up a hitchhiking “Man” (Tommy Chong) and the two of them spend the next 90 minutes criss-crossing both southern California and Mexico searching for increasingly strong strains of dope. Pulling material from their multiple gold and platinum comedy albums, Up in Smoke is considered to be the godfather of all stoner comedies.

Half Baked (1998), co-written by and starring Dave Chappelle, is considered to be the hand-off between two generations of stoners. In the film, lifelong stoners and best friends Thurgood Jenkins (Chappelle), Scarface, and Brian devise a plan to bail their bestie Kenny out of jail after he is arrested for accidentally murdering a police officer’s horse. Despite being considered a classic of the genre, Chappelle promptly and publicly disowned the film after its release due to changes Universal forcded him to make to the script. Featuring over a dozen comedians and musicians from Steven Wright and Jim Breuer to Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson, Half Baked remains a full classic.

Dazed and Confused (1993) takes place in 1976 on the last day of school in a small Texas town. This Richard Linkletter film follows dozens of students as they prepare to escape the confines of high school and enter adulthood, whether they have a plan in place or not. Similar to movies like American Graffiti and The Breakfast Club, Dazed and Confused is a coming of age story that reminds us regardless of a story’s setting, some high school experiences remain timeless. Dazed and Confused is better than okay; it’s “All right, all right, all right.”

In The Big Lebowski (1998) we learn what happens when thugs break into a man’s apartment, dunk his head into the toilet, demand money for unknown reasons, and relieve themselves on his rug — not just any run, but one that “really tied the room together, man.” The recipient of this injustice is “The Dude,” a laid-bac stoner who, with help from his bowling partners and friends Walter and Donny, discover the he — Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski — share a name with another, much richer business man. Convinced the “Big” Lebowski was the intended target of this break-in, the Dude is coaxed into confronting the Big Lebowski and demanding compensation for his damaged rug. Written and directed by the Coen Brothers (Raising Arizona, Fargo), before long The Dude (Jeff Bridges), Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi) have stumbled into a kidnapping for ransom plot that will leave one person missing a toe, one person dead, and a lot of people confused. A cult-classic where every scene is memorable and every line is quotable. Best watched with a White Russian in hand.

The Video Store would like to apologize for the snack bar being completely depleted this week. Someone must have had the munchies. If you’re like me and don’t, uh, “partake,” feel free to celebrate 4/20 with me by revisiting some of the best stoner movies of all time.

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Fantastic Voyage starts this set in an old-style studio style. Richard Fleischer directed it, Raquel Welch was still early in her career, and the movie ended up winning Academy Awards for art direction and special effects. Isaac Asimov wrote the novelization, which helped give the film an added layer of science fiction prestige even though the movie was not adapted from one of his earlier books. It is still one of those sixties films where the production design does a lot of the selling. You are watching people turn the inside of a human body into a full cinematic world, and they do it with real confidence.

The Incredible Shrinking Woman takes the same basic concept and pushes it toward satire. Lily Tomlin is the main reason to see it, and she is surrounded by exactly the kind of bright, slightly unreal suburban world that makes the jokes work. Jane Wagner wrote it, Joel Schumacher directed it, and the movie has a cast that includes Charles Grodin and Ned Beatty. There is also a nice eighties detail in the score, since Suzanne Ciani handled the music, which gives the film one more thing separating it from the older version of this idea. It is not the most famous title in this group, but it feels very specific to its moment, especially in the way it folds consumer culture and household products into the premise.

Innerspace may be the easiest recommendation here because it is so good at being funny, fast, and a little chaotic without losing track of the effects work. Joe Dante directed it, Dennis Quaid and Martin Short make a very good mismatch at the center, and the movie won the Academy Award for visual effects. This is one of those late eighties studio movies where the effects are both impressive and funny. It also has that Dante who has a habit of making a mainstream movie feel just a little off center. You can sense the touch of Industrial Light and Magic in the technical side, but it never turns into a dry demonstration reel.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a joy to watch. Joe Johnston made his live action directing debut with it, Rick Moranis is exactly right for the inventor at the center, and Disney turned a backyard into a full adventure landscape. It was a major hit, and for a while it stood as Disney’s highest grossing live action film. Part of what makes it hold up is that so much of it was built around practical effects, oversized sets, models, puppetry, and carefully staged perspective tricks. It also had Tummy Trouble attached in theaters, so for a lot of people there was a Roger Rabbit bonus built into the experience. That is a pretty good rental memory to have.

What I like about putting these four recommendations is that they show how flexible a shrinking movie can be. One plays it as a polished sixties science fiction trip. One turns it into satire. One uses it for special effects comedy with a little manic energy. One makes it into a family adventure that a lot of people probably first met on cable or VHS. Same basic hook, very different results. That is usually a good sign you have a real movie trope and not just a gimmick.

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The 1990s were a golden age for legal dramas and comedies.

we’re stepping into the courtroom with four unforgettable films that deliver everything from shocking twists to laugh-out-loud moments.

Whether you’re here for high-stakes drama or sharp-witted comedy, consider this your jury duty… and trust me, you won’t want to skip out on this one.

Primal Fear (1996)

Primal Fear is the kind of legal thriller that pulls you in immediately and refuses to let go. Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a slick Chicago defense attorney who thrives on high‑profile cases and the media attention. When an altar boy is accused of murdering a beloved archbishop, Vail jumps in only to find himself tangled in a case far more complex than he ever expected.

The real revelation is Edward Norton in his breakout role as Aaron, the timid young defendant at the center of the storm. Norton brings a layered, unsettling vulnerability to the character. Gere, leans into the arrogance and charm that make Vail both magnetic and infuriating.

Primal Fear endure is one of the decade’s most satisfying legal thrillers, and a reminder of how thrilling a courtroom can be when the truth is anything but clear.

A Time to Kill (1996)

John Grisham adaptations were everywhere in the 90s, but A Time to Kill stands out as it questions justice, morality, and race in the South. Set in Mississippi, the story follows small‑town lawyer Jake Brigance as he defends Carl Lee Hailey, a man whose actions, while undeniably violent, raise difficult questions about justice and retribution. The case ignites racial tensions, draws the attention of the Ku Klux Klan, and pushes Jake into a fight that threatens his career, his safety, and his family.

The cast is stacked: Matthew McConaughey in his first major leading role, Samuel L. Jackson delivering one of his best performances, and supporting roles from Sandra Bullock, Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Spacey, and more.

A Time to Kill doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, instead forcing both the characters and the audience to wrestle with them. The courtroom scenes are gripping, culminating in one of the most memorable closing arguments of the decade.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

When two New York college students are mistakenly arrested for murder in rural Alabama, they call in the only lawyer they know: Vinny Gambini, a loud‑mouthed, inexperienced personal‑injury attorney from Brooklyn.

Joe Pesci is perfect as Vinny, blending New York swagger, frustration, and surprising competence as he fumbles his way through Southern etiquette and courtroom procedure. But it’s Marisa Tomei who steals the show as Vinny’s Fiancée Mona Lisa.

My Cousin Vinny is a perfect blend of comedy and courtroom drama. Behind the laughs is a a smart, well‑constructed legal story. It’s a comedy that still holds up today because the writing is strong, the characters are unforgettable, and the laughs come naturally. It’s a true 90s classic.

A Few Good Men (1992)

“You can’t handle the truth!”

A Few Good Men is a military courtroom drama focusing on the trial of two Marines accused in a death that may be tied to orders from higher up the chain of command.

What starts as a seemingly straightforward defense case evolves into a gripping examination of authority, duty, and moral responsibility.

The cast is packed with top Hollywood stars: Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Pollak, and of course Jack Nicholson as the formidable Colonel Jessup.

It’s a masterclass in building tension, culminating in some of the most iconic courtroom moments ever put on screen.

Decades later, it remains one of the genre’s defining films, and a must‑watch for anyone who loves a good legal showdown.

Closing Arguments

From twist‑filled thrillers to laugh‑out‑loud courtroom chaos, these four films show just how powerful courtroom movies can be. The 90s didn’t just deliver great legal dramas, they gave us some of the most rewatchable, quote-worthy, and thought-provoking films of the era.

The jury may still be out on which one is the best, but all four are absolutely guilty of being endlessly rewatchable.

Until next time — be kind, rewind.

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First up is 1980’s The Private Eyes starring Don Knotts and Tim Conway as investigators from Scotland Yard sent to investigate the murders of Lord and Lady Morley after being contacted by… Lord Morley? It’s a race against time as the mansion’s staff, all of whom are suspects, are being killed faster than they can be interviewed. The Private Eyes was part of the resurgence of “darl house” movies we saw in the 1970s and 1980s that included Murder by Death, Clue, and Haunted Honeymoon.

Next is 1981’s Under the Rainbow, a film that did terribly at the box office but found a second life on cable television. When a German spy (who happens to be a little person) and a Japanese spy (disguised as a tourist) make plans to exchange secrets at a hotel, they never could have predicted that the location would be overrun by all the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz along with an entire busload of Japanese tourists! Chevy Chase once called this film “the worst film ever made” while Carrie Fisher simply said it was “the worst film I ever made.” They can say what they want; this slapstick comedy always puts a smile on my face.

In 1989’s Loveryboy, Randy picks up a job delivering pizza while serving extra anchovies and a slice of love to a growing list of female customers. As someone who delivered pizzas in college I can tell you all of us dreamed that someday we wold get a delivery for “extra anchovies.” Loverboy was one of four films Patrick Dempsey starred in during the 1980s and 1990s before going on to become “McDreamy” later on Gray’s Anatomy. Featuring Carrie Fisher, Kirstie Alley, and lots and lots of anchovies.

Our final film this week is 1986’s Back to School. When millionaure Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) discovers his son Jason has lost interest in college, he agrees to enroll himself so that the two of them can become freshmen together. Thornton gets accepted into college after making a large donation, sends his personal secretary to classes for him to take notes, has a staff of employees doing his homework and spends most of his nights partying. Both father and son eventually learn that money can’t buy everything — not pride, respect, or love.

What are your favorite “feel good” movies? Let me know in the comments!

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Fast Times at Ridgemont High, from 1982, is a good example. The soundtrack album came out that July, and Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby” reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, so the movie clearly had a connection to what people were hearing at the time. There was also some push and pull behind the scenes. Amy Heckerling later said some of the music choices reflected producer pressure as much as her own sense of the characters, which only makes the film feel more like a real snapshot of the early 1980s.

Purple Rain, from 1984, is an even stronger case, because the movie and soundtrack are almost impossible to separate. The album came out on June 25, 1984. “When Doves Cry” was released in May, and “Let’s Go Crazy” followed in July, so the film reached theaters with Prince already dominating the culture around it. I also like that “When Doves Cry” came out of a specific request from director Albert Magnoli. It was not just a Prince song sitting around waiting to be used. It was part of the movie as it was taking shape.

Less Than Zero, works a little differently. People do not usually talk about its soundtrack with the same reverence, but it was still very plugged into late 1987. The Bangles recorded “Hazy Shade of Winter” for the film, and it went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, which gave the soundtrack real chart power. The rest of the album also feels very rooted in its time, with Rick Rubin producing and artists like LL Cool J and Public Enemy sharing space with a sharper, louder Simon and Garfunkel cover. It really feels like a late 1987 attempt to pull different parts of current music into one package.

Then there is Singles, from 1992, which may be the best example here of a soundtrack capturing a scene while it was still happening. The album came out on June 30, 1992, a few months before the movie opened, and it included Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, along with Paul Westerberg, who also worked on the score. Cameron Crowe later called it more of an anti soundtrack, basically a souvenir of that scene instead of a tidy album built to sum up the movie. That feels right to me. It was not trying to seem current. It actually was current. Even the gap between the album release and the film helped give it that feeling.

So that is the set this week. Four movies, four different kinds of soundtrack success, and four reminders that music can tie a film to its moment just as much as clothes, locations, or dialogue can. One caught the early 1980s world of radio and mall record stores. One became a hit album right alongside the movie. One used a major single to help define its identity. One caught a local scene before it had even settled into history. Those are the kinds of rentals I always like talking about, movies that bring back not just the film, but the moment when it first showed up.

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It’s March, the snow is slowly melting, and the world is turning green. Everywhere you look, stores are pushing the same movies about leprechauns and four-leaf clovers.

I’m here to give you a break from the lucky charms and offer up four different movies for the green spring season.

Soylent Green (1973)

Set in a crowded, overheated dystopian future, Soylent Green follows New York City detective Robert Thorn as he investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman. By 2022, the world has been pushed to the edge by overpopulation, pollution, and food shortages. Most people survive on processed food rations distributed by the powerful Soylent Corporation: Soylent Yellow, Soylent Red, and their new product, Soylent Green.

As the investigation unfolds, Thorn uncovers a conspiracy that reveals the shocking truth behind Soylent Green and reaches the highest levels of the Soylent Corporation.

If you like classic 1970s science fiction with a darker edge and big ideas about the future, this one is for you.

The Emerald Forest (1985)

The Emerald Forest tells the story of a young boy, Tommy, who disappears while his father is working on a massive dam project in the Amazon rainforest. Bill Markham spends the next decade searching for his son, traveling deeper into the jungle and encountering the indigenous tribes who call the forest home.

It’s a story of love, loss, and hope set against the lush green backdrop of the Amazon rainforest.

If you’re in the mood for an adventure that feels different from the usual Hollywood formula, this one is worth pulling off the shelf.

Romancing the Stone (1984)

Romancing the Stone is often labeled an “Indiana Jones clone,” even though the script was written two years before Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Romance novelist Joan Wilder is suddenly pulled into a real adventure when her sister is kidnapped in Colombia. To save her, Joan must deliver a mysterious treasure map deep into the jungle. What follows is a fast-moving adventure filled with treasure hunters, narrow escapes, and an unlikely partnership with a rugged fortune hunter.

Much of the film takes place in the thick green jungles of South America, where the landscape becomes just as important as the story. The lush setting adds a sense of danger and excitement as the characters try to stay one step ahead of the people chasing the same treasure, a priceless emerald

Romancing the Stone is pure 80s adventure fun. If you like action, humor, and a little romance, this is an easy choice for movie night.

The Green Mile (1999)

The Green Mile takes place inside a prison during the Great Depression and follows a group of guards who oversee death row. The story centers on John Coffey, a kind, imposing inmate who arrives with a mysterious presence and an unexpected gentleness.

The “green mile” is the nickname given to the stretch of green linoleum floor that prisoners walk on their way to the execution chamber. Over time, the guards realize the man walking the Green Mile possesses something extraordinary, turning a routine prison job into a powerful story about compassion, redemption, and humanity.

Settle in for this epic. It’s a powerful, character-driven story that blends drama, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.

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The Rescuers (1977)

First up is the underrated Disney classic, The Rescuers from 1977. Bianca and Bernard are sent from the Rescue Aid Society to save Penny, an orphan girl held captive by the evil Madam Medusa, who is hunting for the Devil’s Eye, an enormous diamond in a small cave that’s only big enough for a small girl to get into. Can they save her? You’ll have to watch The Rescuers to find out.

Pete’s Dragon (1977)

Combining live-action with animated sequences, Pete’s Dragon from 1977 made 5-year-old me believe that I could become friends with my favorite cartoon characters. Jane’s work on this film carries over to another film that her own animation company helped produce in 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

A vastly underrated and unsung Disney classic from 1986, The Great Mouse Detective is an adaptation of the book series of the same name. Basil of Baker Street must stop the nefarious Professor Rattigan from taking out the Queen and becoming the royal consort of all mousedom. This film is notable for its gorgeous styling and performance from Vincent Price as Professor Rattigan.

The Prince and the Pauper (1990)

Finally, we look at a lesser-known Disney short, The Prince and the Pauper, based on the Mark Twain story of the same name. This short features Mickey as both the titular Prince and Pauper, and was produced with the aid of Jane’s production company, Baer Animation.

For these films, as well as many more, we lift our glasses and bowls of popcorn in honor of Jane Baer’s life and work.

Happy Women’s History Month, and thanks for joining us here at the Video Store Podcast.

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Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Directed by Don Chaffey and brought to life by the stop motion work of Ray Harryhausen, this remains the standard for mythological adventure on film.

The skeleton fight is still the showcase. Harryhausen animated seven sword fighting skeletons by hand, frame by frame, matching choreography that had already been filmed with live actors. It took months to complete just a few minutes of screen time. The patience shows. The movement has weight and timing that still feels precise.

There is also Talos, the bronze giant, who creaks to life in a way that feels mechanical and ancient at the same time. No digital polish. Just careful craft. The film was not a major hit in 1963, but it built its reputation through television airings and revival screenings. Filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have pointed to it as an influence.

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Nearly twenty years later, Harryhausen returned for what would be his final feature. Released in 1981, the same summer as Raiders of the Lost Ark, it feels like a bridge between eras.

Medusa is the standout. Instead of legs she has a serpentine body, and the sequence plays almost like a horror film, full of shadow and flickering light. Harryhausen again handled the creature effects himself, at a time when optical and early digital techniques were starting to change the industry.

The cast gives the film a formal tone. Laurence Olivier plays Zeus and Maggie Smith appears as Thetis. There is also Bubo, the small mechanical owl added after the success of Star Wars. Even at the time some viewers were unsure about that addition. It says a lot about where fantasy films were headed in the early 1980s.

Hercules (1983)

Directed by Luigi Cozzi and starring Lou Ferrigno, this version of Hercules leans into spectacle in a way that is sometimes baffling and sometimes charming.

Ferrigno had already been known for playing the Hulk on television, so casting him as Hercules made sense on a physical level. The film itself mixes Greek myth with science fiction imagery, including cosmic visuals and creatures that feel closer to Italian fantasy cinema than to Homer.

It was part of a cycle of sword and sandal films in the early 1980s, many of them international co productions designed for global markets. The effects are uneven, but there is sincerity here. It commits to its vision without irony.

The Odyssey (1997)

Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky and starring Armand Assante, this two part television adaptation aired in 1997 as an event production.

The format allows it to cover more of the journey than most feature films attempt. The Cyclops sequence and the Sirens episode stand out, helped by visual effects that were ambitious for network television at the time. The production won an Emmy for visual effects and reflects a brief period when large scale myth adaptations were being mounted for prime time audiences.

Watching it now, you can see both its limits and its effort. It wants to treat the source material seriously, without reducing it to spectacle alone.

Taken together, these films show how the same source material can shift with the era. Stop motion craft in the 1960s. Transitional fantasy in the early 1980s. International genre filmmaking. Large scale television in the 1990s.

When Nolan releases his Odyssey, it will enter a long line of attempts to translate these myths into something contemporary. Revisiting these earlier versions is a way to see how each generation solved the same problem with different tools.

They are worth tracking down. Not because they are perfect, but because each one reflects a moment when someone decided these ancient stories were still worth staging carefully.

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So, while Team USA fights for gold, I figured: what better way to get into the Olympic spirit than by watching some great movies inspired by the Winter Games? Each of these films highlights the grind to reach the Olympics and the agony and ecstasy of chasing greatness.

Downhill Racer (1969)

We begin on the slopes with Downhill Racer, a character‑driven drama following American skier David Chappellet, a talented athlete desperate to earn his spot on the U.S. Olympic Ski Team. As he competes across Europe, David’s single‑minded obsession puts him at odds with teammates and coaches, but no one can deny his raw ability.

What makes Downhill Racer special is the realism and the psychology of ambition. The ski sequences are exhilarating, especially the first‑person shots barreling down European slopes. Those sequences alone are worth watching.

It’s a portrait of the cost of obsession and how the Olympic dream can consume a person.

The Cutting Edge (1992)

The Cutting Edge gives us a nice blend of rom‑com energy and Olympic ambition.

The movie opens at the 1988 Winter Olympics, where both main characters suffer devastating losses. Hockey star Doug Dorsey takes a blow to the head that ends his career. Figure skater Kate Moseley is dropped by her skating partner, ending her gold‑medal hopes.

Two years later, training for the 1992 Games, Kate and Doug team up out of necessity and desperation.

Doug’s rough‑around‑the‑edges hockey mentality smashes directly into Kate’s icy perfectionism. But as they train through long hours and grueling routines, their hostility slowly melts into respect, then friendship, then something more.

Cool Runnings (1993)

Cool Runnings tells the incredible true(ish) story of the first Jamaican bobsled team, a group of sprinters from a tropical island who dared to chase a Winter Olympics dream.

When sprinter Derice Bannock fails to qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics, he discovers that legendary and disgraced bobsledder Irving Blitzer once tried to form a Jamaican sled team. Determined to get to the Olympics any way he can, Derice recruits Blitzer to train a team for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Cool Runnings is a pure feel‑good movie, an underdog tale that radiates joy.It’s impossible to watch this movie without smiling. It’s comedy, heart, and Olympic determination all rolled into one.

Miracle (2004)

Miracle retells the iconic story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, one of the greatest underdog victories in sports history. At the center is legendary coach Herb Brooks

Brooks assembles a roster of young college players, not the most talented individuals, but the ones who will form the best team. He trains them relentlessly, reshapes their mindset and prepares them specifically to confront the Soviet Union, the unstoppable powerhouse of global hockey.

The final act recreates the legendary “Miracle on Ice” that stunned the world. Even if you know the outcome, the film delivers tension and suspense.

Miracle is more than a sports movie. It’s about grit, unity, sacrifice and the belief that a group of ordinary people can achieve something extraordinary.

Those are my picks for the Winter Olympic movie marathon, four films that capture the heart, struggle and triumph of the Games. They showcase the sacrifices athletes make, the hours of training, the impossible odds, and the pure joy of victory. They also deliver everything you want in a movie night: drama, laughs, and underdogs worth cheering for.

Enjoy the Games and enjoy the movies.

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Valentine’s Day is a holiday, so of course, I’m talking Valentine’s Day specials on this week’s Video Store Podcast. I’ve picked four specials for the staff picks wall this week that I think everyone should watch this time of year. These specials either make me laugh, have a different flavor than you might expect for a Valentine’s Day special, and one that actually changed popular culture. Grab that heart-shaped box of candy and let’s settle in for these specials.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975)

First up is Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. This is an underrated classic in the Peanuts special canon. The Peanuts gang is getting ready to celebrate the holiday that feels to me, just like elementary school. There’s a Valentine’s Day party, unrequited love, making homemade Valentine’s cards, and more. Plus, you’ve got a wonderful score from Vince Guaraldi, and with the main theme being the “Heartburn Waltz,” what’s not to like? Look for it in the Peanuts section.

A Charlie Brown Valentine (2002)

This is one of the “new” Peanuts specials that I think is worth your time. A Charlie Brown Valentine focuses on Charlie Brown trying to muster the courage to talk to the Little Red-Haired Girl and tell her how he feels. But simultaneously, both Marcie and Peppermint Patty are interested in Charlie Brown and would like him to be their Valentine! Miscommunication, obliviousness, and Charlie Brown’s classic wishy-washy attitude make this a fun special. There are segments that make me laugh out loud every time I watch, so I think you’ll have a good time with this one. Look for it in the Peanuts section.

The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine (1982)

For a deep cut Valentine’s Day special, I’ve selected The Berenstain Bears’ Comic Valentine, which aired on February 13, 1982, on NBC. This is the fourth of five Berenstain Bears specials produced for NBC from 1979 - 1983. In this special, Brother Bear has a championship hockey game coming up. He’s focused on getting ready for the game, but Valentine’s Day is coming up, too. He starts received Valentine’s from his Secret Admirer, Honey Bear. Brother doesn’t know a Honey Bear, so all he can do is speculate. Meanwhile, Papa Bear is looking for a way to show Mama Bear just how much he cares, and Sister gets into the Valentine’s Day spirit, looking to send Valentines to everyone, including the giant, Big Paw up on the Mountain. Will Brother figure out who his secret admirer is in time for Valentine’s Day? Grab this one from the animation section to find out.

Parks and Recreation season 2 episode 16 “Galentine’s Day”

Ovaries before brovaries, uteruses before duderuses, it all starts here with “Galentine’s Day” from Parks and Recreation season 2. This episode, which aired on February 11, 2010, added a new pop culture holiday and gave the Valentine’s Day season a little more fun. Gather your best gals and join me on the couch for this all-time great from one of the greatest comedies on television, you brilliant, powerful musk ox.

From all of us here at the Video Store Podcast, we hope you have a safe and happy Valentine’s Day.

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If you’ve been snowed in thanks to last week’s winter storm, you’re not alone. The entire parking lot of our Video Store is covered with three feet of snow. I’ve been stuck here for three days, living off of popcorn, Hot Tamales candy, and Red Bull. You and I are not the only ones completely snowed in — so were the characters in these films. I say “were” because not everyone makes it to the end of their respective films. In fact, almost no one does. Warm up the cocoa, turn on the fireplace, and enjoy these four films in which people got snowed in.

Snowbeast (1977)

The Colorado ski resort in this film has everything guests could ever want, and one thing they don’t want: a murderous Yeti. With a plot that closely mirrors Jaws, guests and locals do their best to warn others of the two-legged beast while the owners of the resort do their best to downplay the danger. Once the bodies start piling up there’s nothing left to do but to track down the Snowbeast… before it tracks them down! Sure, this is basically Jaws with a killer Yeti instead of a killer shark, which is exactly why I love it.

Screams of a Winter Night (1979)

If you’re a sucker for horror anthology films, this one’s a slow 70s burn with more atmosphere than blood. When a group of young adults become snowed in while staying in a winter cabin, they exchange stories — three, to be exact — in an attempt to entertain (and more importantly, scare) their friends. It’s all fun and games until the Native American spirit known as Shataba arrives at the cabin. This deep cut is worth a watch for fans of anthology films and brooding 70s horror.

Terror Train (1980)

It’s New Year’s Eve and a group of college graduates are throwing a costume party on a train. Everyone’s there — the graduates, David Copperfield (no, really), and Kenny, a former classmate whom the group pranked years ago, leaving him in an apparently bad state of mind. Fresh out of Halloween, it’s up to Jamie Lee Curtis, her friends, the train’s conductor and yes, David Copperfield, to put an end to Kenny’s rage-filled rampage. But which costume is Kenny wearing? Only his victims know for sure. Come for the magic show, stay to see the audience disappear one by one.

Iced (1989)

If we’ve learned anything from 1980s slasher films it’s to politely decline anonymous invitations to stay at a cabin or resort for free. The characters of Iced learn that lesson the hard way. Four years after the group’s friend Jeff skied over the side of a cliff after being humiliated by his friends, the group find receive anonymous invitations to stay at the Snow Peak ski resort. Once they arrive it seems Jeff may be there too, based on the number of bodies that begin piling up. Featuring all the classic misdirection and creative deaths we came to expect from an 80s slasher film.

The snow is starting to melt in the parking lot. Soon, all this white stuff will be a memory but these films will stick with you for years to come. You may actually need therapy to forget them.

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Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

James Whale treats the sequel as a chance to reshape the story rather than extend it. The film is openly stylized, emotionally direct, and comfortable mixing humor with unease. Elsa Lanchester appearing as both Mary Shelley and the Bride signals how self aware the film is from the start. At just over an hour it wastes nothing, and every choice feels deliberate. Universal horror rarely let directors put this much personality on screen, which makes it stand out even now.

Psycho II (1983)

Instead of chasing shock, this film focuses on Norman Bates after years of confinement. Anthony Perkins plays him with restraint and patience, letting the tension come from uncertainty rather than spectacle. The movie also knows the audience brings baggage with them, and it uses that knowledge carefully. Released at a time when many horror sequels went broader, this one went inward.

The Color of Money (1986)

Paul Newman returns to Fast Eddie Felson as someone shaped by time and compromise. Martin Scorsese treats The Hustler as history, not a template to be copied. The film is about pride, mentorship, and what it means to keep competing when winning is no longer simple. Newman earned his Oscar here, and it feels tied to the character’s accumulated weight rather than a single performance beat.

Gremlins 2 The New Batch (1990)

Joe Dante uses the sequel to tear the whole idea apart. The film is packed with effects, jokes, and commentary, and it never pauses to justify itself. It openly mocks sequels, corporate culture, and even the audience’s expectations. The commitment is total, and that confidence is why it works.

These four films do not share a tone, a genre, or a strategy. What they share is clarity. Each one knows why it exists and what it wants to explore next. That is what makes them worth renting again, not as curiosities, but as examples of sequels that made real successful choices.

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I’ve been watching a lot of football lately. College bowl games are on just about every night and the NFL playoffs are in full swing.

Really the only thing better than watching a football game is watching a movie about football and there are some great ones to watch.

This week on the Video Store Podcast, I’m spotlighting four movies about football.

These are football movies where the game matters but the real story happens off the field. It’s about making tough choices, challenging authority and forging character.

Necessary Roughness (1991)

Necessary Roughness is a comedy straight from the ‘90s, starring Scott Bakula, Hector Elizondo, Sinbad and Kathy Ireland.

The Texas State Armadillos have repeatedly violated NCAA rules and the entire football is banned from playing. New coach Ed “Straight Arrow” Gennero is tasked with fielding a new team with no scholarships and no support.

Gennero pieces together a misfit team with more heart than talent. Eventually they come together and take on the cross state rivals, Texas Colts.

We Are Marshall (2006)

What do you do when the unthinkable happens?

In 1970, a plane carry the Marshall University football team crashes killing all 37 players and coaches on board.

Stricken with grief the University decides to rebuild the team and hires coach Jack Lengyel for the impossible task.

Through grit, determination and sorrow the Marshall Thundering Herd football team takes the field to honor the lost players.

Johnny Be Good (1988)

Johnny Be Good is a late 80s coming-of-age comedy.

Johnny Walker is the most wanted high school quarterback in the country and college recruiters will do anything to land him.

The movie takes an satirical and exaggerated look at college recruiting practices of the 80s.

It’s a movie about integrity, self-respect and choosing your own path, no matter the cost.

All The Right Moves (1983)

Trapped in a dead-end, go-nowhere town Stefan Djordjevic’s only hope is a football scholarship to college but clashes with his controlling coach make that dream seem impossible.

Stefan watches as his friends go down the wrong path and their dreams fade away. His talent propels him but his ego keeps getting in the way.

Through humility and respect Stefan realizes he must make All the Right Moves to succeed.

Thanks for visiting the Video Store Podcast. I hope you enjoy the movies whether you’re watching them for the first time or rediscovering them all over again.

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E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

One of the biggest films of the 1980s and an inspiration for Stranger Things is Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison’s iconic film, E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Capturing wonder, fear, and warmth so well, this is a film whose influence was felt well into the 90s. Stranger Things draws aesthetic inspiration from E. T. while also pulling from its fish-out-of-water story.

Scanners (1981)

David Cronenberg’s cult sci-fi horror film, Scanners, is another point of inspiration for The Duffer Brothers. This film about psychics, scientific intrigue, and political power serves as an inspirational palette of ideas for Stranger Things that the Duffers have inverted, mashed up, and made their own. This is a film that also has a great influence on the later seasons of Stranger Things, but we’ll cover those when we get there.

Halloween (1978)

This is the film that really caused the slasher genre to take off, but John Carpenter’s first massive success also gives Stranger Things a good bit of its aesthetics. From monster-in-shadow cinematography to several meta uses of John Carpenter’s work, Halloween has its fingerprints on Stranger Things.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Perhaps the greatest influence on Stranger Things’ aesthetic and storytelling is Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. With two Nancys, two jocks with a baseball bat, and more things that won’t even show up until later seasons of the series, A Nightmare on Elm Street has invaded the minds of the Duffer Brothers.

Honorable Mentions

Stranger Things draws inspiration from so many films that we love here at the Video Store that we’ve already covered them on previous episodes! Check out my coverage of both versions of It in my Summer of Stephen King and Not Quite Retro episodes. Flack talked about John Carpenter’s The Thing in his Halloween Spirit episode. I discussed Stand By Me in my Film Friendships show, Alien in my Wonder Women episode, and Jaws in my Summer Spookies show.

Thanks for joining us here at the Video Store Podcast for these strange, but familiar films. We hope you enjoy our selections this week. Oh, and that flashing lightbulb? Must just be a short. We’ll change it out later.

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In Ants! (1977), construction foreman Mike carr (Robert Foxworth) teams up with Valerie (Lynda Day George) to save vacationers staying at the ritzy Lakewood Manor from a angry swarm of angry ants empowered by pesticide the resort has been pumping into the ground. Featuring Suzanne Somers, Bernie Casey, and millions of ants.

In Squirm (1976), and army features of carnivorous earthworms attack a Georgia town after being awakened by electricity. At first New York City visitor Mick is accused of pranking town locals, but when citizens become worm-food, the town must come together to take on these slimy screaming squirmers. Featuring amazing practical effects and worms that bite.

You may have seen rats in the subway before, but you’ve never seen any like the ones in 1982’s Deadly Eyes. After snacking on steroid-induced grain, the dog-sized rats in this film (portrayed by Dachshunds in rat costumes with the occasional puppet) waste little time in escaping the subway and taking down old people and Scatman Crothers (!). A college basketball coach must team up with a local health inspector to destroy the infestation before they ruin the town’s debut of a new subway line. Bad timing! Featuring tons of 80s teens and one unfortunately unwatched toddler. Directed by the same man who directed Enter the Dragon and Game of Death, Deadly Eyes offers rabid rodent action.

1981’s Roar was one of the most dangerous movies ever made. The film featuring an all-star cast including real-life husband and wife Noel Marshall and Tippi Hedren (The Birds), their three teenage children including Melanie Griffith, and 150 untrained large cats including lions, tigers, cheetahs, and panthers. The movie took five years to film and before it wrapped, every actor and more than a dozen crew members had received major injuries. The co-producer required 120 stitches to reattach his scalp, Tippi Hedren received 38 stiches after being bitten in the head (and later fractured her leg after being thrown from an elephant), and Melanie Griffith was bitten so badly she required facial reconstruction surgery. The film, which has been referred to as the most expensive home movie ever made, cost $17 million to make and earned less than $2 million in theaters. While all the actors survived the filming, not all of the animals did. One of the most bizarre, bonkers, and horrifying things ever captured on film.

I hope you do not have to face killer ants, carnivorous worms, or hungry lions in 2026, but in whatever you face I hope you can find the inner strength the protagonists in these films managed to muster!

Twins from 1988 was the real pivot point. Ivan Reitman directed, pairing Arnold Schwarzenegger with Danny DeVito, which on paper felt like a gag and ended up working better than expected. It was one of the first times Schwarzenegger played openly against his screen image instead of reinforcing it. The film was also a financial gamble that paid off. Rather than taking a traditional salary, the main players took a share of the profits, which turned into one of the most lucrative deals of the era. It also helped normalize the idea that Schwarzenegger could carry a comedy without winking at the audience the whole time.

Kindergarten Cop followed in 1990 and again teamed Schwarzenegger with Reitman. This one leans harder into contrast, placing a very rigid screen presence into a setting that refuses to bend to it. The child actors are doing a lot of the real work here, and the movie wisely lets them. It was shot largely in Oregon (Goonies country!), which gives it a look that stands apart from a lot of studio comedies of the period. Just his second comedy leading role and the formula is obvious, but it still had enough care put into it to feel earned rather than lazy.

Junior arrived in 1994 and is probably the strangest entry in this group. It brings back Reitman, DeVito, and adds Emma Thompson, who plays it straight in a way that grounds the movie more than it probably deserves. This was one of the last times Schwarzenegger leaned fully into this specific style of high concept studio comedy. The visual effects were handled with restraint, and the film relies more on performance than spectacle, which makes it feel smaller and more controlled than its premise suggests.

Jingle All the Way from 1996 closes things out and feels very much of its moment. Directed by Brian Levant, it leans into consumer anxiety, holiday chaos, and the late nineteen nineties obsession with must-have toys. Sinbad is a big part of why the movie works at all, pushing against Schwarzenegger in a way that keeps the energy up. It was not especially well reviewed at the time, but it has stuck around in a way many similar holiday comedies did not. It also marks the end of this particular run, before audience tastes and Schwarzenegger’s career both shifted again.

Taken together, these four movies show a very specific window when studios were comfortable reshaping a major star’s image and audiences went along with it. They were reliable rentals, easy recommendations, and the kind of movies that people discovered out of order on VHS or on cable.

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Welcome to the Video Store Podcast.

It’s Christmas movie season but not everyone wants peppermint sweetness and cozy small-town charm. Some of us want our holiday movies filled with explosions, heists and a whole lot of chaos.

This week on the Video Store Podcast, I’m spotlighting four Christmas movies that trade twinkling lights for trouble.

Reindeer Games (2000)

Reindeer Games is a crime thriller set days before Christmas. When Rudy Duncan (Ben Affleck) is released from prison his only goal is to get home for Christmas. But when his cell-mate dies, Rudy steps into the man’s shoes to meet his mysterious and beautiful pen pal, Ashley (Charlize Theron).

One bad decision later and Rudy is trapped in a violent casino-robbery plot run by Ashley’s unstable “brother,” Gabriel (Gary Sinise). With no options, Rudy is forced deeper into the operation and nothing is what it seems as alliances shift and lies are uncovered.

Reindeer Games brings crime, plot twists and holiday mayhem together in one memorable movie.

Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton’s Batman Returns is set against a dark, gothic backdrop of Gotham City during the Christmas season. Batman Returns introduces two iconic villains who become the city’s newest threats.

The first is Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin, a physically deformed man who was abandoned by his wealthy parents and raised in the city’s sewers by penguins. The second is Selina Kyle, Catwoman, pushed to her limit by evil businessman Max Shreck.

Michelle Pfeiffer is the definitive Catwoman, seductive, broken and electric in every frame. Danny DeVito’s Penguin is a grotesque and disfigured man, a departure from the comics. Christopher Walken adds a sinister element as the businessman Max Shreck.

Tim Burton’s vision partnered with Danny Elfman’s haunting score creates a mesmerizing Christmas classic set in Gotham City.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Samantha Caine (Geena Davis) lives a quiet life as a schoolteacher until a car crash triggers memories of her past life as a deadly government assassin.

Samantha hires private detective Mitch Hennessey (Samuel L. Jackson) to help her uncover her past and together they set out to find the truth. Their adventure is full of gunfights, treachery, and some of the best buddy-dynamic chemistry of the ’90s. Davis transforms from warm suburban mom to hard-boiled operative with shocking believability and Jackson delivers one of his funniest, most charismatic roles.

Written by Shane Black and directed by Renny Harlin, The Long Kiss Goodnight mixes holiday atmosphere with espionage to create one of the 90’s most underrated action movies.

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Lethal Weapon redefined the buddy-cop genre and set the standard for all future buddy-cop movies. Set at Christmastime in Los Angeles, the movie pairs veteran detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) with newcomer Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson). Their investigation into a young woman’s suspicious death spirals into a violent clash with drug traffickers and the psychotic Mr. Joshua (Gary Busey).

Lethal Weapon is full of heart, which is what you want in a Christmas movie. Riggs who is spiraling out of control from grief and Murtaugh, a grounded family man, form a bond that is convincing from start to finish.

Also written by Shane Black, Hollywood’s king of Christmas action movies and directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon blends holiday themes with explosive action, dark humor, and iconic one-liners. Lethal Weapon is on of my favorite Christmas action movies.

If you’re looking for Christmas movies that are filled with action, these four belong at the top of your December movie list.

Thanks for visiting the Video Store. Have a great New Year!

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Cricket on the Hearth (1967)

Starring Danny and Marlo Thomas as father/daughter duo Caleb and Bertha, this is a heartwarming adaptation of a lesser-known Charles Dickens Christmas classic. This special has great tunes, and the titular cricket, Cricket Crocket, is voiced by brilliant character actor Roddy McDowall. This special also features the talents of Ed Ames, Hans Conried, Paul Frees, and singer Abbe Lane.

The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (1975)

Can a young orphaned shepherd boy find a new home and still keep his sheep? This special is notable for its beautiful animation, songs, and stars the late, great Angela Lansbury as Sister Theresa. Cozy up under a wool blanket and with some wool socks, and join us for this lesser-known Christmas special.

The Stingiest Man in Town (1978)

Based on the stage musical of the same name, this is an animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ iconic novela, A Christmas Carol. This animated musical features the talents of Walter Matthau as Scrooge, Tom Bosley as B. A. H. Humbug, our insect narrator, voice acting legend Paul Frees as the ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, among others. The music in this special is top-tier, so be sure to check it out, especially if you love a song and dance number in your holiday specials.

Jack Frost (1979)

This iconic mythologizing of this winter sprite, Jack Frost, is a fish-out-of-water tale as Jack learns to be human. Can he win the heart of the girl he loves and remain human? This is a special with catchy tunes and loads of fun. You’ll feel a chill in the air, but warmth in your heart.

Thanks again for joining us at the Video Store Podcast. From all of us, to all of you, have a safe and happy holiday season.

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A Dream Called Walt Disney World from 1981 is the first tape on the pile. It is a friendly tour of the resort at a moment when the whole property still felt wide open. You get long looks at early Magic Kingdom walkways and enough hotel footage to remind you of how new everything once was. The narration has that calm voice that Disney liked to use in this era. It is the kind of tape you might put on after a long day just to let the music and visuals calm you down. I used to rewind certain parts just to capture moments again and again, although I guess a lot of us did that.

Next is Walt Disney World EPCOT Center A Souvenir Program from 1983. This one always felt a little more polished. It has that nice steady tour feeling. The camera moves through Future World and World Showcase at a relaxed pace and gives you plenty of time to look at the early design work. You get glimpses of shops, shows, and attractions that changed only a few years later. People would keep this one longer than they were supposed to because its pacing calmed their kids down. Although I think the adults also liked it.

The third pick is Where the Toys Come From from 1984. It is different from the others, but it showed up in the same section since it wasn’t a “Disney Classic.” Theodore Thomas directed it and his father was one of Disney’s Nine Old Men, which gives it a little history under the surface. It is a small story told. Not a lot of noise, not a lot of movement, just a pleasant mix of travel and simple moments with the toys.

The last tape is Disneyland Fun from 1990. While we kept it in the children’s section, that did not stop older viewers from giving it a try. It is part of the Sing Along Songs line and it moves through the park with a sense of energy that fits the late eighties/early nineties. A few numbers were filmed just for this release, which gives it a couple of moments that never showed up anywhere else (Haunted Mansion!). The crowds and costumes look exactly like what you saw if you visited around that time. We played it at Suncoast often and I bought my own copy after seeing it the firs time.

These tapes were steady choices when everything else was checked out. They sat there waiting for someone to notice them and they did their job without much fuss. They made a quiet night at home feel a little brighter with Disney Magic.

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Welcome to the Video Store Podcast.

It’s Turkey Time! The leaves are changing and the air is crisp. As the jack-o-lanterns turn into pumpkin pie I love to sit down and watch Thanksgiving movies.

Some people will tell you there’s only one Thanksgiving movie to watch this time of year, I disagree. I’m going to recommend four other Thanksgiving movies that will get you in the holiday spirit and hopefully become a permanent part of your Thanksgiving watch-list.

First up we have Son in Law, the 1993 Pauly Shore movie. Becca, a small town Midwestern girl moves to Los Angeles to attend college. She meets Crawl (Shore) an eccentric surfer dude filled with chaotic energy. When Becca brings Crawl home for Thanksgiving the family and town aren’t prepared for teh antics.

John Hughes wrote two movies about Thanksgiving, one in 1987 and Dutch in 1991. Dutch is a road trip movie about a blue-collar and his spoiled, soon to be stepson. Along they way they each learn to view the world different and accept each other for who they are.

The third movie on out Thanksgiving list is Home for the Holidays, directed by Jodi Foster. Home for the Holidays is a raw, unfiltered look at Thanksgiving through the lenses of a dysfunctional family. The Thanksgiving dinner scene alone is worth the price of the rental. It’s not your normal ‘everyone hug and say I love you’ happy ending. It’s a fantastic movie and highly underrated.

The final film on my list is Scent of A Woman from 1992. It’s about the unlikely friendship between a prep school student and a retired Army officer. It stars the great Al Pacino and it is his movie through and through. From start to finish, he gives a master class in acting. In the end it reminds us that no matter what our situation there’s always something and someone to be thankful for.

No matter how you spend the holiday, with family, with friends or something else, have safe, enjoyable and relaxing holiday.

We’re thankful you stop by The Video Store Podcast, please come again for more great movies to add to your list.

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Season 5, Episode 8, “The One With All the Thanksgivings”

If you’ve never seen Friends before, I bet you’ve seen some out-of-context images of Monica wearing a fez, sunglasses, and a 20 lb. turkey on her head. This is the episode where you get context for the wearing of a turkey. Don’t let the title fool you—this is not a repackaged clip show.

Season 6, Episode 9, “The One Where Ross Got High”

Monica and Chandler are bracing for an awkward Thanksgiving. Monica’s parents are coming to dinner, but they don’t know about their relationship, let alone that they’re living together. And to make it worse, they don’t like Chandler. In this episode, we get to the root cause of why the elder Gellers don’t like Chandler, and we also find out several other long-kept secrets.

Season 7, Episode 8, “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs”

Chandler doesn’t like dogs, but Ross doesn’t like ice cream. We learn some more long-kept secrets in this Thanksgiving episode of the series. And we just can’t name that last state. However, by the end, it might just be a “Moo Point.” “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs” features some of the iconic moments of the series and is well worth a watch.

Season 8, Episode 9, “The One With the Rumor”

Brad Pitt guest stars in this episode as Monica and Ross’ high school friend, Will, who’s had a glow-up since the last time they saw him. Will is in town for the holiday and is joining them for dinner. However, Rachel made his high school days miserable, and in a classic Rachel move, she doesn’t remember it all. That makes for an awkward Thanksgiving dinner. This episode gives us the concept we all require this time of year—Thanksgiving Pants™.

We’re thankful for you at the Video Store Podcast, and we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

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When I was a kid if you wanted to talk to people about movies, you went to the local mom and pop video rental store… but if you wanted to hang out with other kids your age, you went to the mall. On this week’s episode of the Video Store Podcast, I’m recommending four movies that were filmed and heavily feature malls.

First up is Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a film that follows several teenagers as they navigate the halls and malls of southern California. With a star-studded cast, this film opens in a mall, which sets the tone for the entire film.

Next up is Dawn of the Dead, George Romero’s 1978 sequel to his original zombie film, Night of the Living Dead. In this film, four characters — two police officers and two news broadcasters — take cover in an abandoned mall… or is it? It’s not long before the mall is crawling with zombies and, eventually, pie-throwing bikers. Known as special effects wizard Tom Savini’s breakthrough film, this one features lots of bullets, brains, and blood.

Third is the lesser known Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge, released in 1989. This lesser-known 80s slasher features a mall-roaming “phantom” who used to live on the land the new mall was built on. It’s not a great movie, but it does feature a young and pre-MTV Pauly Shore which… well, doesn’t make it any better, but does make it interesting. This movie contains lots of interior mall shots and even more bad actors. What’s not to love?

Rounding up this episode is one of my favorite films of all time, Chopping Mall. In this 1986 horror classic, a group of teens plan a sleepover inside a furniture store inside their local mall. Unfortunately for them, that same night lightning strikes the building which short circuits the robots and turn them into killbots! If yo always wanted to know what would happen if Johnny 5 went bad — no, like, really bad — this will let you know.

Today’s malls are nothing like they were back in the 1980s. If you want to see what they were like in their heyday, check out one of these films. Malls were full of lights, food, shopping… and apparently, lots of murder.

The first is The Kindred from 1987, directed by Jeffrey Obrow and Stephen Carpenter, the same team behind The Dorm That Dripped Blood. Joseph Stefano, who wrote the screenplay for Psycho, helped with the story. What really stands out are the effects, all done with elaborate practical work that’s wet, rubbery, and wonderfully overdone in that 80s way.

Then there’s Scared Stiff, also from 1987. Richard Friedman directed it before going on to make Phantom of the Mall. It was shot in Florida, mostly inside a mansion that becomes the centerpiece for all the strange things that happen. It starts off like a haunted house movie, but by the end it drifts into something dreamlike and weird.

The third pick is The Outing, sometimes called The Lamp. That double title confused people, but they’re the same film. Tom Daley directed it in Houston, and it’s remembered for its museum setting and a wish-granting genie that causes most of the trouble.

Finally there’s The Unnamable from 1988, based on an H. P. Lovecraft story. Jean Paul Ouellette directed it in Massachusetts, and it’s one of those films that helped keep Lovecraft’s name circulating in low-budget horror through the decade. It even got a sequel a few years later.

All four have their rough spots, but that’s part of what makes them interesting. They’re full of ambition, full of practical effects, and they capture that scrappy energy of 80s horror. The kind of movies you’d rent just because the box looked too cool or too strange to ignore.

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I’m the new guy, you can all me Pitfall Gary. Today is my first time running the store alone. I’ve spent the last couple weeks watching training videos and stuck on the automatic rewind machine.

With Halloween right around the corner I have a few movies from the master of Horror himself, John Carpenter. Not the normal Carpenter movies, these are a few of his underrated and often overlooked movies.

Carpenter directed and composed the music for all of these movies. He wrote The Fog and Prince of Darkness, the other two are adaptations. These are good movies to watch this Halloween season.

The Fog (1980)

As the small coastal town of Antonio Bay prepares to celebrate its centennial, a mysterious, glowing fog rolls in, carrying the vengeful ghosts of leprous mariners who were betrayed and killed by the town’s founders a century earlier. The ghosts want their retribution, six lives, one for each of the founders. Now the descendants of the conspirators must fight for survival against the supernatural threat. A great movie starring the fabulous Adrienne Barbeau

Christine (1983)

Arnie Cunningham, a nerdy high school senior buys a dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury and names her Christine. As Arnie restores the car he goes through a personality transformation and becomes obsessed with Christine, which turns out to be a sentient, evil car with a deadly jealous streak. Christine begins to seek vengeance on Arnie’s bullies and anyone else who threatens their bond. Red heads are evil…even when they’re cars!

Prince of Darkness (1987)

The Brotherhood of Sleep have been guarding pure evil, in the form green swirling liquid for centuries. When the last member of the order dies evil will be unleashed on the world. Professor Birack and his quantum physicist students must unravel the mystery before it possesses them all and is unleashed on the world. A creepy movie with a great role for Alice Cooper.

Vampires (1998)

In this neo-western, Jack Crow and his Vatican-sponsored team of vampire slayers vow to kill every last vampire. With the help of a vampire prostitute, Jack must find and kill the powerful vampire, Valek before he can complete his transformation and become immune to sunlight. This is a great action packed, gore-filled vampire hunting movie!

That’s the list of John Carpenter movies for this week. Each a unique take on the horror genre. I hope you decide to watch them. If you do, let me know what you think.

Thanks for stopping by The Video Store Podcast, stop by again for more great movies to add to your list.

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Halloween is Grinch Night! (1977)

This lesser-known Grinch special adds a bit of spooky, Seussian fun to the Halloween season. Young Euchariah Who gets lost on a trip to the “euphemism” during a wind storm and has an encounter with the Grinch. You shouldn’t go out on a night like this—instead, stay in with Halloween is Grinch Night!

Doug Season 4 Episode 4 “Doug’s Halloween Adventure” (1993)

This Halloween special is one that I’ve tried to watch every year since the 90s. Doug and Skeeter are spending Halloween at Funky Town, hoping, though not without trepidation, to ride Bloodstone Manor, the new horror ride. However, by the time they make it to the front of the line, the park is closed. Not disuaded, school Roger pushes them to sneak on anyway. Can they escape? Watch “Doug’s Halloween Adventure” and find out.

Gargoyles Season 2 Episode 7 “Eye of the Beholder” (1995)

This Halloween episode of Gargoyles has been shown as a Halloween special in the years since its original airing. Elisa and Goliath are tracking a werewolf-type creature…or should we say werefox? Can they rescue Fox from the effects of The Eye of Odin necklace? You’ll have to watch and find out.

The Halloween Tree (1993)

This Emmy-winning Halloween special is adapted from Ray Bradbury’s novel of the same name. The Halloween Tree focuses on the adventures of 5 kids on Halloween night who must learn the value of friendship and the true spirit of the Halloween season. With Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Moundshroud and narration by Ray Bradbury himself, The Halloween Tree is NOT to be missed.

Thanks for joining us for another trip to the Video Store Podcast. Have a safe and happy Halloween season!

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Hello, friends! Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast. After a short break (you’ll find out why in this episode), the store has reopened just in time for Halloween! On this episode of the podcast I’m recommending four films in which characters accidentally open portals, unleash evil spirits into this world, and spend the majority of the film trying to send it back before… gulp… you know.

Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Ash Williams is one unlucky fellow as, once again, he finds himself in a remote cabin accidentally opening a portal to Hell after playing recorded passages read from the Necronomicon — aka “the Book of the Dead.” You don’t need to have seen the first film to watch this one. Grab a bucket of popcorn and your chainsaw and check this one out.

The Gate (1987)

Glen, his best friend Terry, and Glen’s older sister Al accidentally open a gate to Hell in their own backyard and must use what resources they have to put them back. For being PG13, The Gate has some pretty horrifying (and amazing) special effects. This is the film that turned me on to The Killer Dwarves and made me fear geodes.

Night of the Demons (1988)

A group of teens are invited to attend a Halloween party at an abandoned funeral parlor (rumored to be haunted) and perform a seance. What could possibly go wrong? If you said “nothing” you haven’t been paying attention! One by one most of the teens become possessed, killed, or killed and then possessed. These demons like to mix things up! A great horror flick with a great 80s vibe.

Witchboard (1986)

If you’ve learned anything from this podcast so far I hope it’s to not go around trying to open portals to other worlds. In Witchboard, Linda begins dabbling with an Ouija Board and if you think that leads to good things, you have learned nothing. It’s up to Linda’s current boyfriend and ex-boyfriend to team up and drive the evil out of her. I won’t tell you if they are successful but I will tell you this film has at least two sequels.

Thanks for stopping by our video store. Enjoy the new hot dog roller and cocktail Ms. Pac-Man machine we added by the front door. Grab a few horror films while you’re here and don’t forget to rewind them before you return them. Thanks for coming in!

We are also interested in bringing more people into the Video Store, so if you have some podcast experience and can follow along with our format, we would love to hear from you. Send us a message or comment below and we can get a discussion going.

The Toxic Avenger (1984)

Made by Troma Entertainment, this is probably their most well known film. It’s low budget, violent, and absurd. It was shot mostly in New Jersey, including many areas near where I grew up. The studio itself was co-founded by Lloyd Kaufman, who grew up in NYC but often filmed across the Hudson for budget reasons. The Toxic Avenger became Troma’s mascot and eventually got cartoon spin-offs, comics, and a stage musical.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

This one is hard to explain in a sentence. Peter Weller plays a neurosurgeon who’s also a rock star and physicist. It’s sci-fi with a cast that includes Jeff Goldblum, Ellen Barkin, and John Lithgow. The film didn’t do well when it came out but has built a steady fanbase over time. While it wasn’t filmed in New Jersey, it is rife with Garden State references.

Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)

This is a fictional band movie that takes itself seriously. It was shot in various New Jersey shore towns. The soundtrack, especially the song “On the Dark Side,” ended up doing better than the film. Led by Michael Paré plays Eddie, the film has a solid cast, but its the music that helped it build an audience. Most of that happened because it became available pretty quickly on HBO

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith’s first film. Shot in black and white for under $30,000. He filmed it at the Quick Stop convenience store in Leonardo, New Jersey, where he worked at the time. This movie launched his career and started what would be known as the View Askewniverse. It’s mostly just two guys talking about things that interest them in intense and funny ways, but it worked.

These films offer more than just entertainment. They provide a look back at different moments when movies could be made with local flavor and for these ones, a personal vision. That connection to place and the willingness to work within its constraints created films that continue to matter because they show how stories are shaped by where they come from just as much as who tells them.

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Batman: The Movie (1966)

First up is Batman: The Movie from 1966. A spinoff of the popular TV show, this theatrical film is one for the ages. Still fun and funny, Batman: The Movie is a film that the whole family can sit down and enjoy, whether they’ve seen any of the Adam West/Burt Ward TV series. Make a bowl of popcorn and sit down with your partner in crime-fighting to enjoy Batman: The Movie.

Dick Tracy (1990)

One of the more underrated films of this era is 1990’s Dick Tracy, directed by and starring Warren Beatty. This is a noir detective story in yellow. Filmed like a living comic book with a score by Danny Elfman, songs by Stephen Sondheim and Madonna, Dick Tracy is a film not to be missed. Put on your yellow trenchcoat, and I’ll join you on the couch for a comic book classic that too few people have seen. I’m on my way!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Order a pizza and settle in for a fun action comedy that’s sure to please everyone. 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brings the comic by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird to life with puppetry and costuming by Jim Henson’s creature shop, a great soundtrack, and fantastic stunt and action sequences. You’ll love every second of being a turtle with this film.

The Phantom (1996)

Charming pulpy goodness awaits you when you push play on The Phantom from 1996. Starring Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, and Patrick McGoohan, this is another underrated classic of comic book film lore not to be missed. Join the very first superhero to wear spandex and slam evil with The Phantom.

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Duel (1971)

David Mann is just trying to make his way through a lone desert highway when he begins being tormented by an 18-wheeler for no apparent reason. Despite Mann’s attempts to outrun, outmaneuver, and outsmart his pursuer, he is unable to get away. If Duel sounds a little like Jaws but with cars, that’s no coincidence as Duel was the directorial debut of Steven Spielberg. Non-stop tension from beginning to the exciting climax.

Motorama (1991)

Ten-year-old Gus hits the road after stealing his parents’ Mustang with hopes of winning Motorama. Collect all eight winning cards for a chance of winning $500 million dollars! Unfortunately for Gus, things aren’t easy in this hellish nightmare wasteland. By the time Gus makes it to the Motorama headquarters he’s lost an eye and his hair has turned gray… and things are about to get worse.

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974)

Driver Larry and his mechanic Deke plan to fund their new racing team by robbing a local supermarket and laying low until the heat blows over — an escape plan that falls apart when Larry’s former one-night stand Mary is hiding in the getaway car. The film turns into a long police chase and getting there is half the fun! Starring Peter Fonda and Vic Morrow.

Palmer’s Pick-up (1999)

Palmer and Pearl, owners of a cargo shipping company, are hired to transport a large crate from California to Florida. The crate must be delivered to the Devil’s Triangle prior to the stroke of midnight on Y2K, else something bad will happen. What the two don’t know is if they do make it on time, something much worse may happen. Starring Robert Carradine, Morton Downey, Jr., a dozen unexpected cameos, and one of the highest death counts in any movie I’ve ever seen. What an ending!

Caveman (1981)

Directed by Carl Gottlieb (who co-wrote Jaws), this one’s a straight-up comedy. It stars Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach, Dennis Quaid, and Shelley Long, all speaking in a made-up language while running from stop-motion dinosaurs. It's a weird, physical, surprisingly consistent comedy that doesn't rely on much more than expression and timing. Jim Danforth handled the effects work, using the same animation style he brought to other fantasy films of the era.

Quest for Fire (1981)

Probably the most serious pick this week. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, this is a film with no real spoken language. The cast learned a constructed language by Anthony Burgess and used movement techniques developed by Desmond Morris. Rae Dawn Chong, Ron Perlman, and Everett McGill all commit fully to their roles. It won an Oscar for Best Makeup and doesn’t try to explain much—it just shows a small group of early humans trying to survive. Worth seeing for the detail and the performances alone.

Iceman (1984)

This one takes place in a cold research facility where a frozen prehistoric man is brought back to life. John Lone plays the Iceman and gives a performance that’s more nuanced than you’d expect from this kind of premise. Timothy Hutton plays the anthropologist trying to connect with him. It’s more intimate and focused than a lot of 1980s sci-fi, with a steady pace and a good sense of space.

Encino Man (1992)

Directed by Les Mayfield and produced by Hollywood Pictures, this is the comedy version of a caveman showing up in a modern world. Brendan Fraser plays Link, and this was the role that helped launch his career. Pauly Shore plays Stoney who sets the tone for the whole movie. There's also Sean Astin, trying to use Link as a way to get popular. It’s loud, strange, and very early '90s, but it moves fast and gets a lot out of the water park, fast food, and high school scenes. The soundtrack includes Queen, Infectious Grooves, Right Said Fred and a bunch of other songs that place it squarely in 1992.

None of these films feel like they’re trying to say the same thing. What they do have in common is how they treat the idea of prehistoric people not as monsters or jokes, but as people. Even in the comedies, there's a sense of curiosity behind the setups. They're fun to watch, sometimes surprisingly thoughtful, and all a little out of step with what people usually mean when they talk about science fiction or historical drama.

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Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast, where we love sharing about the films that mean the most to us. Today, in honor of my fortieth birthday, I’m going to share with you four of the films that have shaped my life in varying ways. I hope you enjoy these films as much as I do, or at minimum, appreciate why I appreciate them.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

First up is the 1959 Disney animated classic, Sleeping Beauty. This is perhaps the most gorgeous animated film Disney has ever produced. Nearly a decade to create, it is a genuine testament to the commitment to quality that Disney had at the time. With a leading lady from my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sleeping Beauty has a certain intangible draw for me and influenced my view of art, animation, and aesthetics, which is why it makes the staff picks wall this week.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

A combo of animation, live action, film noir, and comedy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a laugh-a-minute satire full of puns, double entendres, and sheer joy. It gave me my sense of humor, an appreciation for satire, and a lifelong desire to be a cartoon character, or at the very least, act like one. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards and won 4 of them, making it perhaps one of the silliest films to win an Oscar.

Star Trek (2009)

J. J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot literally changed my life and career trajectory. This film breathed life into the Star Trek franchise, and for me, gave me my biggest fandom. I am a better human being because of my love for Star Trek, and it's all because of this film. Live long and prosper, and join me on the couch for the film that began my deep dive into the Star Trek fandom.

The Marvels (2023)

A Marvel film that puts women at the forefront, is directed by a woman, written by women, where the women are allowed to be women, is exactly what this lifelong nerd girl needed. A film about family, personal responsibility, fandom, and hero worship, Nia DaCosta’s The Marvels is fun and silly, while simultaneously thoughtful and refreshingly different from the majority of the superhero film genre. If you missed this one, give it a look, or at least try to understand why this film matters so much to me and to so many other women and girls. It’s my Barbie.

Thanks for joining me for my fortieth birthday celebration today on the Video Store Podcast. Since you were kind enough to hear out four of my favorite and most influential films, I would love to hear about the films that helped shape you, too. Leave me a comment and tell me all about them.

Happy my birthday to you, from all of us at the Video Store Podcast.

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From the dawn of time, man has been fascinated by the stars and what — or more importantly, who — is out there. Unsurprisingly, from the dawn of filmmaking, Hollywood has been also been fascinated by visiting (and visitors from) other worlds. One of the earliest silent films, A Trip to the Moon, was about shooting astronauts to the moon (using a cannon) and the alien creatures they find. There are countless movies about aliens and here are four I think you should watch.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Roy Neary’s life is turned upside-down after having a close encounter with a UFO. After being tormented by visions and a need to know more, Roy meets others experiencing the same thing and travels to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming where Roy, the government, and the aliens all arrive for a monumental concert. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and Melinda Dillion, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is one of the greatest films about alien encounters ever made. A must watch, no matter what planet you’re from.

Starcrash (1978)

Hot on the heels of 1977’s Star Wars came a wave of films “influenced” by George Lucas’s masterpiece. In Starcrash, a smuggler and her alien sidekick go on a mission to rescue a prince from an evil character with a gigantic space weapon that can destroy planets. Sound familiar? Did I mention the alien sidekick uses a lightsaber? Perhaps “influenced” is too light of a word. Starcrash is not the best space opera of all time, but it’s an interesting time capsule from 1978; one of many movies that also took place in a galaxy far, far away. Starcrash features great sets, a goofy plot… and David Hasselhoff.

The Last Starfighter (1984)

Alex Rogan wants nothing more than to escape his small town and that opportunity presents itself after he beats the world record on an arcade game called The Last Starfighter. The arcade game is actually a recruiting tool, and before long a shifty alien named Centauri arrives to take Alex to space where he will become a Starfighter — for real! Featuring (then) groundbreaking CGI, lots of alien action, and the final theatrical performance of Robert Preston.

Naked Space/Spaceship/The Creature Wasn’t Nice (1981)

No matter what name you see this movie under, they’re all the same… and none of them are good! This “horror/comedy” that loosely parodies Alien stars Leslie Nielson, Cindy Williams, Gerrit Graham, Patrick Macnee, and (writer/director) Bruce Kimmel. After exploring a newly discovered planet, the crew of the Spaceship Vertigo bring a small organism (goo) on board that quickly grows into a large monster. When Dr. Stark figures out a way to connect the monster’s brain to the ship’s computer, they are able for the first time to hear the monster’s thoughts. And boy, is that monster hungry…

Movies about aliens and outer space are always fun summer viewing. Rent one of these films and pop an extra bucket of popcorn, just in case someone from “out there” stops by to join you.

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The Stunt Man (1980) – Directed by Richard Rush. This film took nearly a decade to get made. It’s about a fugitive who ends up working as a stuntman on a chaotic film set. Peter O'Toole plays the eccentric director. The film is known for how it blurs the line between what’s real and what’s staged, both for the characters and the viewer. Rush was nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Steve Railsback, who plays the lead, had previously portrayed Charles Manson in Helter Skelter, and that performance had followed him around.

Fade to Black (1980) – A psychological thriller directed by Vernon Zimmerman. Not so much about the industry behind-the scenes, but instead about its effect on the other side of the camera. Dennis Christopher plays a movie-obsessed loner who starts acting out scenes from classic films in real life. A lot of people missed this when it came out, but it has a cult following now. It’s set in Los Angeles and uses that setting in a way that feels grimy and off. Mickey Rourke appears in a small early role. Quentin Tarantino has mentioned this film as an influence.

The Big Picture (1989) – A comedy directed by Christopher Guest. Kevin Bacon plays a young filmmaker who finds early success, then quickly loses control of his career. Martin Short plays his agent in a way that’s deliberately over-the-top. The script was co-written by Michael McKean and also includes appearances by John Cleese and Teri Hatcher. It’s one of those movies that shows how studio notes and industry pressure can take a decent idea and ruin it.

Living in Oblivion (1995) – Directed by Tom DiCillo whose name I butcher, my apologies. This one’s about a small indie film production falling apart. Steve Buscemi plays the director. It’s shot in black and white and color, dividing dream sequences from the rest. Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney are also in it. DiCillo based a lot of the script on his own frustrations making his first feature. James Le Gros plays a difficult actor who many assumed was based on Brad Pitt, who had worked with DiCillo before. DiCillo has denied it, but the rumor stuck. Also a great role from a future Game of Thrones star.

Each of these films looks at films and filmmaking from a different angle. They’re also all lesser-known films, some not widely seen, but worth your time.

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Friday the 13th (1980)

The second of the big three slashers, Friday the 13th, gave us Jason and a summer full of terror. It’s an iconic horror film for a reason, and the summer camp setting makes it a fantastic first choice for our short list of summer spookies. Get your bunkmates together for this classic of the horror genre. Bonus: You get to see an early film appearance of Kevin Bacon.

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Our next trip to camp is with the 1983 cult favorite, Sleepaway Camp. This film has gained a cult following over the years due to its disturbing and now controversial ending. It’s campy and over-the-top while simultaneously being an effective and disturbing horror film. It begat over three decades of sequels, so it’s an icon of summer horror for a reason.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

We’re going forward to the late 90s with our next film—I Know What You Did Last Summer, based on the 1973 novel of the same name by Lois Duncan. With a cast of young “it” stars of the time, I Know What You Did Last Summer sparked two sequels, a 2021 television adaptation, and a legacy sequel heading to theaters in July 2025. Check your mailbox and watch out for folks in rain slickers this summer.

Jaws (1975)

The big kahuna of summer movies is our last film for the week—Jaws from 1975. Directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Carl Gottlieb and Peter Benchley, and based on Benchley’s book of the same name, Jaws is a film for movie lovers everywhere, even if you don’t like horror. It’s the reason we have the term “blockbuster” and boasts an amazing score and tension you can cut with a knife…or a harpoon. It’s a film that’s still beloved 50 years later and worth watching every summer, or any other time of year.

Thanks for spending your summer with us at the Video Store Podcast!

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Shortly after graduating high school, Ed Gale — who stood 3’4” tall — left Michigan with $40 in his pocket and went to Hollywood. Gale said his goal was never to become a leading man, but to make a living as a working actor… and that he did, appearing in more than 200 television shows, commercials, and films. Upon arriving in Hollywood the first role he was offered was none other than Howard the Duck — a role he was originally told he was “too tall for.” Gale continued to work up until his passing in May of 2025.

On this episode I’m recommending four films that Gale appeared in. In many of his acting roles (including most of these) Gale appeared wearing masks and costumes, but as Rollo from Under the Rainbow once said, “no dream is too big, and no dreamer too small.”

Child’s Play 2 (1990)

Two years after the original hit theaters, Chucky returned to once again torment Andy Barclay. While the original Child’s Play was straight horror, this is the film in which Chucky began to develop the personality we know and love today. Keep an eye out for scenes in which Chucky runs around; that’s Ed Gale in costume.

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)

Bill and Ted have a problem: despite being told they will eventually become the biggest band in the universe, they still don’t know how to play their instruments and their girlfriends are fed up with them. Oh, and evil robots from the future have come back to murder them, so there’s that. Featuring a stellar soundtrack and lots of jokes, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey did not perform as well as the original in theaters, but has become a cult classic since. Keep an eye out for Station in the film — that’s Ed Gale!

Spaceballs (1987)

In this Mel Brooks masterpiece, Princess Vespa has been kidnapped by Dark Helmet and his cohorts and must be rescued by Lone Star and his faithful companion, Barf. If it all sounds a bit silly it is. Featuring an all-star cast and more Mel Brooks humor than you can swing a lightsaber at. Keep an eye out for Ed Gale as one of the Dinks, and may the Schwartz be with ya!

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

In this Coen Brothers film, three members of a chain gang escape when one of them tells the other two he’s chained to that he knows where more than a million dollars worth of treasure is buried. Loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey, this is another film with a star-studded cast and an award winning soundtrack. Ed Gale makes an appearance as “the Little Man” during an election and in this appearance, you can actually see his face! (After seeing it, you may recognize him from Bones, My Name is Earl, and many other roles.)

Whether he appeared in a speaking role or in a costume, Gale gave every one of his roles 100% and swore people could see him smiling through the masks he wore. After watching these four films, you just might agree with him.

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Charley Varrick (1973)

Directed by Don Siegel. Walter Matthau plays a bank robber who ends up in the crosshairs of something bigger than expected. Matthau had just done more comedic work at the time, so this role stood out. Joe Don Baker plays a contract killer hired to clean things up. Lalo Schifrin did the score, which is sharp and suits the pace. It was based on the novel The Looters by John Reese.

The Anderson Tapes (1971)

Directed by Sidney Lumet. Sean Connery is a thief planning to rob an entire apartment building. The film stands out for how it handles surveillance. Almost every major character is being watched by police, by private groups, by government agencies. This was Christopher Walken’s first film. The music is by Quincy Jones, and it’s more experimental than you’d expect.

Thief (1981)

Michael Mann’s first feature film. James Caan plays a professional safecracker who wants to get out after one last job. Mann used real tools and brought in actual former thieves to advise on the technical side. The film has a cold, exact feel. The soundtrack is by Tangerine Dream. It’s shot in Chicago and uses the city well without overdoing it.

The Getaway (1972)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah. Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw star as a couple on the run after a robbery. The script was written by Walter Hill and based on a novel by Jim Thompson. The film was a big success when it came out and mixes action with slower moments of tension. McQueen did many of his own stunts. It’s one of the more polished crime films of its time.

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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!

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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!

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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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!

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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.

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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.

The Best of Times (1986)

This one often flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. Starring Robin Williams and Kurt Russell, it’s a heartfelt comedy about reliving past mistakes and trying to rewrite history on a small-town football field. Williams plays a guy still hung up on a dropped pass from years ago, and Russell is the former star quarterback who gets roped into a plan to replay the game. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, the movie balances humor with some surprisingly emotional moments.

Major League (1989)

A classic baseball comedy about a ragtag Cleveland Indians team that’s supposed to fail but manages to surprise everyone. Charlie Sheen stars as “Wild Thing” Rick Vaughn, a pitcher with a blazing fastball and no control, alongside a great ensemble cast including Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes, and Rene Russo. Directed by David S. Ward, the film has a sharp sense of humor but also doesn’t shy away from celebrating the game itself. The film was so beloved it sparked two sequels, though neither quite captured the charm of the original.

Caddyshack (1980)

What’s a sports comedy list without Caddyshack? Directed by Harold Ramis, this movie redefined the genre with its irreverent humor and unforgettable cast, including Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray. Set at a country club golf course, it’s less about the game and more about the absurd characters and their crazy antics. One of my favorite characters, the gopher puppet, was added late in production and ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the film. If you haven’t seen it or haven’t watched it in a while, it’s always worth revisiting.

Wildcats (1986)

Goldie Hawn leads this football comedy as Molly McGrath, a high school track coach who takes on the challenge of coaching a boys’ varsity football team in a rough neighborhood. The film has a lot of charm, mostly thanks to Hawn’s performance, which balances humor with just enough seriousness to make you root for her and the team. It’s also an early film for Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, who both went on to major careers. This was a great cable TV comedy and I watched it dozen of time on HBO and still bought in on VHS.

That’s the lineup for this week: The Best of Times, Major League, Caddyshack, and Wildcats. Each one brings something a little different to the table, but they all share a love for sports and comedy. Let me know what you think, and if there’s a movie you’d like me us recommend, leave us a comment.

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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

First up is the 1986 John Hughes comedy classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The real righteous dudes in the audience will know why this film has a great movie mantra, but if you don’t, you’re in luck! We’ll tell you all about it in today’s show.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Next is the 1999 love letter to Star Trek, Galaxy Quest. This comedy is a wonderful send-up of classic Star Trek, but is also a fascinating meta-commentary on stardom, fandom, and geek culture. By Grabthar’s Hammer, you best pick this one up for another fantastic movie mantra.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Frank Capra’s 1946 film, It’s a Wonderful Life, is a timeless Christmas classic, but it’s got one of the best movie mantras in history. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers, and Lionel Barrymore, this drama still rings true today and is worth watching as we start the new year.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

We close our movie mantras this week with another comedy, 1989’s Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. While yes, the tagline reads, “History’s about to be rewritten by two guys who can’t spell,” this is a comedy that still writes a wonderful movie mantra. Filled with cameos from comedians, rock stars, and more, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a delightful sci-fi comedy. Strange things will be afoot at the Video Store if you don’t pick this one up.

From all of us here at the Video Store Podcast, we hope your new year is a great one.

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Happy New Year! While I know not everyone makes new year resolutions, at the end of every year I personally like to reflect on the previous year and, more importantly, correct course and find ways to succeed in the future. On this week’s episode I have picked four movies in which regular people just like you and me are presented with unique opportunities and are able to seize the day. If the characters in these films can find success, so can you!

First up is UHF (1989), starring Weird Al Yankovic. In UHF, George Newman (Yankovic) accepts a job as the station manager of Channel 62, a mostly forgotten UHF TV station that only broadcasts moldy reruns. Soon, Newman and his ragtag group of friends including roving reporter Pamela Finkelstein (Fran Drescher), janitor Stanley Spudowski (Michael Richards) and many others other lunatics, put together a series of original programs that appeal to viewers. While Newman’s overactive imagination originally costs him his job and nearly his relationship with his girlfriend Teri (Victoria Jackson), it becomes an asset as Newman and his pals take Channel 62 to the top of the charts.

Next up is The Secret of My Success (1987) starring Michael J. Fox and Helen Hunt. After his dream job in the big city falls through, Brantley Foster (Fox) is offered a job working in the mailroom of his uncle’s mega-corporation. Before long, he takes over an empty office among the executives and adopted an alias, working two jobs at the same time. Things are complicated when Brantley pursues fellow executive Christy Wills (Hunt), who is sleeping with the boss (Brantley’s uncle) while his wife, Brantley’s Aunt Vera, can’t keep her eyes (or hands) off of Brantley. Eventually, all of Brantley’s hard work in the boardroom — and bedroom — pay off in this wacky comedy.

My third pick is Better Off Dead (1985). After Lane Meyer’s girlfriend Beth dumps him, he can barely find a reason to live. Meyer’s friend Charles points out that Beth’s new boyfriend Roy is an excellent skier, and if Lane could best him on the treacherous K12 course, he might be able to win her back. Meyer’s twisty path to the slopes will teach him who he is, and more importantly, who is important to him.

My final pick of the week is Revenge of the Nerds (1984). In this film, a group of nerds attending Adams College spend half the movie defending themselves from the jocks from Alpha Beta (who kicked the freshmen nerds out of their dorms after burning down their own frat house) but soon go on the offense after accepting who they are and celebrating their strengths… something we could all stand to do.

In each of these films, regular people find themselves in unusual situations and, after looking inward, discover who they are and what they are made of. I hope that in 2025 you are able to do the same.

Happy New Year from all of us at the Video Store Podcast!

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One Magic Christmas (1985)

This film has a quiet charm that’s perfect for the holiday season. Starring Mary Steenburgen, it tells a story of family, second chances, and finding the true spirit of Christmas. What’s interesting about the movies is how grounded it feels, even with its supernatural elements. One of my favorite bit of casting in this film is Harry Dean Stanton, who plays a guardian angel, a role that feels tailor-made for his calm, understated presence.

Mixed Nuts (1994)

This is a screwball Christmas comedy that might not have gotten the love it deserved when it came out. Directed by Nora Ephron, it has an incredible ensemble cast that includes Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Rita Wilson, and even a young Adam Sandler. The movie is set at a suicide crisis hotline office during the holidays, which makes for plenty of chaotic, offbeat humor. The film’s quirky tone might feel unusual, but if you stick with it, there are a lot of funny moments. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, featuring Louis Armstrong’s version of “Christmas in New Orleans” and an original song by Sandler, among many others.

The Ref (1994)

With an apt working title of, Hostile Hostages, this dark comedy, which stars Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey is one of those Christmas movies that focuses on dysfunction. Leary plays a thief who ends up stuck with a bickering married couple on Christmas Eve, and the results are sharp, biting, and weirdly festive. It is a strange combo, but The Ref somehow manage to balance its humor with just enough heart.

Trapped in Paradise (1994)

This one leans more into the slapstick side of comedy, with Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz, and Dana Carvey as three brothers who get caught up in a bank heist in a small town during Christmas. The small-town setting adds a proper holiday feel, but the movie’s about as chaotic as you’d expect with this cast. Although weird, the chaos is not centered around Cage for a change. He gives a grounded performance. Nicolas Cage has said in interviews that filming this movie was a challenge due to constant rewrites and freezing temperatures on location in Ontario, Canada. Despite the problems on the set, the end result, has a charm that makes it worth revisiting.

Those are my recommendations for the holiday season. They are four holiday movies that have a solid mix of magic, dysfunction, and comedy. I hope you’ll give one (or all) of them a shot this season. Let me know what you think, and I’ll see you soon for more recommendations on the Video Store Podcast.

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The first is The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold from 1981. Originally conceived as a St. Patrick’s Day special, this story was reimagined as a Christmas special for ABC. Join sailor Dinty Doyle as he works to guard the Leprechaun’s gold from the evil banshee, Mag the Hag.

Next is 1974’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, starring George Gobel, Joel Grey, and Tammy Grimes. Clockmaker Joshua Trundle has made a clock that will bring back Christmas cheer and make amends with an offended Santa Claus. However, when a curious mouse gets into the clock…well…kerplunk? Kerplooey. Can they fix it in time to save Christmas? Watch and find out.

Nestor, the Long-eared Christmas Donkey from 1977 is next on our playlist of Rankin/Bass B-sides. Based on the Gene Autry song of the same name, Nestor is a long-eared donkey who is bullied for his unusually long ears. It’s those ears that get him into trouble, but they also allow him to do something no one else can do—safely take Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem where the Lord Jesus will be born. This is a tear-jerker, so grab some tissues along with your eggnog.

The last selection for our show today is The Little Drummer Boy: Book II from 1976. This lesser-known sequel to 1968’s The Little Drummer Boy takes the little drummer boy, Aaron, King Melchior, and a bellmaker named Simeon on a quest to retrieve Simeon’s stolen bells he made to ring in the birth of the Christ child. Can they get the bells back? You’ll have to watch and find out.

Thanks for joining us this holiday season on the Video Store Podcast. We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and a blessed new year.

Season’s Greetings!

After this episode of the Video Store Podcast some of you may be wondering about my sanity. (I know my mother does.) Listen, I love Christmas films — I really do! I grew up on all those Rankin-Bass specials and classic Christmas movies… but after watching a dozen Hallmark specials in a row, don’t you wish that at least once a fight would break out and someone would carve more than the turkey? No? Oh, dear. Maybe my mother was right. On this episode I share four horror-themed Christmas classics.

First up is 1974’s Black Christmas, a film that, along with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (also released in 1974). In the film a sorority house is bombarded with obscene phone calls that quickly turn violent. What the sorority sisters don’t realize is that the calls are coming from inside the house. The killer is hiding in the attic, as are some of his victims. This might not have been the best film to lead off with because it is a straight up horror film. It is considered to be one of the first slasher films, and the first “holiday” slasher film. It’s easy to see how later films like Halloween and Friday the 13th were influenced by it. While the film does take place over the holiday break, don’t hold out for a Christmas miracle when it comes to the ending.

Next up is 1984’s Silent Night, Deadly Night. You know how they say sometimes a film’s reputation precedes it? The release of this film was highly protested, not so much because of its content but because of the film’s artwork which featured an arm (dressed in a Santa suit) reaching out of a chimney and holding an ax. The film was so highly contested that Gene Siskel once read the names of the producers of the film and shamed them on television. Despite only running in theaters for a single week, it managed to bring in $2.5 million and did even better in rental stores. It was so successful that we eventually got four sequels to the film. Silent Night, Deadly Night is definitely a horror film but with a few light moments thrown in.

My third film this week is 1997’s Jack Frost, not to be consued with the 1998 film by the same name starring Michael Keaton. In this holiday treat, a transport vehicle carring a convicted serial killer combines with a van full of genetic testing chemicals (that’s never good) and as a result the killer, named Jack Frost, finds himself melted and merged with the layer of snow he landed on. Essentially the plot of this film is the same as Child’s Play, instead of the killer ending up in a doll, here he becomes a snowman. This is more of a black comedy than a straight up horror film and according to Rotten Tomatoes it wasn’t a very good one, but those people need to drink more spiked eggnog before watching classics like this.

The last film on my list is 1984’s Gremlins. If you haven’t seen it in a while you might have forgotten that Gremlins takes place around Christmas. (Billy’s Mogwai was a Christmas gift, remember?) With names like Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, Chris Columbus, Phoebe Cates, Keye Luke, Howie Mandell, and even Corey Feldman, this film was destined to be a classic. This is a film that I often catch scenes of while flipping channels, but really should be watched from beginning to end to fully enjoy.

This year I noticed Home Depot had their Christmas holiday decorations out on display in late October. I heard “Wonderful Christmastime” dozens of times on the radio before Thanksgiving. It seems like we get bombarded with Christmas films, television episodes, TV specials and music for two solid months each year. I like Christmas, I really do, but every now and then a film featuring a guy in a Santa outfit wielding an ax is a nice break from it all.

Enjoy and seasons greetings from me and the other employees here at the video store.

Over the Edge (1979)

This cult classic explores suburban boredom and teenage rebellion. It was loosely inspired by a real-life incident in California during the 1970s, where teens rioted in response to restrictions imposed by their parents and local authorities. It’s notable for being Matt Dillon’s film debut. He plays Richie, one of the kids at the center of the chaos. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, the film’s gritty realism was a little too much for studios at the time, it barely saw a release but later gained a loyal following through home video. The soundtrack, packed with Cheap Trick and The Cars, perfectly captures the direction of rock music of the late ’70s.

Times Square (1980)

This film might not be as polished, but it’s bursting with energy and heart. Directed by Allan Moyle, who later did Pump Up the Volume, it tells the story of two misfit girls who form a punk band and try to take over New York City. The movie feels raw, both in tone and execution, and the soundtrack is amazing, featuring artists like The Ramones, Talking Heads, and Patti Smith.

Tim Curry has a supporting role as a late-night DJ, and his performance ties the whole rebellious tone together. The production was troubled, with studio interference cutting down the original vision, but what remains is still unforgettable. I love the way it capture the city itself as a character.

River’s Edge (1986)

This is a darker take on teenage life, based on a true crime story where a group of teens reacted disturbingly casually to a murder in their group. It’s an unsettling and atmospheric film, directed by Tim Hunter, who went on to direct episodes of Twin Peaks. Keanu Reeves gives one of his early standout performances, alongside Crispin Glover, who turns in an incredibly strange and intense portrayal as Layne, the self-proclaimed leader of the group. Dennis Hopper is also in this, playing Feck, a creepy recluse with a dark past. The film captures the nihilism of the mid-’80s, reflecting on the emptiness some teens felt during that time. This didn’t appeal to me at the time because I didn’t feel that same nihilism, but the older I have gotten, the more I can appreciate it.

Pump Up the Volume (1990)

This film is a little more hopeful, but it’s still about rebellion. Christian Slater stars as Mark, a shy high schooler who runs a pirate radio station at night, encouraging his fellow students to fight back against corruption and conformity. It’s another film by Allan Moyle, and you can feel his knack for capturing the spirit of young outsiders. The film touches on some surprisingly heavy issues, but it balances that with humor and energy. I think every kid who saw this thought about what their own pirate radio station would sound like.

If you’re looking for something to watch this week, all four of these films tap into the raw emotions of youth, with characters who are struggling to be heard in a world that doesn’t always want to listen. Check them out, and let me know what you think.

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First up is Garfield’s Thanksgiving from 1989. This delightful special puts Garfield on a diet, sees Jon and Liz on their first date, and will give you a belly full of laughter. It also brings back a fan-favorite character from the Garfield and Friends animated series and other Garfield specials—Grandma, voiced by the late, great Pat Carroll. Join us on the couch for a feast of laughter with Garfield.

The next course is the iconic episode from the 1978 sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, “Turkeys Away.” Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of WKRP, you can still watch “Turkeys Away” and still understand everything that’s going on, and will laugh along with the show. You too will believe turkeys can fly when you watch “Turkeys Away.”

Our third course this week is the evergreen Thanksgiving staple, 1973’s A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It’s not the holidays without the Peanuts gang and that includes Thanksgiving. Make a plate of toast, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and jelly beans, and wash it all down with a parfait as you enjoy A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with us, you sly dog.

Finally, the John Hughes 1987 comedy classic, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a fantastic dessert to polish off your Thanksgiving celebrations. Filled with good humor, screwball mishaps, and a lot of heart, it’s the perfect finish to your Thanksgiving celebrations. We recommend watching this film with your best buddy, and we hope that if you do any traveling this Thanksgiving season, you have a much easier time than Neal and Del. We also hope you don’t have to race Kevin Bacon for a cab either.

Thanks for joining us this week on the Video Store Podcast. We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with the ones you love, and enjoy these Thanksgiving specials along with us.

On this week’s episode I decided to share a few family films… not necessarily films made for families, but ones that feature families. Sure, some of them are non-traditional family units, but as you all know, we can’t choose our families and sometimes we have to accept our relatives for who they are. Even if they’re chainsaw-wielding cannibals.

My first pick of the week is is the 1974 classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, featuring the Sawyer family. (If you’re looking for a conversation starter over Thanksgiving dinner, you can now tell your family you know Leatherface’s last name.) The legend of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is bigger than the film itself. It takes a while before our sacrificial teens get into trouble, and in full disclosure only one person gets killed by a chainsaw, which isn’t much of a massacre. The film is nowhere near as gory as people think and people have ripped the idea off hundreds of times in other films, but it’s always fun to go back and watch the source of so many horror movie tropers. Good for watching before or after Thanksgiving dinner, but probably not during.

Next is 1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and George Segal. Stylistically, this film always reminded me of 12 Angry Men. Both films (both of which were based on plays) have the ability through dialog to take you on an emotional ride. Both films made strong impressions in me. In Virginia Woolf, George and Martha (Burton and Taylor) invite a younger couple over for drinks after a dinner party. As the alcohol continues to flow, pointed barbs turn to nasty cuts as the couple weaponize their guests against one another. It’s a masterclass in acting and you’ll have to play close attention to fully understand everyone’s motivations and, ultimately, the ending. Woolf is a tragic and powerful film that remains only one of two films to ever be nominated for every Academy Award category it was eligible for.

My third recommendation this week is 1985’s The Stuff. The Stuff is a delicious and addictive treat that may also be alive and turning people into mindless zombies. After The Stuff ravages the ice cream industry, a former FBI agent nicknamed Mo is hired to figure out what The Stuff is and who is marketing it. Meanwhile, a boy named Jason has discovered the dark side of The Stuff and fights with his family who demand he joins them. Before long Mo and Jason along with ice cream mogul Chocolate Chip Charlie team up to take on The Stuff. Remember, “Enough is never enough!” The Stuff is a little horror and a little comedy with a whole lot of thinly disguised social commentary sprinkled on top. Fun 80s schlock that might have you double-checking the whipped cream on top of your pumpkin pie.

Lastly we have Labyrinth, released in 1986. One of Jim Henson’s greatest film achievements, Labyrinth tells the story of Sarah, a girl who wishes the Goblin King would take away her young brother Toby… and immediately regrets it. Sarah must work her way through Jareth’s labyrinth, with both help and detours presented by its inhabitants. Despite occasionally getting annoyed with our family, there’s no stronger bond. While there’s a good chance you’ve seen Labyrinth, I’m worried that maybe your kids, nieces or nephews, or grandkids haven’t. This is a great film that deserves to be shared with the next generation.

Thanks as always for stopping by the Video Store Podcast. We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving which means you’ll get an extas day’s rental for free on any tapes rented this week. Don’t forget to rewind your tapes before returning them, and be sure to pick up your complimentary cup of The Stuff from our snack bar on the way out. Enough is never enough!

Here’s what’s on this episode:

Captain Blood (1935)

If you’re curious about Errol Flynn’s big break, Captain Blood is the film to watch. Directed by Michael Curtiz, who later went on to make Casablanca, this movie was released during the Golden Age of Hollywood and set the standard for pirate films to come. In it, Flynn plays Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician turned reluctant pirate, a role that became iconic for him. Olivia de Havilland co-stars, marking the first of eight films they’d appear in together.

The movie was actually adapted from Rafael Sabatini’s 1922 novel, and what’s interesting is that Flynn wasn’t the studio’s first choice. Warner Bros. originally wanted Robert Donat, but when he turned it down, they took a chance on Flynn, who was then unknown. The film went on to be a hit, and Flynn’s career took off from there.

Treasure Island (1950)

Disney’s first fully live-action film was Treasure Island, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel. This film captures the heart of the classic pirate tale with Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton as the unforgettable Long John Silver. Newton’s portrayal of Silver is what many credit with shaping the “pirate accent” we recognize today, especially that exaggerated “Arrr.” For a lot of people, myself included, this is the definitive version of Treasure Island, so it’s a must-watch for anyone wanting a straightforward adaptation of the classic tale.

The Pirate Movie (1982)

The Pirate Movie is very different from the last two films. It is more of a campy, musical rom-com take on The Pirates of Penzance. If you’re looking for a quirky, offbeat experience, this film, starring Kristy McNichol and Christopher Atkins, is definitely that. Though critics weren’t fond of it when it was released, it’s gained a bit of a cult following since then. One interesting thing about this movie is that it openly riffs on the Gilbert and Sullivan opera it’s based on, adding a lot of modern (for the time) references. It’s worth a watch if you’re into musicals and don’t mind a less traditional approach to a pirate story.

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Last up is Cutthroat Island, an ambitious, big-budget adventure directed by Renny Harlin and starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine. Known mostly for being a notorious box office bomb, it has gained some appreciation over the years for its impressive stunt work, practical effects, and for putting a female pirate in the lead. Davis plays Morgan Adams, a captain on a quest to find hidden treasure. While the film’s financial failure might have overshadowed its merits at the time, there’s a lot to admire. It’s also one of the last pirate movies before Pirates of the Caribbean would revive the genre nearly a decade later.

If you’re ready for a bit of pirate escapism, these four movies offer different takes on the genre, from classic Hollywood adventure to musical satire to large-scale nineties action. Listen to the show to hear a little more about each film and why they’re worth watching, and maybe even renting, this week.

Welcome to the first episode of November for the Video Store Podcast! For this week’s show, I’ve picked four films that are the definition of a cozy sweater or favorite blanket. These are comfort films for the fall season that are easy to watch and fun for just about everyone.

First up is the always fun film from 1987, The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner and written by William Goldman. Full of action, adventure, humor, and romance, there’s truly something for everyone in The Princess Bride. Cozy up with the whole family for this one.

Next is one of the best rom-coms ever made, 1998’s You’ve Got Mail. Directed by rom-com great Nora Ephron and written by Nora and her sister, Delia Ephron, You’ve Got Mail is an icon of the genre. Starring the ever-charming Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this film’s setting of New York City in the fall will make you want to put on a scarf, sip your coffee, and listen to some nice piano jazz.

Keeping in the romance genre, we’ve got 2005’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. This is a gorgeous film with beautiful sets and cinematography, an enchanting score, and swoon-worthy dialogue. With an entire host of phenomenal actors, Pride & Prejudice is a cozy film best enjoyed with a cup of tea and some “most excellent potatoes.” Grab your blanket and your bestie and enjoy this beautiful film.

Finally, one of the best fall films, and really one of the best films ever made is Peter Jackson’s first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring from 2001. Set during the fall, lush with autumn trees, feasting, beautiful music, and sets that are the definition of the golden hour, The Fellowship of the Ring is a majestic feast for the eyes, ears, and heart. Pull on your favorite sweater, grab a plate of snacks worthy of a hobbit, pour a pot of tea, or maybe a pint of your favorite brew, and enjoy The Fellowship of the Ring.

I hope these films will serve as a nice palate cleanser from the spooky days of October and help you enjoy the beauty of the fall season of November while we wait for Thanksgiving. Thanks for cozying up with us today at the Video Store Podcast.

Hi! Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast. I’m not going to lie, I’m on thin ice with management. I thought I was doing our customers a favor by swapping out all our copies of Jurassic Park with Velocipastor, and dubbing my own commentary track on all our copies of Titanic. In an attempt to get back in good graces with the manager, I humbly offer up these family friendly animated Halloween specials for your viewing pleasure.

(I also happen to really like all of these specials.)

First up is the timeless classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966). This was the third animated Peanuts television special and the second holiday-themed one. As a kid, whenever we saw commercials for this special on television (or listings in the TV Guide), we knew Halloween was right around the corner.

Next is Garfield’s Halloween Adventure from 1985. In the mid-80s, Garfield was everywhere — in bookstores, toy stores, and on television. In this special, Garfield and Odie dress up as pirates (“Orange Beard the Pirate” and “Odie the Stupid”) to go trick-or-treating, but halfway through the special things take a hard left turn. The first half of this special contains songs and jokes and in the second half, Garfield and Odie are literally running for their lives from the ghosts of pirates. You’ll have to watch the entire special to see if Garfield gets any caaandy candy candy candy…

Third this week is the Fat Albert Halloween Special from 1977. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how well this one has aged and it wasn’t a favorite of mine as a kid, but I love the urban feel and 70s vibe captured in this special. In this special Fat Albert and his gang of friends dress up in costume and instead of looking for candy, head out to “scare some old dudes.” But when things get scary, we discover just who is brave enough to rescue their friends from a spooky house. This one is a real time capsule.

Last up is A Disney Halloween which aired in 1983. This special was a mash up of a couple of previous specials, and it’s my absolute favorite. It contains clips from dozens of Disney animated films and shorts. Watching this special is like seeing that first Jack-o’-Lantern of the season. It just feels right.

I put this list of films together to remind you, and me, that Halloween is for everybody to enjoy. As a guy who occasionally watches hardcore Korean horror films and movies that might make a surgeon barf, I wanted to go back to my roots as a kid and pull out a few animated classics that you can enjoy with the whole family.

(Staplegun Zombie Massacre IV can wait a week…)

First up is Dead of Night from 1945. This British film is one of the earliest horror anthologies and remains highly influential. It features five stories, all connected by a group of strangers who meet at a country house and realize they’ve all been having strange dreams. It’s one of the first films to introduce the now-classic “ventriloquist dummy” horror trope, with a segment that stands out as one of the creepiest of the film. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Federico Fellini have praised Dead of Night for its surreal and unsettling atmosphere.

Next, we have Black Sabbath, a 1963 Italian horror anthology directed by Mario Bava. It’s made up of three stories, and depending on which version you watch, the order of those stories might change. Boris Karloff, famous for his role as Frankenstein’s monster, appears in the third story and also introduces each segment. Bava’s use of color in this film is incredible, especially in “The Wurdalak,” a tale about vampires, which Karloff stars in. Bava’s visual style and ability to create mood really shine here, and the film is often credited with helping to shape Italian horror.

The third recommendation is Kwaidan from 1964, a Japanese anthology directed by Masaki Kobayashi. The film adapts four traditional Japanese ghost stories, each with a unique, haunting style. It’s a slow-burn film, with gorgeous set design and a painterly use of color, especially in the story “The Woman of the Snow.” Kobayashi originally intended for the film to be much longer, but the studio asked him to cut it down, so there’s even more footage that exists beyond the version most people know. Kwaidan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which isn’t typical for horror movies, especially one with such a dreamlike, experimental approach.

Finally, there’s The House That Dripped Blood from 1971. This British anthology was produced by Amicus Productions, a studio known for its anthology films, and it’s one of their best. The movie features four stories tied together by a detective investigating mysterious deaths at a house. Each tale explores different horror subgenres, from vampires to haunted waxworks. It stars some familiar faces like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, who were regulars in British horror films of the era. The script was written by Robert Bloch, who’s probably best known for writing Psycho, so you know the storytelling is solid.

These four films are perfect examples of how diverse the anthology format can be, especially within the horror genre. They span different decades, countries, and styles, but all manage to deliver a range of creepy, atmospheric stories in one package. If you haven’t explored horror anthologies before, these films are a great starting point.

Thanks for listening to The Video Store Podcast. Be sure to check out these films, and I’ll be back next week with more recommendations.

First up is the 1949 Disney animated short film The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This gorgeously animated short film, based on the short story of the same name by Washington Irving, is an essential part of Halloween viewing. Told and sung by Bing Crosby, it is a great film best enjoyed with the whole family.

For something a little different this Halloween season, check out Disney’s undersung 1985 classic, The Black Cauldron. While not necessarily considered a horror movie, The Black Cauldron, does have horror elements, and in the original cut, was deemed so scary that it nearly got an R-rating! Based on Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain, The Black Cauldron is another great example of spooky Disney, and also one that’s accessible for the whole family.

From the era where Disney tried to inject a little bit of family-friendly horror into their catalog, comes 1980’s The Watcher in the Woods. The Watcher in the Woods has a wonderful cast, including Bette Davis and David McCallum. The film is elevated by its cast, creepy score, as well as a wonderful, ethereal mystery. Based on the book by Florence Engel Randall, The Watcher in the Woods makes horror accessible for teens and young adults.

Finally, we have 1983’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, based on the book of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury is a master of horror and sci-fi, and Something Wicked This Way Comes is a wonderful example of his mastery. Starring Jonathan Pryce, Jason Robards, Pam Grier, and Diane Ladd, among others, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a wonderful film for the month of October. Get caught up in the mystery and suspense of Something Wicked This Way Comes with your teens and young adults.

Thanks for joining us today at the Video Store Podcast for these lesser-known films from the Disney vault. Grab some candy on the way out, and come back next week for more film and television recommendations from the Video Store Podcast.

First on my list is Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’ classic Frankenstein sequel/parody released in 1974. Not all of Brooks’ films have aged well, but Young Frankenstein still stands up as a classic comedy. The film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson, who travels to Transylvania to prove to the world his grandfather was not insane. After arriving he discovers his grandfather’s notes and equipment and is ultimately able to reanimate a corpse… with mixed results. Wilder is joined on screen by Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman, and Peter Boyle as the monster. Even though I seem to catch bits and pieces (no pun intended) of this on cable throughout the year, I put it on the list because it’s best enjoyed all the way through from start to finish. If you remove this one from the shelv but change your mind, be sure to put it, and the candle, BACK.

Second on my list is 1985’s Silver Bullet, based on a Stephen King novella. In Silver Bullet, a small town in Maine (it’s always a small town in Maine…) is under attack by a murderer that turns out to be a werewolf. After a young boy named Marty manages to wound the werewolf, he and his sister set out to determine the werewolf’s identity. But when the moon is full, the hunters quickly become the hunted. Starring Corey Haim and Gary Busey, Silver Bullet is a classic that gets me into the Halloween spirit every year.

Next on my list is John Carpenter’s The Thing, released in 1982. I have long considered this film along with a few others like Jaws and Back to the Future to be essentially flawless films. I’ve watched The Thing a dozen times and there’s not a thing I would change. It’s the perfect combination of traditional scares and psychological terror. When researchers discover an alien life form that not only consumes people but can physically imitate them as well, a group of researchers quickly discover who among them they can trust — no one. Starring Kurt Russell and featuring a cast of familiar faces, The Thing is the perfect way to instill fear and paranoia before bedtime.

The last film on my list is 1985’s Fright Night, a film about a teenage boy who believes his next door neighbor may actually be a vampire responsible for the uptick in murders reported on the news. When Charley’s family, friends, and even the police fail to believe him, there’s only one person he can turn to: Peter Vincent, host of the late night horror-themed television show, Fright Night. The bad news for Charley is that by the time he discovers the truth about his neighbor, his neighbor is on to him. Fright Night is classic 80s horror — it’s a little scary, a little silly, and a whole lot of fun. It’s worth a watch if you haven’t seen it recently.

I hope you are as excited about Halloween as we are here at the Video Store Podcast. Help yourself to a complimentary pair of plastic vampire teeth and fake blood capsules (careful — they’ll stain clothing) and take all the candy corn you want (we can never get rid of that stuff). I hope at least one of this week’s movies gets you into the Halloween spirit. Let us know your favorite “must watch” films that get you into the Halloween spirit!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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First is one of the lesser-known Stephen King miniseries, The Langoliers (1995). This redeye flight from hell has a great ensemble cast and a fun throwback to the early usage of computer graphics for the titular Langoliers. It’s a lighter miniseries than the rest of our recommendations, so it’s great after a day of mind-melting summer heat.

Next is the first adaptation of Salem’s Lot (1979). Even with late 70s disco-era fashion and haircuts, this vampire story is chilling, making it a perfect selection for a blistering hot day. You’ll be thinking of cool, dark basements, and the cold stare of Mr. Barlow, our vampire terrorizing Salem’s Lot, instead of the heat outside. This story is so popular that it’s had a sequel and other adaptations, but nothing beats the original.

Third, we have IT (1990), which boasts an incredible cast of child and adult actors as our Loser’s Club, being menaced by the horrifying Pennywise the Clown, played by Tim Curry. This is a miniseries about more than just a scary clown; it’s about facing down your childhood trauma. Be advised: while summer is a great time to get in the water, just because Pennywise says, “We all float down here,” doesn’t mean you should join him in the cool of the sewer.

Our final selection is The Stand (1994). This epic four-part miniseries is perhaps Stephen King’s best, and at minimum, is a fantastic adaptation of King’s personal favorite of his novels. With an incredible ensemble cast and expertly chosen musical selections, The Stand (1994) is King at his finest.

We hope these selections will help you beat the heat with an excuse to while away the hours indoors, watching some epic and scary Stephen King miniseries. While we don’t see the format as often anymore, there was a time when the miniseries was King. It’s only fitting that it was often used by the King of Horror, Stephen King. We hope you enjoy this trip down miniseries memory lane in this week’s Video Store Podcast.

Let’s kick things off with “Electric Dreams” from 1984. This quirky gem explores what happens when a personal computer starts to compete with its owner for the affection of his neighboring cellist. The film is known for its catchy soundtrack, featuring artists like Giorgio Moroder and Phil Oakey. It's a lighthearted look at the anxieties surrounding the rise of technology in everyday life.

Next up is "TRON" from 1982. This groundbreaking film introduced many to the concept of the digital world. With its revolutionary use of computer-generated imagery, "TRON" was not just a film but a glimpse into the future of visuals in cinema. Fun fact: it was one of the first movies from a major studio to use extensive CGI, but despite its innovation, it wasn’t eligible for an Academy Award nomination for special effects because using computers was considered "cheating" at the time.

Moving on to 1983, we have “WarGames.” This film is a thrilling look at the early fears of hacking and global thermonuclear war. Matthew Broderick stars as a young hacker who accidentally accesses a U.S. military supercomputer programmed to predict possible outcomes of nuclear war. “WarGames” is especially notable for influencing the United States to develop new legislation to better secure their networks against hackers.

Lastly, we round out our list with “Weird Science” from 1985. This film brings a lighter, comedic take to our computer theme. Two high school boys attempt to create the perfect woman using their computer, leading to all sorts of unexpected and wild consequences. It’s a classic John Hughes comedy with a bizarre sci-fi twist that really exemplifies the '80s flair for combining genres.

So, if you're in the mood for a nostalgic tech journey through the '80s or just looking for some entertaining films with a blend of science fiction and computer reality, these picks will not disappoint. Each of these films offers a unique look into the era's digital dreams and fears.

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First up, we have "Gung Ho" from 1986. Directed by Ron Howard, this comedy explores the clash of work cultures when a Japanese company takes over an American car factory. Michael Keaton shines as the foreman trying to bridge the divide. The film is a light-hearted, but it takes on serious themes like globalization and labor relations, making it both fun and thought-provoking at the same time. Although most people focus on the lightness of the movie.

Next, we have "Tokyo Pop" from 1988. This one is a hidden gem. It follows the journey of an American singer who travels to Japan. Not only does it feature catchy music, but it also delves into the intricacies of culture shock and relationships. It’s a fascinating look at the late eighties music scene and cultural exchange, presented in a vibrant, almost documentary style.

Moving on, we look at "Black Rain," directed by Ridley Scott in 1989. This film is a gritty, neon-lit action thriller that explores the underworld of Osaka through the eyes of two New York cops, played by Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia. The film is well-known for its atmospheric cinematography and intense action sequences. It does a great job of capturing the essence of Japan's urban landscape in a dramatic, almost noir-like manner.

Lastly, we have "Mr. Baseball" from 1992. In this sports comedy, Tom Selleck stars as an aging New York Yankee who is traded to a team in Japan. The movie is a humorous and heartfelt look at the struggles and surprises of adapting to a new culture and sports environment. It’s especially notable for its insights into the differences between American and Japanese baseball.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on American-Japanese relationships, mixing humor, drama, and action. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy these cross-cultural adventures from the comfort of your couch.

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First up, we look at the first of several backdoor TV pilots, Dr. Strange (1978). This film gives us an origin story for Dr. Steven Strange, the new Sorcerer Supreme, pitting him against the evil Morgan LeFay. It’s a psychedelic trip into the 70s and an interesting look at an early Marvel film.

Next is Howard the Duck (1986) and 🎶 he shot an arrow straight to my heart! 🎵 This weird and wonderful film produced by George Lucas takes the wise-quacking, cigar-smoking duck from the pages of Marvel Comics to the big screen. Starring Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins, it’s a film with a feather’s tickle of humor that will keep you coming back for more. Ain’t no way to conceal it.

Turning the page on our third recommendation, we look at the backdoor pilot for Generation X (1996). It’s X-Citing, X-traordinary, and if you’re an X-Men diehard, in-X-cuseable to miss. We look at the film’s promotion and talk about some of its missteps. Don’t miss this X-tremely rare piece of X-Men history.

Because you demanded it! Our final film in our look back at Marvel before the MCU is Nick Fury: Agent of S. H. I. E. L. D. (1998). This over-the-top bit of spy-fi features a of host of characters who are, unlike some of our previous recommendations, active members of the MCU roster. It’s fun to imagine what might’ve been with this one. Grab your movie snacks, your eye patch, and a cigar (bubblegum version only), and enjoy this late 90s edition of Fury, 10 years before he was portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson.

Whether these films make you want to dig into other films of Marvel yesteryear or dive headfirst into your long box, we hope these films inspire you to find the superhero within yourself. As the great Stan Lee once said, “That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.” ‘Nuff said from us here at The Video Store Podcast.

Excelsior!

First up, we have 'Shoot to Kill' from 1988. This one's a thrilling mix of wilderness adventure and crime drama, starring Sidney Poitier in his return to cinema after a decade away. Poitier plays an FBI agent on the trail of a killer in the rugged Pacific Northwest, and what makes this film stand out is its breathtaking scenery coupled with intense action. The dynamic between Poitier and Tom Berenger, who plays a mountain guide, adds a memorable layer to the story. It's a film that combines the beauty of nature with the tension of a chase, making it a unique entry in the thriller genre of its time.

Moving on, 'The Soldier' from 1982, takes us into the heart of Cold War espionage with a plot that feels like it could have been ripped from today's headlines. It's a spy thriller that delves into the concept of a rogue KGB element trying to ignite World War III. What's fascinating about 'The Soldier' is its raw portrayal of international espionage and the lengths to which individuals will go to prevent global disaster. The film, though not widely known, showcases some innovative action sequences for its time and a plot that keeps you guessing.

Then there's 'L.A. Takedown,' directed by Michael Mann in 1989. This film is actually a precursor to Mann's later, more famous work, 'Heat'. While 'L.A. Takedown' might not have the star power of its successor, it shares a similar story: a master thief and a seasoned cop on a collision course. The film was originally made as a television pilot, and its tight pacing and gritty portrayal of Los Angeles crime scene offer a fascinating glimpse into Mann's evolving style. For fans of crime dramas, it's a must-watch to see the early foundations of what would become one of the genre's classics.

Last but not least, we turn the spotlight to 'Streets of Fire' from 1984. This film is a rock & roll fable, blending action, music, and a neon-lit aesthetic into a unique cinematic experience. Directed by Walter Hill, it features Diane Lane as a rock singer kidnapped by a biker gang, leading to a rescue mission that's as much about explosive action as it is about electrifying music. The film's tagline, "A Rock & Roll Fable," perfectly captures its essence, offering a mix of genres that creates a distinct vibe you won't find anywhere else.

Each of these films brings something special to the table, from the natural beauty and suspense of 'Shoot to Kill' to the early exploration of themes Michael Mann would further develop in 'L.A. Takedown'. 'The Soldier' gives us a glimpse into Cold War tensions with a spy thriller twist, while 'Streets of Fire' offers a musical, action-packed journey unlike any other. Whether you're revisiting these titles or experiencing them for the first time, they each offer a unique slice of cinema that's well worth your time.

That's it for today's episode. I hope you find these recommendations intriguing and give these films a watch. Until next time, keep loving movies, and remember, there's always something worth watching at The Video Store.

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First up, we have The Bad News Bears (1976), a true classic that combines humor and heart in equal measure. This film tells the story of a ragtag group of misfit Little Leaguers and their very flawed coach, who find themselves struggling to compete. It’s a story about overcoming odds, and its raw portrayal of young athletes is refreshing and memorable.

Next at bat, The Sandlot (1993). This isn’t just a movie, for many it’s become a summer tradition. Set in the early '60s, it follows a group of young friends who share unforgettable adventures centered around playing ball in their local sandlot. It’s a touching tale about friendship, growing up, and the magic of baseball. If you ever wondered where, "You're killing me, Smalls!"is from, you are about to get your answer.

Sliding into third, we’ve got Rookie of the Year (1993). Imagine being a 12-year-old who suddenly acquires an incredibly strong pitching arm after a freak accident. That’s exactly what happens to young Henry Rowengartner, leading him to the major leagues. This one is a fantastic mix of comedy and wish fulfillment that reminds us why we love sports.

Rounding off the list is Angels in the Outfield (1994). This heartwarming film blends fantasy and sports to tell the story of a young boy who prays for his hapless team to win the championship. Real angels answer his prayers, leading to some miraculous baseball plays. Baseball is at its center, but the film is about hope, belief, and the power of a little divine intervention.

Whether these films remind you of warm, dusty days spent with friends or simply serve as a delightful watch, each movie offers something unique. So grab your popcorn and your mitt, and prepare to relive the draw of America’s pastime with us here at The Video Store Podcast.

Play ball!

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First up on our list is Patrick (1978). This chilling thriller dives into the bizarre story of Patrick, a comatose hospital patient who possesses telekinetic powers. Directed by Richard Franklin, this eerie tale will keep you on the edge of your seat, proving that sometimes the mind can be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Next, we switch gears with Dead End Drive-In (1986). Picture this: a post-apocalyptic future where a drive-in becomes a concentration camp for societal outcasts. It’s a vibrant, neon-lit commentary on culture and youth in revolt, with plenty of action and anarchy to keep the adrenaline pumping.

We can't talk about Australian cinema without mentioning The Man From Hong Kong (1975). This film is a high-octane blend of martial arts and police drama, featuring Jimmy Wang Yu as a tough-as-nails inspector on the trail of drug smugglers. With breathtaking stunts and a killer soundtrack, it’s a must-watch for fans of action-packed cinema.

Finally, we wrap up with Turkey Shoot (1982), also known as "Escape 2000." This dystopian nightmare offers a terrifying look at a totalitarian future where social deviants are hunted for sport. It's brutal, it's bloody, and it’s a thrilling exploration of resistance and resilience.

That's all for today's trip through the thrilling world of Australian cult cinema. Whether you’re a fan of horror, action, or dystopian drama, these films offer something for everyone. Make sure to check them out, and join me next time at The Video Store Podcast for more hidden gems and classic films.

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First on our list is "The Philadelphia Experiment" (1984). This film takes us on a wild ride with its tale of a military experiment gone awry, launching two sailors into the future. The blend of time travel, suspense, and a touch of romance makes this a unique pick for anyone who loves a good conspiracy theory mixed with their science fiction.

Next, we're talking about "D.A.R.Y.L." (1985), a heartwarming story about a young boy who is not what he seems. This movie explores themes of humanity, identity, and what it means to be alive, all through the lens of a child who is actually a government-created android.

Then, we shift our focus to "Wavelength" (1983), a film that's a bit of a hidden gem among 80s sci-fi. It combines elements of alien encounters with government conspiracies, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles in the 1980s. With its unique storytelling and atmospheric tension, "Wavelength" is perfect for those who love their sci-fi with a side of eerie mystery.

Finally, we cap off this episode with "Brainstorm" (1983), a film that was truly ahead of its time. Starring Christopher Walken, this movie looks into the possibilities and dangers of technological advancements in brain-computer interfaces. It's puts front and center the ethical dilemmas that can arise in science, with special effects that, while dated, still manage to convey the awe-inspiring potential of human innovation.

Each of these films offers a different take on 80s sci-fi, from adventures across time to explorations of what it means to be human. They remind us of a time when special effects weren't the only stars of the show, but stores mattered more. So, whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or new to these classics, there's something here for everyone.

That wraps up this episode description of The Video Store Podcast. We hope these recommendations inspire you to explore the vast universe of 80s science fiction. Until next time, keep rewinding those tapes. See you in the aisles.

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First up, we have "The Quiet Earth" from 1985. This New Zealand sci-fi classic explores the profound and eerie calm after a scientific experiment gone awry seems to leave a lone scientist as the last man on Earth. The film is celebrated not just for its intriguing premise, but also for its breathtaking final scene, which has had film fans arguing for decades. The solitude and desolation captured in the film are palpable, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the more introspective side of science fiction.

Next up is "Enemy Mine," also from 1985. This film stands out for its exploration of themes of racism, camaraderie, and survival under the most unlikely circumstances. Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr.'s performances are the heart of this story. They portray two soldiers from opposing sides of an interstellar war, stranded on a desolate planet. Their journey from enemies to friends is a powerful commentary on understanding and tolerance that resonates just as strongly today.

Moving on to a slightly earlier film, I am recommending the mind-bending world of "Altered States" from 1980. Directed by Ken Russell and based on the novel by Paddy Chayefsky, this movie takes us on a psychedelic journey through the human psyche. In it, William Hurt's character experiments on himself with a mixture of sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic drugs. The visual effects used to depict his experiences were groundbreaking at the time and remain impressively evocative, painting an often disturbing picture of the potential and peril of pushing the boundaries of human consciousness.

Lastly, we have the environmental cautionary tale "Silent Running" from 1972. Directed by Douglas Trumbull, who was known for his special effects work on "2001: A Space Odyssey." This film tells the story of a botanist on a space station dedicated to preserving Earth's last natural environments. It's a poignant, ahead-of-its-time commentary on environmentalism and loneliness The highlights are Bruce Dern's compelling performance and the unforgettable presence of the small, yet endearing, service robots, Huey, Dewey, and Louie (love em).

Each of these films explore themes that are as relevant today as they were when they were first released. From the solitude of "The Quiet Earth" and the unlikely alliance in "Enemy Mine" to the exploratory depths of "Altered States" and the environmental message of "Silent Running." Like all good SF films, they invite us to question, reflect, and marvel at the possibilities beyond our current understanding.

So, whether you're a long-time fan of the genre or just looking for something different to watch this weekend, these films should provide plenty of food for thought. Thanks for joining me on this journey through the stars and the depths of the human mind. Until next time, keep those VCRs powered up.

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First up, we have "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" from 1985. This joyful romp through teenage rebellion and dance competitions is pure 80s gold. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt, this film captures the vibrant energy of the decade. The film’s dance sequences are not just fun; they're a testament to the era's dedication to new wave style and aerobics craze.

Moving on to a bit more of a heartfelt classic, we have "Say Anything" from 1989. This film not only solidified John Cusack as an 80s icon but also gave us one of the most memorable romantic gestures in film history with the boombox scene. Director Cameron Crowe created a film that speaks to the uncertainties of post-high school life and the pursuit of genuine connection.

Next on our list is "She's All That" from 1999. This film is a quintessential teen makeover story that cleverly subverts some typical genre clichés. Did you know that it was one of the most popular teen films of the 90s and launched the careers of several of its stars, including Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook? It’s a cultural snapshot of late 90s high school life, right down to the fashion and slang.

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Lastly, we revisit 1999 with "10 Things I Hate About You." This film cleverly adapts Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" into a modern high school setting, highlighting themes of identity, conformity, and romance. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles deliver performances that resonate well beyond their high school characters, marking the film as a standout in the teen movie genre.

Each of these films brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the charm of the cast, the impactful soundtracks, or the way they encapsulate the essence of their respective decades. They remind us why we return to these stories time and again — for nostalgia, for comfort, or just for a good laugh.

That wraps up today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you find as much joy in revisiting these classics as we do recommending them.

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Cloak & Dagger (1984) - Kicking off our list is this nostalgic gem from the 80s that blends adventure, espionage, and a child's imagination into a thrilling ride. "Cloak & Dagger" tells the story of young Davey, who, immersed in the world of video games and spy tales, finds himself entangled in a real-life espionage plot involving government secrets and sinister villains. It's a heartwarming tale of bravery, imagination, and the power of friendship. Perfect for those who love a blend of suspense and a touch of innocence from their childhood.

Ouija (2014) - Moving into the realm of the supernatural, "Ouija" takes us on a dark journey prompted by curiosity and the unknown. After a group of friends use a Ouija board to connect with a deceased friend, they unwittingly awaken a dark presence. What starts as an innocent game quickly spirals into a fight for survival against a malevolent force. This film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts looking for chills and thrills that linger long after the movie ends.

11:14 (2003) - If you're a fan of intricately woven narratives and dark comedy, "11:14" is an absolute must-see. This film masterfully intertwines the lives of several seemingly unrelated characters through a series of events leading up to a catastrophic accident at 11:14 PM. It's a brilliant exploration of cause and effect, with a twist of humor amidst the chaos. The storytelling and pacing make it a standout choice for those who appreciate a movie that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Fire in the Sky (1993) - Lastly, we delve into the eerie and controversial with "Fire in the Sky," based on the true story of Travis Walton's alleged alien abduction. This film balances the line between skepticism and belief, offering a gripping narrative filled with tension, emotion, and a portrayal of an extraterrestrial encounter that remains one of the most vivid in cinema history. Whether you're a believer in the unknown or just love a story that challenges reality, this movie is an enthralling watch.

That wraps up our recommendations for this episode of The Video Store Podcast. Each of these films not only contributes to the rich tapestry of Henry Thomas’s career but also offers something unique for movie lovers. From the imaginative adventures of a child to the eerie silence of supernatural horror, Thomas proves his ability to captivate audiences across the board. Until next time, keep watching!

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First up on our list is "18 Again!" from 1988, a comedic gem that explores the unlikely switch between a grandfather and his grandson on the former's 81st birthday. Imagine waking up with the wisdom of your years packed into the energy of youth! This film not only delivers laughs but also a heartwarming look at family bonds and second chances.

Next, we dive into "Vice Versa" (1988), where a mystical skull becomes the catalyst for a father and son to experience each other's lives firsthand. The film cleverly navigates the challenges and hilarity of adult life and school days, respectively, with a side of 80s charm. It's a delightful watch that reminds us of the misunderstandings and love that can only be fully appreciated when walked in another's shoes.

"Like Father, Like Son" (1987) takes us on another rollicking adventure where a potion causes a father and son to swap bodies. This movie explores the generational divide and the comedic chaos of trying to manage each other's responsibilities. It's a light-hearted take on the trials and tribulations of growing up and the realization that maybe our parents had it tougher than we thought.

Lastly, "All of Me" (1984) offers a twist on the body-swap theme with a story of a dying millionaire planning to transfer her soul into a younger woman's body, only to end up sharing a body with her lawyer. This Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin classic is a masterclass in physical comedy and acting, delivering laughs while touching on themes of identity, control, and unexpected teamwork.

These films, each a product of the 80s and early cinematic explorations into what it means to literally walk a mile in another's shoes, remind us of the era's unique charm and the enduring appeal of body-swap stories. They play with the idea of understanding and empathy in the most entertaining ways, proving that sometimes, to see the world differently, you just need a little switch.

So, if you're in the mood for some nostalgic cinema that promises both laughter and a dash of introspection, these films are sure to deliver. Until next time, keep rewinding those tapes and discovering the magic of movies.

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Bates Motel (1987): Kicking off our journey is a trip to the infamous Bates Motel, but not as you know it. This 1987 television movie attempts to resurrect the eerie charm of Alfred Hitchcock's classic, with a twist. Lori Petty stars in a pivotal role that showcases her early acting potential. While the film itself diverges from the original Psycho's dark allure, Petty's performance is a beacon of intrigue, providing a glimpse into the dynamic talent that would come to define her career.

A League of Their Own (1992): Stepping up to the plate, we find Lori Petty in one of her most beloved roles. "A League of Their Own" offers not just a glimpse into the world of women's professional baseball during World War II but also showcases Petty's incredible range as Kit Keller, the fiery younger sister to Geena Davis's Dottie Hinson. Petty brings a heartfelt and stubbornly spirited performance to the film, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women athletes with both humor and depth. It's a home run that captures the essence of determination and sisterhood.

In the Army Now (1994): From the baseball diamond to the desert sands, Lori Petty continues to surprise and entertain as Christine Jones in "In the Army Now." This comedy, starring alongside Pauly Shore, might not be the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, but Petty's performance steals the show. Her character's journey from a lackadaisical civilian to a committed army reservist provides laughs and a few earnest moments, showcasing Petty's ability to shine even amidst the most chaotic comedic scenarios.

Tank Girl (1995): Finally, we reach the cult classic that is "Tank Girl." Based on the British post-apocalyptic comic series, this film is a wild, anarchic ride through a dystopian future, with Petty in the titular role. Tank Girl is an icon of feminist punk, and Petty embodies the character's rebellious spirit with unmatched zest. The film blends action, comedy, and a unique visual style that, while not a box office success, has garnered a fervent cult following over the years. Petty's performance is electrifying, bringing to life a character that refuses to be tamed or categorized.

Lori Petty's journey through these films is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actor. From the eerie halls of Bates Motel to the baseball fields of World War II, from the comedic barracks of "In the Army Now" to the anarchic future of "Tank Girl," Petty brings to each role a distinct energy that is all her own. As we revisit these films, we're not just watching movies; we're experiencing the evolution of a remarkable performer whose roles have left an indelible mark on the hearts of moviegoers.

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First up on our list is "Waking Ned Devine" (1998). This charming film transports us to a tiny Irish village where Ned Devine has won the lottery. There's just one little problem—Ned can't claim his winnings because he's passed away from the shock of his good fortune. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming plot by the villagers to claim the prize money, proving that community and cleverness can go hand in hand. It's a feel-good movie that captures the spirit of Ireland and its people, making it a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh and a warm heart.

Next, we step back in time to "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" (1959), a delightful journey into Irish folklore. This classic film tells the story of Darby O'Gill, a wily old storyteller who matches wits with the king of the leprechauns. With its enchanting special effects (revolutionary for its time) and captivating performances, including a young Sean Connery in a singing role, this movie is a magical experience for all ages. It's a perfect pick for families or anyone who loves a good fairy tale.

Shifting gears to a more grounded story, "The Van" (1996) gives us a slice of life in Dublin. Directed by Stephen Frears, this comedy-drama follows two friends who decide to start a fish and chips van during the 1990 World Cup. It's a story about friendship, dreams, and the ups and downs of starting a business. The film captures the gritty, yet hopeful spirit of Dublin in the 90s and is a testament to the resilience and humor of its people.

Lastly, we venture into the wild and wacky with "Leprechaun 4: In Space" (1996). Yes, you heard that right—in space! This horror-comedy takes the traditional Irish myth to new heights, quite literally, as the malevolent leprechaun seeks his bride on a distant planet. It's a cult classic that blends sci-fi, horror, and absurd humor. This movie is definitely not for everyone, but if you're in the mood for something completely out of left field, it's an entertaining watch.

That wraps up our cinematic journey to Ireland and beyond. Each of these films offers a unique taste of Irish culture, mythology, and the undeniable charm that comes from storytelling on the Emerald Isle. Whether you're in the mood for laughter, adventure, or just a good old-fashioned tale, these movies are sure to enrich your movie-watching experience.

Thanks for tuning into the Video Store Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for more movie recommendations and deep dives into cinema's most interesting corners. Sláinte, and see you next time!

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First up, we have "The Blood of Heroes" (1989), a gritty post-apocalyptic adventure that takes the term "underdog story" to new heights. Starring Rutger Hauer in a very memorable role, this film mixes the gritty atmosphere of a devastated world with the spirit of sportsmanship in a way that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of dystopian narratives with a twist, this one's for you.

Next on our list is "The New Kids" (1985). This thriller dives into the life of a brother and sister duo who, after the death of their parents, move to a new town only to face a gang of merciless bullies ruled by James Spader. It's a gripping tale of resilience and revenge, with performances that capture the raw emotion of the characters' plight. For those who love a good underdog story with a dash of 80s flair, "The New Kids" is a must-see.

Moving on, we have "Ruthless People" (1986), a dark comedy that stands out for its wicked sense of humor and brilliant plot twists. Starring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler, this film tells the story of a man who plans to kill his wealthy wife, only to find out she's been kidnapped. What ensues is a hilarious mix-up of plans, double-crosses, and unexpected alliances. It's a riot from start to finish, showcasing the comedic genius of its cast.

"Tuff Turf" (1985) brings us a tale of teenage rebellion and romance. James Spader stars as the rebellious new kid in town, navigating the tough streets of Los Angeles while trying to win the heart of a gang leader's girlfriend. This film perfectly captures the essence of 80s teen dramas, complete with a rocking soundtrack and plenty of style.

Lastly, we have "Runaway Train" (1985), a high-octane thriller that's as much about action as it is about the human spirit. Jon Voight and Eric Roberts deliver powerhouse performances as two escaped convicts on a runaway train, with no control and no place to go. It's a gripping tale of survival and freedom, with stunning cinematography that makes you feel like you're right there with them.

There you have it, five films from the 1980s that are sure to entertain, thrill, and maybe even move you. Whether you're in the mood for action, comedy, drama, or a bit of everything, these recommendations are guaranteed to deliver. So, dust off those VCRs, or find these classics online, and let the movie marathon begin. Until next time, happy watching.

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The magic of these human interactions lay in their unpredictability. Unlike the calculated suggestions of today's algorithms, recommendations from video store employees were imbued with a human touch that could lead to unexpected and delightful discoveries. These moments of serendipity were driven by a simple yet profound desire: to share the joy of a film that had resonated with them, hoping it would do the same for you. This exchange of recommendations created a communal tapestry of cinematic experiences, where each viewer's discovery became a potential revelation for someone else.

At the Video Store Podcast, we strive to recapture the essence of those bygone days. Our mission is to unearth and celebrate films that have moved us, ranging from hidden gems to beloved classics. Each movie we discuss is championed by at least one passionate advocate among us, eager to share their love and perhaps inspire a new fan. Our podcast is an invitation to revisit the thrill of discovery, to enjoy the stories we share in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We meticulously link to each featured film in our show notes, eliminating the need for you to jot down titles or search for them later. Additionally, our ever-expanding library of films is always available for you to explore at your leisure.

So, sit back, unwind, and let the show begin. Join us on a journey that transcends algorithms, where the joy of discovering and sharing films flourishes. Welcome to the Video Store Podcast, where every recommendation comes from the heart, and every film has the potential to become your next favorite.

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Rob "Flack" O'Hara has already joined the staff, and I hope to add other fans of cinema to the roster.

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