Better Off Dead (1985) | Surreal Cult Teen Comedy, Maximum 80s Energy | VHSSB

Better Off Dead (1985) was chosen by supporter Susan, and it’s one of the most distinctive teen comedies to come out of the mid-1980s. Written and directed by Savage Steve Holland, the film was conceived as a deliberately off-kilter alternative to the more conventional John Hughes–style comedies dominating the era. Holland drew heavily on surreal humor, cartoon logic, and exaggerated visual gags, aiming to make a live-action movie that felt closer to a Looney Tunes short than a traditional teen film. Produced by Warner Bros. on a modest budget, the movie was shot primarily in California and embraced a heightened, artificial look that matched its absurd tone.The production itself was famously contentious. Studio executives reportedly struggled to understand Holland’s surreal approach, and star John Cusack later distanced himself from the film, feeling the final cut leaned too far into absurdity. Despite this, the filmmakers were given enough freedom to fully commit to the bizarre visual style, rapid-fire jokes, and unconventional editing choices. While Better Off Dead underperformed theatrically and received mixed reviews on release, it found a second life on VHS and cable television, where audiences embraced its oddball humor. Over time, the film has become a cult classic, celebrated for its unapologetic weirdness and its refusal to play by the rules of standard 1980s teen comedies.Checkout Susan’s podcast Geek Girl Soup here.If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryThis winter… high school gets weird.From the twisted mind of Savage Steve Holland comes a teen comedy where nothing behaves like reality, logic takes a holiday, and every problem is dialed up to cartoon levels of insanity. When heartbreak hits and humiliation follows, one teenager spirals into a snow-covered nightmare filled with bizarre neighbors, aggressive paperboys, and challenges that demand absolute commitment.Better Off Dead — where teenage angst meets surreal chaos… and giving up is not an option.Fun FactsBetter Off Dead features several stop-motion and animated sequences, including the famous dancing hamburgers scene, created to mimic cartoon physics in live action.The aggressive paperboy character was played by Demian Slade, whose brief but intense performance became one of the most quoted elements of the film.Actress Kim Darby, who played the protagonist’s mother, was already famous for her role in True Grit (1969), making her casting an unexpected generational crossover.Curtis Armstrong (later known for Revenge of the Nerds and Risky Business) appears in one of his early comedy roles, adding to the film’s cult appeal.The movie’s synth-heavy soundtrack, composed by Rupert Hine, became a cult favorite and was later released as a standalone album.The fictional foreign exchange student characters were deliberately written with exaggerated stereotypes to heighten the film’s absurdist tone.Many of the film’s jokes are delivered entirely visually, with minimal dialogue, reinforcing its reputation as a comedy that rewards repeat viewings.Better Off Dead is frequently cited by comedians and filmmakers as a precursor to modern surreal comedies, influencing later offbeat humor in film and TV.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Bloody New Year (1987) was chosen by co-host Dave as the final movie pick in the Year of the Stitch-Up, and what a note to end on. The film was directed by Norman J. Warren, a cult British filmmaker best known for low-budget horror and exploitation fare like Satan’s Slave and Inseminoid. By the late 1980s, Warren was working with extremely limited resources, and Bloody New Year was produced on a modest budget aimed squarely at the VHS and late-night rental market. The production leaned heavily on atmosphere, strange concepts, and practical effects rather than polish, embracing the scrappy DIY ethos of British horror in the post-slasher boom era.Shot largely on location along the Welsh coast, the film made creative use of abandoned buildings and seaside settings to create an eerie, off-kilter mood without the expense of large sets. Like many British genre films of the time, it struggled with distribution, receiving little theatrical exposure before finding its audience on home video. While largely ignored on release, Bloody New Year has since gained a cult reputation among horror fans who enjoy obscure, unconventional oddities from the VHS era. As the closing chapter of the Year of the Stitch-Up, it’s an appropriately strange, divisive, and deeply VHS-coded selection — the kind of movie that feels discovered rather than released.If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryFrom a quiet coastal town… to an island where time itself has gone horribly wrong.A group of unsuspecting teenagers arrive at a deserted hotel expecting nothing more than a getaway — but what they find is something far more twisted. As reality fractures, clocks stop making sense, and unseen forces close in, the line between past, present, and pure nightmare begins to dissolve.Bloody New Year — where the party never ends… and time is out to get you.Fun FactsBloody New Year was also released in some territories under the alternate title “Time Bomb”, which caused confusion among VHS collectors.The film became far more well-known on home video than in cinemas, thriving during the late-80s VHS horror boom.Many fans mistakenly associate the movie with the “Video Nasties” era, even though it narrowly missed official banning in the UK.The eerie fairground setting was created using abandoned seaside attractions, adding an unintentional layer of decay to the visuals.Several special effects were achieved using camera tricks and editing rather than gore, due to budget limitations.The movie’s synth-heavy soundtrack is frequently cited by fans as one of its most memorable elements.Bloody New Year gained renewed attention in the 2000s thanks to cult horror forums and late-night TV screenings.Today, the film is often discussed alongside other late-80s British horror oddities like Uncle Sam and The Outing as a cult curiosity.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993) was chosen by Chris, rounding out the unlikely trilogy that began as a surprise hit in 1989. By the early ’90s, the Look Who’s Talking franchise had already proven its commercial appeal, and TriStar Pictures was keen to keep the momentum going. This third entry shifted focus behind the scenes, with original director Amy Heckerling stepping away and Tom Ropelewski taking over directorial duties. John Travolta and Kirstie Alley returned following the success of Look Who’s Talking Too, while the production leaned heavily on the established brand recognition rather than reinventing the formula.The film was produced during a transitional period for Hollywood family comedies, as studios increasingly relied on sequels, celebrity voice work, and broad humor to attract audiences. A major production emphasis was placed on the voice performances, enlisting high-profile actors to give personality and comedic timing to the animal characters through extensive ADR sessions. Despite a solid budget and the continued involvement of its star leads, Look Who’s Talking Now! faced franchise fatigue upon release and struggled to recapture the box-office success of its predecessors. Today, it’s remembered as a curious example of early-’90s sequel culture — a film driven more by brand familiarity than creative necessity, and a reminder of how quickly novelty concepts can wear thin.If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryFrom the creators of a blockbuster comedy franchise… comes the one where the pets finally take over.The family is back, the chaos is louder, and this time the dogs have something to say. With celebrity voices, slapstick mayhem, and 90s family-friendly insanity turned up to eleven, Look Who’s Talking Now! lets the animals loose — commenting on love, loyalty, and household madness like only talking pets can.Look Who’s Talking Now! — when the fur flies, the truth comes out.Fun FactsLook Who’s Talking Now! was the final film in the Look Who’s Talking trilogy, bringing the franchise to an end after three movies in five years.The movie marked one of the rare times Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton voiced animated characters together, even though neither appears on screen.The dogs’ mouth movements were created using subtle animatronics and careful editing, rather than full CGI, which was still limited in the early 1990s.Despite mixed reviews, the film performed strongly on VHS and rental charts, continuing the franchise’s popularity in the home-video market.The movie received several Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Screenplay and Worst Supporting Actress, reflecting its critical reception.Look Who’s Talking Now! was released during a wave of early-90s “talking animal” movies, alongside films like Homeward Bound and Bingo.This installment shifted the franchise’s focus more toward family-friendly animal comedy, a move that divided fans of the earlier films.The film has since gained a nostalgic cult following, particularly among viewers who grew up watching it repeatedly on VHS and cable television.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Freddy Got Fingered (2001) was chosen by Supporter and friend of the show Blake, and it stands as one of the most infamous, chaotic, and downright bewildering productions ever funded by a major Hollywood studio. Directed by and starring Tom Green at the height of his MTV shock-comedy fame, the film was conceived as a vehicle to capture — and escalate — his unpredictable, confrontational brand of humor. Fox initially expected a quirky, outrageous teen comedy, but Green pushed the project into a surreal, boundary-smashing experiment, gleefully testing how far studio executives were willing to go. With a budget of around $14 million, he was given surprising creative freedom, shooting scenes that baffled executives but perfectly embodied his anti-comedy sensibilities.Behind the scenes, the production became something of a Hollywood legend. Tom Green committed fully to every bizarre creative impulse, often rewriting or improvising scenes on the day of shooting, much to the confusion of cast and crew. Actors like Rip Torn and Julie Hagerty were brought into the madness, delivering straight-faced performances amid escalating absurdity. Studio executives, increasingly horrified by what they were seeing, considered interfering but ultimately allowed Green to finish the film exactly as he envisioned it. Upon release, Freddy Got Fingered was critically savaged and won multiple Razzie Awards — including Worst Picture — but over the years it has gained a cult following, celebrated by some as a piece of surrealist outsider art wrapped in the guise of a studio comedy.If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryPrepare yourself… for a comedy that went too far, then kept going.When Gord Brody, a wannabe animator with a vivid imagination and zero impulse control, leaves home to chase his dreams, chaos follows in every direction. From catastrophic career moves to catastrophic family moments, Gord’s journey spirals into a whirlwind of wild gags, screaming matches, and deeply questionable decisions — all delivered with the enthusiasm of a man who has absolutely nothing to lose.Freddy Got Fingered — a film so outrageous, so unhinged, and so defiantly stupid… you’ll wonder how it ever got made.Fun FactsTom Green personally promoted the film in extreme ways, including arriving at the Razzies to accept his awards in person - and playing harmonica on stage until producers dragged him off.The film’s infamous “Daddy, would you like some sausage?” scene has become one of the most quoted and memed moments in early-2000s comedy.Freddy Got Fingered was Tom Green’s feature directorial debut, following the success of The Tom Green Show on MTV.Rip Torn agreed to the role because he admired Green’s fearlessness, even though Torn described some days on set as “completely insane.”Several of the movie’s props and costumes, including the sausage-pulley rig, were built by Green himself.Despite being critically panned, the movie later became a favourite of filmmakers like Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, who praised its “anti-comedy genius.”The initial test screenings reportedly caused walkouts, but studio executives decided to keep most scenes intact because Green insisted the discomfort was the point.The film includes several cameos from MTV personalities of the era, tying it directly to early-2000s pop culture.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Malibu Express (1985) was chosen by Patreon supporter Herb, who has mastered the art of selecting premium-grade, sun-bleached 80s glamour for the show. Written and directed by Andy Sidaris, the film was part of his long-running “Bullets, Bombs and Babes” cycle — a collection of action-comedies known for fast cars, glamorous models, and plots that take a distant back seat to the spectacle. Produced on a modest budget, the movie was shot largely around Malibu and Los Angeles, using Sidaris’s signature mix of real locations, Playboy Playmates, and outrageous action beats. Sidaris, a former sports TV director, carried over his love of dynamic camera movement, helicopter shots, and glossy production values, giving the film a surprisingly polished look despite its low-budget roots.Behind the scenes, Malibu Express was a family operation. Andy Sidaris worked closely with his wife, Arlene Sidaris, who produced many of his films and helped build the distinctive “L.E.T.H.A.L. Ladies” brand that would later define his work. The cast was a mix of rising models, stunt performers, and cult character actors — all encouraged to keep the tone light, playful, and unapologetically over-the-top. The movie embraced the early-80s explosion of VHS demand, engineered specifically to appeal to video-store thrillseekers looking for bikinis, guns, fast boats, and pure escapist nonsense. While critics dismissed it, Malibu Express became a staple of late-night cable and home video, paving the way for Sidaris’s even more outrageous follow-ups like Hard Ticket to Hawaii.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryBuckle up… because the sun’s out, the boats are fast, and the shirts are nowhere to be found.Meet Cody Abilene — part detective, part playboy, and full-time trouble magnet. When a simple job turns into a whirlwind of bullets, bikinis, and beachside chaos, Cody cruises into danger with nothing but his wits, his charm, and a cowboy hat that refuses to quit.Malibu Express — where the action is hot, the engines are loud, and the mystery is mostly an excuse for more explosions.Fun FactsMalibu Express was the first film in Andy Sidaris’s “Triple B” series, which later included cult favorites like Hard Ticket to Hawaii, Picasso Trigger, and Savage Beach.Lead actor Darby Hinton was best known at the time for playing Israel Boone on the classic TV series Daniel Boone before reinventing himself as an 80s action-comedy star.The iconic red DeLorean-style sports car Cody drives in the film is a Sterling Kit Car, built on a Volkswagen chassis to give the illusion of a futuristic supercar on a budget.Although set in Malibu, many interior scenes were filmed in Sidaris’s own home, a common cost-saving tactic he used throughout his career.The movie features early appearances by Sybil Danning and Kymberly Paige, who later became regulars in Sidaris’s L.E.T.H.A.L. Ladies universe.Malibu Express was a major VHS hit, with video rental stores frequently placing it in their “top 10 rentals” thanks to its eye-catching artwork and 80s sex-comedy-energy.Sidaris employed a small but consistent stunt team, meaning some action performers appeared in nearly every film he made throughout the decade.The mansion used for exterior shots belonged to a real Malibu millionaire, who allowed filming in exchange for a small role and a producer credit.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Champagne and Bullets (1993) was chosen by JAC, who has a real talent for uncovering the most outrageous, bewildering, and unintentionally hilarious films ever committed to VHS. Written, directed, produced, and starring John De Hart, the movie is one of the most unique vanity projects of the early ’90s - a full-throttle explosion of action, romance, country music, and courtroom drama held together by sheer force of ego. De Hart, a California trial lawyer with big Hollywood ambitions, financed the film himself and assembled a cast that included Wings Hauser and William Smith, two cult icons of low-budget action cinema. Shooting took place around Los Angeles on a shoestring budget, with much of the film’s tone shaped by De Hart’s insistence on performing his own music, writing his own poetry, and choreographing his own dance numbers.The production quickly became infamous behind the scenes for its chaotic mix of genres, improvised sequences, and the cast’s varying levels of investment. Wings Hauser, in particular, was reportedly encouraged to “just go for it,” resulting in some of the film’s most legendary moments — including his drunken, half-ad-libbed musical performance that has since become a cult highlight. The movie went through several edits and re-releases, most notably the 2013 version titled Road to Revenge, before the original cut was restored and championed by boutique labels and cult film festivals. Today, Champagne and Bullets stands as a gleefully bizarre testament to what happens when one man attempts to make the ultimate action movie entirely on his own terms - a glorious disaster that’s now celebrated as a cult gem for all the wrong (and therefore absolutely right) reasons.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryGet ready for justice… John De Hart style.When corruption runs wild and the system breaks down, one man steps forward - armed with a badge, a guitar, and absolutely no self-awareness. In a world of betrayal, bullets, and baffling dance numbers, he’ll fight for truth, love, and the right to perform his own country ballads… no matter how long it takes.Champagne and Bullets - where the action is loud, the romance is awkward, and the hero is whoever John De Hart says he is.Fun FactsChampagne and Bullets was originally released in 1993, but due to rights issues and re-editing by John De Hart, it was later reissued under two different titles: Road to Revenge and GetEven.The film gained cult status largely thanks to Internet rediscovery in the 2000s.Actor Wings Hauser improvised much of his performance, including the infamous barroom musical number, which has since become a viral cult-movie highlight.John De Hart wrote and performed all the original songs in the movie, including “Shimmy Slide,” which has achieved meme-level notoriety online.The “Shimmy Slide” dance sequence was filmed in a real Sherman Oaks bar, using actual patrons as background extras.Cult actor William Smith shot his scenes in just a few days due to scheduling constraints.John De Hart’s background as a trial lawyer inspired several scenes meant to showcase his courtroom skills, which fans now consider unintentionally comedic.Boutique label Vinegar Syndrome restored and re-released the film in 2020, using a new 2K scan that finally preserved De Hart’s original wild vision.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lair of the White Worm (1988) is picked by Dave this week, and it’s one of those wonderfully unhinged British horror films that could only have come out of the’80s. Written and directed by Ken Russell, the movie was loosely based on Bram Stoker’s 1911 novel of the same name - though in true Russell fashion, it quickly veered far from the source material and into surreal, erotic, and darkly comic territory. Produced by Vestron Pictures, the same studio behind Dirty Dancing and Return of the Living Dead, the film was made on a modest budget of around $2 million. Despite its low cost, Russell filled it with his signature visual flamboyance, blending Gothic horror, mythological imagery, and satirical British eccentricity into something uniquely chaotic.Filming took place in Derbyshire, England, using local countryside locations to give the film its haunting yet distinctly English atmosphere. The cast included a mix of rising and established talent - notably a young Hugh Grant, years before his rom-com fame, and Peter Capaldi, long before becoming Doctor Who. The movie was shot in just six weeks, with Russell working fast and loose, improvising many of the more bizarre scenes on set. Upon release, it divided critics: some praised its camp energy and gleeful weirdness, while others dismissed it as absurd. Over the years, though, Lair of the White Worm has achieved cult status - celebrated for its blend of folk horror, sensuality, and sheer outrageousness that only Ken Russell could deliver.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryIn the quiet English countryside, something ancient… something hungry… has awakened.When a strange discovery uncovers a dark legend, a group of unsuspecting locals is pulled into a world of hypnotic seduction, slithering evil, and serpentine terror. As ancient forces rise and modern reason crumbles, the line between myth and nightmare disappears - and no one is safe from the creature that has waited centuries to strike.Lair of the White Worm — brace yourself… this is one bite you won’t walk away from.Fun FactsLair of the White Worm was one of Vestron Pictures’ final horror productions before the company collapsed in the late 1980s.The film is very loosely based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name — many critics note that only names and the central “worm” concept survive Ken Russell’s adaptation.Amanda Donohoe, who plays the seductive Lady Sylvia Marsh, won the role after Russell saw her on stage in London and loved her bold, fearless screen presence.The movie contains several surreal hallucination sequences inspired by Ken Russell’s own Catholic school upbringing, which he frequently mocked in his work.Hugh Grant has said that working with Russell early in his career taught him to embrace creative risks, even when the material was utterly bizarre.The white worm effects were achieved using hand-built animatronics and puppetry, combined with old-school editing tricks to hide limited movement.Costume designer Vicki Carroll created Lady Sylvia’s iconic snake-themed outfits, including her famous white body paint and fanged headpiece.The film’s soundtrack includes original music composed by Stanley Myers, who is also known for scoring The Deer Hunter.The movie was released unrated in the United States because the producers felt an MPAA rating would be impossible without severe cuts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Men at Work (1990) was chosen by co-host Chris, and it’s a perfect fit for his love of oddball comedies from the VHS era. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, the film was a true family affair — with Estevez not only helming the project but also starring alongside his real-life brother, Charlie Sheen. Coming off the back of their late-’80s fame from Young Guns and Wall Street, the pair teamed up for a buddy comedy that blended slapstick humor, blue-collar chaos, and a dash of political satire. Produced by Epic Productions and distributed by Triumph Releasing (a Columbia Pictures subsidiary), Men at Work was Estevez’s second outing as a writer-director, following his 1986 drama Wisdom. The project gave him the freedom to craft a film that played directly to the chemistry he shared with his brother — the same mix of bravado and goofiness that made it a cult favorite among fans of early-’90s video store comedies.Filmed primarily around Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, California, Men at Work embraced the laid-back coastal vibe of Southern California. The shoot was relatively quick and low-budget by Hollywood standards, with much of the film’s tone shaped through improvisation between Estevez and Sheen. The movie’s soundtrack captured the spirit of the late ’80s and early ’90s, featuring a mix of surf rock, funk, and classic rock tracks. While it didn’t make waves critically, Men at Work found a second life on VHS and cable television, where its offbeat humor and brotherly banter turned it into a nostalgic favorite. Today, it stands as a snapshot of a more carefree era in comedy filmmaking — a time when movies about two guys, a truck, and a ridiculous situation could carry an entire Friday night rental.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryThey’re brothers. They’re garbage men. And they’ve just picked up more than they bargained for.Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez star in the ultimate blue-collar buddy comedy — where trash day turns into doomsday. Between the laughs, the chases, and the chaos, these two underdogs are about to clean up the streets… one bad guy at a time.Men at Work — crime, comedy, and complete rubbish.Fun FactsMen at Work was originally written as a dark political thriller, but Emilio Estevez reworked it into a comedy after deciding it would work better as a light-hearted buddy film.Estevez reportedly wrote the first draft of the script in the mid-1980s, years before the film was made, while he was still working on The Breakfast Club (1985).The movie’s tagline — "Garbage men by day. Detectives by night." — was coined late in production as a tongue-in-cheek nod to 1980s action clichés.Estevez cast real-life surfer and character actor Keith David as Louis Fedders, the paranoid war veteran, after seeing his intense performance in John Carpenter’s They Live (1988).The garbage truck used in the movie became something of a collector’s item among fans and was later used in several low-budget TV shows filmed in California.Charlie Sheen’s character’s surfboard was custom-made by a local Hermosa Beach surf shop, and Estevez let Sheen keep it after filming.The film’s theme song, “I’m Gonna Use What I Got,” was performed by The Rude Boys, adding to the film’s distinctive late-’80s funk-rock vibe.Estevez and Sheen performed many of their own stunts, including the beach chase sequences, to save on the production budget.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Wiz (1978) was chosen by show supporter Maff, who’s got a talent for picking bold, imaginative movies that really stand out from the pack. This time, he’s gone for one of the most ambitious musical productions ever made. The Wiz was Universal’s lavish reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, retold through the lens of African American culture and late-1970s New York style. Directed by Sidney Lumet — more famous for his gritty urban dramas like Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon — the film brought together an all-star cast including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor. With a staggering $24 million budget, it was one of the most expensive musicals of its era, aiming to blend Broadway magic with the spectacle of big-screen fantasy.The production was a monumental undertaking. Filming took place across New York City landmarks like the World Trade Center, the New York State Pavilion, and the Cyclone rollercoaster in Coney Island, all transformed into surreal fantasy settings. Legendary producer Quincy Jones oversaw the music, infusing the original Broadway score with disco, funk, and gospel influences. Despite its breathtaking ambition, The Wiz was plagued by production challenges, critical skepticism, and financial losses on release. However, in the years since, it has earned cult classic status — celebrated for its stunning visuals, imaginative choreography, and Michael Jackson’s breakout film performance. It may not have conquered the box office, but The Wiz remains a vibrant, soulful experiment that dared to take Oz somewhere entirely new.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryShe wanted something more… but she never imagined this.When a storm sweeps a shy Harlem schoolteacher into a world unlike anything she’s ever known, she must follow the road, face her fears, and find her way home — with the help of some unforgettable friends.Starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Richard Pryor — from the streets of New York to the land of Oz, it’s a journey of music, magic, and pure 1970s soul.*The Wiz* — ease on down the road to where dreams, disco, and destiny collide.Fun FactsThe Wiz began as a Broadway musical in 1975, which won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical — long before the movie version was made.Motown Productions co-financed the film, marking one of the first major studio partnerships between Hollywood and a Black-owned entertainment company.Michael Jackson was only 19 years old when he starred as the Scarecrow — and the experience led to his lifelong creative partnership with Quincy Jones.The film’s costume designer, Tony Walton, created over 300 costumes, many of which were made from recycled materials to give the movie’s world a gritty, urban feel.Sidney Lumet’s wife, Gail Jones, the daughter of Lena Horne, helped convince Lumet to take on the project despite his lack of musical experience.The movie’s version of “Ease on Down the Road” became a chart-topping hit for Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, reaching #41 on the Billboard Hot 100.The yellow brick road was constructed from real vinyl flooring, giving it that glossy, otherworldly shine seen in the film.The production used over 650 dancers for the film’s large-scale musical sequences — one of the biggest ensembles ever assembled for a musical at the time.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Re-Animator (1985) was chosen by new show supporter Rhys — and what a debut pick it is. Directed by Stuart Gordon in his feature film debut, the movie became one of the defining cult horror films of the 1980s. Based loosely on H.P. Lovecraft’s serialized story Herbert West–Reanimator, Gordon initially envisioned it as a stage play and later as a television series before realizing it would work best as a feature film. Shot on a modest budget of around $900,000, the production was backed by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, a studio known for embracing the stranger side of horror and science fiction. The creative team leaned into excess and black comedy, pushing the boundaries of gore and taste in a way that both shocked and delighted audiences.Filming took place over 18 days in Los Angeles, with Gordon assembling a cast of relatively unknown actors — including Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, and Barbara Crampton — who would go on to become icons of cult horror cinema. The movie’s practical effects team, led by John Naulin, worked wonders with limited resources, creating gruesome yet inventive visuals that defined the film’s enduring reputation. Upon release, Re-Animator was met with controversy and acclaim in equal measure, with critics alternately praising its audacity and condemning its extremity. Despite its low budget and NC-17-level violence, the film became a sleeper hit and helped launch a wave of splatter comedies that blended horror, humor, and outrageous imagination — ensuring Re-Animator a permanent place in cult movie history.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot Summary.Fun FactsThe green reagent serum used in the movie was made from fluorescent green glow stick liquid mixed with food coloring, giving it that unforgettable neon look.Director Stuart Gordon claimed he was inspired to make the film after watching Frankenstein with his wife and wondering what a modern, more extreme version would look like.Jeffrey Combs’ portrayal of Herbert West became so iconic that he went on to play the character again in two sequels — Bride of Re-Animator (1989) and Beyond Re-Animator (2003).The film’s most infamous scene was so shocking that it caused walkouts at its first festival screening — and immediate cult status among those who stayed.To achieve the movie’s outrageous gore effects, the production used over 24 gallons of fake blood, much of it homemade from corn syrup and food dye.Barbara Crampton later revealed that she was hesitant to take on her role due to the film’s extreme content, but she has since embraced its legacy in horror history.The film’s composer, Richard Band, intentionally modeled the score after Bernard Herrmann’s music for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) — a choice that added a darkly playful tone.The severed head effects were created using a combination of latex prosthetics and reverse photography, which gave the film’s shocking visuals their uncanny realism.Re-Animator was banned or heavily censored in several countries, including Germany, Singapore, and Australia, due to its extreme violence and sexual content.The movie’s success helped revive interest in H.P. Lovecraft adaptations, paving the way for later films like From Beyond (1986), The Resurrected (1991), and Dagon (2001).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠