Video Store Podcast

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com [https://www.videostorepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Welcome to The Video Store Podcast. Each week, I recommend four films you might want to check out, whether you're looking for something to rent or just want to expand your movie knowledge. This week, I’m diving into a themes that are timeless and relatable: rebellion, youth, and the struggles of growing up. The four films I’m highlighting are Over the Edge (1979), Times Square (1980), River’s Edge (1986), and Pump Up the Volume (1990). 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. Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com [https://www.videostorepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Welcome back to a Thanksgiving Edition of the Video Store Podcast! We’ve selected a veritable cornucopia of Thanksgiving-themed specials and films for you to watch this week, so make a plate and join us for a feast of fun and festive Thanksgiving recommendations. 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com [https://www.videostorepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Welcome back to the Video Store Podcast! Next week is Thanksgiving, a holiday many of us celebrate by spending time with our families… whether we want to or not. Can you believe my family banned me from bringing the mashed potatoes just because of the time I piled them up into the shape of a mountain and screamed “THIS MEANS SOMETHING” while serving them? My family has no sense of humor. Or appreciation for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 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! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com [https://www.videostorepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

This week on The Video Store Podcast, we're diving into some adventurous waters with four pirate films you might not have rented yet, but are worth a look. These films span decades, showing how Hollywood has captured the allure of swashbuckling adventures over time. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood, musicals, or big-budget ‘90s action, I’ve picked a lineup that I think captures the spirit of the genre in different ways. 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com [https://www.videostorepodcast.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]