Episodes

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) | Peak TMNT Mania & 90s Nostalgia | VHSSB

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) | Peak TMNT Mania & 90s Nostalgia | VHSSB
    Jan 21 2026
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) was chosen by Patreon supporter Gareth, and it represents a very deliberate shift in tone and approach from the original 1990 film. Following the massive commercial success of the first movie, New Line Cinema moved quickly to produce a sequel that would appeal more directly to younger audiences. This resulted in a noticeably lighter, more comedic production, with strict limitations placed on violence and darker elements after parental groups raised concerns about the original film’s intensity. Director Michael Pressman replaced Steve Barron, and the creative mandate was clear: brighter visuals, broader humor, and a more Saturday-morning-cartoon-friendly feel.The production once again relied on Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to bring the Turtles to life, though the suits were redesigned to allow for improved mobility and clearer facial expressions. Filming took place primarily in North Carolina, with large soundstage work used to accommodate more elaborate set pieces and controlled environments. The movie also leaned heavily into merchandising synergy, closely aligning its release with toy lines, tie-in products, and promotional partnerships. While critically divisive upon release, The Secret of the Ooze was a significant box-office success and stands as a textbook example of early-90s franchise filmmaking — where commercial considerations, brand management, and audience accessibility increasingly shaped creative decisions.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 SummaryHeroes in a half-shell… are back — and this time, things are about to get oozy.The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return with bigger laughs, louder villains, and a mysterious new substance that could change everything. As old enemies resurface and new threats rise, the Turtles must band together, sharpen their skills, and fight to protect the city they call home.*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze* — powered up, totally radical, and ready to kick shell.Fun FactsTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II was released at the peak of TMNT mania, when the franchise dominated cartoons, toys, comics, and fast-food promotions worldwide.The film introduced new Turtle allies and villains that were created specifically to expand the movie universe rather than directly adapt comic storylines.Vanilla Ice’s song “Ninja Rap” was written exclusively for the movie and became a pop-culture time capsule of early-90s hip-hop crossover marketing.The movie was one of the highest-grossing independent films of 1991, despite receiving mixed critical reviews.Many of the film’s stunt performers were professional martial artists, including members of the Hong Kong stunt community.The Turtles’ signature weapons appear far less frequently than fans expected, becoming a frequent talking point among viewers.The Secret of the Ooze was heavily promoted through pizza-brand tie-ins, reinforcing the Turtles’ long-standing connection to pizza culture.Over time, the film has become a nostalgia favorite for fans who grew up during the early 1990s TMNT boom, often remembered as the “most quotable” entry in the original trilogy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Breakfast Club (1985) | 80s Teen Classic That Defined a Generation | VHSSB

    The Breakfast Club (1985) | 80s Teen Classic That Defined a Generation | VHSSB
    Jan 14 2026

    The Breakfast Club (1985) was chosen by Patreon supporter Lucky LouLou Green, and it stands as one of the defining films of 1980s American cinema. Written, produced, and directed by John Hughes, the movie was made during an incredibly prolific period for the filmmaker, as he reshaped teen movies with a more honest, character-driven approach. Shot on a modest budget of around $1 million, the film was produced quickly, with Hughes deliberately stripping away flashy set pieces to focus on dialogue, performance, and atmosphere. Principal photography took place at Maine North High School in Des Plaines, Illinois — a real, unused school that Hughes would return to multiple times throughout his career.

    The production schedule was famously short — just 28 days — and Hughes encouraged collaboration, allowing the young cast to contribute ideas and personal experiences to their roles. Several moments of dialogue were improvised or rewritten on set, helping give the film its natural, conversational feel that set it apart from other teen movies of the era. Composer Keith Forsey provided the now-iconic soundtrack, perfectly capturing the mood of mid-80s youth culture. Upon release, The Breakfast Club became both a commercial and cultural success, cementing Hughes’ reputation and turning its cast into defining faces of a generation. Today, the film is widely regarded as a landmark of 1980s filmmaking — proof that a small budget, a single location, and strong creative confidence can produce something timeless.


    🎙️ Trailer Guy Plot Summary

    Five students. One Saturday. And nothing in common… except everything.

    From writer and director John Hughes comes a generation-defining film that locks a group of teenagers inside a school — and lets the walls come down. As the hours tick by, labels are challenged, barriers break, and voices finally get heard.

    The Breakfast Club — where growing up means speaking up… and detention becomes unforgettable.


    🎒 Fun Facts

    • The Breakfast Club was the first John Hughes film to focus entirely on teenagers, without adults driving the story.

    • The movie’s iconic final song, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, was written specifically for the film and became a global hit.

    • Molly Ringwald later said she was initially unsure about the film, not realizing it would become culturally iconic.

    • The movie helped define the concept of the “Brat Pack,” a media label applied to its young cast and their contemporaries throughout the 1980s.

    • Emilio Estevez was originally considered for a different role before being cast as Andrew Clark.

    • John Hughes reportedly wrote the screenplay in just two days.

    • The film is frequently ranked among the greatest teen movies of all time by outlets such as Rolling Stone, Empire, and the American Film Institute.

    • In 2016, the main cast reunited publicly for the first time in over 30 years, cementing the movie’s lasting cultural impact.


    ❤️ Support the Show

    If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon here — every bit of support helps keep The VHS Strikes Back rolling.

    If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leaving us a 5-star review (and a short comment) really helps more people discover the show. It’s quick, free, and makes a huge difference.

    Referral links also help out the podcast if you were already planning to sign up:

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Better Off Dead (1985) | Surreal Cult Teen Comedy, Maximum 80s Energy | VHSSB

    Better Off Dead (1985) | Surreal Cult Teen Comedy, Maximum 80s Energy | VHSSB
    Jan 7 2026
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    55 mins
  • Bloody New Year (1987) | Low-Budget 80s Horror That Time Forgot | VHSSB

    Bloody New Year (1987) | Low-Budget 80s Horror That Time Forgot | VHSSB
    Dec 31 2025
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    55 mins
  • Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993) | 90s Family Comedy Goes to the Dogs | VHSSB

    Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993) | 90s Family Comedy Goes to the Dogs | VHSSB
    Dec 24 2025
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    46 mins
  • Freddy Got Fingered (2001) | Surreal Gross-Out Mayhem & Madness | VHSSB Podcast

    Freddy Got Fingered (2001) | Surreal Gross-Out Mayhem & Madness | VHSSB Podcast
    Dec 17 2025
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    56 mins
  • Malibu Express (1985) | Action, Bikinis, Bombshells & 80s Beach-Side Cheese | VHSSB Podcast

    Malibu Express (1985) | Action, Bikinis, Bombshells & 80s Beach-Side Cheese | VHSSB Podcast
    Dec 10 2025
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    52 mins
  • Champagne and Bullets (1993) | GetEven, Road to Revenge So-Bad-It’s-Good Action | VHSSB Podcast

    Champagne and Bullets (1993) | GetEven, Road to Revenge So-Bad-It’s-Good Action | VHSSB Podcast
    Dec 3 2025
    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.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    1 hr and 1 min