The VHS Strikes Back Whatever Entertainment

It's time for Patreon supporter, and co-host of the Star Wars Clone Conversations podcast, Maff to make his pick and it's the 1989 dystopian future movie, Robot Jox.

Robot Jox blends elements of action, adventure, and futuristic technology. Directed by Stuart Gordon, the film's production faced numerous challenges, particularly in bringing its ambitious vision of giant robotic gladiators to life on the screen. Utilizing a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and stop-motion animation, the production team created impressive battle sequences that showcased the massive scale and power of the film's mechanized combatants. Additionally, the film's production benefited from the talents of its cast, including Gary Graham and Anne-Marie Johnson, who brought depth and authenticity to their roles as pilots controlling the giant robots known as "robot jox."

Despite its modest budget, Robot Jox succeeded in delivering a visually stunning and action-packed spectacle that captivated audiences with its imaginative world-building and thrilling fight scenes. The film's unique blend of practical effects and innovative storytelling techniques cemented its status as a cult classic within the science fiction genre, earning a dedicated fanbase and influencing future filmmakers. While "Robot Jox" may not have achieved widespread commercial success upon its initial release, its enduring popularity and cultural impact have solidified its place in the pantheon of beloved sci-fi classics.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

In a world devastated by nuclear war, nations have abandoned conventional warfare in favor of settling conflicts through gladiatorial battles fought by towering machines called "robot jox." Among these pilots is Achilles, a skilled warrior representing the Western Market. His fierce rivalry with Alexander, the Eastern Market's champion, escalates when a tragic accident during their match leaves Achilles devastated and haunted by guilt. Vowing never to fight again, Achilles retreats from the arena. However, as tensions between the two markets reach a boiling point, Achilles is reluctantly drawn back into the arena for a final showdown. With the fate of humanity at stake, Achilles must confront his past and overcome his inner demons to emerge victorious in the ultimate battle between man and machine.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support

This weeks Patreon choice comes courtesy of Matt Bates aka, Black Country Vlogger. Matt shares a passion for Las Vegas with Chris and you'll have to listen to see whether they also share a passion for 1960's musical comedies.

Checkout Matt on https://www.youtube.com/@BlackCountryVlogger

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) was a collaborative effort between director Richard Lester, screenwriter Melvin Frank, and a talented ensemble cast. Filming primarily took place on location in Madrid, Spain, providing the production with access to authentic Roman architecture and settings. This decision added to the film's visual authenticity and allowed the filmmakers to immerse audiences in the bustling streets of ancient Rome. The production also benefited from the participation of Broadway veterans like Zero Mostel, who reprised his Tony Award-winning role as the cunning slave Pseudolus, alongside a cast that included Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton, and Jack Gilford, all contributing their comedic talents to the ensemble.

Despite facing challenges inherent in filming on location, such as coordinating logistics and navigating cultural differences, the production team successfully brought the lively and irreverent musical to life on the big screen. The film's elaborate sets, colorful costumes, and energetic choreography captured the essence of classical farce and delighted audiences with its witty humor and catchy musical numbers. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum remains a beloved adaptation of the Broadway hit, cherished for its spirited performances and timeless comedic appeal.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Pseudolus is a wily slave played by Zero Mostel and schemes to win his freedom by helping his young master, Hero win the heart of the beautiful courtesan Philia. Pseudolus's plans are complicated by a series of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and slapstick mishaps, all set against the backdrop of the chaotic streets of Rome.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support

Dave's chosen another Blockbusters special from the late 1990's with David Fincher's The Game.

The Game (1997) was marked by meticulous attention to detail and innovative filmmaking techniques that brought the film's complex and suspenseful narrative to life. Fincher, known for his distinctive visual style and penchant for psychological thrillers, collaborated closely with screenwriters John Brancato and Michael Ferris to craft a screenplay that kept audiences guessing until the very end. The film's production involved extensive location shooting in various iconic settings, including San Francisco, which added to the atmospheric backdrop of the story.

The cast, led by Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, brought depth and authenticity to their roles, contributing to the film's immersive and emotionally resonant experience. Additionally, Fincher's visionary direction and mastery of suspenseful storytelling techniques, such as inventive camera work and clever editing, heightened the tension and kept audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The Game stands as a testament to Fincher's skill as a filmmaker and remains a beloved entry in the thriller genre, known for its mind-bending twists and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Nicholas Van Orton is a wealthy and emotionally distant investment banker who receives an unusual birthday gift from his brother Conrad. The gift is an invitation to participate in a mysterious game orchestrated by a secretive organization known as Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). As Nicholas delves deeper into the game, he finds himself trapped in a surreal and increasingly dangerous series of events that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Unsure whom to trust and unable to distinguish between the game and real life, Nicholas embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery that forces him to confront his deepest fears and reevaluate his priorities.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support

Chris has gone back to a little-known indie movie from 1993, with Red Rock West and starring Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle and J.T. Walsh.

Red Rock West (1993), directed by John Dahl, was produced as an independent neo-noir thriller that defied genre conventions and captivated audiences with its suspenseful narrative and gritty atmosphere. The film's production was marked by its modest budget and resourceful filmmaking techniques, with Dahl and his team making the most of limited resources to create a taut and engaging thriller. Despite facing challenges associated with independent filmmaking, including tight schedules and financial constraints, the production team remained committed to bringing the film's compelling story to life.

Red Rock West benefited from the talents of its cast whose nuanced performances added depth and authenticity to the film's characters. Filming took place on location in various small towns in Montana, contributing to the film's authentic Western aesthetic and enhancing its sense of realism. The film's success as a gripping and tightly plotted thriller, combined with its critical acclaim and cult following, solidified its place as a standout entry in the neo-noir genre and a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Michael Williams is a down-on-his-luck drifter who mistakenly finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and danger in the small town of Red Rock, Wyoming. When mistaken for a hitman hired by the town's corrupt sheriff, Michael is offered money to carry out a murder. Torn between morality and temptation, Michael becomes entangled in a dangerous game involving the sheriff's wife and the real hitman, Lyle from Dallas. As the stakes escalate and the danger intensifies, Michael must navigate a treacherous landscape of lies and betrayal to survive.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support

Lucky Loo Loo Green chose this week's pick and it's Tim Burton classic from 1988, Beetlejuice!

Beetlejuice was characterized by its unique blend of dark humor, fantasy, and inventive visual style. Tim Burton, known for his distinctive aesthetic and offbeat storytelling, brought his imaginative vision to the project, infusing it with his trademark whimsy and macabre sensibility. Collaborating with screenwriters Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren, Burton crafted a screenplay that balanced humor with horror and fantasy elements, creating a bizarre and captivating world.

The film's production also benefited from the creative talents of its cast, including Michael Keaton as the eccentric Beetlejuice, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as the hapless Maitland couple, and Winona Ryder as the gothic teenager Lydia Deetz. The elaborate sets, innovative practical effects, and colorful costume design contributed to the film's distinct visual aesthetic, transporting audiences to a fantastical world filled with eccentric characters and supernatural occurrences. Despite initial skepticism from studio executives, Beetlejuice went on to become a critical and commercial success, solidifying its status as a beloved cult classic and a defining entry in Tim Burton's filmography.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, find themselves trapped in their home as ghosts. When a new family, the Deetzes, moves in and plans to renovate the house, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away. However, their efforts prove futile, leading them to reluctantly seek the help of the eccentric and mischievous "bio-exorcist" Beetlejuice. As Beetlejuice wreaks havoc on the Deetzes and their guests, the Maitlands realize they've made a deal with a dangerous and unpredictable force.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support

Supporter Stephen had picked The Conversation last time around and we're going back to the 70's again with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest this week.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), directed by Milos Forman, was a landmark production that brought Ken Kesey's celebrated novel to the screen. The film's production was marked by numerous challenges, including securing the rights to Kesey's novel, which had been previously adapted into a successful stage play. Forman collaborated closely with screenwriters Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman to adapt the complex narrative into a compelling screenplay. Additionally, casting the lead role of Randle McMurphy was a significant task, with Jack Nicholson ultimately chosen for his charismatic and dynamic portrayal of the rebellious anti-hero. The film also featured a talented ensemble cast, including Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched and Danny DeVito, who contributed to the film's authenticity and emotional depth.

Filming took place primarily at the Oregon State Hospital, lending an authentic and immersive backdrop to the story's psychiatric setting. Forman's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to balance the film's darkly comedic elements with its underlying social commentary contributed to its critical and commercial success. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" became a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread acclaim, including five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Nicholson. Its enduring legacy as a cinematic masterpiece continues to resonate with audiences, cementing its place in film history as one of the greatest achievements in American cinema.

If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Randle McMurphy is a rebellious and charismatic inmate who feigns mental illness to avoid hard labor in prison. McMurphy is transferred to a psychiatric hospital where he clashes with the tyrannical Nurse Ratched and befriends his fellow patients, including the meek Billy Bibbit and the silent Chief Bromden. McMurphy's defiance and unorthodox behavior inspire the patients to rebel against Nurse Ratched's oppressive rule, leading to a dramatic confrontation that exposes the power dynamics and injustices within the institution.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevhsstrikesback/support