The VHS Strikes Back

Whatever Entertainment
  • 4.6 (25)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

Nostalgic movie review show hosted by Whatever Entertainment team, Dave and Chris. The guys go back in time to review some wonderful and truly awful movies from the days before streaming and even DVD's and had to go to the video store to pick up the latest entertainment. If you want to email the show please contact us on: thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    The Proposition (2005) | Brutal Australian Western | VHSSB

    Patreon Herb sends Dave and Chris into the Australian Outback with The Proposition, John Hillcoat’s 2005 revisionist Western, written by Nick Cave. An Australian–UK co-production made for a reported budget of around $2 million, the film was shot around Winton in Queensland, using the harsh Outback landscape rather than trying to make Australia look like somebody else’s Wild West. Guy Pearce leads an impressive cast alongside Ray Winstone, Emily Watson, Danny Huston, John Hurt and David Wenham, with the unforgiving conditions becoming almost as important to the film’s atmosphere as the actors themselves. The result was a grim, unusually thoughtful Western that earned strong reviews rather than disappearing into the dusty corner of the video shop marked “Australian period drama.” It currently sits at 86% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes and earned multiple Australian Film Institute honours, helping establish The Proposition as one of the standout modern Australian Westerns and strengthening the creative partnership between Hillcoat and Cave. It may not have been blockbuster territory, but its reputation has only grown since release. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS In the unforgiving Australian Outback... where the sun is relentless, the flies are organised, and absolutely nobody appears to be having a nice afternoon... one outlaw is offered an impossible choice. Charlie Burns has nine days. One brother is in custody. Another is somewhere beyond civilisation. And Captain Stanley has made Charlie a proposition that makes your average family disagreement look like an argument over who forgot to put the bins out. Now Charlie must ride into a landscape filled with violence, vengeance and men whose conflict-resolution skills largely involve firearms. This Christmas... family comes first. Unfortunately. FUN FACTS Nick Cave reportedly wrote the screenplay for The Proposition in just three weeks after John Hillcoat asked him to tackle a fictional story about Australian bushrangers. Hillcoat originally approached Cave about providing music for an Australian Western before the idea developed into Cave writing the entire screenplay. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis composed their first feature-film score together for The Proposition, reportedly creating much of the music in only around four days. That Cave and Ellis score went on to win the 2005 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Original Music Score. Guy Pearce has repeatedly named The Proposition as his favourite film from his own career, even when comparing it with films such as Memento and L.A. Confidential. The costumes were created with an obsessive eye for period detail, with IMDb's production trivia noting that even the buttons were handmade. The film's period firearms were replicas, with its production trivia crediting gunsmith Buck Merry with crafting the weapons used for the shoot. Acclaimed Indigenous Australian performers David Gulpilil, Tom E. Lewis and Leah Purcell all appear in supporting roles. Before its Australian release, the film received a hometown screening at Winton's open-air cinema, with local residents who had helped with the production turning out to see the finished movie. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.And 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    The Proposition (2005) | Brutal Australian Western | VHSSB

  2. Sep 16

    Double Impact (1991) | Van Damme’s Cult Twin Martial Arts Classic | VHSSB

    Chosen by Gareth, Double Impact arrived in 1991 at exactly the point where Jean-Claude Van Damme was becoming one of the defining action stars of the VHS era. Directed by Sheldon Lettich and co-written by Lettich and Van Damme, the film had an estimated budget of around $15 million and was shot across Hong Kong and Southern California. Van Damme also co-produced the movie while taking on its dual leading roles, supported by Geoffrey Lewis, Alonna Shaw, Alan Scarfe, Bolo Yeung and Cory Everson. Creating two Van Dammes in the same scene required optical split-screen techniques, carefully controlled camera work and body doubles rather than the digital effects that would make the job considerably easier today. Released in the US on 9 August 1991, Double Impact received mixed reviews but pulled in around $30 million domestically, roughly doubling its production budget. Contemporary critics were divided between those happy to accept the film as a full-strength JCVD action vehicle and those less impressed by its storytelling. Either way, its combination of martial arts, gunplay, Hong Kong locations and the wonderfully shameless selling point of “two Van Dammes for the price of one” helped make it a memorable fixture of early-'90s action cinema and home-video shelves. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS Twenty-five years after a violent conspiracy tears a family apart, two identical brothers are about to discover each other. Chad has California smiles, martial arts moves and enough pastel clothing to frighten an entire decade. Alex has Hong Kong, black leather, cigars and the general demeanour of a man who considers conversation an unnecessary delay before punching somebody. Now their shared past is catching up with them, and the men responsible would very much prefer the Wagner brothers stayed separated. FUN FACTS Double Impact was inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ The Corsican Brothers, the story of twin brothers separated early in life, and the project originally carried the Corsican Brothers name. Van Damme specifically wanted to play two contrasting characters because he believed the dual role would give audiences a chance to see more of his acting range rather than simply another variation on his action-star persona. Of the two Wagner brothers, Van Damme said his real personality was much closer to the more easy-going Chad than the harder-edged Alex. Van Damme personally wanted Bolo Yeung in the movie after the two became friends while making Bloodsport. Their reunion gave JCVD fans another chance to see the pair sharing the screen. Van Damme turned down Kickboxer 2: The Road Back in order to make Double Impact instead. The film featured Van Damme's first onscreen love scene, adding another string to the Muscles from Brussels' increasingly ambitious acting bow. The end credits include special thanks to Frank Dux's Samurai Connection — another link back to the colourful real-world figure whose claims helped inspire Bloodsport. Cory Everson, who plays the intimidating Kara, wasn't merely built for the part: she was a six-time Ms. Olympia bodybuilding champion. SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.And 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Double Impact (1991) | Van Damme’s Cult Twin Martial Arts Classic | VHSSB

  3. Sep 9

    Best of the Best (1989) | Cult Martial Arts Tournament Classic | VHSSB

    This week's pick comes from JAC, who takes us back to 1989 for Best of the Best, directed by Robert Radler and developed from a story by Phillip Rhee and Paul Levine. Made for an estimated $5 million, the film assembled an impressively serious cast for a martial arts tournament movie, including Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland, Chris Penn and Louise Fletcher. Production used locations in both the United States and South Korea, although some of the supposedly Korean tournament action was actually shot at the Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles. Released in the US on 10 November 1989, Best of the Best wasn't exactly a box-office champion, taking around $1.7 million domestically against that estimated $5 million budget. Critics weren't especially kind either, but the film found a much more appreciative audience on home video, where its mixture of martial arts, training montages, big emotions and unashamed late-'80s sincerity helped turn it into a cult favourite. It also proved resilient enough to launch three sequels and a franchise that continued throughout the 1990s. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS Five men have been chosen to represent the United States against the most feared martial arts team in the world. But before they can defeat Korea... they'll have to survive each other. Alex Grady is fighting through injury and responsibility. Tommy Lee is carrying the weight of the past. Travis Brickley appears to be carrying mainly anger and an urgent need to punch somebody. Under the relentless eye of Coach Frank Couzo, five individuals must somehow become one team. Because when pride, revenge and national honour collide in the ring, being good isn't enough. You have to be... the Best of the Best. FUN FACTS Phillip Rhee and Simon Rhee, who play opposing fighters Tommy Lee and Dae Han, are brothers in real life. Nothing says family bonding quite like repeatedly kicking each other in the head. Phillip Rhee isn't merely the star of the film — he also came up with the original story alongside Paul Levine. When Tommy is first shown teaching children in his dojo, the terminology and techniques are actually Taekwondo, despite the film regularly describing the competition as karate. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell has named Best of the Best as his favourite martial arts movie. Alex Grady's son Walter was named after Eric Roberts' real-life father, Walter Grady Roberts. Kane Hodder — best known as Jason Voorhees in several Friday the 13th films — appears as Burt in the bar sequence and returned in different roles for Best of the Best 2 and Best of the Best 3. The film was the only entry in the original four-film series to receive a PG-13 rating in the US. All three sequels were rated R. There's a spelling mistake in Alex's National Team acceptance letter: "Congratulations" is written as "congradulations." Apparently proofreading wasn't part of the selection process. Phillip Rhee returned as Tommy Lee in the subsequent Best of the Best sequels, eventually becoming the central figure of the franchise. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.And 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Best of the Best (1989) | Cult Martial Arts Tournament Classic | VHSSB

  4. Sep 2

    Flash Gordon (1980) | Cult Sci-Fi Space Opera Madness | VHSSB

    Chosen by Dave and Directed by Mike Hodges and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, Flash Gordon arrived in 1980 as a gloriously extravagant attempt to bring Alex Raymond’s classic comic-strip hero back to the big screen. With a budget reported at around $20–27 million, the production went all-in on enormous studio sets, lavish costumes and deliberately colourful, old-school effects. Sam J. Jones took the title role alongside Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Ornella Muti, Topol, Timothy Dalton and a magnificently enthusiastic Brian Blessed. And then, of course, there’s Queen. The band supplied the film’s unmistakable rock soundtrack, accompanied by Howard Blake’s orchestral arrangements, giving Flash Gordon one of the most recognisable scores of the era. The film performed strongly in the UK but struggled in some international markets, putting an end to plans for sequels. Over the decades, however, its combination of camp spectacle, huge performances and unapologetic excess has turned it into a genuine cult favourite. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS When Earth finds itself at the mercy of a mysterious cosmic threat, one man is about to discover that saving the world requires courage, determination... and apparently being quite good at American football. Transported to the strange world of Mongo, Flash Gordon must face the merciless Emperor Ming, survive bizarre kingdoms, forge unlikely alliances and somehow convince everyone that a bloke called Flash really might be humanity’s best hope. Prepare for spaceships, Hawkmen, ray guns, royal treachery and enough gold lamé to bankrupt an entire galaxy. FUN FACTS Producer Dino De Laurentiis originally considered Federico Fellini to direct the film. Mike Hodges later described the troubled production as essentially an improvised $27 million movie. Max von Sydow's elaborate Ming costume reportedly weighed more than 70 pounds, making it difficult for him to remain standing for long periods. Sam J. Jones had his naturally dark hair bleached blonde to play Flash, while Melody Anderson's blonde hair was dyed brown for Dale Arden. Jones was also supposed to wear blue contact lenses, but couldn't tolerate them. Dino De Laurentiis reportedly didn't know who Queen were when the band was first suggested for the soundtrack. Queen's Flash Gordon soundtrack album reached number 10 in the UK album chart. Brian May wrote the immortal “Flash's Theme”, while Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and John Deacon also contributed individual pieces to the score. Kenny Baker, best known as the man inside R2-D2, makes a small appearance as a dwarf in the torture chamber. The cast were originally signed for multiple Flash Gordon films, but the planned sequels never materialised. SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.And 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Flash Gordon (1980) | Cult Sci-Fi Space Opera Madness | VHSSB

  5. Aug 26

    Bad Boys (1995) | Explosive ’90s Buddy-Cop Action Comedy | VHSSB

    Chris has chosen a 1995 action classic this week! Produced by action-movie heavyweights Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, Bad Boys marked Michael Bay’s feature-directing debut after cutting his teeth on commercials and music videos. Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Téa Leoni, Tchéky Karyo and Joe Pantoliano led the cast, with Miami’s sun-soaked streets providing the film’s glossy backdrop. Estimates place the production budget between $19 million and $23 million—remarkably restrained considering the quantity of gunfire, explosions and expensive-looking shirts on display. Reviews were mixed, but audiences were considerably more enthusiastic: the film opened at number one in North America and ultimately earned approximately $141.4 million worldwide. Its combination of buddy-cop banter, music-video swagger and unapologetic ’90s excess helped turn Smith and Lawrence into major film stars, established Bay’s unmistakably explosive style and launched a franchise that was still filling cinemas nearly three decades later. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS IN A CITY where the sunshine is relentless, the suits are immaculate and even routine police work requires several hundred rounds of ammunition... two Miami detectives are about to have a very bad week. Mike Lowrey is smooth, wealthy and dangerously confident. Marcus Burnett is a devoted family man who would quite like to survive until retirement. When a fortune in seized heroin disappears from police custody, the mismatched partners must recover it before their careers—and possibly their entire department—go up in smoke. This time, they’ll have to swap identities, protect a vital witness and rediscover the sacred meaning of partnership. Will Smith. Martin Lawrence. Fast cars. Loud guns. Absolutely no cup holders. Bad Boys. FUN FACTS The project was originally developed at Disney under the title Bulletproof Hearts, with Saturday Night Live alumni Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz considered for the leading roles. Arsenio Hall was approached to play Mike Lowrey before Will Smith and later described turning down the role as one of his biggest career mistakes. The black Porsche 911 Turbo seen in the opening sequence belonged to Michael Bay. The production could not afford to rent one, and Porsche initially declined to supply a car. Car and Driver Bay reportedly used $25,000 of his own directing fee to pay for additional crew time needed to complete one of the movie’s climactic action sequences. Both lead actors were still television sitcom stars during production: Smith was making The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, while Lawrence was starring in Martin. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air later slipped in a cheeky reference to the film when young Nicky Banks mentioned that his parents would not let him watch Bad Boys. Much of the dialogue between Smith and Lawrence was improvised, including portions of the memorable opening carjacking scene. Apparently, chemistry cannot always be found in a screenplay. The familiar “Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?” refrain comes from Inner Circle’s reggae track “Bad Boys,” already famous as the theme music for the television series Cops. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Bad Boys (1995) | Explosive ’90s Buddy-Cop Action Comedy | VHSSB

  6. Aug 19

    Ninja Condors (1987) | Insane Cult Ninja Action Classic | VHSSB

    Leigh's pick takes us deep into the wonderfully unhinged world of 1980s Taiwanese ninja cinema with Ninja Condors, also known as Ninjas, Condors 13. Directed by Wu Kuo-Ren, credited on some releases as James Wu, the film was written by prolific exploitation filmmaker Godfrey Ho and produced by Chin Chang-Liang and Tomas Tang. Alexander Lo Rei leads a cast that also includes Eugene Thomas, George Nicholas, Jack Long, Li Hai-Hsing and Five Venoms veteran Lu Feng. No reliable published production budget appears to have survived, which somehow feels entirely appropriate for a film this gloriously rough around the edges. Released in 1987 as the Taiwanese ninja boom was beginning to wind down, Ninja Condors has endured as exactly the sort of cult VHS discovery we love: cheap, frantic, dubbed, frequently ridiculous and absolutely committed to delivering martial-arts action. Contemporary cult reviews have since embraced its relentless energy, inventive fights and general refusal to let narrative logic get in the way of another ninja appearing from somewhere. It may not have troubled the major awards ceremonies, but nearly forty years later people are still talking about it — which is probably a greater achievement anyway. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS Brian watched his father die in front of him as a child. Years later, he has become White Eagle — a deadly ninja working for a criminal organisation ruled by a man with the reassuringly subtle name of... Lucifer. But when Brian's loyalty is pushed too far, the White Eagle decides he's had enough. Now the organisation that trained him is about to discover the unfortunate consequences of employing an elite assassin who suddenly develops a conscience. There will be revenge. There will be ninjas. There will be weapons, gunfire and several moments where asking sensible questions is strongly discouraged. This is NINJA CONDORS. FUN FACTS The film is also known as Ninjas, Condors 13 and Knight Revenger, because apparently one title containing both ninjas and condors still wasn't enough. Alexander Lo Rei was something of a veteran of the Taiwanese ninja craze, with credits including The Super Ninja, Ninja Hunter, Ninja Kids, Secret of Ninja and Ninja in USA. Li Hai-Hsing didn't just appear in the film — he also handled its action choreography. The cinematography is credited to Quincy Szeto, while the music was composed by Sherman Chow. Martial-arts favourite Jack Long, known for films including The 7 Grandmasters and The Mystery of Chess Boxing, appears as Brian's ninja master. Lu Feng, one of the famous Venom Mob performers from The Five Venoms, makes an appearance early in the film. Brian's ninja identity, White Eagle, comes with the appropriate costume choice: he fights dressed predominantly in white rather than traditional black. Stealth clearly wasn't in the brief. Among the film's more imaginative action locations are a swimming pool, amusement park, shipping yard and ice rink. Ninjas on ice really is a thing. Eagle-eyed viewers may notice Alexander Lo Rei's hairstyle changing noticeably between scenes, suggesting either filming took place over an extended period or ninja hair grows quickly. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Ninja Condors (1987) | Insane Cult Ninja Action Classic | VHSSB

  7. Aug 12

    Wheels on Meals (1984) | Jackie Chan’s Cult Kung Fu Comedy | VHSSB

    Chosen by Maff, directed and co-written by Sammo Hung, Wheels on Meals was a Hong Kong–Spanish co-production from Golden Harvest and Laurenfilm, filmed extensively on location around Barcelona and Tarragona. Reliable published budget figures are difficult to verify, but the international production gave the film a distinctive scale and sun-drenched European setting rarely seen in Hong Kong action cinema at the time. Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung reunited as the leading trio, supported by Spanish actress Lola Forner and American martial artists Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and Keith Vitali. Released in Hong Kong on 17 August 1984, the film became one of the territory’s highest-grossing local releases of the year. Its combination of acrobatic stunt work, broad comedy and carefully staged martial-arts action helped establish it as a favourite of the VHS generation. Decades later, Wheels on Meals remains celebrated for the chemistry between its three stars and for delivering fight choreography clearly enough that viewers can actually see what is happening—an increasingly revolutionary concept. TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS In the sun-soaked streets of Barcelona, two cousins have the perfect business: fast food, four wheels and absolutely no regard for workplace health and safety. But when a mysterious young pickpocket crosses their path, Thomas and David are dragged into a dangerous plot involving ruthless criminals, a missing inheritance and one remarkably questionable private detective. This time, the meals are fast. The fists are faster. And somewhere in Spain, an insurance company is quietly refusing to cover any of it. FUN FACTS The film’s original English title was reportedly Meals on Wheels, but Golden Harvest reversed the words after two previous company releases beginning with the letter “M” performed poorly. In Japan, the film was released under the title Spartan X. Jackie Chan also supervised the film’s action choreography. Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao had all trained together as members of the Seven Little Fortunes at the China Drama Academy. Lola Forner had previously represented Spain at the Miss World competition. Benny Urquidez was a highly successful professional kickboxer nicknamed “The Jet.” Chan and Urquidez’s confrontation is frequently ranked by martial-arts cinema fans among Jackie Chan’s finest screen fights. Keith Vitali reportedly struck Jackie Chan in the throat accidentally while filming one of their fight sequences. The catering van used by Thomas and David is fitted with hidden compartments, electronic gadgets and enough custom equipment to make it the kung-fu equivalent of the Batmobile. The three leading men later reunited for another major Hong Kong action comedy, Dragons Forever, released in 1988. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Wheels on Meals (1984) | Jackie Chan’s Cult Kung Fu Comedy | VHSSB

  8. Aug 5

    Once Were Warriors (1994) | Brutal Māori Family Drama | VHSSB

    Chosen by Dylan, Once Were Warriors was adapted from Alan Duff’s bestselling 1990 novel by screenwriter Riwia Brown. Made for approximately NZ$2 million and filmed over a demanding six-week shoot, it marked the feature-directing debut of Lee Tamahori. Much of the production took place around Ōtara in South Auckland, grounding the film’s urban Māori setting in real locations rather than a carefully polished studio version of New Zealand. Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison lead the cast as Beth and Jake Heke, supported by Julian Arahanga, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Taungaroa Emile and Cliff Curtis. The film became a major domestic success, earning approximately NZ$6.7 million and setting a new record at the New Zealand box office. It swept nine categories at the 1994 New Zealand Film Awards and collected further honours at festivals including Montreal, Durban, Venice and Rotterdam. Its international acclaim launched Tamahori towards Hollywood and helped raise the global profiles of Owen, Morrison and Curtis. More than three decades later, it remains one of New Zealand cinema’s most influential, confronting and difficult-to-forget films. Definitely not one to throw on when the family asks for “something light.” TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS In the streets of South Auckland… one family is fighting a war that nobody outside their home can see. Beth Heke dreams of holding her family together. But her husband Jake is a man of charm, pride and explosive rage—and when the drinking starts, their home becomes a battleground. As their children search for belonging in gangs, institutions and the traditions of their ancestors, Beth must rediscover the strength of the people she came from. This time… being a warrior means knowing what is worth fighting for. FUN FACTS Once Were Warriors opened in only four New Zealand cinemas, yet still earned a record-breaking NZ$114,000 during its opening run. The house used as the Heke family home was a real state house on O’Connor Street in Ōtara. Local residents reportedly complained about the noise generated while the production filmed the Hekes’ late-night parties. Producer Robin Scholes had previously worked mainly in television; this became the first feature released by Communicado Productions. Stuart Dryburgh’s cinematography helped him build an international career that later included The Piano, The Painted Veil and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Temuera Morrison later became internationally recognised as Jango Fett and the clone troopers in the Star Wars franchise. Rena Owen also joined the Star Wars universe, appearing in Attack of the Clones and providing additional voices for the film. Cliff Curtis has portrayed characters from numerous ethnic backgrounds throughout his career, but Once Were Warriors gave him one of his earliest major New Zealand film roles. A sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, arrived in 1999, with Morrison and several other cast members returning. A twentieth-anniversary documentary, Once Were the Cast of Warriors, reunited members of the cast in 2014 to examine the film’s impact and what happened after its release. SUPPORT THE SHOW If you enjoy the show and would like to support us, we have a Patreon ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. 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 show if you were going to sign up: ⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Once Were Warriors (1994) | Brutal Māori Family Drama | VHSSB
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About

Nostalgic movie review show hosted by Whatever Entertainment team, Dave and Chris. The guys go back in time to review some wonderful and truly awful movies from the days before streaming and even DVD's and had to go to the video store to pick up the latest entertainment. If you want to email the show please contact us on: thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Whatever Entertainment
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    384
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Whatever Entertainment
  • Show Website
    The VHS Strikes Back

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