The VHS Strikes Back – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Returning supporter Glyn has chosen a sci-fi cult-class in the 1986 box-office bomb, Solarbabies.

"Solarbabies" (1986) is a sci-fi adventure film set in a dystopian future where Earth has become a barren wasteland controlled by the oppressive Eco Protectorate, which hoards the planet's dwindling water supply. The story follows a group of orphaned teenagers, known as Solarbabies, who find a mysterious glowing orb named Bodhi that possesses extraordinary powers. The Solarbabies, led by Jason (Jason Patric), believe Bodhi can help them defeat the Eco Protectorate and restore water to the world. As they embark on a daring quest to free Bodhi from the clutches of the Protectorate, they discover the strength of their unity and the power of hope in a desolate world.

The production of "Solarbabies" was marked by its ambitious vision and significant challenges. The film was produced by Mel Brooks' company, Brooksfilms, with a substantial budget that reflected its grand scope. However, the filming process was fraught with difficulties, including extreme conditions in the deserts of Spain where much of the movie was shot. Despite these obstacles, the cast and crew persevered, bringing to life a unique blend of post-apocalyptic adventure and youthful rebellion. Although "Solarbabies" did not achieve commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following, appreciated for its imaginative concept and nostalgic 80s charm.

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

Plot Summary:

In a post-apocalyptic future where Earth's water is controlled by the tyrannical Eco Protectorate, a group of orphaned teenagers, known as Solarbabies, stumble upon a mysterious glowing orb named Bodhi, which has the power to restore the planet's water. Realizing Bodhi could be the key to freedom, the Solarbabies embark on a perilous journey to protect it from the Eco Protectorate.

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"Wild Things" (1998) is the pick from Patreon supporter Helen this week. It's definitely a memorable one for both hosts, though maybe not for the intricate twists and turns of the storyline.

"Wild Things" was a sultry neo-noir thriller directed by John McNaughton, renowned for his work on "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer." The production of "Wild Things" was characterized by its bold and risqué narrative, which required a delicate balance of provocative content and intriguing storytelling. The screenplay, penned by Stephen Peters, was initially seen as a challenging project due to its complex plot filled with twists, turns, and mature themes. Casting was crucial to the film’s success, with the production team bringing together an ensemble that included Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, and Denise Richards. The chemistry and performances of the cast were pivotal in navigating the film's intricate web of deceit and double-crosses.

Filming took place primarily in the sultry, atmospheric locales of South Florida, utilizing the lush, humid environment to enhance the film's steamy and mysterious tone. The production team faced the challenge of maintaining the film's edgy and controversial elements while ensuring it appealed to mainstream audiences. This involved careful direction and cinematography to balance the film's erotic scenes with its overarching suspenseful and thrilling narrative. Despite initial mixed reviews, "Wild Things" gained a cult following over the years, praised for its audacious plot and the memorable performances of its cast. The film's legacy continues as a standout example of late-90s thrillers that dared to push the envelope.

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

Plot Summary:

Sam Lombardo finds himself at the center of a scandal when two students, the wealthy Kelly Van Ryan and the troubled Suzie Toller, accuse him of sexual assault. As Detective Ray Duquette delves into the case, he discovers a tangled web of deceit and betrayal.

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Patreon supporter Justin's last pick was Bottle Rocket from the 90's and this time we're going 3 decades back to 1963 with The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.

The Courtship of Eddie's Father, directed by Vincente Minnelli, was a noteworthy project within the family-comedy genre, combining elements of drama and humor to tell a heartfelt story. Based on the novel by Mark Toby, the film starred Glenn Ford as Tom Corbett, a widower struggling to raise his young son Eddie, played by Ronny Howard. The casting of Ronny Howard, already known for his role on "The Andy Griffith Show," brought a natural and endearing quality to the film. The chemistry between Ford and Howard was central to the film's success, as their believable father-son relationship drove the emotional core of the story.

Filming took place in various locations around Los Angeles, which provided an authentic backdrop for the characters' lives. Minnelli's direction emphasized the subtleties of familial bonds and the complexities of single parenthood. The production also benefited from a strong supporting cast, including Shirley Jones and Stella Stevens, who played potential love interests for Ford's character. The film's balance of lighthearted moments with more serious themes of loss and moving on resonated with audiences, making it a box office success.

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

Plot Summary:

Tom Corbett, a widowed father, is trying to raise his young son Eddie. As Tom navigates single parenthood, Eddie takes it upon himself to find a new wife for his father, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt encounters with potential candidates. Throughout their journey, Tom and Eddie form a deeper bond, learning to cope with their loss and understanding the importance of love and companionship.

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This week it's the turn of the man, the legend, the Patreon, Tony Farina! And we go back to an early movie and musical awakening for Tony and that's the 1980 comedy musical, Rock 'n' Roll High School! Directed by Allan Arkush, and story and screenplay written by Joe Dante, Richard Whitley, Russ Dvonch and Joseph McBride. And starring P. J. Soles, Vince Van Patten, Clint Howard, Dey Young and of course, The Ramones!!

Check out Tony's work at https://www.arfarina.com/.

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

Plot Summary:

Vince Lombardi High School keeps losing principals to nervous breakdowns because of the students' love of rock 'n' roll and their disregard of education. The putative leader of the students is Riff Randell, who loves the music of the Ramones. A new principal, the rock-music-hating Miss Evelyn Togar, is brought in and promises to put an end to the music craze. When Miss Togar and a group of parents attempt to burn a pile of rock records, the students take over the high school, joined by the Ramones, who are made honorary students. When the police are summoned and demand that the students evacuate the building, they do so, which leads to an explosive finale.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

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In the late 1980's, Double Dragon game was a huge arcade game that spawned several sequels and collected plenty of loose change. In 1994, a little before Street Fighter came out, and a year before Mortal Kombat hit theatres, Double Dragon was released and starred Robert Patrick, Mark Dacascos, Scott Wolf and Alyssa Milano. Directed by James Yukich and screenplay written by Michael Davis and Peter Gould, with the story by Paul Dini and Neal Shusterman. Is this a hidden gem, or is it as bad as everyone says it is?

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

Plot Summary:

Two brothers have half of a powerful ancient Chinese talisman. An evil gang leader has the other half, and determines to get the brothers' half and have a complete medallion so he can gain absolute power.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback

WARNING - You don't need to watch this one before listening to the episode. Consider it an early Christmas present!

When Spider-Dan (of Spider-Dan & the Secret Bores) sets his mind to something, he really goes for it. And like the Director of Nekromantik, Jörg Buttgereit, he delivered on what he set out to do. In Jörg's case, he wanted to make the most offensive movie he could in rebellion against the censorship in West Germany at the time. And since then this movie has gained cult status. 

Check out Dan at https://www.spiderdanandthesecretbores.com.

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

Plot Summary:

A street sweeper who cleans up after grisly accidents brings home a full corpse for him and his wife to enjoy sexually, but is dismayed to see that his wife prefers the corpse over him.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback

Chris' pick from this millennium is the 2001 heist movie, Ocean's Eleven. With a superstar ensemble cast of George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy García, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and many more.

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

Plot Summary:

Danny Ocean wants to score the biggest heist in history. He combines an eleven member team, including Frank Catton, Rusty Ryan and Linus Caldwell. Their target? The Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand. All casinos owned by Terry Benedict. It's not going to be easy, as they plan to get in secretly and out with $150 million.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback

It's Patreon Susan's choice this week and she's chosen the 1982 parody slasher movie, Pandemonium. Directed by Alfred Sole and stars Tom Smothers, Eileen Brennan, Phil Hartman, Tab Hunter, Carol Kane, David Lander, Eve Arden, and Paul Reubens.

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

Plot Summary:

A former high school student who always wanted to be a cheerleader decides to reopen the cheerleading program at her former high school after years of closure for being targeted by a serial killer.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback

It's Patreon Justin's choice this week and he's chosen the debut movie for the Coen brothers, Blood Simple. Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, this movie stars John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, Samm-Art Williams and M. Emmet Walsh. This may just be a bit of a surprise!

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

Plot Summary:

Texas bar owner Julian Marty, who is generally regarded as not a nice person, hires shady private detective Loren Visser, who is able to obtain what Marty requests evidence - in this instance, photographic - that his wife, Abby, and one of his bartenders, Ray, are having an affair. As Ray and Abby realize that Marty has found out about them, it allows them to plan for their future away from Marty, while being up front with Marty about the situation. Marty, in turn, decides to hire Visser once again, this time to kill Abby and Ray, and dispose of their bodies so that they won't be found. The out-in-the-open affair and the contract hit lead to some actions based on self-interest and a standoff of sorts between the four players, which is compounded in complexity by some wrong assumptions of what has happened, with an innocent bystander, another of the Marty's bartenders, Meurice, potentially, and unwittingly, adding to the scenario.

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback

It's time for a bit of sword and sorcery, swashbuckling adventures with the 1983 cinematic bomb, Krull. Though it flopped at the box office, Krull became a cult classic on video and a favorite of Dave's in the 80's. Chris on the other hand, will hate every minute of it.

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

Plot Summary:

In the face of total annihilation by the omnipotent Beast's unstoppable hordes of Slayers, the young aristocrats of two hostile neighboring nations--the brave Prince Colwyn and the fair Princess Lyssa--are about to come into union and form an alliance against the common enemy. However, the otherworldly adversary is all-powerful, and before long, a fateful abduction will trigger a desperate quest to the evil entity's grim Black Fortress, as Colwyn and a handful of mismatched defenders are willing to dice with death to ensure the land's future. In this suicide mission, the magical, five-edged weapon known as the Glaive is their only chance of survival. Can Prince Colwyn slay the Beast, and save Lyssa and Krull, the small planet in the middle of the vast galaxy?

thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback