3 Star Wars super tragics join forces to talk about all things Grogu and all things The Mandalorian and Grogu. Luke Muller (Triple J) and Angus Truskett (Test Pattern) join Alexei to talk through the latest film from A Galaxy Far Far Away and pick out their favourite Glup Shitto. See Alexei’s show with Zachary Ruane REFUSED CLASSIFICATION at SFF (https://www.sff.org.au/program/event/refused-classification/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

At the end of 2024, Alexei was joined at The Last Video Store by podcaster, journalist and commentator Josh Szeps. However, we though we lost it soon after. The video remains a mystery but we recovered the audio, and it was such a great chat we had to release it to the world! Josh is a true film lover, and you can listen to his podcast Uncomfortable Conversations on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Sorry about the wait, Josh! Join Alexei & Cameron James presenting David Byrne’s TRUE STORIES at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vivid-live/saturday-film-club-true-stories) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

Cult comedy hero and dear mate, Greg Larsen enters the video store. Greg kicks off his run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his new show “Unrelenting Ultra-Violence” (https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/greg-larsen-unrelenting-ultra-violence/). Greg is wildly funny, bold and incisive with his comedy and his pick ups on the show reflect exactly that. AND make sure you check out Greg’s outrageous series on the Grouse House YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqS09O_7fr09IiQijTXZx_0DQzmzYmUHU). Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

The filmmakers behind the hottest Australian indie directorial debut in years BIRDEATER jump into the Last Video Store to discuss their film and two other favourites with Alexei Toliopoulos. In cinemas now, BIRDEATER explores modern Australian masculinity when a bride-to-be is invited to her fiancé’s bachelor party, but when uncomfortable details of their relationship are exposed, the night takes a feral turn.

Watch the episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Jack & Jim’s combo list.

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before she was killing it on the new season of Taskmaster Australia, Jenny Tian was already a comedic sensation on stage and online. Just before she jumps off to tour her stand-up comedy show at THE EDINBURGH FRINGE she hopped into the Last Video Store to talk about her favourite films and reminisce on her time at the top of her university’s film society. 

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Jenny’s list on Letterboxd here. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horror filmmaker Ti West sits down with Alexei for a short sharp bonus chat in the lead up to his new film MaXXXine, the third in a trilogy of horror films starring Mia Goth. One of the key settings of his latest film is a dank 1980s horror/porno video store, so we had to jump over to Ti for a catch-up about it all. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an historic meeting of the minds, Walkley-winning journalist and documentary maker Marc Fennell steps into The Last Video Store. With season 2 of Marc’s factual tv show STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE currently airing, we asked him to get back to his roots of film criticism to talk about some of his favourite films with Alexei. 

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Marc Fennell’s film combo on Letterboxd. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Aotearoa’s most celebrated actors, Rachel House (HEARTBREAK HIGH, MOANA) joins Alexei to talk about her directorial debut THE MOUNTAIN. A heartfelt NZ family adventure about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga (Mountain), and discover the magic of friendship along the way. Coming-of-age cinema informs the combo today so think about the films that made you fall in love with movies when you pop this in your eyes and ears. 

Watch the FULL EP ON YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Rachel’s combo on Letterboxd. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A much-treasured star of the Australian comedy scene, Aaron Gocs is bloody electric on screen. Catch him and a bunch of your favourite Australian comedians in THE EMU WAR, screening all around Australia this weekend (FIND A CINEMA NEAR YOU HERE). The Emu War gave me some of the most fun I’ve ever had in the cinema. Huge and powerful grubby laughs. You have to see it. 

Gocsy is one of Alexei’s oldest mates in comedy, so he knows the fellas taste damn well. Might actually nail the recommendation on this one. 

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Gocsy’s list. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Alexei’s best friends, Mitch Orr jumps in to talk his favourite films. Known as “the Prince of Pasta”, Mitch Orr has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting voices in the culinary world. You can currently savour his flavours at KILN at the Ace Hotel in Sydeny and St Kilda’s Prince Dining Room. He’s also co-hosting a Cuisine on Screen program of the best food movies with Alexei at Golden Age Cinema. 

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s MITCH’s combo on Letterboxd.

Catch Alexei hosting the incredible Sunburnt Screens weekend of screenings at The Sydney Opera House on June 27, 28 and 30 HERE

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WAYNE’S WORLD, FOUR ROOMS, GAS FOOD LODGING and SAY ANYTHING… Ione Skye stars in all films that sat on Alexei’s staff picks shelf back in his days at Mondo Movies. Ione is not just an all-timer great actor, she’s also the co-host one of the best podcasts WEIRDER TOGETHER with Ben Lee (hear it on SPOTIFY and APPLE). 

In the midst of writing her memoir, Ione stopped by the Last Video Store. Ione is one of the best people to talk film with so we cover everything from one of the great modern epics, a hard noir and the film that kicked off 90s American Indie cinema. 

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s IONE’s combo on Letterboxd.

Catch Alexei hosting the incredible Sunburnt Screens weekend of screenings at The Sydney Opera House on June 27, 28 and 30 HERE

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven’t seen Aaron Chen’s YouTube special please remedy this ASAP

Beloved comedian and dearest friend Aaron Chen joins Alexei in the Last Video Store to reminisce and pick up a combo of his favourite films. Aaron selects one of the great martial arts comedies, an iconic masterpiece of dystopian speculative fiction and a newly returned New Release title PLUS Alexei slips in an Ozlpoitation staff pick for him.

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Catch Alexei hosting the incredible Sunburnt Screens weekend of screenings at The Sydney Opera House on June 27, 28 and 30 HERE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s AARON’s combo on Letterboxd.

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witness me! Celebrating the release of the decade’s most exciting action spectacle FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA. Filmmaker George Miller + stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth have made their way through the wastelands of a post-apocalyptic Australia to find themselves in THE LAST VIDEO STORE. Alexei Toliopoulos sits down with them all to discuss the madness, the Greekness and the fury that goes into making an epic. 

Watch George Miller's interview HERE and Chris & Anya's interview HERE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damon Herriman is one of Australia’s most recognisable actors, working in films like TOGETHER, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD to HOUSE OF WAX (one of Producer Em’s favourites). He joins us in the Last Video Store where he picks a stack of great films, including classics GOODFELLAS and THE ELEPHANT MAN, and a surprising new release documentary. See him in Art The Play, touring now: https://arttheplay.com.au/. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

One of Australia’s greatest storytellers, Troy Cassar-Daley holds the record for most Golden Guitar Awards cementing the proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung as one of country music’s greatest icons. Troy’s new album BETWEEN THE FIRES is out now, recorded at his late mother’s home, it is a powerfully moving collection of songs and stories. 

Without hyperbolising, this may be one of the best conversations Alexei has ever recorded. Troy has picked some films that resonate deeply with him and those emotional connections prove to be fertile ground for laughs and some top-tier cinematic celebration. Complete with a staff pick of a western that needs to be crystallised into the canon of cinema’s greats, the TCD visit might be the perfect episode of THE LAST VIDEO STORE.

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s TCD’s list up on Letterboxd. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With his new film HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS arriving in cinemas this week, Goran Stolevski has proven himself to be one of the very best contemporary Australian filmmakers. A modern master of the close-up, each of Goran’s films are distinctly textured cinematic works worthy of your exploration. 

A rental combo that includes a screwball classic, a powerful journey through Seoul and one of the best from Pedro Almodóvar. Without a doubt, Goran Stolevski is far and away the biggest cinephile we’ve had in the Last Video Store so Alexei has to work extra fricking hard to find a staff pick rec off the beaten path.

Watch the full ep on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Goran’s list up on Letterboxd. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BONUS EPISODE! In an attempt to not overstate things, let's just say Alexei is a tremendous fan of all things PLANET OF THE APES… so of course we had to sneak in a quick chat with WES BALL, the filmmaker behind the new film in the franchise Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ahead of its Australian release this week on May 9th. 

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

More from the Last Video Store later this week! 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab your popcorn and settle in for some scintillating cinematic discussion with the great Peter Helliar. A true lifelong lover of all things film Pete is the perfect guest for The Last Video Store. He’s been on our screens in everything from Rove [Live], Skithouse, The Project and the feature film he wrote I LOVE YOU TOO (2010). Helliar now even contributes to cinema in the most noble way possible… by being a comedian with a great film podcast with YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET.

Right now, Pete is in Sydney playing the Narrator of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW live on stage.Alexei goes through some of Pete’s favourite films including a future classic romantic drama, the all-timer of hybrid sci-fi comedy cinema and the greatest Thanksgiving road comedy. Alexei of course weaves his magic to find the perfect Staff Pick for Pete… what could it be?

Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy

Art by Hollow Bones Studio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not just the expert on North Korean cinema and hoax authors, Dr Anna Broinowski is one of Australia’s greatest investigative documentarians. Her riveting works include FORBIDDEN LIE$, AIM HIGH IN CREATION and PAULINE HANSON: PLEASE EXPLAIN. Through these and more she’s won a Walkley, 3 AFI/AACTAs, the Al Jazeera Golden Award and even a fricking WGA prize. Anna’s latest work is her memoir DATSUN ANGEL: A true-story adventure inside the savage heart of 1980s Australia - “it’s a feminist Mad Max on really bad 80s speed”. 

Alexei’s never had a bigger hero than his mentor Anna Broinowski so it’s an honour to walk her through the shelves to pick out a rental combo of a recent Oscar-winning gothic oddity, a cult classic of experimental Danish documentary cinema and a North Korean Kaiju monster flick with the wildest backstory you’ve never heard + a staff pick recommendation from Alexei for all those looking for a great hoax.

Watch the full video on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Anna’s rental combo list. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Announcing Top End Bub, the follow-up to one of the best Australian romantic comedies ever, Miranda Tapsell stops by The Last Video Store. Turning in incredible performances in THE DRY, THE ARTFUL DODGER and so much more Miranda has cemented her reputation as one of Australia’s finest actors. And as you’re about to learn, Miranda Tapsell can even do a dead-on Nicolas Cage impression. 

Miranda’s rental combo includes a future holiday classic, an Oscar-winning performance from one of the great music icons, a breakout hit of French cinema that inspired a global bob haircut epidemic and an underseen New York rom-com staff pick from guru Alexei Toliopoulos.

Watch the full ep on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Miranda’s list on Letterboxd. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating the release of some homegrown horror we’re joined by the directors and star of LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. With memorable turns in modern classics THE DARK KNIGHT, DUNE, PRISONERS and THE SUICIDE SQUAD, David Dastmalchian has cemented his reputation as one of the great character actors. Now he steps into the shoes of a late night talk show host in the midst of possession horror for his first leading role. Alexei talks to the horror aficionado all about it. 

Then, we’re joined by the filmmakers Colin and Cameron Cairnes to talk through 3 weekly film titles that inspired and influenced different aspects of LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. 

GIVEAWAY: Cinema Passes to see Late Night with the Devil in Australia. To go in with a chance to win a double pass give us a 5 star review on Apple pods and send us a screenshot to our instagram @LastVideoStoreBetoota

Watch the full ep on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s the films we talked about on Letterboxd.

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Leguizamo enthusiast and children’s television antagonist Zachary Ruane steps into the Last Video Store. Even more important than his mind-melting comedy work in the legendary sketch comedy group AUNTY DONNA, Zach is a lover of film presenting cinema with his ​​FUN TIME FILM CLUB at the Lido in Melbourne. So this is a real meeting of the cinematic minds. 

Zach’s picks include Alexei’s shared favourite film of 2023, a comedy with style, an Aussie Hitchcockian thriller and a surrealist masterwork from David Lynch. AND of course Lex has cooked up the most fricking weirdly perfect pick of the series so far. Like it’s nuts how he linked them up.

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Zachary’s list!

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian/actor/writer/director/close personal friend Nina Oyama steps into Betoota Video. Fresh off AACTA nominations for her enthusiastic performance of Abby in Deadloch and Taskmaster Australia, Nina is about to embark on her Comedy Festival tour of her new show Nina Oyama is Coming at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival and Perth Comedy Festival.

A true lover of cinema, Nina’s picks range from a Norwegian body horror comedy, an indie classic in modern monochrome and one of the greatest revenge thrillers that just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a huge cinematic re-release. Somehow, Alexei weaves these together for the rarest staff pick recommendation.

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Nina’s combo on LB.

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A true Renaissance man whose multifaceted career continues to surprise us all. Tony Armstrong kicked things off in AFL playing for the Sydney Swans, then he won 2 Logies back-to-back as a presenter on ABC News Breakfast and now he’s in Betoota for his new foray into story-driven documentary with his upcoming ABC series TONY ARMSTRONG'S EXTRA-ORDINARY THINGS. 

With picks like one of the great masterpieces of surrealist anime, a grounded gritty crime epic and an inventive heist film that sits somewhere right in the middle… Alexei Toliopoulos has the perfect staff pick to pop into Tony’s combo.

Watch the full video on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Tony’s picks!

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geraldine Viswanathan has shared the screen with the likes of John Cena, Margaret Qualley, Florence Pugh and Pedro Pascal, and is fast becoming one of Australia’s most prolific comedy actors. She’s also hilarious and has fantastic taste in films, from Anna Faris’ stoner comedy Smiley Face to the movie that made her turn towards film, Little Miss Sunshine. She joined Alexei late last year ahead of starting production on Amy Poehler’s new comedy series Dig. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

The passionate journalist and Betoota local Clancy Overell welcomes Alexei to the desert town he now calls home. Stopping by to pick up a rental combo and settle some overdue late fees from a bygone era. 

It’s up to Betoota’s registered cinephile to form the perfect staff pick from an Australian classic comedy, one of Scorsese’s grandest crime sagas and a warm melancholic hug from contemporary Irish cinema.

Watch the full video on YOUTUBE HERE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Clancy’s full list! 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With perhaps more films in Betoota Video than any other performer (all located behind the beaded curtain), who better to stop by the Last Video Store than the legendary adult film superstar Angela White. The AVN Hall of Famer was the first to win Female Performer of the Year 3 times in a row earner her the honorary moniker the Meryl Streep of porn. 

From modern crime masterpieces, a bonafide video store cult classic and a relationship drama with unsimulated sex Alexei weaves the perfect staff pick for Angela. 

Watch FULL VIDEOS on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. 

Here’s Angela’s full list!

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need an actor to convincingly play a real-life figure that the whole world is deeply familiar with you get Polly Bennett to teach them exactly how to move like them. Teaching Austin Butler to wiggle his hips like the King in ELVIS, Rami Malek to command the stage like Freddie Mercury in BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, how to stroll like a royal in THE CROWN and choreographing a murdered dancefloor with Barry Keoghan in SALTBURN - Polly Bennett is the moment. 

And here on The Last Video Store she talks with Alexei about some classic female lead comedies, musicals and a genre-defining legend from Australia’s indie cinema boom of the 1990s. 

Watch FULL VIDEOS on YOUTUBE

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Polly’s list for you, mate! 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the trenches of HACKSAW RIDGE, to the sparkling glitz of ELVIS, and the crude humour of HOLIDATE… Working with some of the biggest directors, Luke Bracey is an actor building up a fascinating resume ranging from hardcore action thrills to Netflix romcom and chills. 

From his cinematic selection, it seems like he has a taste for high-pressure international intrigue, espionage, political thrillers with personal stakes and GREAT acting. So what could Alexei possibly pick for him to leave the Last Video Story with?

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Luke Bracey list right here. 

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Last Video Store. Joining us as our inaugural guest and customer #0 is Cameron James (FINDING YEEZUS, FINDING DRAGO, TOTAL REBOOT). 

His debut single BOYS NIGHT has hit the web and he is about to embark on his most ambitious comedy festival tour to date with MIXTAPE, a show about music, love and the summer in 2009 that he worked as a singing Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator at a suburban dinner theatre restaurant.

Music, comedy and the entwining of both are on his mind when it comes to his rental combo at Betoota Video.

Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Cameron James’ list of favourites and recommendations. 

Youtube Version 

Follow us on Instagram @lastvideostorebetoota

Music & sounds by Rowan Dix

Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy 

Art by Hollow Bones Studio 

Produced by DM Podcasts

 

 

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Here are your links to the forever archive of TOTAL REBOOT and SPECIAL FEATURES from Cameron James & Alexei Toliopoulos! AND a sneak peak at The Last Video Store with a little teaser trailer at the end! 

TOTAL REBOOT ON SPOTIFY

TOTAL REBOOT ON APPLE PODCASTS

 

TOTAL REBOOT WEBSITE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decade by decade, Cameron & Alexei canonize the very best in films in a century of cinema. From the 1990s all the way back to the 1900s, we discuss a few favourite films from each decade. 

And as you'll hear, this is the last Special Features episode (in this form at least for some time). So we had to treat you to our most Special Feature yet. If you're reading this before listening to the episode, we talk about it a bit more frankly and in-depth on the show. But it's all positive! We're trying to make more stuff together. More ambitious larger form projects. More things in the vein of Finding Yeezus and the other Finding shows. We're not breaking up, in fact, we're probably more deeply committed to each other than ever. 

In the meantime, Cameron is embarking on his biggest stand-up comedy tour yet! (You can pick up tickets here: 2024 COMEDY TOUR)

And Alexei is kicking off a brand new podcast in this feed called THE LAST VIDEO STORE. It's a chat show with high-profile guests about the films they love. Basically, the film podcast Alexei's always dreamed about. Cam is even the very first frickin’ guest and will stop by constantly. So please stay subscribed, babies! 

Old episodes of Total Reboot and Special Features will migrate over to a new feed and be protected in an archive forever. 

TOTAL REBOOT ON SPOTIFY

TOTAL REBOOT ON APPLE PODCASTS

 

TOTAL REBOOT WEBSITE

Until then,

We love you! Thank you! 

Forever Special Creatures. Forever Jungle Babies. Forever Reboot Rats. Forever Groovy Babies. xoxoxox

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Betoota Advocate presents a chat show about the films you love. Join the movie maestro Alexei Toliopoulos in ‘The Last Video Store’ - located in the outback town of Betoota. Its a special hub of culture and memories with every single movie ever made lining its infinite shelves. Alexei talks with a guest about their most cherished cinematic selections, before he sends them of with a bespoke film recommendation based on their taste.

Coming soon to a Podcast player near you

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best known for her provocative comedy ATTENBERG and the unnervingly satirical CHEVALIER, Athina Rachel Tsangari helped define what critics dubbed the “Greek Weird Wave,” alongside longtime collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos. A longtime filmmaking hero of host Alexei, he hailed her latest film, HARVEST, as one of the very best of 2025. HARVEST is a medieval tale of modernity swallowing up tradition, it stars Caleb Landry Jones and is shot by the now legendary Sean Price Williams. There’s no greater honor to have Athina Rachel Tsangari join us in The Last Video Store while she was serving on the Melbourne International Film Festival’s jury. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

SPOILER WARNING - this chat may gently reveal a little bit about the the comedic premise and influence unique to the movie… This week, The Last Video Store becomes a shrine to comedic chaos, commitment, and Canadian/Australian cinematic relations as we welcome Matt Johnson and Jay McCarroll, the masterminds behind the cult phenomenon Nirvanna the Band the Show - and now - The Movie. With scores from Jay, the feature directorial efforts from Matt Johnson (Blackberry, The Dirites and Operation Avalanche) are amongst Alexei’s favourites. Make sure you stick around to hear Matt’s impassioned speech about the power of Australian film. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

What an immense privilege to chat with true visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann about his new film EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT. Baz's maximalist imagination meets its perfect subject and energizes the mythology of Presley. It’s like a cinematic mosaic that evokes legend. Epic is a truly mesmerizing concert film and an inspired step into factual filmmaking and documentary storytelling - it’s safe to say Alexei, the ever the Elvis tragic, absolutely frothed it. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

On our last REWIND episode, we’re taking a look back at probably our most downloaded episode of all time! Pop culture podcast royalty, Nick "Maso" Mason and James "Mr. Sunday Movies" Clement of the Weekly Planet take an esteemed tour of THE LAST VIDEO STORE. A journey through cinema that is less a Caravan of Garbage and more like a Battle for Endorphins because this episode is a pleasurable experience for the brain. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

We’re revisiting our hilarious and insightful chat with filmakers and twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou! Their latest film, BRING HER BACK is an emotionally resonant horror exploration of grief and loss that, in many ways, surpasses their remarkable debut. Starring Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (THE SHAPE OF WATER), Billy Barrat (RESPONSIBLE CHILD), Jonah Wren Phillips (HOW TO MAKE GRAVY) and newcomer Sora Wong, BRING HER BACK is poised to be the horror event of 2025. It’s more than a pleasure to have RackaRacka peruse the shelves of the Last Video Store and pick out some of the films that influenced them.  Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

Next up in our REWIND series, where we look back at some of our most popular and memorable episodes, it’s film star Jonathan Rhys Meyers! He’s the iconic star of video store favourites BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, VELVET GOLDMINE, MATCH POINT, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III, I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD, THE TUDORS and might be the most passionate and exploratory film lover we’ve had through our doors. And I must admit, I was completely starstruck by him… a rare occurrence (this is Alexei writing this). One of my favourite episodes with some of the best films ever discussed on the show and a recommendation that is sure to excite you (this was still Alexei writing this whole thing). Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre) Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

With perhaps more films in The Last Video Store than any other performer (all located behind the beaded curtain), what better episode to rewind to than our chat with legendary adult film superstar Angela White. The AVN Hall of Famer was the first to win Female Performer of the Year 3 times in a row earner her the honorary moniker the Meryl Streep of porn. From modern crime masterpieces, a bonafide video store cult classic and a relationship drama with unsimulated sex Alexei weaves the perfect staff pick for Angela.Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre) Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

This week a dream guest, Genesis Owusu, joins Alexei in the video store, and he has incredible taste in films! From a Japanese cult classic, to the latest Ari Aster, and even an even an Adam Sandler flick. Plus, he tells us about the surreal time he met Joaquin Phoenix. Genesis is currently on tour, and his album REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE is out now: https://www.genesisowusu.com/ Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/) Join Alexei & Cameron James presenting David Byrne’s TRUE STORIES at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vivid-live/saturday-film-club-true-stories) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks

We’re kicking off the new year re-releasing some of our favourite episodes. And what better way to hit rewind than with our wonderful AARON CHEN! Beloved comedian and dearest friend Aaron Chen joins Alexei in the Last Video Store to reminisce and pick up a combo of his favourite films. Aaron selects one of the great martial arts comedies, an iconic masterpiece of dystopian speculative fiction and a newly returned New Release title PLUS Alexei slips in an Ozlpoitation staff pick for him. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists. Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre) Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

Once again we’re celebrating some of the best films, movies and cinema of 2025 with Melbourne International Film Festival programmer and film critic Kate Jinx. This time we’re diving into the best documentaries, Australian films, comedies and honourable mentions. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

Celebrating some of the best films, movies and cinema of 2025 with Melbourne International Film Festival programmer and film critic Kate Jinx. Join us again next week for another bonus episode discussing the best documentaries, Australian films, comedies and honourable mentions. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks. PICKS: Sinners, One Battle After Another, The Mastermind, Sorry Baby, Peter Hujar’s Day, Harvest, The Secret Agent, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Marty Supreme, It Was Just an Accident Thanks to Dan Murphy’s for making this episode happen! Nobody Beats Dan Murphy’s. Lowest Liquor Price Guarantee. Found it cheaper? We’ll beat it. T&Cs apply. Shop in-store or online at danmurphys.com.au. Choose to DrinkWise.

One of Australia’s most gifted singer songwriters, Meg Mac stops by The Last Video Store to chat to Alexei in the middle of a tour intimate pop up gigs. With songs like Roll Up Your Sleeves and Low Blows, Meg has been able to tap into lyrical feelings that resonate so deeply. Her next album ITS MY PARTY is another display of immense talent for musical storytelling. What we didn’t expect from this chat was for Meg to make Alexei laugh harder than possibly any other guest. Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks. PICKS MEG: Better Man, Toy Story, Good Morning Vietnam STAFF PICK: Popeye (1980)

Salute a true soldier of cinema with today’s guest JOHN POLSON. He starred opposite Tom Cruise in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2, directed DeNiro and Dakota Fanning in HIDE AND SEEK, and helped launch the careers of many with the behemoth short film fest TROPFEST. Good news is, TROPFEST is back! If you’re a filmmaker, submissions are open now until January 8th, 2026. For more info, hit up Tropfest.com Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks. PICKS (only because a few people have asked very nicely) JOHN: Weapons (2025), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kramer vs Kramer (1979) STAFF PICK: Nobody’s Fool (1994)

A breakthrough artist collaborating with the likes of Troye Sivan, Nick Ward has recently actualised his film obsessed dreams… composing the score for the upcoming John Lithgow & Olivia Coleman film JIMPA. Nick also has the rare distinction of supplying the Last Video Store with some great film donations from his private collection. A true blessing! Listen to Nick Ward’s stunning album THE HOUSE WITH THE BLUE DOOR Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks. PICKS (only because a few people have asked very nicely) NICK: The Beast (2024), Morvern Callar (2002), Risky Business (1983), Magnolia (1999), The Color of Money (1986) STAFF PICK: The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973) 00:03:04 INTRO 00:09:23 NEW RELEASE - THE BEAST 00:16:39 WEEKYL - morvern callar 00:25:44 Risky business 00:30:31 MAGNOLIA 00:35:39 Color of money 00:41:07 STAFF PICK - the hour glass sanatorium 00:46:32 OUTRO

Double Greek boy cinephilia on the Last Video Store today as we’re joined by award winning director behind AUNTY DONNA’S BIG OL’ HOUSE OF FUN, COFFEE CAFE and FINDING YEEZUS, Max Miller. One of Alexei’s very favourite people to talk movies/films/cinema with so you know this is a going to be a belter episode. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

Mary Bronstein’s new film IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU, is a feature length surrealist panic attack surrounding the performance of a lifetime from Rose Byrne. For Alexei, this is one of the most exciting discoveries of the year and with the rare dramatic turn from Conan O’Brien, it’s a must see off kilter experience. Mary Bronstein takes us through her favourite films and learns about an Aussie Rose Byrne classic. IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU is in Australian cinemas NOW Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

Two of the funniest comedians in Australia and hosts of the cult podcast BIG NATURAL TALENTS, Lauren Bonner & Concetta Caristo, slide into the Last Video Store to talk about their favourite films with Alexei. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.