Video Store Podcast

• Everybody was Kung-Fu Fighting

  Welcome to another episode of the Video Store Podcast. Inspired by a wild kung-fu brawl that recently took place in the street in front of the video store, I decided to recommend four kung-fu style films. None of these will win many points for their creative plots, but all of them are fun to watch with popcorn and friends. An alcoholic beverage or two might not hurt, either.Big Trouble in Little China (1986)Big Trouble in Little China is probably the most mainstream movie on this week’s episode. As a teenager this was one of my favorite films (and I still enjoy it today), but as time goes on I find lots of people familiar with the film that haven’t actually seen it from beginning to end. John Carpenter’s dive into the surreal, magical world of Chinatown introduces us to Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) and his pal Wang as they delve into the dark, underbelly of “little China” This film is often referred to as a “cult classic” today but to me, it’s just good, clean fun.Mortal Kombat (1995)In the early 90s, Mortal Kombat set arcades on fire. Riding on the popularity of the game’s arcade sequel and home versions was this film which is based on the game and pretty blatantly rips off the plot of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. Like that film, fighters from different locations travel to a mysterious island to partake in a tournament… to the death! You may not have had “videogame-based movie starring the guy from Highlander, the schoolteacher from Billy Madison, and the voice of Dr. Claw from Inspector Gadget… but here we are.Some people say this movie is cheesy, some say it’s fun, and I say it’s both. In fact, I’d say it’s a flawless victory. Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991)In the future (2001, in the film), prisons has been privatized and are largely corrupt. Our hero, Riki, has been sent to one of these prisons and the Prison Ward has dispatched the leaders of the Gang of Four to make sure Riki doesn’t get any ideas and start a rebellion. Unfortunately for them, Riki — who also happens to possess superhuman strength — has other plans.Riki-Oh is based on a Japanese manga series known for its over the top violence and this film is no different, containing lots of gore, all presenting in comic-book style. Riki punches a hole right through one guy and punches the head off of someone else. It’s not for everybody, but if you like your kung-fu campy an dover the top, check this one out immediately. Police Story (1985)Police Story was I believe Jackie Chan’s breakout film. The popularity of this film and the sequel led to Chan getting multiple offers from Hollywood, and the third film in the series (Police Story III) was released in America as Supercop. The plot of this one is relatively thin. Jackie Chan is a police officer who, after busting a drug lord, must protect the criminal’s secretary before she can testify against him in court. The real star of the show are the fight scenes and Chan’s stunts. It’s impossible to watch this film without wondering if people got hurt doing these stunts. Spoiler, they did.I love all kinds of films, from silent and black and white films to the latest sci-fi blockbusters. One of my guilty pleasures will always be these types of kung-fu films, films you can enjoy without thinking too hard about them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

  --------  

  40:52
• Animated Films from the Edge

  Welcome to this week’s episode of The Video Store Podcast . This week, I’m focusing on animated movies that lean into darker themes and mature storytelling. These aren’t your typical Saturday morning cartoons or Disney films. They’re imaginative, ambitious, and not afraid to explore the more complicated corners of life.Let’s dive into the four films I’m recommending this week.1. Watership Down (1978)This adaptation of Richard Adams’ novel is often remembered for its striking animation and unflinching depiction of survival. On the surface, it’s a story about rabbits searching for a safe place to call home, but the film works on deeper levels, touching on themes like leadership, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of nature.Director Martin Rosen made the choice to stay true to the novel’s tone, which makes this film stand out from other animated projects of the time. The voice cast is strong, John Hurt as Hazel and Richard Briers as Fiver bring a lot of emotion to their roles. The animation is hand-drawn, with detailed backgrounds that create a world that feels both beautiful and dangerous.2. The Last Unicorn (1982)Based on Peter S. Beagle’s novel, The Last Unicorn has a dreamlike quality that sets it apart from other animated films of its time. It tells the story of a unicorn searching for her lost kind, encountering both friends and enemies along the way. While the animation was produced by Rankin/Bass, the actual work was done by a Japanese studio that would later become Studio Ghibli, which might explain the film’s unique visual style.This voice cast is great. Mia Farrow voices the Unicorn, Jeff Bridges plays Prince Lir, and Christopher Lee is unforgettable as King Haggard. Lee was reportedly a huge fan of the book and even brought his own copy to recording sessions to ensure his performance stayed faithful to the source material.The soundtrack, provided by the band America, gives the movie a melancholy, almost folk-like feel that complements its tone.3. The Secret of NIMH (1982)Don Bluth made his directorial debut with this adaptation of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. The film tells the story of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Brisby, who must save her home and sick child with the help of highly intelligent rats.What makes The Secret of NIMH stand out is how dark and detailed it is. Bluth and his team left Disney to make this film because they wanted to push the boundaries of animation, and it shows. The level of detail in the animation is stunning, especially in the rats’ lair, which feels alive with glowing lights and intricate designs.The score by Jerry Goldsmith is sweeping and dramatic, which matches the film’s high stakes. And while it’s technically a kids’ movie, it doesn’t shy away from mature themes like death, ethics, and the consequences of human interference with nature.4. Heavy Metal (1981)If you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, or anthology storytelling, Heavy Metal is one to check out. It’s based on the magazine of the same name and features multiple stories connected by a mysterious glowing orb called the Loc-Nar. The animation is bold, with an unapologetically adult tone. Even though I saw it as a kid, I think this one is definitely not for kids.What’s interesting about Heavy Metal is how it pulls from different art styles, with each segment feeling distinct. The soundtrack is packed with rock and heavy metal tracks from bands like DEVO, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, and Journey, giving it a unique energy.Each of these films pushes the boundaries of what animated storytelling can do, whether through their themes, visual style, or just their ambition. They’re all worth watching if you’re looking for something that goes beyond the typical animated fare. That’s it for this week’s episode of The Video Store Podcast. Thanks for listening, and let me know what you think of these recommendations. Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

  --------  

  17:27
• Rom-Coms For People Who Don't Like Rom-Coms

  Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast! Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but we’re still feeling the love at the Video Store. I’ve selected four films this week that love love so much that even the romance denier in your life will melt like so many boxes of chocolate in the noonday sun. Miss Congeniality (2000)Put on your dress and strap on your gun, it’s time for Miss Congeniality. Sandra Bullock stars as FBI Agent Gracie Hart, who must go undercover at the Miss United States Beauty Pageant to protect the participants from an anonymous bomb threat. While Gracie is put through her primping paces, she starts to learn that beauty isn’t skin-deep with the pageant participants, but it might be with its runner. She and Agent Matthews must work together to find the bomber before it’s too late. This one will keep you laughing every day of the year, especially on April 25. Love & Basketball (2000)Hit the court for our next film, Gina Prince-Blythewood’s first major film, Love & Basketball from 2000. I don’t say this lightly. Love & Basketball is a perfect movie. Period. A phenomenal story, direction, great character development, performances, and a bangin’ soundtrack to boot, all make Love & Basketball a wonderful movie to enjoy with even the deepest romantic skeptic in your life. Swish, swish, bish. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)Take a trip to Singapore with Rachel and Nick this week with 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book of the same name. Rachel Chu finds out her sweet and unpretentious boyfriend, Nick Young, is actually the son and heir to one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Singapore when he takes her back home for his best friend’s wedding. Learning to navigate high society is difficult enough, let alone in a new country with Nick’s overbearing family. Watching Rachel and Nick learn to navigate difficult family dynamics and fight for each other will warm even the coldest heart. This is a rom-com that everyone will enjoy. Hitch (2005)Our last film for the week is Hitch from 2005, starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta. This is a film about learning to let down your walls just long enough for the right person to get through, even if you might get hurt. Filled with great one-liners, loads of laughs, and a soundtrack that will keep you dancing, Hitch is a solid choice for movie night. Thanks for sharing the love with us at the Video Store Podcast!Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

  --------  

  16:39
• Opposites Attract

  Welcome back to the Video Store! Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and if you’re here looking for movie selections instead of out buying flowers or making dinner reservations, then sir or madam, I salute you. For this week’s episode of the show I’ve picked four movies that feature unconventional relationships. After browsing the stores aisles looking for this week’s film recommendations, I ended up rewatching all four of these movies (a couple of which I hadn’t seen in decades) and for the most part they have all aged well. Harold and Maude (1971)Harold is a young adult obsessed with death, while Maude is a 79-year-old woman infatuated with life. The two share a hobby in common — attending the funerals of strangers — and soon this odd couple forms a close relationship. Wikipedia describes this film as a “romantic black comedy drama,” which only begins to describe it. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s emotional. While critics originally hated it, the film as gone on to appear in many “best of” film lists. Something Wild (1986)The last person you would expect a New York banker like Charlie to get involved with is a carefree person like Lulu, but after she kidnaps the yuppie for a weekend of reckless fun, Charlie finds the adventure exciting… until things get out of hand. When Lulu’s husband discovers what the pair has been up to, he is none too happy. Someone — or perhaps everyone — has been lying. This not-to-miss thriller stars Jeff Daniels as Charlie, Melanie Griffith as Lulu, and a terrifying Ray Liotta has Lulu’s husband, Ray. After Hours (1985)Have you ever had one of those days? After work, Paul Hackett heads to a local diner where he meets a woman named Marcy. The two exchange numbers and later, she invites him over to her apartment. This starts off a chain of events that will have Paul running around the streets of New York from one mess to the next. Before the end of the night his face ends up on wanted posters, he’s chased by an angry mob, and he becomes involved in a city wide crime ring. It’s a night that Paul will never forget — or maybe, survive. Featuring a star-packed cast including Griffin Dunne (An American Werewolf in London), Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, Catherine O'Hara, Bronson Pinchot, Dick Miller, and even Cheech and Chong. Directed by Martin Scorsese.Valley Girl (1983)Randy (Nicholas Cage) is a punk rocker from Hollywood. Julie (Deborah Foreman) is a Valley Girl. Their worlds are complete opposites and it seems that everybody and everything will try and stop them from getting together, but sometimes, love finds a way. This classic 80s film was directed by Martha Coolidge and will take you back to the sights, sounds, and music of the 1980s.Thanks for checking out the podcast. If you don’t have plans this Valentine’s Day, you can have a great time renting and watching one of these films. And if you would prefer to get out of the house, you can always drop by a stranger’s funeral. You never know who you’ll meet! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

  --------  

  21:16
• L.A. Movies

  Welcome back to The Video Store Podcast. This week, I’ve curated a lineup of films that capture different aspects of Los Angeles: its humor, its struggles, its danger, and its intrigue. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these movies or discovering them for the first time, I think they’re worth your time. Here’s what we’re watching this week:L.A. Story (1991)Steve Martin stars in and wrote this quirky romantic comedy that doubles as a love letter to Los Angeles. It’s full of surreal humor, like talking freeway signs, and it pokes fun at the city’s obsession with image and trends. But it’s also heartfelt, exploring how we connect with others in a place that can feel isolating. Keep an eye out for some great cameos, including Patrick Stewart as a hilariously serious maître d'. The film was shot all around L.A., including Griffith Park and Venice Beach, which really adds to its sense of place.Born in East L.A. (1987)Cheech Marin wrote, directed, and stars in this comedy about a Mexican-American man who gets mistakenly deported to Mexico. It’s packed with laughs, but it also has a lot of heart as it explores cultural misunderstandings. Make sure to check out Paul Rodriguez and Daniel Stern both have memorable roles here, adding to the film’s charm.To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)If you’re into crime thrillers, this one’s a must. Directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection), it’s a gritty and intense look at the darker side of Los Angeles. The film follows a Secret Service agent, played by William Petersen, as he becomes obsessed with catching a counterfeiter (Willem Dafoe). Friedkin’s commitment to authenticity shows, especially in the car chases, which are some of the best ever put on film. The movie also features an amazing soundtrack by Wang Chung, which perfectly complements its tense, stylish vibe.L.A. Confidential (1997)Curtis Hanson’s neo-noir is a masterpiece. Set in the 1950s, it dives into corruption, scandal, and ambition within the LAPD. The ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, and Russell Crowe, delivers some of their best work. Basinger even won an Oscar for her performance. The screenplay, co-written by Hanson and Brian Helgeland, is a brilliant adaptation of James Ellroy’s novel. The production design and costumes perfectly recreate the glamour and grit of post-war Los Angeles, making it as visually striking as it is narratively gripping.That’s the lineup for this week. Each of these films captures something unique about Los Angeles, from its humor and charm to its danger and complexity. If you decide to check out any of these, let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by The Video Store Podcast, and we’ll see you next time with more movies to add to your watchlist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

  --------  

  17:55

Mais podcasts de TV e cinema

Podcasts em tendência em TV e cinema

Sobre Video Store Podcast