The VHS Strikes Back

The production of "Full Metal Jacket" (1987), directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, was a painstakingly detailed and immersive experience that exemplified the director's penchant for perfectionism. Kubrick's approach to creating the gritty world of the Vietnam War was nothing short of meticulous.

One of the standout aspects of the production was the casting and training of the actors. Kubrick sought out actors who could fully embody their roles, and this included intense auditions and physical transformations. Vincent D'Onofrio, who portrayed the troubled Private Pyle, famously gained a significant amount of weight for his character, while the entire cast underwent boot camp-style military training to convincingly portray soldiers. This immersive preparation allowed the actors to inhabit their roles with an authenticity that shines through in the film.

Another hallmark of the production was Kubrick's dedication to creating authentic settings. The film was shot in real-world locations, including England and London's former Beckton Gas Works, which were transformed into war-torn Vietnamese landscapes. The attention to detail was remarkable, from the realistic military equipment and uniforms to the hand-painted "Born to Kill" helmet worn by Private Joker, played by Matthew Modine. Kubrick's insistence on practical effects and his willingness to take the time necessary to achieve his vision contributed to the film's raw and uncompromising portrayal of the Vietnam War. The result was a cinematic masterpiece that continues to be celebrated for its realism and artistry.

Production of "Equilibrium" began in the early 2000s with Kurt Wimmer both writing and directing the film. The movie was set in a future society where emotions were suppressed and prohibited, and a special police force known as "Grammaton Clerics" enforced this emotionless state.

The film had a modest budget, which influenced its visual style. To create the distinctive and minimalist look of the film, the production team drew inspiration from sources such as classic German expressionist cinema and dystopian literature.

Christian Bale was cast as the film's lead, John Preston, a high-ranking Grammaton Cleric who undergoes a transformation as he starts to experience emotions. Bale's performance was a key highlight of the production, showcasing his dedication to the role.

The action sequences, featuring a unique martial art known as "Gun Kata," were choreographed and executed with precision, contributing to the film's distinctive style.

"Equilibrium" was released in 2002 to mixed critical reviews but gained a cult following over the years for its visually striking dystopian world and action sequences. While it didn't achieve widespread commercial success upon its initial release, it remains notable in the science fiction genre for its exploration of the suppression of human emotions in a totalitarian society.

"Romancing the Stone" is a 1984 romantic action-adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito. The film follows a romance novelist who embarks on a thrilling journey in Colombia to rescue her kidnapped sister and becomes entangled with a charismatic treasure hunter. Here are some key aspects of the production:

Script and Development: The script for "Romancing the Stone" was written by Diane Thomas. The story was initially inspired by Thomas' own experiences traveling in Mexico. The script blends romance, comedy, and action-adventure elements, creating a unique and engaging narrative.

Casting: The film's cast played a crucial role in its success. Kathleen Turner was cast as Joan Wilder, the romantic novelist who finds herself in an adventurous real-life situation. Michael Douglas portrayed Jack Colton, the rugged treasure hunter. Danny Devito played Ralph, a small-time crook who adds comedic elements to the story. The chemistry between Turner and Douglas contributed to the film's appeal.

Filming Locations: The production was filmed on location in various places, including Mexico and Colombia. The lush landscapes and exotic settings added authenticity to the adventure. The jungle scenes, waterfalls, and treacherous terrain were visually striking and enhanced the film's atmosphere.

Director Robert Zemeckis: Known for his later work on the "Back to the Future" trilogy and "Forrest Gump," directed "Romancing the Stone." His direction added a balance of action, humor, and romance to the film. Zemeckis' storytelling skills helped create a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience.

Stunts and Action Sequences: The film features a variety of action sequences, including chases, confrontations, and daring escapes. Stunt coordinators worked to execute these scenes safely and effectively. The dynamic action added excitement to the adventure-driven plot.

Release and Reception: Upon its release in 1984, "Romancing the Stone" received positive reviews for its entertainment value, engaging storyline, and the performances of its cast. The film's success led to a sequel, "The Jewel of the Nile," released in 1985, reuniting the main cast and continuing their adventures.

"Romancing the Stone" stands as a classic example of the romantic action-adventure genre, known for its mix of romance, humor, and thrilling escapades in exotic locales. The film's popularity led to its enduring status in popular culture.

The 1977 comedy film "Oh, God!" had an interesting production process involving notable individuals from the entertainment industry. Here's a more detailed overview of its production:

Source Material and Adaptation: The film is based on the novel "Oh, God!" by Avery Corman, published in 1971. The novel's premise, which presents a humorous and heartwarming interaction between an ordinary person and God, captured the attention of Warner Bros. executives, who saw the potential for a compelling and engaging film adaptation.

Casting George Burns: One of the most pivotal decisions in the film's production was the casting of George Burns as God. George Burns was a legendary comedian and actor known for his unique voice, wit, and charm. The role required an actor who could portray God in a relatable and humorous way, and Burns' casting brought a sense of authenticity to the character.

John Denver's Role: The choice to cast singer-songwriter John Denver as the protagonist, Jerry Landers, was somewhat unconventional but added to the film's appeal. Denver's down-to-earth demeanor and relatable persona complemented the character of Jerry, an everyday person chosen by God to deliver a message.

Director and Screenplay: Carl Reiner, an accomplished director, writer, and comedian, was chosen to direct the film. Reiner was known for his expertise in comedy and his ability to work with talented performers. Larry Gelbart adapted the novel into a screenplay, infusing humor and thought-provoking moments into the dialogue.

Cinematic Style: The film aimed for a visually relatable style to emphasize the contrast between the ordinary world and the extraordinary presence of God. The settings, including Jerry's suburban home, workplace, and interactions with God, were designed to resonate with audiences' experiences.

Themes and Humor: The film's script balanced comedic moments with deeper themes related to faith, belief, and the nature of God. It explored questions about spirituality and the human experience in a lighthearted and accessible way.

Reception and Legacy: "Oh, God!" was released in 1977 and exceeded expectations at the box office. Audiences and critics responded positively to its unique blend of humor and thought-provoking content. The film's success led to two sequels: "Oh, God! Book II" (1980) and "Oh, God! You Devil" (1984).

Overall, the production of "Oh, God!" involved adapting a compelling novel, casting iconic figures like George Burns and John Denver, the direction of Carl Reiner, and the exploration of spirituality through humor and relatable characters. The film's enduring popularity has solidified its place as a classic comedy with a meaningful message.

"Deep Blue Sea" is a 1999 science fiction thriller film directed by Renny Harlin. The movie revolves around a group of scientists conducting research on a remote underwater facility where they genetically engineer sharks to increase their brain size in order to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, their experiment goes awry as the highly intelligent sharks become smarter and more dangerous, leading to a series of intense and suspenseful events. As the sharks wreak havoc, the scientists must fight for their lives and find a way to escape the rapidly sinking facility. The film explores themes of ethics, the consequences of scientific experimentation, and the struggle for survival against powerful and intelligent predators.

Chris has pulled another turkey out of the bag this week. And a really leathery turkey at that. This week's pick is The Ultimate Weapon starring Terry Gene Bollea aka Hulk Hogan and a bunch of other people you're unlikely to ever have heard of, or hear again.

The production of "Anguish" in 1987 was a unique and ambitious endeavor that brought together a talented team led by director Bigas Luna. The film is notable for its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of psychological horror, which set it apart from conventional horror movies of its time.

Director Bigas Luna, known for his distinctive and imaginative filmmaking style, carefully crafted a gripping narrative that delved into the complexities of the human mind. Luna's vision for the film was to create a suspenseful and psychologically disturbing experience that would challenge and intrigue the audience.

Zelda Rubinstein's portrayal of Alice Pressman, the troubled mother, was a central element in bringing the character to life. Her performance added depth and authenticity to the portrayal of mental illness, adding to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

The production also benefited from the cinematography of José Luis Alcaine, who effectively captured the eerie and claustrophobic tone of the film. The use of lighting and camera angles heightened the sense of unease and suspense throughout the movie.

In terms of practical effects, the film employed practical gore and special effects to depict the gruesome murders, adding to the visceral impact of the horror elements. The combination of practical effects and psychological terror helped create an immersive and chilling experience for the viewers.

While "Anguish" didn't receive mainstream commercial success, it garnered a cult following among horror enthusiasts for its unique storytelling, strong performances, and atmospheric direction. Over the years, the film has become a cult classic, celebrated for its innovative take on the horror genre and its exploration of the human psyche.

Office Space is a cult classic comedy film that was released in 1999. The movie was written and directed by Mike Judge, who is best known for creating "Beavis and Butt-Head" and "King of the Hill." The production of "Office Space" had its own share of ups and downs, much like the fictional office depicted in the film.

Conception: The idea for "Office Space" originated from Mike Judge's own experiences working in cubicle-based jobs in the past. He drew inspiration from the mundane and absurd aspects of corporate life, which he satirized in the film.

Casting: The film featured an ensemble cast, including Ron Livingston as the disenchanted protagonist Peter Gibbons, Jennifer Aniston as the waitress and love interest Joanna, and Gary Cole as the overbearing boss Bill Lumbergh. The casting choices were crucial to the film's success in capturing the essence of its characters.

Filming: "Office Space" was primarily filmed in Austin, Texas, on a modest budget of around $10 million. The office scenes were shot in an actual office building to maintain an authentic and realistic atmosphere.

Studio Interference: During production, there were some disagreements between the filmmaker and the studio over the film's content and marketing. The studio executives were uncertain about how to promote the movie and even suggested changing the title, which led to tensions between Mike Judge and the studio.

Box Office Reception: Despite the studio's uncertainty, "Office Space" was released in theaters on February 19, 1999. Unfortunately, the film didn't perform well at the box office during its initial run, only grossing around $12 million.

Cult Following: Despite its lackluster box office performance, "Office Space" found a new life on home video and cable television. The film gained a dedicated cult following and became a beloved classic among office workers and comedy enthusiasts.

Legacy: Over the years, "Office Space" has achieved iconic status, often cited as one of the best comedies of the late '90s. Its humor and commentary on corporate culture have remained relevant, making it a timeless favorite.

In summary, "Office Space" had a rocky start with studio interference and a lack of commercial success in its initial release. However, over time, it garnered a devoted fan base and established itself as a timeless satire on the absurdities of office life, ensuring its place in comedy history.

"Species" is a science fiction horror film released in 1995. The film was directed by Roger Donaldson and produced by Frank Mancuso Jr. The concept for the movie was originally conceived by Dennis Feldman, who also wrote the screenplay. The production was a collaborative effort between MGM and the American Film Marketing Association (AFMA).

The story revolves around the discovery of an extraterrestrial DNA sequence received from outer space. A group of scientists, led by Xavier Fitch (played by Ben Kingsley), use this alien DNA to create a genetically engineered human-alien hybrid, named Sil (portrayed by Natasha Henstridge). Sil grows rapidly and exhibits dangerous predatory behaviors as she escapes from the research facility and sets out to procreate and fulfill her deadly instinct to survive.

The casting process was crucial to bring the story's characters to life, and "Species" features a talented ensemble cast, including Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, and Michelle Williams.

"Species" was made with a production budget of around $35 million, and it aimed to blend elements of science fiction, horror, and thriller genres. The film's special effects, especially in creating Sil's alien-human transformation, were considered groundbreaking for its time.

Upon its release in 1995, "Species" garnered significant attention for its mix of horror and sci-fi elements, becoming a commercial success with a worldwide box office gross of over $113 million. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film found a dedicated fan base and spawned several sequels, making it a notable entry in the sci-fi horror genre of the 1990s.

Chris' man-crush, Burt Reynolds, directed and starred in this week's pick. "Sharky's Machine" is a 1981 crime thriller film directed by and starring Burt Reynolds. The movie is based on a novel of the same name written by William Diehl. The production was significant for Reynolds as it marked his directorial debut. The film was shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, and the city's distinct urban landscape plays a crucial role in creating the gritty atmosphere of the movie.

Reynolds was determined to showcase his versatility as an actor and director. He saw "Sharky's Machine" as an opportunity to helm a project that combined elements of hard-boiled detective stories with thrilling action sequences.

The casting process was critical in bringing the story to life, and Reynolds managed to assemble a talented ensemble cast, including Rachel Ward, Vittorio Gassman, Charles Durning, and Brian Keith. Each actor contributed to the film's success with their captivating performances.

"Sharky's Machine" had a production budget of around $11 million and was released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film performed well at the box office, solidifying Reynolds' position as a bankable star and proving his ability as a director.

Over the years, "Sharky's Machine" has gained a cult following, appreciated for its engaging plot, thrilling action sequences, and Reynolds' charismatic performance. The film remains a notable entry in the crime thriller genre and a significant milestone in Burt Reynolds' illustrious career in Hollywood.

Steve picked this week's and it's a classic from 1974, The Conversation. Never before seen by Chris and Dave, this one was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Cindy Williams, and Frederic Forrest.

John Hammond has picked some classics in the past, and this week is no exception. And when we say classics, we mean movies that fit into the category of 'so bad they're good'. Originally shot in 1984, New York Ninja was never released after the distribution company went bust. But Vinegar Syndrome picked up the film, which had no audio or script to it, restored it digitally and added some serious B-Movie voice talent! Originally directed, written and starring John Liu, this one was "Re-Directed" by Kurtis M. Spieler and has the voices of Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Michael Berryman, Cynthia Rothrock, Linnea Quigley, Vince Murdocco, Matt Mitler, Leon Isaac Kennedy, and Ginger Lynn Allen.

A classic from the mid-90's this one! It's Quentin Tarantino's second movie, Pulp Fiction from 1994. Written and directed by Quentin himself, with some of the story by Roger Avary, this iconic movie stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Maria de Medeiros, Ving Rhames, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Walken, Bruce Willis. Now listen to this episode. Pretty f**kin please, with sugar on top.

It's one of Chris' top 5 movies of all time this week, Beverly Hills Cop II. Taking the essence of the first movie and turning everything up to 11. This was directed by Tony Scott, written by Larry Ferguson and Warren Skaaren, and starring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Jürgen Prochnow, Ronny Cox, John Ashton, Brigitte Nielsen. And a bit of a tangent reminiscing about the old band days and Dave settles a 15 year debate.

This week is the pick of Patreon long-time Patreon supporter Lucky Loo Loo Green, and they've gone for the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space from 1988. Written by the Chiodo brothers, Charles, Stephen and Edward, with Stephen taking the director chair, this one stars Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, Royal Dano, and John Vernon.

New supporter Leigh has come straight in with a classic from the 'best worst movies' list with Troll 2. And this one hasn't disappointed on the first watch for both Chris and Dave. Directed by Claudio Fragasso, written by Rossella Drudi and starring Michael Stephenson, George Hardy, Connie McFarland, and Jason Wright.

It's time again for some sword and sorcery fantasy adventures, Roger Corman style! It's Dave's pick and Chris' most hated genre of movies, but I think there are some aspects of this that may strike a chord. Directed by Jim Wynorski, screenplay by Neil Ruttenberg (bit of a Frank Dux level stretch that one), and starring John Terlesky, Monique Gabrielle, John LaZar, and Toni Naples.

Not too many people seem to have seen this one, Dave included, but Chris' pick this week is Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. Directed by Simon Wincer, written by Don Michael Paul and starring Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson.

Patreon supporter Blake has picked another out of the bag with the 1999 Graham Baker movie, Beowulf. And no, that's not the animated one either. This one stars Christopher Lambert, Oliver Cotton, Gotz Otto, Layla Roberts, Patricia Velásquez, and Rhona Mitra.