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  • Re-Animator (1985)

    Re-Animator (1985)
    Nov 5 2025
    Re-Animator (1985) was chosen by new show supporter Rhys — and what a debut pick it is. Directed by Stuart Gordon in his feature film debut, the movie became one of the defining cult horror films of the 1980s. Based loosely on H.P. Lovecraft’s serialized story Herbert West–Reanimator, Gordon initially envisioned it as a stage play and later as a television series before realizing it would work best as a feature film. Shot on a modest budget of around $900,000, the production was backed by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, a studio known for embracing the stranger side of horror and science fiction. The creative team leaned into excess and black comedy, pushing the boundaries of gore and taste in a way that both shocked and delighted audiences.Filming took place over 18 days in Los Angeles, with Gordon assembling a cast of relatively unknown actors — including Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, and Barbara Crampton — who would go on to become icons of cult horror cinema. The movie’s practical effects team, led by John Naulin, worked wonders with limited resources, creating gruesome yet inventive visuals that defined the film’s enduring reputation. Upon release, Re-Animator was met with controversy and acclaim in equal measure, with critics alternately praising its audacity and condemning its extremity. Despite its low budget and NC-17-level violence, the film became a sleeper hit and helped launch a wave of splatter comedies that blended horror, humor, and outrageous imagination — ensuring Re-Animator a permanent place in cult movie history.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot Summary.Fun FactsThe green reagent serum used in the movie was made from fluorescent green glow stick liquid mixed with food coloring, giving it that unforgettable neon look.Director Stuart Gordon claimed he was inspired to make the film after watching Frankenstein with his wife and wondering what a modern, more extreme version would look like.Jeffrey Combs’ portrayal of Herbert West became so iconic that he went on to play the character again in two sequels — Bride of Re-Animator (1989) and Beyond Re-Animator (2003).The film’s most infamous scene was so shocking that it caused walkouts at its first festival screening — and immediate cult status among those who stayed.To achieve the movie’s outrageous gore effects, the production used over 24 gallons of fake blood, much of it homemade from corn syrup and food dye.Barbara Crampton later revealed that she was hesitant to take on her role due to the film’s extreme content, but she has since embraced its legacy in horror history.The film’s composer, Richard Band, intentionally modeled the score after Bernard Herrmann’s music for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) — a choice that added a darkly playful tone.The severed head effects were created using a combination of latex prosthetics and reverse photography, which gave the film’s shocking visuals their uncanny realism.Re-Animator was banned or heavily censored in several countries, including Germany, Singapore, and Australia, due to its extreme violence and sexual content.The movie’s success helped revive interest in H.P. Lovecraft adaptations, paving the way for later films like From Beyond (1986), The Resurrected (1991), and Dagon (2001).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    52 min
  • 28 Days Later (2002)

    28 Days Later (2002)
    Oct 29 2025
    28 Days Later was chosen by show supporter Dylan — and it’s one of the most defining British horror films of the 21st century. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the film was a bold reinvention of the zombie genre, injecting it with raw energy, political undertones, and a sense of realism rarely seen in horror at the time. Shot primarily on digital video using Canon XL1 cameras, Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle created a gritty, almost documentary-style aesthetic that captured a hauntingly desolate London. The small budget of around $8 million forced the team to rely on guerrilla-style filmmaking, often closing off sections of central London for only minutes at a time during early mornings to achieve its eerily empty cityscapes.Production began in 2001 and was marked by a collaborative, experimental spirit. Boyle and Garland drew inspiration from a mix of sources — from George A. Romero’s Dead series to British social realism and viral outbreak fears of the late 1990s. The cast, led by relative unknowns at the time, brought grounded performances that added emotional weight to the film’s chaotic energy. With its pulsing soundtrack, handheld visuals, and visceral tone, 28 Days Later became both a critical and commercial success, revitalizing interest in the zombie genre and influencing a decade of horror and apocalyptic cinema that followed.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryA deadly virus. A deserted city. And a handful of survivors left to face the unthinkable.From director Danny Boyle comes a new vision of terror — raw, relentless, and shockingly real. When the world collapses overnight, one man wakes up to find that civilization is gone… and something unspeakable has taken its place.28 Days Later — from the ashes of humanity, fear runs faster than ever.Fun FactsThe opening hospital scenes with Cillian Murphy were filmed in the empty Day Ward of a real London hospital that was being decommissioned.The haunting shot of abandoned Piccadilly Circus required the crew to block traffic for only 10 minutes at sunrise, with police assistance to keep curious drivers away.Christopher Eccleston joined the film fresh off his acclaimed role in The Second Coming and brought a darker, militaristic edge to his performance.The movie’s terrifying “infected” movement was achieved by casting trained dancers and athletes to create unnervingly fast and fluid motion.Composer John Murphy created the now-iconic track In the House – In a Heartbeat, which went on to be used in Kick-Ass and The Last of Us trailers.Danny Boyle avoided traditional zombie makeup — instead, red contact lenses and digital blood splatter were used to keep the infected design grounded and cheap.The Rage Virus was spread through monkey blood in the film, but the opening sequence with real chimpanzees was filmed under strict animal welfare supervision.28 Days Later was the first horror movie to film inside the UK’s M1 motorway tunnels, normally off-limits to filmmakers.The movie was banned in several Asian countries for its extreme violence and realistic depiction of viral infection.The success of the film led to a comic book spin-off titled 28 Days Later: The Aftermath, which bridged the story to the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    1 h et 1 min
  • The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)

    The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)
    Oct 22 2025
    The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) was chosen by Dave, and it’s a wild blend of classic British gothic horror and Hong Kong martial arts cinema, a true oddity even by Hammer Films standards. By the early 1970s, Hammer was struggling to keep its brand of horror relevant, as audience tastes shifted toward more modern and visceral scares. Looking to revive interest in their iconic Dracula franchise, the studio teamed up with Hong Kong’s Shaw Brothers, who were at the height of their popularity in the kung fu boom. The result was an ambitious Anglo-Chinese co-production that brought together Hammer regulars like Peter Cushing and a full roster of Shaw Brothers talent, hoping to merge Eastern action with Western horror spectacle.The production was shot largely at the Shaw Brothers’ studios in Hong Kong, with additional second-unit work in England. Directed by Hammer veteran Roy Ward Baker, with martial arts choreography overseen by Shaw Brothers action specialists, the film was one of Hammer’s most visually adventurous projects, complete with elaborate sets, ornate costumes, and an energetic fusion of filmmaking styles. However, cultural and creative differences between the two studios led to a somewhat chaotic production. Despite its uneven tone and limited success at the box office, the film has since developed a cult following, celebrated for its eccentric charm and its experimental East-meets-West ambition.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryFrom the misty mountains of Transylvania, to the deadly temples of the Far East, evil has a new address.When the curse of Dracula reaches across continents, only one man can stop the rise of the undead, Professor Van Helsing! With ancient legends, martial arts mayhem, and seven bloodthirsty vampires, it’s horror meets kung fu in the wildest crossover of the 1970s.The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires, where Hammer Horror meets high-kicking heroics.Fun FactsA co-production between Britain’s Hammer Films and Hong Kong’s Shaw Brothers Studio, marking the only collaboration between the two legendary film houses.It was Hammer’s 9th and final entry in their Dracula series, though Christopher Lee declined to return, ending his long association with the role.Peter Cushing reprised his role as Professor Van Helsing for the fifth and final time in the Hammer Dracula series.The movie was directed by Roy Ward Baker, known for Quatermass and the Pit (1967), with fight choreography handled by veteran Shaw Brothers action directors.Hammer wanted to cash in on the 1970s kung fu craze following the global success of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon (1973).Filming took place primarily at the Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong, with lavish temple sets and hundreds of local extras used for large-scale action scenes.Two versions of the film exist — the full-length international version and a shorter U.S. cut titled “The Seven Brothers Meet Dracula.”Despite its cult appeal today, the film was a commercial disappointment upon release, contributing to Hammer’s financial decline in the mid-1970s.The movie features an entirely new actor as Dracula — John Forbes-Robertson, though his screen time was significantly reduced in the final cut.Over the years, The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires has become a cult favorite among horror and martial arts fans, praised for its bizarre East-meets-West energy and campy charm.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    48 min
  • Van Helsing (2004)

    Van Helsing (2004)
    Oct 15 2025
    Chris has gone big with his next pick, Van Helsing, Universal’s flashy attempt to revive their classic monsters for a modern blockbuster audience. Directed by Stephen Sommers, hot off the success of The Mummy films, the project was designed as both a gothic action spectacle and a potential launchpad for a wider franchise. With a hefty budget of around $160 million, the film spared no expense on lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and state-of-the-art visual effects to bring together Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, werewolves, and more in a single monster-mash universe. Universal saw Van Helsing as a tentpole production that could recapture the energy of their golden age monsters.The production itself was an enormous undertaking, with filming spanning locations such as Prague, Paris, and a host of detailed soundstages built to recreate grand gothic landscapes. ILM and other VFX houses were tasked with delivering cutting-edge digital effects, while Hugh Jackman, in the title role, underwent intense training to perform many of his own stunts. Despite all the ambition and money thrown at it, Van Helsing was met with mixed reviews upon release — critics praised the spectacle but criticised its overstuffed narrative and heavy reliance on CGI. Still, it’s a fascinating example of early-2000s Hollywood excess, where studios swung for the fences trying to build franchises before “shared universes” became the norm.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryIn a time when monsters walk the earth… one man hunts them all. Hugh Jackman is Van Helsing — the ultimate warrior against evil. Armed with gadgets, grit, and a grim sense of duty, he’ll face Dracula, werewolves, Frankenstein’s monster, and a horde of nightmares that refuse to stay dead. With danger around every corner and darkness closing in, the battle between man and monster is about to erupt in a gothic showdown like no other. This summer… evil has met its match.Fun FactsThe enormous set for Dracula’s castle was one of the largest ever constructed at Prague’s Barrandov Studios, showcasing Universal’s investment in the film’s gothic style.Director Stephen Sommers insisted on practical stunts wherever possible, leading to Hugh Jackman doing many of his own wirework sequences.The vampire brides’ flying scenes were achieved with a mix of motion capture and practical harness work, which was notoriously difficult for the actresses to perform.The film’s werewolf transformations were a blend of prosthetics and CGI, considered cutting-edge at the time, but often criticised for looking dated only a few years later.Dracula’s three brides were modelled after classic vampire lore, but with a modern twist — Sommers wanted them to feel like “supermodels crossed with banshees.”The production team used more than 1,500 visual effects shots, making it one of the most VFX-heavy films of 2004.Kevin J. O’Connor, who played Igor, was a longtime collaborator with Sommers, having appeared in both The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.The iconic horse-drawn carriage chase scene was filmed on massive outdoor sets in the Czech Republic, with many practical explosions added to heighten the chaos.Universal Pictures released a tie-in video game for Van Helsing on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, voiced by Hugh Jackman.The film’s attempt to revive Universal’s monster legacy would later inspire the failed “Dark Universe” reboot attempt with The Mummy (2017).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    1 h et 2 min
  • FearDotCom (2002)

    FearDotCom (2002)
    Oct 8 2025
    FearDotCom (2002) was chosen by supporter Mike, and it stands as one of the more infamous entries in early-2000s horror cinema. Directed by William Malone, the film attempted to ride the wave of techno-horror thrillers that followed in the wake of The Ring and other Y2K-era internet scare stories. Produced on a budget of around $40 million and shot in Luxembourg to cut costs, the film leaned heavily into dark, industrial set design and unsettling visual effects. Its creative team aimed to blend supernatural horror with the growing unease surrounding online culture and the dangers lurking in the digital world.Unfortunately, what ended up on screen was a messy, incoherent slog that quickly earned a reputation as one of the worst horror films of its decade. Critics tore into its lack of story, overreliance on cheap shock tactics, and shameless recycling of ideas from better movies. Rather than building a cult following, FearDotCom has largely been remembered as an embarrassing misfire — a reminder that big budgets and flashy visuals can’t save a film when the script is dead on arrival.Check out Mike’s channels for Genuine Chit Chat and Star Wars Chit Chat.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryA mysterious website, a string of gruesome deaths, and a detective racing against time — FearDotCom! When people log on, they don’t just surf the web… they sign their own death warrant. Now, with only 48 hours to crack the case, the question isn’t who’s behind the killings… but whether anyone can survive clicking the wrong link.Fun FactsFearDotCom was filmed almost entirely in Luxembourg, making it one of the most expensive movies ever shot there at the time.The movie had a budget of around $40 million, but grossed less than $20 million worldwide, marking it as a huge box office flop.Director William Malone previously worked on another horror movie, House on Haunted Hill (1999), before tackling FearDotCom.The film holds a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its reputation as one of the worst-reviewed horror movies ever made.Screenwriter Josephine Coyle came up with the concept after being inspired by fears of the internet in the late 1990s.The movie’s cinematography leaned heavily on shadows and industrial set design, inspired by German expressionism and the works of David Fincher.Critics often compared it unfavorably to The Ring, which was released just months later in 2002.FearDotCom was one of the last major horror films to receive a wide theatrical release before studios shifted many similar “dot com” thrillers to direct-to-DVD.Despite its failure, the film has developed a small following of horror fans who admire its eerie visual style, if not its storytelling.Stephen Dorff, the film’s lead actor, admitted in later interviews that he felt the script was weak but took the role because of the big production budget and studio backing.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    53 min
  • Mr Ice Cream Man (1996)

    Mr Ice Cream Man (1996)
    Oct 1 2025
    Mr Ice Cream Man (1996) was chosen by Patreon supporter Helen, and is a perfect example of the kind of deep-cut oddity that makes their way into the Year of the Stitch-Up. Directed by Mack Hail and co-written with Jim Mills, this low-budget horror outing was produced by Jeremy Settles with executive production from Hail, Mills, and Yvette Hoffman. Released straight to video, the film leaned into the 1990s boom of VHS horror, serving up a mix of camp, gore, and uneasy humor. The cast featured Henry Weckesser, Jim Mills, Cindy Reed, and even Hail himself in a supporting role.Shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, the film made use of everyday suburban backdrops to heighten its eerie and unsettling vibe. While it never received mainstream attention, Mr Ice Cream Man has since earned a small cult following among collectors and fans of obscure horror. Its scrappy production values and surreal tone give it that unmistakable 90s direct-to-video flavor, making it a quirky gem in the world of independent fright flicks.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryA quiet neighborhood. A summer heatwave. And one man with a frozen secret…From director Mack Hail comes a twisted slice of 90s VHS horror — where sweet treats turn sour, and the ice cream truck’s jingle is the sound of fear. Starring Henry Weckesser, Cindy Reed, and Jim Mills, Mr Ice Cream Man (1996) serves up a chilling tale of small-town terror with a scoop of pure indie grit.This isn’t the Ice Cream Man you’ve heard of. This is something darker. Something stranger. Something you’ll never forget…Mr Ice Cream Man — once you hear the music, it’s already too late.Fun FactsMr Ice Cream Man (1996) was directed by Mack Hail, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jim Mills.The film was shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, giving it a distinct 90s suburban horror feel.Director Mack Hail not only worked behind the camera but also appeared in the film in a supporting role.The cast featured Henry Weckesser, Cindy Reed, and Jim Mills — the latter of whom also co-wrote the film.Mr Ice Cream Man was produced on a very modest budget typical of direct-to-video horror films of the mid-1990s.Executive producers included Hail, Mills, and Yvette Hoffman, who all helped push the project through independent distribution channels.The film was released straight to VHS at the height of the 90s home-video boom, making it a cult collector’s item today.Despite being overlooked at release, it has gained a small cult following among fans of obscure horror cinema.Unlike the similarly titled 1995 film Ice Cream Man starring Clint Howard, Mr Ice Cream Man (1996) is a completely separate production with no connection to the earlier movie.Today, Mr Ice Cream Man is celebrated in horror fan circles as an example of DIY filmmaking that captures the gritty, experimental spirit of 1990s indie horror.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    56 min
  • Miller's Crossing (1990)

    Miller's Crossing (1990)
    Sep 24 2025
    Miller’s Crossing (1990) was chosen by supporter Justin, and it stands as one of the most stylish entries in the Coen Brothers’ early catalogue. After the breakout success of Blood Simple and the quirky charm of Raising Arizona, the Coens set their sights on the gangster genre, crafting a film inspired by classic Dashiell Hammett novels such as The Glass Key and Red Harvest. Their vision was to make a thoughtful, atmospheric crime drama that combined sharp, layered dialogue with the kind of morally tangled storytelling that would become their trademark.The journey to get there wasn’t exactly smooth. Midway through writing, the brothers hit a creative wall so severe they shelved the script and instead made Barton Fink before returning to finish Miller’s Crossing. Filming in New Orleans gave the movie its richly authentic period feel, with Barry Sonnenfeld’s moody cinematography and Carter Burwell’s haunting score elevating the production. While the film didn’t set the box office on fire, its craftsmanship and style have since earned it a devoted following and cemented its reputation as one of the Coens’ most accomplished works.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryIn a city of power, deception, and danger… One man navigates the shadows of loyalty and betrayal.From the visionary Coen Brothers comes Miller’s Crossing — a stylish, tension-packed journey through the underworld, where every word is a weapon, every glance a threat, and nothing is as it seems. With danger lurking around every corner, alliances are tested, and the rules of the game are rewritten in blood and cunning.Miller’s Crossing - loyalty has a price… and betrayal has consequences.Fun FactsMiller’s Crossing (1990) was directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, following their cult hit Raising Arizona (1987).The film is considered one of the greatest gangster movies of the 1990s, heavily inspired by Dashiell Hammett’s novels The Glass Key and Red Harvest.During production, the Coen Brothers experienced writer’s block and paused to create Barton Fink (1991) before returning to finish Miller’s Crossing.The title Miller’s Crossing refers to the forested setting where some of the movie’s most pivotal scenes take place.Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld gave the movie its iconic noir-inspired look, marking his last collaboration with the Coens before moving on to direct The Addams Family.The haunting score by Carter Burwell is infused with Irish folk influences, including themes based on the traditional piece Lament for Limerick.Despite a production budget of around $10–14 million, the movie only grossed about $5 million at the box office.Over the years, Miller’s Crossing has been critically reappraised and is now celebrated as one of the Coen Brothers’ finest works.The film is often ranked alongside Coen classics such as Fargo (1996) and No Country for Old Men (2007).Today, it’s seen as a masterclass in neo-noir storytelling and has influenced a new generation of filmmakers in the gangster genre.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    50 min
  • Empire (1965)

    Empire (1965)
    Sep 17 2025
    Long time supporter Kent has picked the 1965 experimental film Empire for this week!. True to form in the year of the stitch-up, Kent has chosen a film that’s as unconventional and divisive as it gets. Directed by Andy Warhol, Empire exemplifies the avant-garde spirit of mid-1960s New York, pushing the boundaries of traditional cinema with radical minimalism, extreme duration, and an obsessive focus on observation as art.The production of Empire was as audacious as the film’s concept. Warhol employed a static 8-hour continuous shot of the Empire State Building, with no camera movement or dialogue, letting the mere passage of time become the centerpiece. Shot at Warhol’s Factory studio, the production encouraged collaboration among artists and performers, embracing monotony and stillness as creative tools. Though challenging for conventional audiences, Empire has secured its place as a landmark in experimental filmmaking and continues to influence artists interested in perception, endurance, and the art of cinematic patience.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:⁠⁠NordVPN⁠⁠⁠⁠NordPass⁠⁠Trailer Guy Plot SummaryImagine… eight hours.A single frame.A building.From the legendary Andy Warhol comes the film that redefines patience, perception, and what it means to watch a movie. Empire — the Empire State Building like you’ve never stared at it before, daring you to survive the longest cinematic gaze in history. Will you sit… or will time sit on you?Empire — it’s not just a film, it’s a test.Fun FactsOriginally shot in 6.5 hours – The film was filmed over approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes, from 8:06 p.m. to 2:42 a.m. on July 25–26, 1964.Extended to 8 hours in projection – By projecting the film at 16 frames per second instead of the standard 24 fps, Warhol extended the runtime to roughly 8 hours.Andy Warhol’s experimental movie – Empire is a landmark in avant-garde cinema, cementing Warhol’s reputation as a pioneer in minimalist filmmaking.Filmed at The Factory – Production took place at Warhol’s famous New York studio, a hub for artists, musicians, and performers.No camera movement – The camera remains completely static for the entire duration, emphasizing stillness and observation.No dialogue or actors – The film features no spoken lines, with the Empire State Building itself as the “star” of the work.Endurance viewing experience – Original screenings required audiences to sit for the full 8 hours, turning watching into a performance art experience.Influence on experimental cinema – Empire inspired future filmmakers and artists interested in minimalist cinema and long-duration art films.Screened in galleries and museums – Rather than conventional cinemas, Empire is often exhibited in art institutions, highlighting its status as both visual art and film.Historical record of 1960s New York – The film captures the Empire State Building and surrounding skyline before major renovations, preserving a piece of mid-1960s Manhattan.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    58 min