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  • Lair of the White Worm (1988) | Ken Russell’s Bonkers Snake Cult Classic | The VHS Strikes Back Podcast

    Lair of the White Worm (1988) | Ken Russell’s Bonkers Snake Cult Classic | The VHS Strikes Back Podcast
    Nov 26 2025
    Lair of the White Worm (1988) is picked by Dave this week, and it’s one of those wonderfully unhinged British horror films that could only have come out of the’80s. Written and directed by Ken Russell, the movie was loosely based on Bram Stoker’s 1911 novel of the same name - though in true Russell fashion, it quickly veered far from the source material and into surreal, erotic, and darkly comic territory. Produced by Vestron Pictures, the same studio behind Dirty Dancing and Return of the Living Dead, the film was made on a modest budget of around $2 million. Despite its low cost, Russell filled it with his signature visual flamboyance, blending Gothic horror, mythological imagery, and satirical British eccentricity into something uniquely chaotic.Filming took place in Derbyshire, England, using local countryside locations to give the film its haunting yet distinctly English atmosphere. The cast included a mix of rising and established talent - notably a young Hugh Grant, years before his rom-com fame, and Peter Capaldi, long before becoming Doctor Who. The movie was shot in just six weeks, with Russell working fast and loose, improvising many of the more bizarre scenes on set. Upon release, it divided critics: some praised its camp energy and gleeful weirdness, while others dismissed it as absurd. Over the years, though, Lair of the White Worm has achieved cult status - celebrated for its blend of folk horror, sensuality, and sheer outrageousness that only Ken Russell could deliver.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 the quiet English countryside, something ancient… something hungry… has awakened.When a strange discovery uncovers a dark legend, a group of unsuspecting locals is pulled into a world of hypnotic seduction, slithering evil, and serpentine terror. As ancient forces rise and modern reason crumbles, the line between myth and nightmare disappears - and no one is safe from the creature that has waited centuries to strike.Lair of the White Worm — brace yourself… this is one bite you won’t walk away from.Fun FactsLair of the White Worm was one of Vestron Pictures’ final horror productions before the company collapsed in the late 1980s.The film is very loosely based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name — many critics note that only names and the central “worm” concept survive Ken Russell’s adaptation.Amanda Donohoe, who plays the seductive Lady Sylvia Marsh, won the role after Russell saw her on stage in London and loved her bold, fearless screen presence.The movie contains several surreal hallucination sequences inspired by Ken Russell’s own Catholic school upbringing, which he frequently mocked in his work.Hugh Grant has said that working with Russell early in his career taught him to embrace creative risks, even when the material was utterly bizarre.The white worm effects were achieved using hand-built animatronics and puppetry, combined with old-school editing tricks to hide limited movement.Costume designer Vicki Carroll created Lady Sylvia’s iconic snake-themed outfits, including her famous white body paint and fanged headpiece.The film’s soundtrack includes original music composed by Stanley Myers, who is also known for scoring The Deer Hunter.The movie was released unrated in the United States because the producers felt an MPAA rating would be impossible without severe cuts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    53 min
  • Men at Work (1990) | Charlie Sheen & Emilio Estevez Buddy Comedy Review | The VHS Strikes Back Podcast

    Men at Work (1990) | Charlie Sheen & Emilio Estevez Buddy Comedy Review | The VHS Strikes Back Podcast
    Nov 19 2025
    Men at Work (1990) was chosen by co-host Chris, and it’s a perfect fit for his love of oddball comedies from the VHS era. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, the film was a true family affair — with Estevez not only helming the project but also starring alongside his real-life brother, Charlie Sheen. Coming off the back of their late-’80s fame from Young Guns and Wall Street, the pair teamed up for a buddy comedy that blended slapstick humor, blue-collar chaos, and a dash of political satire. Produced by Epic Productions and distributed by Triumph Releasing (a Columbia Pictures subsidiary), Men at Work was Estevez’s second outing as a writer-director, following his 1986 drama Wisdom. The project gave him the freedom to craft a film that played directly to the chemistry he shared with his brother — the same mix of bravado and goofiness that made it a cult favorite among fans of early-’90s video store comedies.Filmed primarily around Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, California, Men at Work embraced the laid-back coastal vibe of Southern California. The shoot was relatively quick and low-budget by Hollywood standards, with much of the film’s tone shaped through improvisation between Estevez and Sheen. The movie’s soundtrack captured the spirit of the late ’80s and early ’90s, featuring a mix of surf rock, funk, and classic rock tracks. While it didn’t make waves critically, Men at Work found a second life on VHS and cable television, where its offbeat humor and brotherly banter turned it into a nostalgic favorite. Today, it stands as a snapshot of a more carefree era in comedy filmmaking — a time when movies about two guys, a truck, and a ridiculous situation could carry an entire Friday night rental.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 SummaryThey’re brothers. They’re garbage men. And they’ve just picked up more than they bargained for.Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez star in the ultimate blue-collar buddy comedy — where trash day turns into doomsday. Between the laughs, the chases, and the chaos, these two underdogs are about to clean up the streets… one bad guy at a time.Men at Work — crime, comedy, and complete rubbish.Fun FactsMen at Work was originally written as a dark political thriller, but Emilio Estevez reworked it into a comedy after deciding it would work better as a light-hearted buddy film.Estevez reportedly wrote the first draft of the script in the mid-1980s, years before the film was made, while he was still working on The Breakfast Club (1985).The movie’s tagline — "Garbage men by day. Detectives by night." — was coined late in production as a tongue-in-cheek nod to 1980s action clichés.Estevez cast real-life surfer and character actor Keith David as Louis Fedders, the paranoid war veteran, after seeing his intense performance in John Carpenter’s They Live (1988).The garbage truck used in the movie became something of a collector’s item among fans and was later used in several low-budget TV shows filmed in California.Charlie Sheen’s character’s surfboard was custom-made by a local Hermosa Beach surf shop, and Estevez let Sheen keep it after filming.The film’s theme song, “I’m Gonna Use What I Got,” was performed by The Rude Boys, adding to the film’s distinctive late-’80s funk-rock vibe.Estevez and Sheen performed many of their own stunts, including the beach chase sequences, to save on the production budget.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    46 min
  • The Wiz (1978)

    The Wiz (1978)
    Nov 12 2025
    The Wiz (1978) was chosen by show supporter Maff, who’s got a talent for picking bold, imaginative movies that really stand out from the pack. This time, he’s gone for one of the most ambitious musical productions ever made. The Wiz was Universal’s lavish reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, retold through the lens of African American culture and late-1970s New York style. Directed by Sidney Lumet — more famous for his gritty urban dramas like Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon — the film brought together an all-star cast including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor. With a staggering $24 million budget, it was one of the most expensive musicals of its era, aiming to blend Broadway magic with the spectacle of big-screen fantasy.The production was a monumental undertaking. Filming took place across New York City landmarks like the World Trade Center, the New York State Pavilion, and the Cyclone rollercoaster in Coney Island, all transformed into surreal fantasy settings. Legendary producer Quincy Jones oversaw the music, infusing the original Broadway score with disco, funk, and gospel influences. Despite its breathtaking ambition, The Wiz was plagued by production challenges, critical skepticism, and financial losses on release. However, in the years since, it has earned cult classic status — celebrated for its stunning visuals, imaginative choreography, and Michael Jackson’s breakout film performance. It may not have conquered the box office, but The Wiz remains a vibrant, soulful experiment that dared to take Oz somewhere entirely new.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 SummaryShe wanted something more… but she never imagined this.When a storm sweeps a shy Harlem schoolteacher into a world unlike anything she’s ever known, she must follow the road, face her fears, and find her way home — with the help of some unforgettable friends.Starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Richard Pryor — from the streets of New York to the land of Oz, it’s a journey of music, magic, and pure 1970s soul.*The Wiz* — ease on down the road to where dreams, disco, and destiny collide.Fun FactsThe Wiz began as a Broadway musical in 1975, which won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical — long before the movie version was made.Motown Productions co-financed the film, marking one of the first major studio partnerships between Hollywood and a Black-owned entertainment company.Michael Jackson was only 19 years old when he starred as the Scarecrow — and the experience led to his lifelong creative partnership with Quincy Jones.The film’s costume designer, Tony Walton, created over 300 costumes, many of which were made from recycled materials to give the movie’s world a gritty, urban feel.Sidney Lumet’s wife, Gail Jones, the daughter of Lena Horne, helped convince Lumet to take on the project despite his lack of musical experience.The movie’s version of “Ease on Down the Road” became a chart-topping hit for Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, reaching #41 on the Billboard Hot 100.The yellow brick road was constructed from real vinyl flooring, giving it that glossy, otherworldly shine seen in the film.The production used over 650 dancers for the film’s large-scale musical sequences — one of the biggest ensembles ever assembled for a musical at the time.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thevhsstrikesback@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    56 min
  • 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