PODCAST · tv
The VHS Strikes Back
by Whatever Entertainment
Nostalgic movie review show hosted by Whatever Entertainment team, Dave and Chris. The guys go back in time to review some wonderful and truly awful movies from the days before streaming and even DVD's and had to go to the video store to pick up the latest entertainment. If you want to email the show please contact us on: [email protected]
Episodes
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Secretary (2002) | Cult Dark Romantic Comedy Review | VHSSB
Blake’s choice this week is Secretary (2002), a film you probably wouldn’t have rented for a quiet evening with your parents. Directed by Steven Shainberg and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, it stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. This independent production had a reported $4 million budget...
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Convoy (1978) | Rubber Duck, Rebel Truckers & 70s Road Movie Chaos | VHSSB
Dave’s pick this week is Convoy, Sam Peckinpah’s 1978 trucker movie starring Kris Kristofferson as Rubber Duck, alongside Ali MacGraw, Ernest Borgnine, Burt Young, Madge Sinclair and Franklyn Ajaye. Filmed largely across New Mexico, the production rolled badly over budget, ultimately costing…
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The Living Daylights (1987) | Timothy Dalton's Gritty James Bond Debut | VHSSB
Chris takes the controls this week with The Living Daylights, the 1987 James Bond adventure that introduced Timothy Dalton as 007 following Roger Moore’s retirement from the role. Directed by Bond veteran John Glen and produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the film had an…
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The Proposition (2005) | Brutal Australian Western | VHSSB
Patreon Herb sends Dave and Chris into the Australian Outback with The Proposition, John Hillcoat’s 2005 revisionist Western, written by Nick Cave. An Australian–UK co-production made for a reported budget of around $2 million, the film was shot around Winton in Queensland, using the harsh…
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Double Impact (1991) | Van Damme’s Cult Twin Martial Arts Classic | VHSSB
Chosen by Gareth, Double Impact arrived in 1991 at exactly the point where Jean-Claude Van Damme was becoming one of the defining action stars of the VHS era. Directed by Sheldon Lettich and co-written by Lettich and Van Damme, the film had an estimated budget of around $15 million and was shot...
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Best of the Best (1989) | Cult Martial Arts Tournament Classic | VHSSB
This week's pick comes from JAC, who takes us back to 1989 for Best of the Best, directed by Robert Radler and developed from a story by Phillip Rhee and Paul Levine. Made for an estimated $5 million, the film assembled an impressively serious cast for a martial arts tournament movie, including...
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Flash Gordon (1980) | Cult Sci-Fi Space Opera Madness | VHSSB
Chosen by Dave and Directed by Mike Hodges and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, Flash Gordon arrived in 1980 as a gloriously extravagant attempt to bring Alex Raymond’s classic comic-strip hero back to the big screen. With a budget reported at around $20–27 million, the production went all-in on...
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Bad Boys (1995) | Explosive ’90s Buddy-Cop Action Comedy | VHSSB
Chris has chosen a 1995 action classic this week! Produced by action-movie heavyweights Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, Bad Boys marked Michael Bay’s feature-directing debut after cutting his teeth on commercials and music videos. Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Téa Leoni, Tchéky Karyo and Joe...
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Ninja Condors (1987) | Insane Cult Ninja Action Classic | VHSSB
Leigh's pick takes us deep into the wonderfully unhinged world of 1980s Taiwanese ninja cinema with Ninja Condors, also known as Ninjas, Condors 13. Directed by Wu Kuo-Ren, credited on some releases as James Wu, the film was written by prolific exploitation filmmaker Godfrey Ho and produced by…
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Wheels on Meals (1984) | Jackie Chan’s Cult Kung Fu Comedy | VHSSB
Chosen by Maff, directed and co-written by Sammo Hung, Wheels on Meals was a Hong Kong–Spanish co-production from Golden Harvest and Laurenfilm, filmed extensively on location around Barcelona and Tarragona. Reliable published budget figures are difficult to verify, but the international…
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Once Were Warriors (1994) | Brutal Māori Family Drama | VHSSB
Chosen by Dylan, Once Were Warriors was adapted from Alan Duff’s bestselling 1990 novel by screenwriter Riwia Brown. Made for approximately NZ$2 million and filmed over a demanding six-week shoot, it marked the feature-directing debut of Lee Tamahori. Much of the production took place around…
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Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) | Cult Sales Drama with an All-Star Cast | VHSSB
Chosen by Dave, and adapted by David Mamet from his Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play, Glengarry Glen Ross was directed by James Foley and assembled one of the most formidable acting line-ups of the 1990s: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce and Alec…
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Falling Down (1993) | Michael Douglas’ Cult Urban Breakdown Thriller | VHSSB
Chosen by Chris and released in 1993, Falling Down was directed by Joel Schumacher from a screenplay by Ebbe Roe Smith. Produced for an estimated $25 million, the film stars Michael Douglas in one of his most unsettling roles, supported by Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin, Frederic...
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Dune (1984) | Lynch’s Cult Sci-Fi Fever Dream | VHSSB
Chosen by Mike Burton of Genuine Chit-Chat fame, Dune was released in 1984 and was David Lynch’s ambitious attempt to bring Frank Herbert’s famously dense sci-fi novel to the big screen. Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, the film had a reported budget of around $40 million and was shot largely in...
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Irreversible (2002) | Extreme French Arthouse Thriller | VHSSB
Chosen by Timothy and released in 2002, Irreversible was written and directed by Gaspar Noe, the Argentine-born French filmmaker already known for pushing audiences well outside the comfort zone. The film stars Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel and Albert Dupontel, with Bellucci and Cassel…
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Summer Rental (1985) | John Candy Beach Comedy Classic | VHSSB
Chosen by new Patreon Chris! Released in 1985 by Paramount Pictures, Summer Rental gave John Candy one of his early big-screen leading roles, with Carl Reiner directing and a cast that includes Karen Austin, Kerri Green, Joey Lawrence, Rip Torn, and Richard Crenna. Written by Mark Reisman and...
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Red Heat (1988) | Schwarzenegger Buddy Cop Action Classic | VHSSB
Chris has gone for an Arnie classic this week. Released in 1988, Red Heat arrived right in the thick of the buddy-cop boom, pairing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s granite-faced Soviet policeman with Jim Belushi’s wisecracking Chicago detective. Directed, co-written and co-produced by Walter Hill, the…
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A Shot at Glory (2000) | Scottish Football Underdog Drama | VHSSB
Chosen by Dave, A Shot at Glory is a Scottish football drama directed by Michael Corrente and written by Denis O’Neill, bringing together a surprisingly heavyweight cast for a film about lower-league football, club loyalty, and men shouting at each other in tracksuits. Robert Duvall stars as…
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Indecent Proposal (1993) | 90s Erotic Drama & Moral Meltdown | VHSSB
Chosen by Patreon supporter Helen, Indecent Proposal is exactly the sort of glossy 90s adult drama that makes perfect VHS Strikes Back territory: stylish, morally messy, wildly debatable, and absolutely guaranteed to make everyone in the room ask what they would do for one million dollars.…
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Brewster's Millions (1985) | Richard Pryor 80s Comedy Classic | VHSSB
Chosen by Kent and released in 1985, Brewster’s Millions was directed by Walter Hill and produced by Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver and Gene Levy for Universal Pictures. Hill was best known for tougher, more muscular films like The Warriors, The Driver, 48 Hrs. and Streets of Fire, so seeing him…
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Only the Lonely (1991) | John Candy Romantic Comedy Drama | VHSSB
Chosen by Justin, Only the Lonely arrived in 1991 as a gentler, more bittersweet John Candy vehicle than the broad comedy many audiences might have expected. Written and directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes and Hunt Lowry, the film brought together Candy, Maureen O’Hara, Ally...
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Crocodile Dundee (1986) | The 80s Aussie Comedy Phenomenon | VHSSB
Released in 1986, Crocodile Dundee was directed by Peter Faiman and co-written by Paul Hogan, Ken Shadie, and John Cornell, with Hogan also starring as the now-iconic Mick Dundee. Made on a modest budget of around A$8.8 million, the film was designed to be a broad, crowd-pleasing Australian…
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Heat (1995) | Michael Mann’s Crime Thriller Classic | VHSSB
Chosen by Chris, Heat arrived in 1995 as Michael Mann’s grand, granite-jawed crime epic: a nearly three-hour Los Angeles thriller with the emotional temperature of a fridge full of loaded handguns. Produced by Mann and Art Linson, the film brought together Al Pacino and Robert De Niro on-screen…
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Innocent Blood (1992) | Vampire Mob Horror Comedy | VHSSB
This week, Patreon supporter Matt Bates, the Black Country Vlogger, brings us Innocent Blood (1992) for our Pain and Pleasure theme -- a film that revels in the push and pull between the two. Innocent Blood (1992) came about in a roundabout way, which is fitting for a film that defies easy...
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Dead Man's Shoes (2004) | Gritty British Revenge Cult Classic | VHSSB
This week’s pick comes from Patreon supporter Graeme—clearly a man who woke up and chose absolute emotional devastation. Directed by Shane Meadows, Dead Man’s Shoes (2004) is a raw, low-budget British drama that has steadily grown into a cult favourite. Shot primarily in and around Matlock, the...
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Purple Rain (1984) | Cult Rock Drama & Iconic Soundtrack | VHSSB
This week’s pick comes from Patreon supporter Tony, who’s taken us straight into the neon-soaked world of Purple Rain—a film that’s as much a cultural moment as it is a movie. Directed by Albert Magnoli and starring music legend Prince in his film debut, Purple Rain was created as a...
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Mary Poppins (1964) | Magical Family Musical Classic | VHSSB
Released in 1964, Mary Poppins was a landmark production for Walt Disney Studios, blending live-action with groundbreaking animation in a way that felt genuinely magical at the time—and still holds up remarkably well today. Directed by Robert Stevenson and starring Julie Andrews in her film debut...
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Teen Wolf (1985) | 80s Cult Comedy Werewolf Classic | VHSSB
Released in 1985, Teen Wolf was a low-budget teen comedy (around $1–1.2 million) directed by Rod Daniel and starring Michael J. Fox. Filmed primarily in California, the production leaned into practical effects, with extensive prosthetic makeup used to create the film’s now-iconic werewolf look.…
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The Night Porter (1974) | Controversial Cult Psychological Drama | VHSSB
The Night Porter (1974) was chosen by Patreon supporter Spider-Dan, host of Spider-Dan and the Secret Bores, and it remains one of the most controversial and debated films of 1970s European cinema. Directed by Liliana Cavani, the film was produced during a period when European filmmakers were...
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A Bronx Tale (1993) | Robert De Niro’s Crime Drama Directorial Debut | VHSSB
A Bronx Tale (1993) is Matty V's pick, and brings a very personal story to the screen and marked Robert De Niro’s directorial debut, adapting the one-man stage play written and performed by Chazz Palminteri. Palminteri had famously turned down large offers for the film rights unless he could play...
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Empire Records (1995) | Rex Manning Day & 90s Cult Movie Mayhem | VHSSB
Empire Records (1995) was chosen by Patreon supporter Nick, and it represents a perfect snapshot of mid-90s youth culture wrapped inside a modest studio comedy. Directed by Allan Moyle and produced by Regency Enterprises for Warner Bros., the film was developed during a period when studios were...
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Top Secret! (1984) | Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker Spy Comedy Chaos | VHSSB
Top Secret! (1984) was chosen by Dave, and it arrived during a golden era for absurdist American comedy. Directed by the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team — Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker — the film followed the massive success of Airplane! (1980) as the trio continued refining their...
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A View to a Kill (1985) | Roger Moore’s Final 007 Mission | VHSSB
A View to a Kill (1985) was chosen by Chris, and it marked a significant transitional moment for the long-running James Bond franchise. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson and directed by John Glen, the film was developed during a period when the series was balancing its...
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The Protector (1985) | Jackie Chan’s Gritty US Action Experiment | VHSSB
The Protector (1985) was chosen by Greig, and it stands as one of the more unusual entries in Jackie Chan’s filmography — an attempt to firmly break him into the American action market during the mid-1980s. Directed by James Glickenhaus and produced by Golden Harvest in collaboration with U.S....
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Erotic Ghost Story (1990) | Hong Kong Fantasy, Ghosts & Late-Night VHS Energy | VHSSB
This week on The VHS Strikes Back, we dive into Erotic Ghost Story (1990), chosen by friend of the show John Hammond — a man clearly unafraid of wandering into the “back shelf” section of the video rental store. Directed by Lam Ngai Kai during the golden age of Hong Kong Category III cinema, this...
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Sworn to Justice (1996) | Cynthia Rothrock’s 90s Martial Arts Vigilante Thriller | VHSSB
Sworn to Justice (1996) was chosen by friend of the show and Patreon supporter Leigh, and is a prime example of mid-90s direct-to-video action thrillers built around martial arts credentials and late-night cable appeal. Produced by PM Entertainment — a studio known for churning out low-budget,...
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Red Sonja (1985) | 80s Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Cult Classic | VHSSB
Red Sonja (1985) was chosen by Dave, and it represents one of the most high-profile attempts to expand the sword-and-sorcery boom that followed the success of the early 1980s fantasy epics. Produced by Dino De Laurentiis and directed by Richard Fleischer, the film was developed as a companion…
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Pumping Iron (1977) | Muscles, Ego & the Birth of Gym Culture | VHSSB
George Butler and Robert Fiore, the film was conceived at a time when bodybuilding was still a niche subculture, largely unknown to mainstream audiences. The production followed key figures in the bodybuilding world in the lead-up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions, with the...
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) | Peak TMNT Mania & 90s Nostalgia | VHSSB
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) was chosen by Patreon supporter Gareth, and it represents a very deliberate shift in tone and approach from the original 1990 film. Following the massive commercial success of the first movie, New Line Cinema moved quickly to produce…
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The Breakfast Club (1985) | 80s Teen Classic That Defined a Generation | VHSSB
The Breakfast Club (1985) was chosen by Patreon supporter Lucky LouLou Green, and it stands as one of the defining films of 1980s American cinema. Written, produced, and directed by John Hughes, the movie was made during an incredibly prolific period for the filmmaker, as he reshaped teen movies...
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Better Off Dead (1985) | Surreal Cult Teen Comedy, Maximum 80s Energy | VHSSB
Better Off Dead (1985) was chosen by supporter Susan, and it’s one of the most distinctive teen comedies to come out of the mid-1980s. Written and directed by Savage Steve Holland, the film was conceived as a deliberately off-kilter alternative to the more conventional John Hughes–style comedies...
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Bloody New Year (1987) | Low-Budget 80s Horror That Time Forgot | VHSSB
Bloody New Year (1987) was chosen by co-host Dave as the final movie pick in the Year of the Stitch-Up, and what a note to end on. The film was directed by Norman J. Warren, a cult British filmmaker best known for low-budget horror and exploitation fare like Satan’s Slave and Inseminoid. By the...
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Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993) | 90s Family Comedy Goes to the Dogs | VHSSB
Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993) was chosen by Chris, rounding out the unlikely trilogy that began as a surprise hit in 1989. By the early ’90s, the Look Who’s Talking franchise had already proven its commercial appeal, and TriStar Pictures was keen to keep the momentum going. This third entry...
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Freddy Got Fingered (2001) | Surreal Gross-Out Mayhem & Madness | VHSSB Podcast
Freddy Got Fingered (2001) was chosen by Supporter and friend of the show Blake, and it stands as one of the most infamous, chaotic, and downright bewildering productions ever funded by a major Hollywood studio. Directed by and starring Tom Green at the height of his MTV shock-comedy fame, the…
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Malibu Express (1985) | Action, Bikinis, Bombshells & 80s Beach-Side Cheese | VHSSB Podcast
Malibu Express (1985) was chosen by Patreon supporter Herb, who has mastered the art of selecting premium-grade, sun-bleached 80s glamour for the show. Written and directed by Andy Sidaris, the film was part of his long-running “Bullets, Bombs and Babes” cycle — a collection of action-comedies...
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Champagne and Bullets (1993) | GetEven, Road to Revenge So-Bad-It’s-Good Action | VHSSB Podcast
Champagne and Bullets (1993) was chosen by JAC, who has a real talent for uncovering the most outrageous, bewildering, and unintentionally hilarious films ever committed to VHS. Written, directed, produced, and starring John De Hart, the movie is one of the most unique vanity projects of the…
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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) 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…
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Men at Work (1990) | Charlie Sheen & Emilio Estevez Buddy Comedy Review | The VHS Strikes Back Podcast
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…
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The Wiz (1978)
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...
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Re-Animator (1985)
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Nostalgic movie review show hosted by Whatever Entertainment team, Dave and Chris. The guys go back in time to review some wonderful and truly awful movies from the days before streaming and even DVD's and had to go to the video store to pick up the latest entertainment. If you want to email the show please contact us on: [email protected]
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Whatever Entertainment
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How many episodes does The VHS Strikes Back have?
The VHS Strikes Back currently has 386 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The VHS Strikes Back about?
Nostalgic movie review show hosted by Whatever Entertainment team, Dave and Chris. The guys go back in time to review some wonderful and truly awful movies from the days before streaming and even DVD's and had to go to the video store to pick up the latest entertainment. If you want to email the...
How often does The VHS Strikes Back release new episodes?
The VHS Strikes Back publishes regularly with 386 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to The VHS Strikes Back on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The VHS Strikes Back?
The VHS Strikes Back is created and hosted by Whatever Entertainment.
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