Total Reboot with Cameron James & Alexei Toliopoulos

Australian pop music royalty and star of teen comedy classic THE RAGE IN PLACID LAKE, Ben Lee roams through the Last Video Store. Ben is a true cinephile whose tastes range from the surreal to the whacky. Ben’s seminal album “Awake Is the New Sleep” is celebrating its 20th anniversary (stay tuned for cool stuff around that, I’m sure) and you can listen to him and Ione Skye every week on their excellent podcast WEIRDER TOGETHER. BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in CANBERRA and SYDNEY ENCORE show in JULY Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Ben’s list. GUEST PICKS: Psychomagic: A Healing Art (Documentary), Adam Green’s Aladdin (Art house), Defending Your Life (Comedy)STAFF PICKS: Local Legends (cult)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristo, Sammy and Tom are three besties who you might know better as Mates Rates, who not only create hilarious sketches online and a podcast, but also created their own short(ish) film! It's called Mates Rates' Corporate Retreat, and it's a documentary about a road trip across NSW where they travelled in a crappy car, eating canned food, getting up to shenanigans. Our first trio on the pod brings an eclectic mix of films, including an (dis)honourable mention in the form of Drillbit Taylor. BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANEFollow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. GUEST PICKS: Sideways (Comedy), In Bruges (Crime), Minions: Rise Of Gru (Children)STAFF PICKS: Klown (Comedy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, Director, Stuntman. Nobody’s doing it like Nash Edgerton. He kicked of his feature directing career with the dark Aussie noir THE SQUARE (a film Alexei actually jigged school to go see in cinemas) and he also directed all 3 seasons of what might very well be the very best Australian television series MR INBETWEEN. A pleasure to get Nash in to peruse the shelves of the Last Video Store with Alexei. BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here is Nash's list, and here is Producer Em's Letterboxd! GUEST PICKS: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Comedy), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Adventure), Straight Time (Crime)STAFF PICKS: Bellman and True (Crime)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director and producer Kriv Stenders is a true Australian film legend, and has directed films like Red Dog and his new one, political thriller The Correspondent. He's also a The Last Video Store fan, so it's only natural he finally graced the halls of our fine establishment! Kriv lives and breathes film, especially Australian cinema, and has picked out some absolute classics to mull over with Alexei. His film The Correspondent is in cinemas now! BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Follow Kriv on Letterboxd. GUEST PICKS: The Correspondent (Drama), Dogs In Space (Cult), Love Serenade (Cult)STAFF PICKS: Out Of The Blue (Cult)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and self-professed horror-head Will Gibb joins Alexei in The Last Video Store to chat about three of his favourite spooky films. Will is well-known for his hilarious skits on TikTok and Instagram, but he's also a bonafide cinephile, and his picks include Aussie cult classics and underground creepy Korean films. He's also touring his stand up show 'Why Am I Like This?' now so click the link below to check it out! WILL’s comedy festival show link BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Follow Will on Letterboxd. GUEST PICKS: Red Rooms (Horror), The Wailing (Horror), Lake Mungo (Horror)STAFF PICKS: Noroi The Curse (Horror)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weaving between narrative and documentary features OTTO BY OTTO, SERIOUSLY RED and extensive work directing some of the best television (including DEADLOCH and HEARTBREAK HIGH), Gracie Otto is one of the most skilled and in-demand filmmakers in Australia. With great stories around Wong Kar-wai and David Lynch, Gracie’s visit to the Last Video Store is one of the greats. BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Gracie’s list. GUEST PICKS: OTTO BY OTTO (documentary), MULHOLLAND DRIVE (cult), CHUNGKING EXPRESS (cult)STAFF PICKS: HIPPO (cult)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just before he lands at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Julio Torres joins Alexei Toliopoulos to explore the Last Video Store. Julio Torres is one of the great modern masters of surrealist comedy. Julio made his bones writing now classic sketches at Saturday Night Live (including PAPYRUS starring Ryan Gosling), he’s also the creative force on tv series LOS ESPOOKYS & FANTASMAS. Now Julio has directed his feature film debut, the brilliant comedy PROBLEMISTA, starring Tilda Swinton. JULIO’s comedy festival show link PROBLEMISTA screening with Julio & Alexei BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANEFollow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Julio’s list. GUEST PICKS: PROBLEMISTA (Comedy), WHERE IS THE FRIEND’S HOUSE (Art House), BIRTH (Cult)STAFF PICKS: T BLOCKERS (Horror), LOVE SERENADE (Cult)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When comedian and podcast host Michael 'Hingers' Hing was 19 and in his 2nd year of uni, he wrote a list of what are, in his opinion, the best 50 movies of all time. And for the first time ever, he's sharing that list exclusively on The Last Video Store podcast. From Pulp Fiction to Finding Nemo, Michael and Alexei go through every movie on that list in this very special episode which will have you saying "Are you talkin' to me?" or something equally annoying. See Michael at your local comedy festival in Australia BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A short and sharp visit to the Last Video Store from one of the greats of Australian cinema, David Wenham. His new film SPIT sees Wenham return to perhaps his most iconic role of ex-junkie Johnny Spitieri from GETTIN SQUARE. SPIT is out now in cinemas. BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating a year into the pod with our original first customer and best mate… it’s the return of Cameron James! Cam has just released his new half hour special on Grouse House (the home of Finding Yeezus). See Cam at your local comedy festival in Australia BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE, PERTH and BRISBANEFollow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Cam’s list. GUEST PICKS: ONE FLASE MOVE (crime), SUNSET BOULEVARD (crime) STAFF PICKS: TWILIGHT (crime), CUTTER’S WAY (crime), ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS (crime)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Their film THE LAST JOURNEY just became the highest grossing Swedish documentary ever and was selected as the Swedish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The duo Filip och Fredrik are responsible for some of Sweden’s best-loved comedic journalistic innovations, THE LAST JOURNEY is no exception. A touching and hilarious comedy documentary road movie as they take Hammar’s retired father on a nostalgic trip to France to help him get back his joie de vivre! BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Filip & Fredrik’s list. GUEST PICKS: THE LAST JOURNEY (Documentary), THE ACT OF KILLING (Documentary), SIDEWAYS (Comedy)ALEXEI’S STAFF PICK: HANDS ON A HARD BODY (Documentary), OTTO BY OTTO (Documentary)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filmmaker Charles Williams won the Short Film Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival for his his short ALL THESE CREATURES. His feature directorial debut INSIDE is in cinemas now. A superb crime thriller starring Oscar nominee Guy Pearce, Cosmo Jarvis (Shogun) and newcomer Vincent Miller is in Aus cinemas now. He’s also a former video store clerk so you know it is a banger! BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION with Zach Ruane in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE, PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Charles’ list. GUEST PICKS: INSIDE, FAT CITY and THE EARRINGS OF MADAM DE…STAFF PICK: PRIME CUT, THE FUNERAL (1996)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aunty Donna legend and film obsessive Zachary Ruane returns to the Last Video Store to reveal if Alexei’s recommendation of Brian De Palma’s BODY DOUBLE really was the perfect staff pick and to talk through a pair of the best new horror movies. BOOK TICKETS for Zach and Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE , PERTH and BRISBANE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s ZACH’s return list AND his original pick-up list (and also his actual letterboxd account) GUEST PICKS: BODY DOUBLE, THE SUBSTANCE and I SAW THE TV GLOWSTAFF PICK: DEF BY TEMPTATIONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes known as the sketch duo FREUDIAN NIP, Jenna and Vic are now the creators and stars of OPTICS on ABC and the Christmas movie NUGGET IS DEAD (featuring little old Alexei Toliopoulos). They join their mate little Alexei Toliopoulos to pick up some of their favourite films and biggest comedy touchstones while they visit the Last Video Store. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Jenna and Vic’s list (and also here is Vic’s letterboxd). VIC AND JENNA’S PICKS: BABYGIRL, RAT RACE, THE OTHER GUYSTAFF PICK: PARTY GIRL BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE , PERTH and BRISBANE SOONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (on NETFLIX), THE BOLD TYPE and one of the best new Australian horror films SISSY, Aisha Dee joins Alexei on THE LAST VIDEO STORE. And almost instantly is the guest with the biggest impact on the show so far by picking the coolest fricking movie anyone has picked up in the first year of the pod and then immediately picking up the film that Alexei hates more than any other. Dream guest, fantastic episode. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Aisha’s list. AISHA’S PICKS: OFFICIAL COMPETITION, COFFY, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMASSTAFF PICK: WILD TALES BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE and BRISBANE SOONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wandering into the Last Video Store to pick up some of their favourite films is one of Alexei’s new favourite musicians, ratbag. A rising Aotearoa alternative artist, ratbag’s latest track is “look what you're doing to me” and it continues a streak of fun and thoughtful music married with incredibly creative music videos. It’s true ratbag fricking rocks, in particular, Alexei also loves their double EP “pinky girl”/”pinky boy”. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s ratbag’s list. RATBAG’S PICKS: THE BOY AND THE HERON, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARESTAFF PICK: SON OF THE WHITE MARE BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE and BRISBANE SOONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our special guest in the Last Video Store this week is Leigh Whannell. Breaking into horror co-writing SAW with James Wan, Leigh has built a reputation as one of the modern masters of genre cinema directing the films UPGRADE and THE INVISIBLE MAN. His latest film WOLF MAN is in cinemas now. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, WOLF MAN is a tense, thoughtful and horrifying lycanthropic nightmare.Join Leigh Whannell as he chats with Alexei Toliopoulos about some of his favourite films in the style of an old school video store rental combo + a staff pick from Alexei (based on his taste). Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Leigh’s list on LB. LEIGH’S PICKS: WOLF MAN, THE FLY and THE SHININGSTAFF PICK: VAMPIR CUADECUC BOOK TICKETS for Alexei’s comedy fest show REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE and BRISBANE ON SALE SOONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, playwright, broadcaster and one of the all-time legends of Australian comedy Wendy Harmer stops by the Last Video Store to visit her little mate Alexei and talk cinema. One of the most fun episodes of the podcast so far with the fast and loose riffs, these two have perfect comedic chemistry. Wendy’s one of the most fascinating people in Aus arts and media, of course her favourite films reflect that! Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Wendy’s picks list. WENDY’S PICKS: DUNE, WAKE IN FRIGHT, IN COLD BLOODSTAFF PICK: THE STRANGERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Kate Jinx (Melbourne International Film Festival programmer, film critic and co-host of SEE ALSO podcast), Alexei talk through their favourite films in 2024 in the categories of Australian cinema, factual/documentary films, directorial debuts, honourable mentions and films that kinda came out in 2023 that felt too old for us to put on our lists this year. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s the list of every film we talk about on this episode. AUSTRALIAN FILMS:Memoir of a Snail, Late Night with the Devil, A Grand Mockery, Flathead Documentaries: No Other Land, Dahomey, Balomania, Witches, Porcelain War Directorial Debuts:Hoard, Good One, Julie Keeps Quiet, The First Omen, There’s Still Tomorrow, Kneecap, Monkey Man Honourable Mentions and Movies That Might Be from 2023:The Taste of Things, La Chimera, Hundreds of Beavers, The Zone of Interest, Anatomy of a Fall, May December, The Substance, I Saw the TV Glow, Universal Language, My Favourite Cake, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, His Three DaughtersRepertory Screenings: After Hours, Dead End, Crystal Voyager, The Last Days of Chez Nous See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the great modern documentarians, David Farrier explores factual storytelling through his films TICKLED and MR ORGAN, the Netflix series DARK TOURIST and now weekly on his must listen podcast FLIGHTLESS BIRD. If there was no TICKLED, there’d be no FINDING DRAGO, FINDING DESPERADO or FINDING YEEZUS so you can imagine it was truly an honour for Alexei to host David Farrier at the Last Video Store. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s David’s list and his actual profile on LB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating some of the best films, movies and cinema of 2024 with Melbourne International Film Festival programmer, film critic and co-host of SEE ALSO Kate Jinx. Join us again next week for another bonus episode discussing the best documentaries, Australian films, directorial debuts and honourable mentions of 2024. Kate’s top 5 films of 2024: Janet Planet, Hard Truths, Anora, All We Imagine as Light and Trap Alexei’s top 5 films of 2024: Better Man, Hard Truths, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Love Lies Bleeding, Challengers and Babygirl Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Alexei’s TOP 24 FILMS OF 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, Triple J breaky host and ⅓ of the haunted brains behind the fantastic comedic podcast Oooh, Spooky, LUKA MULLER joins Lex to wander through the hallowed halls of the Last Video Store picking out his favourite movies. Luka’s comedy special Five Top Smells I Smelled Before comes out on December 22, on the Comedy Republic YouTube. JOIN Alexei for a night of NASTY CHRISTMAS films at Golden Age Cinema on Dec 20 Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s Luka’s list, and Luka’s actual letterboxd account.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the festive time for pud and panettone so Mark Bonnano had to swing by to pick up his favourite films. One of the funniest film lovers around. Mark just announced AUNTY DONNA’s 2025 tour DREM - pick up tickets NOW JOIN Alexei for a night of NASTY CHRISTMAS films at Golden Age Cinema on Dec 20 Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here’s MARK’s list on LETTERBOXD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HOW TO MAKE GRAVY, the adaptation of the classic Paul Kelly song is your taste of Australian Christmas melancholy cinema this festive season. Stars of the film and icons of cinema HUGO WEAVING and DANIEL HENSHALL wander into the Last Video Store to pick up a rental combo of their favourite films. A great chat with a couple of dream guests. Between them they've starred in films like The Matrix, Snowtown, Lord of the Rings, Acute Misfortune, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert Proof, The Babadook, These Final Hours and V for Vendetta. And we're not just listing those for the Search Engine Optimisation (ok, maybe a bit). Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Hugo and Dan's picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most excitingly outrageous act in electro-pop, Sugar Bones from Confidence Man stops by The Last Video Store to chat to Alexei about his favourite films and the cinematic influences on their new album 3AM (La La La). Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Sugar Bones's picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know him for his tremendous performance as Alyn of Hull on HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Abubakar Salim is a true renaissance man and multitalented creative. Starring in films like NAPOLEON, series like RAISED BY WOLVES and video games like  ASSASSIN'S CREED: ORIGINS. He's also the creative force and director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a metroidvania style adventure game with a focus on poignant emotional storytelling. It was beyond a pleasure to wander through the shelves of the store with Abu while he was in Australia for SXSW Sydney (who we thank for the link up)! Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Abu's picks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Australia's most cherished singer/songwriters Paul Kelly steps into the Last Video Store to talk us through some of his favourite films/movies. Paul's music does that exceedingly rare thing of transcending generations. Paul's new album FEVER LONGING STILL is out right now. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's PK's list of picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic star of video store favourites BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, VELVET GOLDMINE, MATCH POINT, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III, I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD, THE TUDORS and so much more joins Alexei in the Last Video Store. Jonathan Rhys Meyers might be the most passionate and exploratory film lover we've had through our doors. And I must admit, I was completely starstruck by him… a rare occurrence (this is Alexei writing this). One of my favourite episodes with some of the best films ever discussed on the show and a recommendation that is sure to excite you (this was still Alexei writing this whole thing). Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Jonathan Rhys Meyers favaourite films list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The star and director of the brilliantly creepy homegrown horror picture THE MOOGAI wander into The Last Video Store. THE MOOGAI follows a young Aboriginal couple whose joy at bringing home their second baby quickly turns to dread, as the mother becomes convinced that a malevolent spirit is haunting her, intent on taking her child. It's a great example of real-life fears and historical horrors woven through cinematic metaphor while still retaining that literal danger for our unlucky characters. THE MOOGAI is in cinemas around Australia OCTOBER 31, the perfect treat for the Halloween season. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Meyne & Jon's combo list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, horror movie lover and all 'round freak Demi Lardner joins Alexei in the Last Video Store for this special All Hallow's Eve bonus episode to discuss three of her favourite spooky films. From the classic Saw to the less classic Blood Hook, Demi is a true twisted sister. Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With his new series, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, Dylan River cements himself as one of the country's most exciting voices in moving image. THOU SHALT NOT STEAL is a limited series that captures all the tones and textures a great road movie should, with all the vibrant spirit and humor of Tarantino or Coen Brothers crime cinema. Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Dylan River's list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When his film HARVIE KRUMPET won an Academy Award, it felt like the entirety of Australia won alongside him. One of the great auteurs of animated cinema Adam Elliot (MARY AND MAX) stops by to talk about his latest masterpiece MEMOIR OF A SNAIL and his style of filmmaking called “clayography”, weaving together clay animation and biographical elements. A true cinephile with impeccable taste, Adam is a pure delight and hard person to recommend a staff pick for! MEMOIR OF A SNAIL is in cinemas from today Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Adam's list!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just in time for the spooky season, we wander through the horror section with one of the true icons of Australian Podcasting, Charlie Clausen. Who also got his start working in a humble video store. With Wil Anderson, he's hanging out in your ears with EVERYONE RELAX (TOFOP / 2 Guys 1 Cup) - and just kicking off a new season of paranormal phenomena exploration in THE UNEXPLAINED: EXPLAINED. Not to mention he's acted in basically every major Australian series from McLeod's Daughters to Wolf Creek. It is an all-timer episode with a legendary soldier of cinema returning to the video store trenches. Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's CHARLIE'S LIST.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RETURN CHUTE SPECIAL! Cameron James drops his staff pick back through the return chute and we find out his thoughts and reactions to STREET OF FIRE. SEE CAMERON JAMES tape his new half-hour comedy special in MELBOURNE @ Stupid Old Studios Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most beautiful voices of Aus indie rock Dave Novak stops by ahead of POLISH CLUB's national album tour. Go see them live in your town from next week! And their new album HEAVY WEIGHT HEART is a stunner! Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Novak's list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multitalented comedic sensation Michelle Brasier (Aunty Donna Big Ol House of Fun, Koala Man, Thank God You're Here) drops by The Last Video Store in Betoota to chat to Alexei Toliopoulos and select a stack of movies, and her picks do not disappoint. From the unexpected tenderness of FURIOUS 7 to the expected horniness of CRUEL INTENTIONS, Michelle is a true film lover. You can read or listen to her fantastic book 'My Brother's Ashes are in a Sandwich Bag' here. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Michelle's combo on LB. Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As he travels through Betoota, the legendary country music superstar Keith Urban stops by the Last Video Store to chat to Alexei Toliopoulos about his favourite films. Truly, what a fricking treat to chat to Keith about Nicole Kidman's breakout Aussie classic BMX BANDITS and get deep on the gentle hold of Robbie Robertson's score for KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. Keith's new album HIGH is out this week! All-timer episode. Book tickets to see Alexei & Zachary Ruane (Aunty Donna) in their play REFUSED CLASSIFICATION in Sydney and in Melbourne Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Keith's combo on Letterboxd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop culture podcast royalty, Nick "Maso" Mason and James "Mr. Sunday Movies" Clement of the Weekly Planet take an esteemed tour of THE LAST VIDEO STORE. A journey through cinema that is less a Caravan of Garbage and more like a Battle for Endorphins because this episode is a pleasurable experience for the brain. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's their combo on LB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can't be fricking denied, Missy Higgins is one of Australia's most cherished singer/songwriters. Her new album The Second Act – “a kind of sequel” to her hugely influential debut The Sound Of White which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. Missy jumps into the Last Video Store and guides Alexei Toliopoulos through her weirdly perfect trilogy of films. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Missy Higgins combo!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom” are the resonant words found in the unlikely indie crowd-pleaser of the year KNEECAP. Based on the origin story of the riotous and ground-breaking Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, the film stars the band's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí in their acting debuts alongside Michael Fassbender. The film's director Rich Peppiatt jumps into the Last Video Store with Alexei Toliopoulos to talk about KNEECAP, some of his favourite films and slide out with the perfect staff pick recommendation. KNEECAP is in cinemas in Aus right now. If you want to score a free double pass hit us up on instagram @lastvideostorebetoota with your rental combo. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Rich Peppiatt's combo!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Alexei's absolute favourite contemporary filmmakers David Lowery jumps into the Last Video Store to pick up a stack of his favourite films. David's feature films include Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Ain't Them Bodies Saints, the live-action adaptation of Pete's Dragon, A Ghost Story, The Old Man & the Gun starring Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek; and the Dev Patel–led fantasy epic The Green Knight. We talk about some of his first memories of films before even seeing them, the surrealist horror of Freddy Krueger, horror cinema, the genre-bending of Jim Jarmusch, the modern fables of Aki Kaurismäki and Indigenous ghost story anthology. Pick up tickets to catch Alexei in conversation with DAVID LOWERY at MIFF here Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's David Lowery's combo on Letterboxd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Beus from the Aussie rock band Dune Rats finally goes on the record on whether the Muad'Dib (the rat from DUNE) inspired the name of his band (Dune Rats). Their hectic new album is out now IF IT SUCKS, TURN IT UP and they're about to set out on a huge tour with DARTZ + PURPLE PINGERS. Pick up tickets to catch Alexei in conversation with DAVID LOWERY at MIFF here Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Danny's combo on Letterboxd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MULTI-TALENT ALERT! Comedian, actor and Greek Elouise Eftos stops by the Last Video Store to talk about one of her great passions (CINEMA). We go deep on inspiring comedic performances and representation on screen. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Elouise's list on letterboxd.Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon MurphyArt by Hollow Bones StudioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All-timer heroes of Australian music Paul Dempsey from Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning from Something for Kate jump into the Last Video Store to talk about their new collaborative project THE DELUGE (Fanning Dempsey National Park), their favourite flicks, and score a staff pick recommendation from Alexei for a film they can watch while they're on tour together. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's their combo list. Music & sounds by Rowan DixProduced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon MurphyArt by Hollow Bones StudioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Campbell, Taskmaster star and once played the killer in a low-budget Christmas-themed slasher film Dive into the world of film with Award-winning comedian Sam Campbell. Alexei have probably seen hundreds of movies together. They talk surreal comedies, sexy sports, grounded coming-of-age cinema and the summer they spent making the slasher film RED CHRISTMAS with their friend Craig Anderson. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists  Here's Sam's combo list on Letterboxd  Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy Art by Hollow Bones Studio Watch the episode on YouTube ________ Chapters 0:00 Introduction 3:43 Opening Titles 5:56 ID Check 9:40 New Release - Challengers 26:21 Weekly - Gregory's Girl 41:04 Weekly - The Mask 50:18 Staff Pick - Jeremy 56:52 Staff Pick - The Pied PiperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The filmmakers behind the hottest Australian indie directorial debut in years BIRDEATER jump into the Last Video Store to discuss their film and two other favourites with Alexei Toliopoulos. In cinemas now, BIRDEATER explores modern Australian masculinity when a bride-to-be is invited to her fiancé's bachelor party, but when uncomfortable details of their relationship are exposed, the night takes a feral turn. Watch the episode on YOUTUBE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Jack & Jim's combo list. Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before she was killing it on the new season of Taskmaster Australia, Jenny Tian was already a comedic sensation on stage and online. Just before she jumps off to tour her stand-up comedy show at THE EDINBURGH FRINGE she hopped into the Last Video Store to talk about her favourite films and reminisce on her time at the top of her university's film society.  Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Jenny's list on Letterboxd here.    Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horror filmmaker Ti West sits down with Alexei for a short sharp bonus chat in the lead up to his new film MaXXXine, the third in a trilogy of horror films starring Mia Goth. One of the key settings of his latest film is a dank 1980s horror/porno video store, so we had to jump over to Ti for a catch-up about it all. Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.  Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an historic meeting of the minds, Walkley-winning journalist and documentary maker Marc Fennell steps into The Last Video Store. With season 2 of Marc's factual tv show STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE currently airing, we asked him to get back to his roots of film criticism to talk about some of his favourite films with Alexei.  Watch the full episode on YOUTUBE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Marc Fennell's film combo on Letterboxd.  Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Aotearoa's most celebrated actors, Rachel House (HEARTBREAK HIGH, MOANA) joins Alexei to talk about her directorial debut THE MOUNTAIN. A heartfelt NZ family adventure about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga (Mountain), and discover the magic of friendship along the way. Coming-of-age cinema informs the combo today so think about the films that made you fall in love with movies when you pop this in your eyes and ears.  Join Alexei THIS WEEKEND for SUNBURNT SCREENS at The Sydney Opera House 27-30 June Watch the FULL EP ON YOUTUBE Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Rachel's combo on Letterboxd.  Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A much-treasured star of the Australian comedy scene, Aaron Gocs is bloody electric on screen. Catch him and a bunch of your favourite Australian comedians in THE EMU WAR, screening all around Australia this weekend (FIND A CINEMA NEAR YOU HERE). The Emu War gave me some of the most fun I've ever had in the cinema. Huge and powerful grubby laughs. You have to see it.  Gocsy is one of Alexei's oldest mates in comedy, so he knows the fellas taste damn well. Might actually nail the recommendation on this one.  Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists. Here's Gocsy's list.  Music & sounds by Rowan Dix Produced & Edited by Alex Jae and Xanon Murphy  Art by Hollow Bones Studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.