The Last Video Store
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
The Betoota Advocate presents a chat show about the films you love. Join the movie maestro Alexei Toliopoulos in ‘The Last Video Store’ - located in the outback town of Betoota. Its a special hub of culture and memories with every single movie ever made lining its infinite shelves. Alexei talks with a guest about their most cherished cinematic selections, before he sends them of with a bespoke film recommendation based on their taste. The rental combo is:1 x New Release2 x Weeklies1 x Staff Pick Follow us on Instagram @lastvideostorebetoota
Episodes
- MORTAL KOMBAT II director Simon McQuoid and the aesthetic of action
This episode features an interview with Simon McQuoid, director of MORTAL KOMBAT II. He discusses the film and the aesthetic of action.
- The Last Video Store x Spooko: The Mangler
The Last Video Store collaborates with the horror movie podcast Spooko for a special episode. They discuss the 1995 Tobe Hooper film The Mangler, with guests Alexei and Emmeline.
- Drag Race Superstar Lazy Susan Picks Out The Best Witchy Movies
Lazy Susan, winner of Drag Race Down Under season 4, visits The Last Video Store to discuss witchy movies. This episode promotes her new series, The Witchy Girls.
- Josh Thomas cracks up over RAT RACE & LOVE ACTUALLY and thinks CABERET is the best movie of all time
Comedian Josh Thomas joins host Alexei Toliopoulos in the Last Video Store to discuss some of his favourite films, including Rat Race, Love Actually, and Cabaret. The episode also covers Josh Thomas's podcast and global tour, as well as Al…
- Tonight At The Museum host Alex Lee loves cult comedies DOGMA and THE CLIMB
Alex Lee, known for Tonight at the Museum, joins The Last Video Store to discuss her favourite films, specifically the cult comedies Dogma and The Climb.
- Cameron James returns for some gentle comedy, cult classics and weird cinema (2nd Anniversary Show)
Cameron James joins Alexei Toliopoulos for the second anniversary of The Last Video Store. The discussion covers gentle comedy, cult classics, and cinema, including a special screening of the David Byrne film True Stories.
- Greg Larsen raids our war section for CIVIL WAR, ALEXANDER and DAS BOOT
Comedy expert Greg Larsen visits The Last Video Store to discuss his film selections, including Civil War, Alexander, and Das Boot. The episode also notes his current comedy festival show and online series.
- Damon Herriman loves GOODFELLAS, THE ELEPHANT MAN and a Netflix documentary that made him cry
Actor Damon Herriman joins The Last Video Store to discuss his film preferences, including Goodfellas, The Elephant Man, and a documentary. The episode also highlights his current project, Art The Play.
- Geraldine Viswanathan loves stoner comedy (and M. Night Shyamalan)
In this episode of The Last Video Store, actor Geraldine Viswanathan discusses her favorite films, including Smiley Face and Little Miss Sunshine, and her interest in the work of M. Night Shyamalan.
- Athina Rachel Tsangari, legendary filmmaker and a true hero of Greek cinema
Filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari discusses her work, including the film HARVEST, as a guest on The Last Video Store. She is joined by host Alexei Toliopoulos while serving on the Melbourne International Film Festival jury.
- Matt Johnson & Jay McCarrol from Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (the Podcast)
Matt Johnson and Jay McCarroll join The Last Video Store to discuss their work on Nirvanna the Band the Show and The Movie. The conversation covers their approach to comedy, directorial projects, and the influence of Australian film.
- Baz Luhrmann is EPiC! (Yes, this week’s guest is Baz Luhrmann!)
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann discusses his concert film EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT on The Last Video Store. Podcast host Alexei Toliopoulos explores the documentary and Luhrmann's cinematic approach to the life and mythology of Elvis Presley.
- REWIND: The Weekly Planet’s Mr Sunday Movies & Nick Mason love JOHN WICK, TRUE LIES and RONIN
In this installment of The Last Video Store, Alexei Toliopoulos welcomes Nick Mason and James Clement of The Weekly Planet to discuss their thoughts on the films John Wick, True Lies, and Ronin. This episode is a revisit of one of the podc…
- REWIND: The Surprising Films That Inspired The Philippou Brother's Horror Hit BRING HER BACK
Filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou discuss the films that influenced their 2025 horror movie, Bring Her Back, on this episode of The Last Video Store.
- REWIND: Jonathan Rhys Meyers is one of the biggest film lovers we've ever met
In this episode of the REWIND series, host Alexei Toliopoulos revisits a conversation with actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers. They discuss his career highlights and his passion for film.
- REWIND: Angela White, the Meryl Streep of P*rn
In this episode of The Last Video Store, host Alexei Toliopoulos revisits his interview with adult film performer Angela White. They discuss her career, her status as an AVN Hall of Famer, and the film picks selected for her.
- REWIND: AARON CHEN discovers the ultimate cult film
In this re-released episode of The Last Video Store, comedian Aaron Chen joins host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss his favorite films, including a martial arts comedy, a dystopian classic, and a new release, along with a special Ozploitatio…
- The Best Films of 2025 - Documentaries, Australian Films, Comedies and Honourable Mentions
Kate Jinx, Melbourne International Film Festival programmer and film critic, joins the show to discuss the best documentaries, Australian films, comedies, and honourable mentions of 2025.
- The 10 Best Films of 2025
In this episode of The Last Video Store, film critic and Melbourne International Film Festival programmer Kate Jinx joins the host to discuss their top 10 films of 2025. The discussion features a variety of titles, including Sinners, Harve…
- MEG MAC tells the funniest story about loving Shrek
Singer-songwriter Meg Mac joins Alexei Toliopoulos on The Last Video Store to discuss her music career, upcoming album, and favorite films. The episode also features a humorous conversation and film recommendations from both the guest and…
- JOHN POLSON Directed Robert De Niro and Created Tropfest
Actor and director John Polson discusses his career, including his roles in Mission: Impossible 2 and Hide and Seek, and the return of the Tropfest short film festival. The episode also includes film recommendations from Polson and the sta…
- NICK WARD is Aus music’s biggest cinephile and a Tom Cruise fanatic
Musician Nick Ward discusses his work as a film composer, including his score for the film JIMPA, and shares his personal movie recommendations. The episode also features a staff pick and reviews of several films from Ward's private collec…
- AUNTY DONNA & FINDING YEEZUS director Max Miller on big screen comedy
Director Max Miller joins the podcast to discuss big screen comedy and his work on Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun, Coffee Cafe, and Finding Yeezus. The episode features an in-depth conversation on cinema with host Alexei Toliopoulos.
- Mary Bronstein on directing Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien & A$AP Rocky in a feature length panic attack
Director Mary Bronstein discusses her surrealist film IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU, starring Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien. The conversation covers her favorite films and a classic Australian movie featuring Rose Byrne.
- Concetta Caristo and Lauren Bonner are Big Natural Film Lovers
Comedians and BIG NATURAL TALENTS hosts Lauren Bonner and Concetta Caristo join Alexei Toliopoulos on The Last Video Store to discuss their favorite films.
- Ruel is a Pop Star on the Verge of Film Obsession
Musician Ruel joins Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss his passion for cinema and the nostalgia of falling in love with film. The episode also promotes an upcoming screening of Bram Stoker's Dracula at the Sydney Opera House.
- Paul Dempsey RETURNS to pick up ONE MOVIE AFTER ANOTHER
Paul Dempsey joins the podcast to discuss his love of cinema, specifically a Kubrick classic, a Russian masterpiece, and the film One Battle After Another. The episode also features a check-in on a previous staff pick, Dream Scenario, and…
- The 8 Best Vampire Films of All-time with Maria Lewis
Author and horror expert Maria Lewis joins host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss the best vampire films of all time for the Halloween season. The conversation excludes Dracula films as part of the selection criteria.
- Alison Wonderland nerds out on JAWS and her husband Ti West
Electronic dance musician Alison Wonderland discusses her Ghost World album and favorite films with host Alexei Toliopoulos. The conversation covers the 50th anniversary of Jaws and how her husband, horror director Ti West, introduced her…
- Nina Oyama returns to talk about the most provocative comedy film
Nina Oyama returns to The Last Video Store to discuss the Korean film Microhabitat and explore provocative, dark comedies. The episode also includes information about Alexei Toliopoulos's upcoming film screening.
- Zan Rowe TAKEs 5 Weeklies for $5
Broadcaster Zan Rowe joins host Alexei Toliopoulos on The Last Video Store to discuss film and cinematic tastes. The episode also highlights the new season of TAKE 5 on ABC iview and upcoming screening events.
- LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS star Gemma Chua-Tran loves volcano movies and hates singing
Actor Gemma Chua-Tran discusses her role in the Australian animated comedy LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS. The episode also covers upcoming screening events and follow-up resources for The Last Video Store.
- SPLITSVILLE director Michael Angelo Covino and the Italian comedies that influenced his new film with Dakota Johnson
Filmmaker Michael Angelo Covino discusses his new film, Splitsville, and the Italian comedies that influenced his work. Host Alexei Toliopoulos also provides Australian film recommendations.
- Dacre Montgomery and Samuel Van Grinsven are the biggest film nerds
Dacre Montgomery and filmmaker Samuel Van Grinsven discuss their new film, Went Up the Hill, which also stars Vicky Krieps. The guests share their passion for cinema and explore the themes of their dreamlike ghost story.
- WEDNESDAY creators Alfred Gough & Miles Millar are experts of adaptation
Alfred Gough and Miles Millar join host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss their work on Smallville and Wednesday, the nature of adaptations and sequels, and their personal video store memories. The conversation also explores their collaboratio…
- Col Needham, the founder of IMDb, has seen over 16,000 films
Col Needham, founder of IMDb, joins The Last Video Store to discuss his film-watching history and his favourite movies. He shares how his personal film diary led to the creation of IMDb and discusses his picks, including Mission: Impossibl…
- Amy Nicholson Unspools her Favourite Movie Musicals
Amy Nicholson joins host Alexei Toliopoulos on The Last Video Store to discuss her favorite movie musicals. The episode includes guest picks from Nicholson and staff picks from the video store.
- The Surprising Film That Inspired The Fairbairn Brothers' Love Of Horror
Alexei Toliopoulos is joined by Jaxon and Lachlan Fairbairn to discuss their favorite films. The conversation covers a variety of genres, including Oddity, The Karate Kid, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and The Last Dragon.
- TEX PERKINS, The Cruel Sea and Cool Movies
Musician Tex Perkins joins The Last Video Store to discuss his favorite films and the connection between music and cinema. The conversation covers his career with The Cruel Sea, his film recommendations, and the staff picks for the show.
- Hilltop Hoods on Geezers, Gangsters and Genre
The Hilltop Hoods join Alexei in The Last Video Store to discuss their favorite films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, La Haine, and The Gentlemen. The episode also explores staff picks, such as The Secret Agent and Bacurau.
- TOGETHER Director Michael Shanks - the Surprising Influence of M. Night Shyamalan
Filmmaker Michael Shanks discusses his feature debut TOGETHER, his career background, and his favorite films with host Alexei Toliopoulos. The episode covers his influences, including the work of M. Night Shyamalan.
- Marlon Williams & Ursula Grace Williams – Two Worlds, Many Movies
Musician Marlon Williams and filmmaker Ursula Grace Williams join host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss the documentary Marlon Williams: Two Worlds – Ngā Ao E Rua, which follows the making of Williams' te reo Māori album.
- The Best 8 Australian Horror Films (You Haven’t Seen Yet) with Director Kane Senes
Director Kane Senes joins host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss eight lesser-known Australian horror films, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. They examine hidden gems and the evolution of the genre in Australia.
- DEMI ADEJUYIGBE IS GOING TO CHOOSE THREE (3) FAVOURITE MOVIES
Comedian Demi Adejuyigbe visits The Last Video Store to discuss his three favorite films: Sinners, Lady Bird, and What's Up Doc?. The episode also features a staff pick of Looking for Alibrandi.
- KILLING HEIDI are cult cinema zombies...from MEET THE FEEBLES to 28 DAYS LATER
Ella and Jesse Hooper of the band Killing Heidi join host Alexei Toliopoulos to discuss their favorite films, including Star Wars and 28 Days Later. They also reflect on their music career, including their contributions to the Looking for…
- 3 of the best absurd films with artist/fish Montaigne
Artist Montaigne joins The Last Video Store to discuss three absurd films and their love for mucked-up world-building. The episode includes guest picks from Montaigne and a staff pick from Alexei Toliopoulos.
- The Go-Betweens, Bob Dylan and the favourite films of Australia’s great indie rock songwriter Robert Forster
Alexei Toliopoulos welcomes musician Robert Forster to The Last Video Store to discuss his cinematic influences, including art-house films, Bob Dylan, and his favorite movies. The episode also features guest and staff film recommendations.
- From ANTZ to TRAINSPOTTING: the favourite films of Calum Hood (5SOS)
Calum Hood, bassist of 5 Seconds of Summer, joins the podcast to discuss his favorite films, including ANTZ, Napoleon, and his specific picks: Hell of a Summer, Trainspotting, and Moulin Rouge. The discussion also features staff pick Human…
- The Surprising Films That Inspired The Philippou Brothers (RackaRacka) Latest Horror Hit BRING HER BACK
Danny and Michael Philippou (RackaRacka) discuss films that inspired their latest horror movie, BRING HER BACK. The brothers join the podcast to share their selections, alongside staff picks from The Last Video Store.
- The 2 Best Video Store Movies of All Time with Mish Wittrup & Zachary Ruane
Comedian Mish Wittrup joins hosts Alexei Toliopoulos and Zachary Ruane to select and discuss the two best films featuring video stores. The episode also includes various guest and staff film recommendations.