Remote Control (1988)

"There's something wrong with this movie." - Cosmo

A video store clerk uncovers a brainwashing conspiracy.
Starring: Kevin Dillon, Deborah Goodrich, Christopher Wynne, Frank Beddor

Link to IMDB

Cosmo

Cosmo and Georgie are a couple of dudes working at a video rental store, and they just got a new sci-fi VHS in that all the customers are eager to watch. The movie's called "Remote Control" but Cosmo's not too interested in it because he's falling in love with a new girl named Belinda.
Cosmo's made a good decision, because we know that this new movie is infecting the people that watch it with the urge to kill each other!!

One such viewer is a jerk named Victor, who also happens to be Belinda's boyfriend, and despite the fact that he's already begun killing people he appears normal enough to everyone.
Since the murders are all linked to the video store the police come looking for Cosmo and Georgie, so now they're on the run as fugitives, but they're also starting to put the pieces together about the nefarious mind-control affects of "Remote Control."


Since Belinda's life is in danger, Cosmo goes to protect her... by kidnapping her at gunpoint! Now our unlikely heroes have to solve the mystery of the deadly VHS and prove their innocence. When they realize the brainwashing is spreading throughout the city they head to the studio where the movie was made to find answers, and angry Victor is right behind them!
Things get weird!

Belinda                                      Georgie                                    Victor

The premise had me thinking of Videodrome, except that this is a light-hearted romp drenched in neon clothing and corny one-liners. Not only does it serve as a love-letter to the 80's VHS craze, it's also an homage to the classic sci-fi era of the 50's.
Suffice to say, the tapes are being made by something from outer space, and the movie's not afraid to get as wildly melodramatic as those old-fashioned sci-fi movies loved to do.

"Come on, enjoy the movie!" - Mr. Denver

Lots of this

I think the third act actually kind-of falls apart. Sure, there's explosions and suspense as Cosmo and the gang uncover more of the global brainwashing conspiracy, but it feels needlessly convoluted compared to the more straight-forward story we had before.
If you've been craving to watch a movie in which people are constantly watching a movie about people watching a movie, then this is perfect for you. Otherwise, it was just a fun "one time" watch that I'll likely forget.

Be sure not to miss:
- A very goofy S&M suit.
- The "Remote Control" display lets out a constant stream of epic bleep-bloops.
- Jennifer Tilly has a part near the start.
- Rewind patrol used to be a thing.

Internet review:
"A configured mess of reticulated beauty." - YumYum

Should I watch it?
It's fun, but far from a classic.

Where can I find it?
Links here.

Remote Control gets...