The Last Video Store

The Betoota Advocate & Alexei

<p>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.</p> <p>The rental combo is:<br>1 x New Release<br>2 x Weeklies<br>1 x Staff Pick</p> <p> </p> <p>Follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">@lastvideostorebetoota</a></p>

  • 26 minutes 39 seconds
    Baz Luhrmann is EPiC! (Yes, this week’s guest is Baz Luhrmann!)

    What an immense privilege to chat with true visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann about his new film EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT. Baz's maximalist imagination meets its perfect subject and energizes the mythology of Presley. It’s like a cinematic mosaic that evokes legend. Epic is a truly mesmerizing concert film and an inspired step into factual filmmaking and documentary storytelling - it’s safe to say Alexei, the ever the Elvis tragic, absolutely frothed it.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    11 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 59 minutes 44 seconds
    REWIND: The Weekly Planet’s Mr Sunday Movies &amp; Nick Mason love JOHN WICK, TRUE LIES and RONIN

    On our last REWIND episode, we’re taking a look back at probably our most downloaded episode of all time! 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.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    4 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 47 minutes 31 seconds
    REWIND: The Surprising Films That Inspired The Philippou Brother's Horror Hit BRING HER BACK

    We’re revisiting our hilarious and insightful chat with filmakers and twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou! Their latest film, BRING HER BACK is an emotionally resonant horror exploration of grief and loss that, in many ways, surpasses their remarkable debut. Starring Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (THE SHAPE OF WATER), Billy Barrat (RESPONSIBLE CHILD), Jonah Wren Phillips (HOW TO MAKE GRAVY) and newcomer Sora Wong, BRING HER BACK is poised to be the horror event of 2025. It’s more than a pleasure to have RackaRacka peruse the shelves of the Last Video Store and pick out some of the films that influenced them. 

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    28 January 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    REWIND: Jonathan Rhys Meyers is one of the biggest film lovers we've ever met

    Next up in our REWIND series, where we look back at some of our most popular and memorable episodes, it’s film star Jonathan Rhys Meyers! He’s 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 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).

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre)

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    21 January 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 38 seconds
    REWIND: Angela White, the Meryl Streep of P*rn

    With perhaps more films in The Last Video Store than any other performer (all located behind the beaded curtain), what better episode to rewind to than our chat with legendary adult film superstar Angela White. The AVN Hall of Famer was the first to win Female Performer of the Year 3 times in a row earner her the honorary moniker the Meryl Streep of porn.

    From modern crime masterpieces, a bonafide video store cult classic and a relationship drama with unsimulated sex Alexei weaves the perfect staff pick for Angela.Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre)

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    14 January 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 14 seconds
    REWIND: AARON CHEN discovers the ultimate cult film

    We’re kicking off the new year re-releasing some of our favourite episodes. And what better way to hit rewind than with our wonderful AARON CHEN!

    Beloved comedian and dearest friend Aaron Chen joins Alexei in the Last Video Store to reminisce and pick up a combo of his favourite films. Aaron selects one of the great martial arts comedies, an iconic masterpiece of dystopian speculative fiction and a newly returned New Release title PLUS Alexei slips in an Ozlpoitation staff pick for him.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026 (https://comedy.com.au/tour/alexei-toliopoulos/)Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd (https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/) for all the rental combo lists.

    Come see ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club January 24th (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/saturday-film-club-all-about-my-mother-todo-sobre-mi-madre)

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/) for all of our guests picks.

    7 January 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    The Best Films of 2025 - Documentaries, Australian Films, Comedies and Honourable Mentions

    Once again we’re celebrating some of the best films, movies and cinema of 2025 with Melbourne International Film Festival programmer and film critic Kate Jinx. This time we’re diving into the best documentaries, Australian films, comedies and honourable mentions.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

    22 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    The 10 Best Films of 2025

    Celebrating some of the best films, movies and cinema of 2025 with Melbourne International Film Festival programmer and film critic Kate Jinx. Join us again next week for another bonus episode discussing the best documentaries, Australian films, comedies and honourable mentions.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

    PICKS: Sinners, One Battle After Another, The Mastermind, Sorry Baby, Peter Hujar’s Day, Harvest, The Secret Agent, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Marty Supreme, It Was Just an Accident

    Thanks to Dan Murphy’s for making this episode happen! Nobody Beats Dan Murphy’s. Lowest Liquor Price Guarantee. Found it cheaper? We’ll beat it. T&Cs apply. Shop in-store or online at danmurphys.com.au. Choose to DrinkWise.

    18 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 48 seconds
    MEG MAC tells the funniest story about loving Shrek

    One of Australia’s most gifted singer songwriters, Meg Mac stops by The Last Video Store to chat to Alexei in the middle of a tour intimate pop up gigs. With songs like Roll Up Your Sleeves and Low Blows, Meg has been able to tap into lyrical feelings that resonate so deeply. Her next album ITS MY PARTY is another display of immense talent for musical storytelling. What we didn’t expect from this chat was for Meg to make Alexei laugh harder than possibly any other guest.

    Pick up tickets to Alexei’s comedy festival tour of his new show VHS in 2026

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

    PICKS
    MEG: Better Man, Toy Story, Good Morning Vietnam
    STAFF PICK: Popeye (1980)

    10 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 47 minutes 4 seconds
    JOHN POLSON Directed Robert De Niro and Created Tropfest

    Salute a true soldier of cinema with today’s guest JOHN POLSON. He starred opposite Tom Cruise in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2, directed DeNiro and Dakota Fanning in HIDE AND SEEK, and helped launch the careers of many with the behemoth short film fest TROPFEST. Good news is, TROPFEST is back!

    If you’re a filmmaker, submissions are open now until January 8th, 2026. For more info, hit up Tropfest.com

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

    PICKS (only because a few people have asked very nicely)
    JOHN: Weapons (2025), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kramer vs Kramer (1979)
    STAFF PICK: Nobody’s Fool (1994)

    3 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 37 seconds
    NICK WARD is Aus music’s biggest cinephile and a Tom Cruise fanatic

    A breakthrough artist collaborating with the likes of Troye Sivan, Nick Ward has recently actualised his film obsessed dreams… composing the score for the upcoming John Lithgow & Olivia Coleman film JIMPA. Nick also has the rare distinction of supplying the Last Video Store with some great film donations from his private collection. A true blessing!

    Listen to Nick Ward’s stunning album THE HOUSE WITH THE BLUE DOOR

    Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd for all the rental combo lists.

    Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram for all of our guests picks.

    PICKS (only because a few people have asked very nicely)
    NICK: The Beast (2024), Morvern Callar (2002), Risky Business (1983), Magnolia (1999), The Color of Money (1986)
    STAFF PICK: The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973)

    00:03:04 INTRO

    00:09:23 NEW RELEASE - THE BEAST

    00:16:39 WEEKYL - morvern callar

    00:25:44 Risky business

    00:30:31 MAGNOLIA

    00:35:39 Color of money

    00:41:07 STAFF PICK - the hour glass sanatorium

    00:46:32 OUTRO

    26 November 2025, 5:00 pm
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