In this love letter to the era of the video store, Nyla brings in a collection of films to quite possibly the last video store on earth only to discover she has the legendary ‘cursed tape’. A film that holds the power to connect the real world to the dimension where movie fantasy exists as reality. Nyla and the video store owner unwittingly awaken a long-dormant curse that unleashes a series of classic cinematic villains plucked from the bowels of the B-movies themselves. With Kevin Martin, Yaayaa Adams, Matthew Kennedy, Josh Lenner and Leland Tilden.

“A meta-horror blast of nostalgia about how loving movies can be both a blessing and a curse.” (Slashfilm)

“If you unabashedly love bad B-movies, ‘The Last Video Store’ pays respect to the VHS obsessives with an effective story about what happens when the drive-in characters decide to fight back.” (Dread Central)

“It’s all a glorious ode to the schlocky titles we loved in the ‘80s, right down to the simple visual and practical effects. Think Charles Band meets early Sam Raimi, and you won’t be far off.” (Starburst)

“With a setting based on star Kevin Martin’s beloved cult video store The Lobby, THE LAST VIDEO STORE is a loving homage to the homegrown Canuxploitation, direct-to-video ’90s sci-fi, and the rough-hewn potboilers that adorn its shelves. The feature debut of directing duo Cody Kennedy and Tim Rutherford, who produced a bunch of outrageous shorts filmed at The Lobby under the moniker House of Heathens, THE LAST VIDEO STORE is genre cinema lovingly crafted by true aficionados.” (Fantastic Fest, 2023)

Directors Cody Kennedy and Tim Rutherford will be in attendance for intro and post-show Q&A!

Thursday, October 24
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THE LAST VIDEO STORE (Cody Kennedy & Tim Rutherford, 2023 / 82 mins / NR) A young woman who is unknowingly in possession of a legendary “cursed tape” takes a collection of old video tapes to a video store. She and the store owner re-awake its curse, which leads to the release of a raft of cinematic villains.

*Must be 18+ for entry. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
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*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.