The Last Blockbuster is a documentary about the beginning and mostly end of video rental stores, Blockbuster as the biggest corporate chain of these, and the last surviving store in Bend, OR. The movie uses talking head interviews from various b and c-list celebrities, archival footage, and 'real-time' footage following Sandi the manager of the Bend store as she works tirelessly to keep the store afloat.
Part nostalgic investigation, part feature length episode of VH1's 'I Love The 90's!' there is a lot to love about this little documentary. From a formal standpoint it does nothing new, all the standard pieces are there, but the subject matter is so specific and so fringe when it was once so ubiquitous it makes for an intriguing look back for those born prior to 1990 and a bizarre time capsule for those born after.
The movie is far from hard hitting but there is some interesting points and musings about corporatization, the value of community space, the attraction of physical media, and the currency of culture prior to the digital age.
I love letter to the video store and a celebration of the lone Blockbuster that has held firm.
Available to rent on most VOD platforms.
Rent It.
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