Maximum Film!

Film critic and podcast bon vivant (and Stephen King movie buff) William Bibbiani (Critically Acclaimed Network) joins us to take a look at the latest King adaptation, a movie told in three parts, backwards (and in heels). Then we get Hall of Excellence results and draw inspiration from a listener’s unexpected movie tattoo.What’s GoodAlonso - anti-ICE protests in “Red” statesDrea - Bentonville Film Festival (screening Heightened Scrutiny)Bibbs - Maximum Film! hostsKevin - Cinespia seasonITIDICPedro Almodovar’s Next Film will be a Christmas MovieWarner Bros. Discovery to Split into Two CompaniesVariety Editorial: No One in the Movies Stays Dead AnymoreStaff PicksAlonso - Cobra Woman (see him screen it in person on June 14, 2025!)Drea - DropBibbs - River (don’t watch it on Amazon, the subtitles get out of sync)Kevin - Silver Streak Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Wes Anderson’s latest film has no shortage of charts and plans. Our guest, Matt Zoller Seitz, helps guide us through THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, and warns us about emotional land mines (which, in fact, we might actually want to step on? It’ll make sense in context.) Then we nominate our favorite filmed father/daughter dynamics to the Hall of Excellence.What’s GoodAlonso - bitching about the new season of AND JUST LIKE THAT…Drea - your friends meetingMatt - The Life of ChuckKevin - The Traitors AustraliaITIDICDisney delaying next two Avengers filmsParamount Plans Celebrations for 30th Anniversary of ‘Clueless’2025’s Domestic Box Office ChatStaff PicksAlonso - MountainheadMatt - Deaf President Now & Sharp CornerDrea - Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)Kevin - Mazes & MonstersVisit the arts bookstore at Mzs.press Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

How many reckonings will Ethan Hunt face? More importantly, how many planes can he fly at once? None of these questions are answered in today’s discussion, but many more are raised and addressed as we consider Tom Cruise & Co.’s most Impossible Mission yet. We’re joined by special guest Billy Ray Brewton, whose new documentary Coroner to the Stars is cleaning up at festivals as we speak. Then we pitch some new (?) ideas for blockbuster franchise reboots based on old TV shows.What’s GoodDrea - Meat RaffleBilly Ray - Audience Award at Mammoth Lakes Film FestivalKevin - Trader Joe’s has cheap wine, you guys!ITIDICRichard Linklater’s Ode to Godard Sells at Cannes…To NetflixGoogle Financing Short Films to Make AI Seem Less “Doomsday”Staff PicksDrea - SinnersBilly Ray - Pee-Wee as HimselfKevin - Mission: Impossible 3 Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Final Destination Bloodlines might be your sixth FD or your first (or maybe, like Kevin and Drea, you aren't confident about which ones you've seen or not). For our guest writer, filmmaker, and genre-film expert BJ Colangelo, Final Destination is THE horror franchise, making her the perfect lead for our metaphorical dance with Death. After we discuss the film, we honor the late Tony Todd by talking about our favorite "horror oracles."What’s Good?Alonso - Étoile (the new show from Amy Sherman-Paladino & Daniel Paladino, on Prime)Drea - Mission Impossible franchise rewatchBJ - Cash’s high school graduationKevin - Kara Morgan’s one woman show, Inner VoicesITIDICMax is HBO Max AgainClarksdale, MS, Setting for SINNERS, Petitions for Special ScreeningTubi Has a New Category Filled With Classic Movies From the Criterion CollectionHere’s the teaser trailer for Final Destination Bloodlines (as Alonso mentioned)Staff PicksDrea - Jane Austen Wrecked My LifeAlonso - Caught by the TidesBJ - The Ugly StepsisterKevin - Open WaterSleep Away Camp book, written by BJ and Harmony ColangeloThis Ends at Prom podcast Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Tim Robinson (of I Think You Should Leave fame) hits the big screen in Andrew DeYoung’s feature debut. He’s becoming buds with Paul Rudd, but don’t call it a bromance – call it ‘Friendship.’ We’ve got a friend of our own joining us: comedian Michelle Biloon. After the movie chat, we’ll discuss some memorable drug trip/fever dream movie sequences. What’s GoodAlonso - Season 2 of Poker FaceDrea - Bentonville Film Festival Lineup AnnouncedMichelle - free airplane gin secondsKevin - Jill Sobule’s musicITIDICCatholic Cardinals Reportedly Consulted ‘Conclave’ Film Ahead of Vote for Next PopeCinecittà on Track to Build the Biggest One-Stop-Shop in EuropeMilestone Films Will Be Given AwayStaff PicksAlonso - I Love You ManDrea - Queen of the RingMichelle - Nice Girls Don’t ExplodeKevin - Avengers: EndgameAvengers: Engame audience reaction videoMichelle’s albums are:Permanent HatYou Can Be an Asshole Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s episode 401 and we’ve reassembled, now with Kevin Avery at the helm. Back in the guest chair is the familiar voice of Jordan Morris, Maximum Fun superstar and writer of TV and comics. And the movie is Thunderbolts* , the MCU’s little gang of misfits film that just might have what it takes to make you feel again.** Then we’ll have a movie quiz to test our memories of MCU Phases past.What’s GoodAlonso - “my first dump salad”Drea - WhatsApp + voicenotes = “friendship podcast”Jordan - The River Has Roots by Amal El-MohtarKevin - Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelITIDICSpike Lee’s New Film, Which Reunites Him With Denzel, To Premiere at CannesOscar Voters Have to Watch the Movies NowStaff PicksDrea - SacramentoAlonso - Godard’s King Lear (Wiki)Kevin - Magic Mike XXLJordan - Black Bag*yes we’re still calling it that**about Marvel movies specifically. General depression reduction not guaranteed. But hey, worth a shot! Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s been a long time…and a sizeable chunk of this podcast! We’re preparing a hell of a party this week, as we hit 400, Ify cruises into the sunset as host, and we finally cover the original supernatural drama that film nerd dreams are made of, Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS. We’ve got past guest and IRL Ify bud Cody Ziglar riding shotgun this week to boot! And we dream up what some serious films might be like if we threw some vampires into the mix.What’s GoodAlonso - Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (especially Nancy Silverton’s)Drea - “How long does it actually take” TikToksZig - Tom Cruise coconut cake from Doan’s Bakery (+Ify mentions King’s rainbow cake)Ify - NeotropolisIfy’s Staff Picks on LetterboxdRyan Coogler Aspect ratio videoStaff PicksAlonso - Red RoomsDrea - Let the Right One In (and Green Room)Zig - Assault on Precinct 13 and From Dusk Till DawnIfy - From Dusk Till DawnThanks to our sponsor, Good Story Guild! Listen to In Media Res wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’ve got the fabulous Parvesh Cheena here, once again on the gaysian movie beat! This time around, it’s Andrew Ahn’s THE WEDDING BANQUET, which reimagines and modernizes the core story of a nearly unseeable 1993 Ang Lee film (maybe try your local library?). It’s a complicated relationship comedy between two queer couples, and two of their matriarchs. Plus, we choose which classic films we’d like to see get a queer remake (besides all of them).What’s GoodAlonso - TCM FestivalDrea - Drag Race finale, TV as a group activityParvesh - More Drag RaceIfy - Temptation Island (see also: Montoya Por Favor)ITIDICSINNERS is the first horror movie to receive an ‘A’ Cinema ScoreWicked’s VOD “Bonus Features” Are Getting Tons of PlaysStaff PicksDrea - The Half of ItAlonso - Art for EverybodyParv - A Nice Indian BoyIfy - Crouching Tiger Hidden DragonSee Parvesh in Trauma Play at IAMA Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Our own Mr. January, Kevin Avery, joins the crew IRL (!!!) for an episode all about one of Ify’s favorite movies, The Big Lebowski. With a foursome made up of half long-time Little Lebowskis and half newcomers to the film, we’re tackling a much-memorized Coen Classic with fresh(ish) eyes. Plus, some Very Big Show News and a rundown of movies we can’t shut up about.This in-studio episode happened because of members who supported Maximum Film! In the latest MaxFunDrive. Check out the video version of the episode on MaxFun’s YouTube page!What’s GoodAlonso - Right-on pudding (Petit Pot)Drea - Davy Mayer’s alder win in Madison, WIKevin - The Traitors UKIfy - Latex jumpsuitITIDICOscars Add a Category Honoring Stunts for 2027Meta and Blumhouse Are Bringing a Second Screen Experience to CinemasCinema Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Films Opens in LondonStaff PicksIfy - The AmateurAlonso - A Minecraft MovieKevin - Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part OneDrea - Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and a Great Dane named Bing star alongside a lot of terrific character actors in this adaptation of the 2018 National Book Award-winning novel by Sigrid Nunez. Is it your run of the mill pet movie, or something more? While we’re (topically) in New York City, we thought we’d collect some nominees for the Hall of Excellence!What’s GoodAlonso - Michael G. Lee’s biography of Randy Shilts, When the Band Played OnDrea - Miss Eggy’s live television momentIfy - Wayfair delivery journeyITIDICYoung Moviegoers Are Making a Ruckus at Minecraft Movie ScreeningsTangled Live-Action Remake Gets Put on PauseA New Arthouse Cinema is Opening in ManhattanHall of ExcellenceInto the Spiderverse (possibly any Spiderman)Sweet Smell of SuccessDo the Right ThingStaff PicksDrea - A NICE INDIAN BOYAlonso - PLAY IT AS IT LAYSIfy - MARLEY AND ME Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Cate Blanchett, her wardrobe, Michael Fassbender, Rege-Jean Page, that house, Pierce Brosnan…there are so many nice things to look at in Steven Soderbergh’s new spy thriller, in theaters and already out on streaming now. The caper moves along, but does it move us? Find out with film critic and writer Kristen Lopez. Then we name some of our favorite movie marriages.What’s Good?Alonso - A stunt in the senate, finallyDrea - uptick in black cat adoption (thanks, Flow)Kristen - Finishing Women in Love for her forthcoming bookIfy - Catsitting for Gotrek and FelixITIDICSundance Moving to Boulder!Studios Making Money From Fake AI Trailers on YouTubeStaff PicksAlonso - An Unfinished FilmDrea - The Ballad of Wallis IslandKristen - The Goodbye GirlIfy - Léon: The Professional Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It's the end of the MaxFunDrive! Support this show directly (and any others on the network, if you wish!) at MaximumFun.org/joinWe're covering a movie that started out as a noteworthy Sundance debut from director Elijah Bynum, but later became noteable for much less fun reasons. While we attempt to separate art from artist -- in this case, star Jonathan Majors -- the film's intensity and dark subject matter don't make that a simple task. We've got writer and comedian David Gborie with us to assist. Then, we go through some of the non-horror movies that most freaked us out.What’s GoodAlonso - Luke Macfarlane’s Home Is Where the Heart IsDrea - Nature videos for cats as backgroundDavid - PM Dawn Radio while cyclingIfy - Buff dude’s morning routine video (and comments)ITIDIC‘Coyote vs. Acme’ May Be Rescued from WB Purgatory After AllHollywood Director Charged with Defrauding Netflix for $11mEmerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Being Shot in VistavisionStaff PicksDrea - Teddy BearAlonso - On Becoming a Guinea FowlDavid - Polite SocietyIfy - Pumping Iron Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

For way, way, way more Bonus Content, become a member! All you have to do is go to MaxiumumFun.org/join. Your membership money goes straight to the creators of the podcasts you love!With Ify Nwadiwe, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, and Stuart Wellington (of The Flop House). Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Now's the time to join us and help us keep the show rolling: maximumfun.org/join!Is an "American" Bong Joon-ho movie a different beast than a "Korean" Bong Joon-ho movie? We have friend of the show. #1 Drea fan, and New Yorker TV critic Inkoo Kang with us to consider the possibilities. Then we pitch a few more movies that could benefit from Mickey 17's "multiples" treatment.What's Good?Alonso - Frozen puff pastryInkoo - end-of-winter coziness appreciationDrea - Lee Meridith’s ZineITIDICUtah’s Hopes Of Keeping Sundance Threatened By Anti-Pride Flag BillSAG-AFTRA Reaffirms Commitment to DiversityStaff PicksInkoo - KluteAlonso - Mickey OneDrea - Bob Trevino Likes ItInkoo freaks should head to inkoo.substack.com! Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!!Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re commemorating the 25th anniversary of the time director Mary Harron and co-writer Guinevere Turner adapted AMERICAN PSYCHO for the screen and tossed in an extra dose of feminist rage and humor, with the help of Christian Bale and a stunning cast of your favorite character actors. With Stuart Wellington of The Flop House! Then, we’ll work together to try and name the top 10 domestic box office movies of 2000.What’s GoodAlonso - “a strong name” at Gusto BreadDrea - Farmacy’s The Honey GrailStuart - Triangle Agency RulebookIfy - JoCo CruiseITIDIC“IRL Movie Club” Encourages Cinema-going & Conversation‘Hundreds of Beavers’ Crosses $1 Million at the Box OfficeAppleTV+ Turned Down Offers to Release Killers of the Flower Moon on BlurayStaff PicksAlonso - Charlie SaysDrea - EephusStuart - Blue SteelIfy - The Perfect StormStuart’s Twitch Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Sylvester Stewart, aka Sly Stone, aka the driving force behind Sly and the Family Stone, makes a complex subject for Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s latest documentary, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). Music and pop culture writer/professor (and one time co-host of MaxFun alumna podcast Heat Rocks) Oliver Wang is with us to take a closer look. Then we'll give Questlove some (probably unneeded, but good!) ideas for his next doc.What’s GoodDrea - painting You Tube channelsOliver - The Altons, Heartache in Room 14Alonso - Woodworking by Emily St. JamesITIDICOscars 2025 WinnersSean Baker’s acceptance speech (re: theatrical experience)CinemaStream parody adMany DVDs from Warner Bros No Longer WorkMore about the InterrotronStaff PicksDrea - Searching for Sugar ManOliver - The Karate KidAlonso - Grand Theft HamletOliver’s Upcoming Exhibit: Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Finally, years after taking the reins from Steve Rogers, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson finally gets his turn on the big screen. And he’s being asking to work with an impulsive, angry president with a history of abuse of power. Sounds like some juicy fodder, right? Right, Disney’s Marvel?? Austin Taylor from Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries joins us to unpack what’s going on. Then, we name some favorite “fun” movies that have something important to say.What’s Good?Alonso - Rachel Maddow chastising MSNBC over Joy ReidDrea - Jane Fonda’s SAG Life Achievement Acceptance SpeechAustin - Beating strangers at Magic (the Gathering)Ify - Timothee’s SAG speechITIDICSpirit Awards Recap!Amazon Now Has Creative Control of James Bond FranchiseNicole Kidman has worked with 19 Female Directors in the past 8 yearsStaff PicksAlonso - The Spook Who Sat By the DoorDrea - Soundtrack to a Coup D’EtatAustin - Princess MononokeIfy - Air Force One Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Could there be a tougher act to follow than Paddington 2? With a new director, a new Mrs. Brown, and a new continent to explore, we’ll see if this bear is able to reach his former heights. We’re joined by writer and film critic Abby Olcese, whose new book is called Films for All Seasons.What’s GoodAlonso - 25th anniversary of Coyote Ugly (and the fire benefit screening of it)Drea - hair brushingAbby - cat cuddles and True/False Film FestIfy - Minnesota tripITIDICAwards Season in Full Swing, with BAFTAs, WGA Awards, and HMU Awards all Last WeekendDisney+ Rewording, Shortening Its Content Warnings on Old FilmsNEON Still Sends Out a Coveted DVD Box Set of ScreenersWKUK sketch referenced (totally legally)Hall of Excellence NomineesDrea: LoganAlonso: GoldfingerAbby: Die Hard With a VengeanceIfy: Toy Story 3Staff PicksAlonso: …Coyote UglyDrea: JazzyAbby: Universal LanguageIfy: Flow Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It's the latest star turn for former Ify Nwadiwe co-star Timothée Chalamet! We're joined by musician and educator Enrique Chi (of the appropriately-named band Making Movies) with us to share notes on the Bob Dylan origin story that isn't really an origin story at all. Then we'll have fun pitching our own ideas for musical biopics.What’s GoodAlonso - Erotic Vagrancy by Roger LewisDrea - 5Calls.orgEnrique - arts as public healthIfy - youngest brother’s bachelor weekendThe Super Bowl was on…Tubi (and here was Tubi’s ad)Prince’s Estate Has Blocked the Release of a New DocumentaryPharrell and Gondry Musical Scrapped“The Prince We Never Knew” (Sasha Weiss’s NYT article)Staff PicksAlonso - I’m Not ThereDrea - SuzeEnrique - QuincyIfy - SelenaCheck out Enrique’s band, Making Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

From a fun little Cannes oddity to an Oscar mega-nominee…and (ahem) beyond, EMILIA PÉREZ has had quite the journey. It’s also made the journey into the eyeballs of our three hosts and their esteemed guest, writer (of essays, books, TV, and now a novel!) Emily St. James. Everyone lived to tell the tale, but not in song…but don’t worry, we have musical content in the form of a movie quiz about movie musicals that sound unmakeable.What’s GoodAlonso - weekly Christmas cookie trialsDrea - Bookshop.org now has e-books (Preorder Woodworking by Emily St. James!)Emily - Woodworking :: Sabrina CarpenterIfy - Being back!B.J. Colangelo’s Slashfilm article (referenced by Ify)Staff PicksAlonso - I’m Still HereDrea - CompanionEmily - You Are Not MeIfy - Johanne SacrebleuPodcast Like It’s the 2000s Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

THE BRUTALIST has been catching accolades, awards noms, and headlines. But who is László Tóth? What's the deal with Brutalism? And is any movie worth 215 minutes of your life? These answers and more, with Kendra Gaylord, architecture YouTuber and host of Someone Lived Here. Plus, Oscars chat, and we talk about the movie houses we'd most like to move into.What's Good?Alonso - the rise of the repertory screeningDrea - secret safeword partyKendra - USPS announces Goodnight Moon stampsMarissa - cinephile babysitting friend WillKevin - Lego therapyJohn Lautner’s Garcia HouseBOOM!’s Villa GoforthKendra’s Witch House VideoStaff PicksDrea - The New BauhausAlonso - ColumbusKevin - The Court JesterKendra - The House From…This episode is hosted by Kevin Avery. THANK YOU, KEVIN! Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Did Keke crush it and SZA sizzle?! This is but one question on this week’s show. Another? Plus, “Drea, Alonso and Kevin bring on “Bring It On”” is a sentence that makes little to no sense. It will make more sense after you listen to the episode. Fine. They reveal the female buddy comedies that made each of them LOL. But literally made them laugh out loud.What’s GoodAlonso - Electronic Frontier Foundation article Mad at Meta?Drea - Ayoh Dill Pickle MayoKevin - Beetle HouseITIDICFilm and TV Production In L.A. Was Already Plummeting. Wildfires May Hasten the ExodusDavid LynchStaff PicksDrea - UnstoppableAlonso - PresenceKevin - Captain America: Winter SoldierMentioned in the episodeKyle MacLachlan NYT obit for David LynchDungeons & Dragons Twenty-Sided TavernProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

With a city in flames, four individuals come together to confront Hard Truths. Kirby Howell-Baptiste (“The Good Place”, “Killing Eve”) joins us from London to talk Mike Leigh’s latest film “Hard Truths”. Wildfires have claimed historic Hollywood landmarks. And movies that capture the locations they’re set in perfectly. What’s GoodAlonso - Watch Duty appDrea - An “adult Scholastic book fair”Kirby Howell-Baptiste - Tina Lifford’s book The Little Book of Big LiesKevin - KindnessITIDICHollywood landmarks destroyed by the firesAwards Shows Postponed due to the firesMovies That Capture Locations PerfectlyKirby - Uncut Gems & Shaun of the DeadAlonso - True Stories & Dr. T and the WomenDrea - Young Adult and NebraskaKevin - Beat Street Staff PicksAlonso - Career GirlsDrea - Sing Sing and Grand Theft HamletKevin - Spy GameKirby - We StrangersFollow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeKevin AveryKirby Howell-BaptisteProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s Maximum Horny on today’s Maximum Film. We are looking at the 2024 erotic thriller(?), Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman, written and directed by Halina Reijn. Our returning guest today is filmmaker, writer, comedian, and the host of the It’s Always Halloween Podcast, Lucé Tomlin-Brenner.What’s Good:Alonso - Squid GamesDrea - The 2024 Hater’s Guide To The Williams-Sonoma CatalogLucé - Keeping Letterboxd Clean in 2025Kevin - The Bob Bakker Maronite theaterThis Week's ITIDICs:1. Melania Trump Documentary Directed By Brett Ratner Bound For Prime Video2. Netflix Is Telling Writers to Dumb Down Shows Since Viewers Are on Their Phones3. If you cry while watching movies, it is probably a sign of your emotional strengthStaff Picks:Drea - Good Luck To You Leo GrandAlonso - Hope SpringsLucé - Secret CeremonyKevin - The LookoutPlugs!Listen to It’s Always Halloween!Check out more of Lucè!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are looking at the 2024 film, Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, based off the 2019 Colson Whitehead book of the same name. Plus we look at other films covering lesser known historical events. Our guest today is the talented director and writer, Tristán T.A. Hill. What’s Good:Drea - LED face mask/cat snuggle comboTristan - New doc he directed: Game Maker's Journey | "Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water"Ify - White Elephant gift partyStaff Picks:Drea - A Fire InsideTristan - ConclaveIfy - Fruitvale StationPlugs!Watch Game Maker's Journey | "Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water" Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The end of the year is upon us and we’re here to talk about our favorite films of 2024 aka the BEST films of the year.What’s Good:Alonso - TCM New Year’s programmingDrea - More lookalike contestsIfy - Friends’ weddingPlugs! Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Bound hosted by Ify, December 28th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Magic Mike XXL hosted by Ify, December 30th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Today we are looking at the 2024 film, Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller, based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder of the same name, starring Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, and beautiful pack of pooches. Plus we are looking at other films that portray motherhood in a more complicated light. Writer and director, Mo Perkins, joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - Going to Wawa for the first time!Mo - Klara and the Sun by Kazuo IshiguroDrea - Being on BlueskyThis Week's ITIDICs:1. Even After ‘Kraven the Hunter’ and ‘Madame Web,’ Sony’s Marvel Movies Aren’t Dead (EXCLUSIVE)2. Zoe Saldaña Feels Actors Who Use CGI for Roles Are Often Overlooked for Awards3. Anne Hathaway Is ‘Desperate’ to Star in a Christmas Movie: ‘That’s a Weird Bucket List Thing’ Christmas Movie Minute:ChrismessFollowing Yonder StarSugar PlumThe Santa ClassStaff Picks:Alonso - The BrutalistMo - My Old AssDrea - Holiday In HandcuffsPlugs!Come see Alonso intro Carol and sign books at the American Cinematheque THIS SUNDAY (December 22nd, at 7pm in Los Angeles)! Come see Holiday Hornyfest: A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy hosted by Ify! Today, December 13th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Shortbus hosted by Ify, December 21st at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Bound hosted by Ify, December 28th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Magic Mike XXL hosted by Ify, December 30th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Today we’re looking at the 2024 period drama, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs of the same name. Plus, we are looking at other straight action stars who have portrayed queer characters on screen. Senior Culture Writer for Newsweek, H. Alan Scott, joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - A City Full of Hawks by Stephen RebelloDrea - Slow Dance by Rainbow RowellH. Alan - HashbrownsIfy - Hating Spirit AirlinesThis Week's ITIDICs:82nd annual Golden Globes Announced!The Best Movies of 2024, According to John WatersOlivia Wilde Talks Choosing Art Over Audience Approval: “I Don’t Make Movies So People Love Them”Christmas Movie Minute:Seasons Greetings From Cherry LaneChristmas On CallThat ChristmasThe Holiday ClubStaff Picks:Alonso - Kraven the HunterDrea - September 5H.Alan - The BirdcageIfy - Holiday Hornyfest at Vidiots this month! See links below to every screening!Plugs!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy hosted by Ify! Today, December 13th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Shortbus hosted by Ify, December 21st at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Bound hosted by Ify, December 28th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Magic Mike XXL hosted by Ify, December 30th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Today we are looking at 2024’s hit musical movie adaptation, Wicked: Part I, directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Plus we hear from the listener looking for movie recs while they recover from surgery. Author Paul Miles Schneider (The Silver Shoes trilogy) joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - BFI Classic’s 3 Women by Justin WyattDrea - Spirit Awards 2024 nominationsPaul - Thanksgiving up in the Pacific NorthwestIfy - Thanksgiving meal (Al Pastor Turkey)This Week's ITIDICs:1. Thanksgiving Box Office Record: ‘Moana 2’ Scores Dazzling $225 Million Debut, ‘Wicked’ Adds Huge $118 Million2. Sebastian Stan’s Variety ‘Actors on Actors’ Halted Because No Other Talent Wants to Talk About Trump3. ‘Wolfs’ Director Jon Watts Tells Apple: No Sequel, I Don’t Trust YouChristmas Movie Minute:Holiday TouchdownTo Have & To HolidayChristmas Under The LightsA 90s ChristmasDeck The WallsStaff Picks:Alonso - The Gathering (1977)Drea - Hard TruthsPaul - Miracle of Marcelino (in Spanish)Ify - The WizPlugs!Get the Silver Shoes trilogy from Paul Miles Schneider!Los Angeles! Come see Alonso, this Saturday, December 7th at Vidiots doing a book signing and introducing the Hitchcock film, Rope, at 4:15pm!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are looking at 2024’s Gladiator II, a sequel to the original 2000 film, also directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. Plus we look at the Top Turkeys of 2024 and our favorite Legacy Sequels. Writer and comedian, Kevin Avery (The Great North, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - Disco: Music, Movies, and Mania under the Mirror Ball by Frank DecaroDrea - Embracing sneakersKevin - Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam HigginbothamIfy - Kendrick Lamar’s new album, GNXChristmas Movie Minute:Saint Nick of BethlehemA Novel NoelUnwrapping Christmas: Lily's DestinyMistletoe MurdersChristmas in the SpotlightStaff Picks:Alonso - NutcrackersDrea - Maria/Maria by CallasKevin - Crimson TideIfy - Red One Plugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are looking at the 2024 Netflix adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning August Wilson play, The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington, starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, and Samuel L. Jackson. Plus we take a music-movie quiz written by Steven Ray Morris. Emmy-winning film and television producer, Shelby Stone, joins us.What’s Good:Drea - Celebrity Look Alike CompetitionsShelby - Not Snowing or Freezing on the East Coast/Her petsAlonso - A Season for Soft Foods (A can of Campbells’ Cream of Chicken Soup)ITIDIC:1. Several high-profile filmmakers pull their films out of Poland’s Camerimage Film Festival following a Misogynist op-ed written by the festival’s founder and head Marek Żydowicz.- https://deadline.com/2024/11/coralie-fargeat-the-substance-camerimage-marek-zydowicz-women-cinematographers-1236178278/- https://www.thewrap.com/camerimage-festival-jury-we-wholeheartedly-support-gender-inclusivity/- https://deadline.com/2024/11/steve-mcqueen-blitz-camerimage-film-festival-2024-marek-zydowicz-female-cinematographers-1236174179/2. Anna Kendrick Felt ‘Gross’ Making Money Off ‘Woman of the Hour,’ Donated All Her Pay to Anti-Violence Charities: ‘Felt Like the Least I Could Do’3. Pop-Loving Beauty Brand E.l.f. Cosmetics Launches Production ArmChristmas Movie Minute:Festival of TreesTis the Season to be IrishChristmas with the SinghsJingle Bell RunConfessions of a Christmas LetterHot FrostyStaff Picks:Drea - FlowShelby - NightbitchAlonso - Carnage for ChristmasPlugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are taking a look at A24’s 2024 spiritual horror film, Heretic, starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East about two Mormon missionaries whose faith is tested by a seemingly awkward, but polite man. Plus we look at more movies about playing games. Oh No, Ross and Carrie's Ross Blocher joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - Direct action and act locallyDrea - SKINCARE (medicube collagen overnight wrap and peel facial mask pack!)Ross - Moana 2Ify - Flyover Comedy Festival in St. Louis this weekend!ITIDIC:1. ‘Wicked’ Dolls: Mattel Apologizes for Mistakenly Linking to Adult Porn Site on Packaging2. Mubi Cancels Turkish Film Festival Over Istanbul City Hall ‘Queer’ Ban3. Sean Baker Says the Fight for Theatrical Before Streaming Is Now a Permanent BattleChristmas Movie Minute:Red OneFive Golden RingsSanta Tell MeHolidazed (series)Unwrapping ChristmasMistletoe MurdersStaff Picks:Drea - ConclaveAlonso - Meet Me Next ChristmasRoss - Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlIfy - SLC PunkPlugs!Oh No, Ross And Carrie on Facebook!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are taking a look at the new Steve McQueen film Blitz, the 2024 historical war drama starring Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a single mother, working in a bomb factory, and introducing Elliot Heffernan as her son, George. Plus we look at other films where characters go on a journey to find their way home again.What’s Good:Alonso - Phyllis theme songDrea - “John” sign, NYC marathonIfy - Landmark Theatres ITIDIC:1. Jennifer Lopez & Anthony Ramos Mattel Animated Movie ‘Bob The Builder’ Heading To Amazon MGM Studios – The Dish2. China’s Hishow Acquires ‘Megalopolis’; Ramps Up Slate Of Prestige Festival Titles For China Release3. Hallmark Holiday Stars Won’t Be Ignored by Hollywood Anymore: ‘I Treat Each Production Like a Martin Scorsese Film’Christmas Movie Minute:Best Christmas Pageant EverSudden Case of ChristmasMy Sweet Austrian HolidayOur Holiday StoryHoliday MismatchStaff Picks:Alonso - Christmas Eve in Miller's PointDrea - Their Finest/My Old AssIfy - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among ThievesPlugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We are taking a look at Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, the new Netflix movie focusing on the true story about serial killer Rodney Alcala’s 1978 appearance on The Dating Game. Plus we look at other true crime stories dramatized on film. Lucy Fitzgerald from Wine & Crime joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - End of Daylight Savings TimeDrea - Memorizing GeographyLucy - Going to ItalyIfy - Magic-Con ITIDIC:Newsom calls for big boost in funding for California’s film and TV tax credit, throwing Hollywood a lifelineNicole Kidman Says She’s Acting in So Many Projects Because ‘I Can Create Jobs for People’ and Help Newcomers in Hollywood‘Oregon Trail’ Action-Comedy Movie In Development at AppleChristmas Movie Minute:Hallmark MysteryChristmas CharadeFive Year Christmas PartySee You Next ChristmasStaff Picks:Alonso - Chasing Chasing AmyDrea - A Real PainLucy - True Crime Bullshit & Somewhere In The PinesIfy - Don’t BreathePlugs!Listen to Wine & CrimeHave Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Anora is a 2024 romantic-comedy (?) written and directed by Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project), starring Mikey Madison as stripper Anora Mikheeva, and follows her beleaguered romance with Vanya (Mark Eidelstein), the son of a Russian Oligarch. All that and a discussion of other films portraying sex work.What’s Good:Alonso - Christmas Movie Magic: The Game!Drea - A freshly, deep-cleaned fan (Doing the one small thing).Ify - Benadryl and When We Were Young ITIDIC:Alien: Romulus is Bringing Its Terror to VHS in DecemberMeta Teams with Blumhouse to Test Movie Gen AI ToolWho Needs Critics When You Have Influencers?Staff Picks:Alonso - Piece By PieceDrea - Compartment No. 6Ify - Smile 2Plugs!Come see The Fog and hear Alonso talk about it on October 27th at The Frida Cinema!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI’ll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Farageat, starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. The film follows a recently displaced celebrity who decides to take a secret drug that temporarily creates a younger version of herself with unexpected side effects. All that and a discussion of films that make you squirm. The one and only Katya Zamolodchikova joins us.What’s Good:Alonso - Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book by Neal E. FischerDrea - Friend Trip!Katya - Woman of the HourIfy - Biqtch Puddin Substance drag performanceITIDIC:Dueling Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce-inspired films set to debut this fall on Lifetime and HallmarkHarrison Ford Says Avoiding Marvel Roles is "Silly" When MCU Films Provide "Good Experiences for an Audience," Calls the Death of Movie Stars "Rubbish"Elon Musk accused of copying designs by I, Robot directorStaff Picks:Alonso - BasketcaseDrea - AnoraKatya - Candyman (1992)Ify - Margaret QualleyPlugs!Go see Katya live in your city (Trixie And Katya Live)!This weekend, see Alonso during the Deck The Hallmark marathon! Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Joker: Folie à Deux is the 2024 follow-up to 2019’s Joker. Directed again by Todd Phillips (of The Hangover fame originally), it stars Joaquin Phoenix (reprising the Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck), joined by musician-turned-actor Lady Gaga, playing the iconic comic book character Lee Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. All that and discussion of other musical moments in “none-musicals.”What’s Good:Alonso - Sally Field gets real.Drea - LA Voterguide 2024Ify - Corn telethon to fight Project 2025 ITIDIC:Airline apologises after R-rated Dakota Johnson film played to all passengersToxic Fandom: How Hollywood Is Battling Fans Who Are ‘Just Out for Blood’ — From Social Media Boot Camps to Superfan Focus GroupsDisney’s ‘Princess Diaries 3’ Gets Royal Treatment, Sets Adele Lim As DirectorStaff Picks:Alonso - Terrifier 3Drea - Casa Bonita Mi AmorIfy - Chicago (2002)Plugs!Purchase Corpses, Fools and MonstersThe History and Future of Transness in Cinema Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Will & Harper is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Josh Greenbaum and follows Will Ferrell and Harper Steele as the duo made a 17-day road trip across the United States discussing Harper’s transition, and their friendship. All that and discussion of other iconic friendships in cinema. Film Critic and Essayist, Willow Maclay joins us!What’s Good:Alonso - Texas State FairDrea - Free Covid testsWillow - Spooky double features at The Brattle on October 8th and 9thIfy - Wasteland FestivalITIDIC:James Cameron Joins Board of Stability AI in Coup for Tech FirmSAG-AFTRA Launches Bid to Organize Intimacy CoordinatorsLionsgate Offering Employees Voluntary Severance Amid “Disrupted Business Environment” Staff Picks:Alonso - Tea With The DamesDrea - It's What's InsideWillow - The Silence of The LambsIfy - The SubstancePlugs!Purchase Corpses, Fools and MonstersThe History and Future of Transness in Cinema Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

After undergoing facial-reconstructive surgery, Edward becomes fixated on an actor in a stage production based on his former life. That’s the setup for A Different Man starring Sebastian Stan, written and directed by Aaron Schimberg. All that and a discussion of best plays-within-films from movie history. Writer and film critic Kristen Lopez joins us! What’s Good:Alonso - Kelly Bishop, The Third Gilmore GirlDrea - zackfox.comKristen - finally ready to start Spooky SeasonIfy - Ranting for a good cause (fundraising for Ysabel Jorado campaign) ITIDIC:Major Cineplexes Plan $2 Billion UpgradeMagic: the Gathering Animated Series Hits the Restart Button with New ShowrunnerSaiorse Ronan Could Make Oscar HistoryStaff Picks:Alonso - In the SummersDrea - Rez BallKristen - The Wild RobotIfy - The Substance kristenklopez.comTicklish BusinessPlugs!See In The SummersWatch Rez BallWatch Hollywood BlackWatch The Mirror GameSee Alonso in Dallas with The Last of Sheila (9/26)Watch Drea’s A New York StoryFollow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

An 18 year old scores a phone number...for herself at 39. That's the soft sci-fi hook of Megan Park's second movie, a coming of age story that is very much of this era, even if it has its eyes on the future. All that and a discussion of best and worst older/younger character casting choices. Plus, big life news from Producer Marissa, who joins in as an all-episode guest this time around.What’s GoodAlonso - Agatha All AlongDrea - Moo Dang the baby pygmy hippo in ThailandMarissa - English TeacherIfy - painting Warhammer guys and thinkingITIDICSundance Narrows Down Its List of Potential Venues to 3 CitiesTyler the Creator Making His Movie Debut in Josh Safdie’s A24 Table Tennis MovieStaff PicksDrea - His Three DaughtersAlonso - SecondsMarissa - Between the TemplesIfy - Freaky Friday (2003)Plugs!Listen to Feeling SeenWatch The Mirror GameListen to Sweet Valley DiariesSee Alonso in Dallas with The Last of Sheila (9/26)Watch Drea's A New York Story Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We go into a whole song and dance this week over Tim Burton's new BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,. with Riley Silverman as our special guest. Then we'll remember (and suggest) some movies that made/would make for pretty bizarre Saturday Morning cartoons.What’s GoodAlonso - Big Ice Cubes™Drea - Ross Taylor’s NYC exhibit, A knowing HistoryRiley - Reading streakIfy - Chris Tucker’s protection of his carITIDICa.) Almodovar’s Latest Wins the Golden Lionb). Happy Gilmore 2 is “Officially In Production”c). James Earl Jones Passes Away at 93Staff PicksDrea - ROBOT DREAMSAlonso - CLOSE YOUR EYESRiley - ELEMENTALIfy - SCREAM Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum lead an ensemble cast of blissful (and, for a while, blissfully unaware) island-timers in mind- and genre-bending new movie BLINK TWICE. Amber Benson (filmmaker, writer, and actor) joins us to uncover the secrets of Slater King’s mysterious island. Then we do a movie quiz about actors who’ve dabbled (and then some) in directing.What’s GoodAlonso - general food quality in Italy/EuropeDrea - the Paralympics (and the release of A New York Story!)Amber - pugsIfy - traveling to London for his show at Leicester Square TheatreITIDICTikTok May Be Driving More Folks to TheatersCalifornia Senate Passes a Law Requiring Consent for AI Replicas of Deceased ActorsStaff PicksAlonso - Lover of MenDrea - Rebel Ridge (and A New York Story!)Amber - The Last of SheilaIfy - Skywalkers: A Love StorySlayers: A Buffyverse Story on Audible Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

A book adaptation with cast of leading ladies to die for, three life stories, and only two hours to get it all out! We've got the smart and radiant Shar Jossell (newly elected President of NABJLA!) here with us to fill in the gaps. Then, we pitch some movies of our own, about unexpected celebrities in unexpected places.What’s GoodAlonso - WHAMMY!Drea - Photobook from GidgetShar - Strawberry horchata smoothieIfy - LARP Bar with Amanda Turner in AustinITIDICNow Entering the Streaming Service Arena…Chick-fil-A?Lionsgate Gets Into Trouble With Megalopolis TrailerStaff PicksAlonso - Something NewDrea - Tokyo CowboyShar - Waiting to ExhaleIfy - Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re getting into that 2008 headspace with Sean Wang’s narrative feature debut, Dìdi. Then, a not-quite-a-Hotline “call” from Marissa about movies that showcase how media worked in the past.What’s GoodAlonso - a nice, cold mealDrea - her movie to screen in White Bear Lake, MNIfy - meeting Alonso’s nephew at a CommandFestITIDICDespicable Me Director On Idea of Live-action Minions Movie: “God I Hope Not”James Gunn Doubts There Will Be Much Need for Reshoots on his SupermanBorderlands Is Headed to Streaming Like, NowStaff PicksDrea - Eighth GradeAlonso - Close to YouIfy - North Hollywood, mid90sIfy’s FBI Story Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s a thriller. It’s a Josh Hartnett vehicle. It’s…a comedy? But is it the kind of trap you want to fall into, or the kind you want to avoid? Our mileage varies, but one thing is for sure: cinema yappers and movie snitches are both likely to get bonechilling glares from a MaxFilm host. We’ve got culture writer and film critic Fran Hoepfner along for these Shyamal-antics, plus a hotline question about memorable moviegoing experiences. What’s GoodAlonso - Imane Khelif’s gold medal, but really her cyberbullying lawsuitDrea - Seeing Ify in a short, but really her new movie, A New York Story!Fran - Albero dei Gelati yellow bell pepper gelatoIfy - Gundams survived the big quakeITIDICAt D23, An Announcement about…Nine Inch Nails?Dominic Sessa will play Anthony BourdainJoaquin Phoenix Made an 11th-Hour Exit from the next Todd Haynes FilmStaff PicksAlonso - The StepfatherDrea - Jackpot! (also Virgin Suicides)Fran - Rap WorldIfy - The FacultyAlonso Duralde presents No Time for Love at the Los Feliz 3Fran on LetterboxdLeave us a Hotline message! Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Colman Domingo does it again, this time alongside a cast of mostly real-life former participants in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing penitentiary. The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson is with us to take a closer look at a film that is, in fact, one of A24's latest. Then, a movie quiz that is much sillier than the film at hand!What’s GoodAlonso - Hollywood Black on MGM+Drea - time with friends in the MidwestOdie - “Blaxploitation, Baby!” Film Festival at Film ForumIfy - Naomi getting into CoraQuestITIDICBritney Spears Biopic Set at UniversalOn Hot Ones, Vince Vaughn Predicts the Return of R-Rated ComediesTom Cruise Rumored to Be Doing a Hollywood Stunt to Mark Handoff of Summer GamesDouble Trouble on LetterboxdStaff PicksAlonso - DaughtersDrea - JockeyOdie - Quiz ShowIfy - Life Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

This week, Ify is reunited with the host of Very Important People, but not dressed as a purple alien this time, AND Alonso gets to meet the star of his favorite Hallmark movie of last year (Round and Round)...and oh hey, it’s the same person, TWISTER superfan Vic Michaelis! It’s all in celebration of some tornado chasin’ (and Glen Powell in the rain in a white t-shirt) in Lee Isaac Chung’s TWISTERS!Then, we get our Hall of Excellence results (Best Time Travel Movie) and we fantasize about our dream 4DX experiences. Ify even predicts some 4DX news about TWISTERS! What’s GoodAlonso - weaponizing “creepy”Drea - Regional adsIfy - Comic-Con speed runVic - the repartee?Staff PicksDrea - My Old AssAlonso - FayeVic - Twisters, RachelIfy - American HoneyEquality Florida Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Today we're taking a look at a movie from director Luke Gilford that started out as a book of photographs taken on the Gay Rodeo circuit and became a lot more. It's NATIONAL ANTHEM, with EUROVANGELISTS' own Oscar Montoya as our very special guest! Plus, we're naming favorite instances of drag on film and pitching fresh Westerns that deserve that angel investor capital.What’s GoodAlonso - McConnell’s x See’s Candy Ice Cream CollabDrea - Minnesota State Fair’s “Fried Ranch”Oscar - Platform CrocsIfy - going to the beach (esp Carbon, Zuma)/ “listening to me”Drag Moment Movie MentionsSee them as a Letterboxd List!Sylvia ScarlettSome Like it HotYentlVictor/VictoriaBugs BunnyPort AuthorityRomeo + JulietTo Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie NewmarLegend Cole Escola’s “Our Home Out West”Staff PicksAlonso - Small Town Gay BarDrea - A Quiet Place: Day One (and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe)Oscar - Hellzapoppin’Ify - Boys in the Sand (FYI: NSFW) Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Listener Harrison gave us a great shortlist of films to choose from this year – a prize Harrison became eligible for by supporting the show at MaximumFun.org/join. We went with Nahnatchka Khan’s slasher comedy from last year, TOTALLY KILLER (starring Kiernan Shipka as a teen who ends up back in time and tries to catch a murderer…before the murderer catches her! That inspires our latest slate of Hall of Excellence nominees: Best Time Travel Movie. (Vote for your winner at facebook.com/groups/maximumfilm before July 29, 2024).What’s GoodAlonso - Not watching the newsDrea - cat ordeal over at lastIfy - WHOOP bandHall of Excellence NomineesAlonso - Time After TimeDrea - Peggy Sue Got MarriedIfy - InterstellarStaff PicksDrea - The Final GirlsAlonso - Let It SnowIfy - The Blackening Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher