Speed Racer, based on a popular Japanese Manga and cartoon from the 1960s, is a CGI explosion of high speed hijinks. Directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, it embodies much of what made the series so beloved. That works to its benefit and detriment. For those unfamiliar with Speed Racer's inspiration, there is a barrier to entry. Essentially, this is an eccentric film based on an eccentric property. And the sheer amount of colors and whizzing computer effects don't make Speed Racer any easier to digest. It is a live action cartoon, where almost everything thrown at you looks flat. It comes as no surprise then that this failed to recoup its $120 million budget, earning just $93.9 million. Critics also largely dismissed it. Speed Racer sits at 42% on Rotten Tomatoes with 218 reviews. All that aside, though, this is a movie fans of the property seem to love, and, undeniably, there is a certain charm to the movie. Now, sit back, put the pedal to the metal with a Busch Light, and watch out for that Chim Chim cake! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are high-stakes rally racing to take down corporate ne'er-do-wells! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Speed has no limits. In the world's fastest race, nothing can slow you down! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Is Speed Racer truly a cult classic? (27:15)The "Get that Weak Shit Off My Track" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (50:11)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Adventurous Flops with the world's most handsome treasure seeker in Sahara! (1:02:37) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Alita: Battle Angel, based on a popular Manga series, is a cyberpunk action film from Robert Rodriguez. Full of CGI and over the top fisticuffs, Alita: Battle Angel is quite often visually dazzling. It truly feels like an anime come to life. Where it fails is its storytelling. The titular Alita is not a particularly compelling character, and her romance with Hugo is even less interesting. Such a shortcoming generally doesn't matter all that much in an effects heavy movie, but Alita: Battle Angel leans into their budding romance. No amount of script doctoring could salvage their lack of chemistry. That aside, this film garnered a legion of online hardcore fans. Though it may not be as awesome as they think, it is still worth watching for those unfamiliar with its inspiration, especially if you enjoy science fiction and rollerblading. Now, sit back, celebrate your hunter warrior license with a Divot Lemonade and Iced Tea Ale from Sonder Brewing Co., and get ready to Motor Ball! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are stripping cyborgs for premium parts! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A Warrior Rises. Discover a Bold New World and a Brave New Hero! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Should it finally happen, would we be down for a sequel? (48:56)The "Champion's League" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:05:19)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish off Live Action Flops with a movie that didn't deserve the initial hate, Speed Racer! (1:20:57) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a somewhat successful live-action adaptation of the beloved GI Joe cartoon and toy line. It's a big, loud, dumb, and, at times, very fun action film. Most of the adjectives above will come as no surprise for fans of Stephen Sommers–he of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns fame. The DNA of what made those films such enjoyable adventure romps is here. Unfortunately, so is his penchant to go too far over the top. *Cough* Van Helsing. What Sommers gets wrong in this, he basically butchers. Eschewing common series lore in favor Hollywood tropes, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra loses some of the magic from the property, turning off longtime fans and general audiences in the process. Despite there being internet murmurs that this movie, and Sommers' career prospects, deserved better, this one underperformed at the time of its release. It grossed just $302.5 million on a budget of $175. Critics also sent it the Slaughter House. It sits at 33% on Rotten Tomatoes with 169 reviews. But, hey, there is a good time to be had here, as long as you don't think too hard about it. So, sit back, get your nano-mites buzzing with a Weird Science Pale Ale from Paperback Brewing Co., and call us Commander! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Chumpzilla are training in the Pit to take down Cobra's goons! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – When all else fails, they don't! (00:00)Lingering Questions – What GI Joe character would we like to see most in a future film? (36:27)The "Vow of Silence" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (48:30)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Live Action Flops with the internet's darling, Alita: Battle Angel! (55:35) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

The Last Airbender—the 2010 version written, produced, and directed by M. Night Shyamalan—is an affront to cinema. Yes, it is that bad; and no, it is not worth wasting more brain power writing about. Now, sit back, douse the Fire Nation's flames with a Tropic Force IPA from Voodoo Ranger, and practice that water bending! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Chumpzilla are riding our magical sky bison like it's a banana boat! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Four nations, one destiny! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Does The Last Airbender dethrone Rollerball as the Shit Movie Champion? (23:29)The "Turd-Bender" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (43:54)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Live Action Flops with an adaptation that lacks bite, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra! (54:55) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the abandoned child of a now-defunct cinematic universe. Pushed multiple times and released far after James Gunn's announcement of his new DCU, the writing was on the wall, or in the sand, for the King of Atlantis' fate. And, yet, the studio still felt they needed to tinker with it to death. The fingerprints of studio meddling are all over Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The editing is slap dash, and their blatant desire to rid the film of Amber Heard's Mera is painfully obvious. Jason Mamoa, for all his charm, goes full Aquabro in an attempt to distract viewers from all the warts lining the film's oceanic underbelly. But, as we all know, one should never go full Aquabro. Despite his over the top schtick wearing thin far before the final credits roll, though, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is still a fairly decent time at the movies. The Orm/Arthur dynamic is fun throughout, the action beats mostly hit, and the return of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta is a welcome one. Sadly, audiences knew that this was the dead end of all dead ends; and, as a result, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom couldn't even muster half of its predecessor's $1.1 billion+ box office. Still, considering the current superhero cinema landscape, $434.4 million isn't too shabby. Now, sit back and refine that Orichalcum because it's a lovely day for a Guinness! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are just chum butter in the ocean of life! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – One king will lead us all. The tide is turning! (00:00)Lingering Questions – With the old DCU dead, who would we cast the old actors as in the new DCU? (29:46)The "Aqua-Trivia" Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (40:17)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Live Action Flops with a movie sure to induce anime fans' PTSD, 2010's Avatar: The Last Airbender! (50:27) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Madame Web is Sony's latest vapid entry in their ever burgeoning catalogue of films centering around the villains of Spider-Man. And, yes, like Morbius, that hero is nowhere to be seen. In fact, since the film largely takes place in 2003, he hasn't even been born yet. Our heroine here is Cassandra Webb, an EMT born with powers she has yet to realize she's been given. The how and the why of that truly need to be seen to be believed. Webb (the eventual Madame Web) can see glimpses of the future. In doing so, she makes it her business to save three young girls who will most certainly die without her help. Anyway, the central antagonist, Ezekiel Sims, goes on this quest for vengeance for reasons; Webb's most effective form of combatting Sims—outside of clairvoyance, of course—is attempted vehicular homicide; and you will leave the theater wondering what circle of hell Sony has propelled you into. Madame Web is as bad as advertised. It is a film that need not exist. An origin of an origin, the three future Spider-Women don't even wear their costumes in the actual timeline of the film. Those appear solely in glimpses of a future we'll never see. I'd say the 12% is justified, but even that was probably too kind. Now, sit back, drown your sorrows with a Depth Perception Imperial IPA from Terrapin Beer Co., and watch out for that Pepsi sign! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are table dancing to Toxic at a roadside diner! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Her web connects them all! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Why does Sony continue to foist these turds upon us? (33:40)The "Great Power Will Come" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (56:45)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Super-Heroic Flops with a sequel that couldn't match its predecessor's success, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom! (1:06:44) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was the bite-sized hero's attempt to elevate the stakes of his solo outings. With Kang—the MCU's big bad in waiting—as the film's central villain, it was meant to serve as a narrative intro for the next Avengers team up. Alas, that appears like it is not to be. Even before Jonathan Majors, the actor portraying Kang, ran afoul with the law, Quantumania's poor reviews and lagging box office flashed warning bells for Marvel.  Yes, it did earn $476.1 million at the box office, but that was down from the original's $518.9 million and its precursor's $623.1 million. Worse, Quantumania's 46% on Rotten Tomatoes is one of the worst scores the MCU has ever received. That critical drubbing is mostly deserved. Quantumania is an overlong and muddled CGI stew of half-baked ideas. It's never thrilling, rarely funny, and squanders its opportunity to make audiences dread what Kang will do to the newest Avengers. Instead, the dude couldn't even topple their tiniest hero. So much for that Dynasty of his. Now, sit back, take a bite out of a Space Lettuce Double IPA from Monday Night Brewing, and lookout for the little guy! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are guzzling that goo! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Witness the beginning of a new dynasty! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Did Kang work as a villain (not that it matters now)? (28:20)The "Conqueror's" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (58:42)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Super-Heroic Flops with a movie so bad we couldn't resist discussing it, Madame Web! (1:05:20) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

The Flash, despite the character's powers, took forever to speed its way to the big screen. Originally announced as part of DC's film slate in 2014, it would be nine long years before it was finally released. During that time, numerous directors and writers were attached and then detached from the project. Ultimately, amid numerous legal troubles, Ezra Miller would return to star and IT's Andy Muschietti would direct. Based loosely on the character's Flashpoint comic arc, The Flash went big with a time-hopping, multiverse tampering tale that would see the legendary Michael Keaton return as Batman for the first time in more than 30 years. That alone should have ensured it was a hit. Sadly, it did not. The Flash could not outrun the negative press for its star, or the shifting sands of the DC film landscape. On a budget as high as $220 million, it grossed just $271.3 million worldwide. Couple that with middling reviews, 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is no surprise that this iteration of the Scarlet Speedster will more than likely not be seen again. Now, sit back, build some friction with a Speedway Stout from Alesmith Brewing Co., and get ready to beeve! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are trapped in the Thanagarian Snarebeast's deadly web! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Worlds collide! (00:00)Lingering Questions – In a film full of DC nostalgia, what was our favorite bit of fan service? (41:40)The "Multiverse" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:14:07)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Super-Heroic Flops with a muddled MCU mess, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania! (1:26:00) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Blue Beetle is the type of superhero film that seems to be in increasingly rare supply these days. It places character firmly over spectacle, and in doing so, gives us one of the most heartfelt comic book films of recent memory. If you're not familiar with the character, Blue Beetle is sort of extraterrestrial Ironman. The character, Jaime Reyes, is human, but the tech, Khaji Da, is alien. The two form a symbiosis, one where the suit is able to conjure whatever Jaime can imagine. In that way, it is sort of also reminiscent of the Green Lantern's ring. All that aside, Blue Beetle nails the vibe of someone trying to acclimate to the insane circumstance he finds himself. And it does so without sacrificing the beating heart of its story—Jaime's family. Sadly, despite being one of the strongest entries in DC's film catalogue, Blue Beetle flopped at the box office, earning a franchise low $130.8 million. Neither strong reviews or James Gunn's promise that the character would return in his soon-to-be rebooted DCU were enough to drum up interest. Truly a bummer. Now, sit back, let Khaji Da manifest you a can of Blue from SweetWater Brewing, and fire up El Chapulín! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Chumpzilla are catching up on María la del Barrio! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – He's a superhero, whether he likes it or not! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Is Susan Sarandon confused by the film she's in or just bored by it? (31:23)The "Khaji Da" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (54:25)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Super-Heroic Flops with what David Zaslav proclaimed to be the greatest comic movie of all-time, The Flash! (1:07:13) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Half Past Dead is the last feature film with Steven Seagal as the main star to earn a theatrical release. If one were to track what came after, that would come as no surprise. In his thankfully short-lived action cinema prime, Seagal was serviceable. Light on charm, looks, and acting acumen, his unique brand of punishment was entertaining enough. But, as the years and the pounds piled on, the sheen wore off. Dramatically. Half Past Dead is a window into the next two decades of Seagal mumbling and sleep walking his way through increasingly terrible movies. There is little effort and most of the fighting is done by his plethora of stunt doubles. This would all be sad to watch if we weren't privy to what a tremendous asshole he is. There are very few movie stars who deserved to fall as flat on their face as he did. Even the 3% Half Past Dead scored on Rotten Tomatoes is probably too generous. Now, sit back, dull your senses with an Arctic Panzer Wolf from 3 Floyd's Brewing, and get those doo rags on! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Capt. Cash are half past caring about this mess of a movie! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The good, the bad, and the deadly! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Half Past Dead is an unabashed Die Hard Clone, and it sucks. Which clones of that action classic do we prefer? (33:32)The "HPD" Trivia Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (44:38)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff our Super-Heroic Flops series with the under appreciated and highly entertaining DC flick, Blue Beetle! (56:23) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Expend4bles is the epitome of milking an idea dry. It's lazy, visually a mess, and its narrative is almost completely nonsensical. Worse, like the third entry in the series, Expend4bles doesn't seem to grasp what made people interested in its concept in the first place. We lose even more of the action stars we all love and replace them with even less interesting people. Sure, this one returns the R rating, but the blood and carnage are swallowed by the horrific green screen and ludicrous plot. Its greatest offense, though, may be its complete waste of the talents of Tony Jaa and Iko Uwais. If you have two of Asia's great action stars in your movie, then back up and let them make magic. Sly Stallone, who created the franchise and has served as its main star, is so disinterested in the proceedings that he's barely in the movie; when he is, he mostly sits alone in random vehicles. Exend4bles is wholly deserving of its seven Razzie Nominations and complete implosion at the box office. And, yet, I still love it. Damn you, nostalgia! Now, sit back, toast to Barney's memory with a Pranqster Belgian Style Golden Ale from North Coast Brewing Co., and equip your prescription scope! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Capt. Cash are bashing some skulls with the classics at our local watering hole! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – They'll die when they're dead! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Which action star did the franchise sorely lack? (38:18)The "Lucky Ring" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (56:24)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We retire Aging Action Star Flops with Half Past Dead, a title that ironically describes Steven Seagal's acting career at the time! (1:06:56) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Written and directed by Taran Killam, Killing Gunther is a mockumentary centering on a group of incompetent assassins who assemble to take down the world's best hitman. It is a wonderfully comedic and weird film that was unfortunately slept on by both critics and viewers. Grossing less than $200,000, Killing Gunther never found much of an audience. But it should have. Its cast of eclectic characters do more than enough to buoy the conceit across its modest 92-minute runtime. Throw in a delightfully off-the-wall turn from Arnold Schwarzenegger (he sings a country song!) as the titular Gunther and you've got yourself a damn good time. Now, sit back, sing some karaoke with a Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA from Stone Brewing, and hope Ashley gets well soon! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Capt. Cash are retiring to Austria to coach field hockey and open a vegetable garden! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – They're out to change the killing business! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Who would we recruit for our elite assassin team to kill Gunther? (19:22)The "Erotic Ceramics" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (33:05)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Aging Action Star Flops with Expend4bles! (42:00) And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Hollywood Homicide is a delightful mismatched buddy cop comedy. Unfortunately, everyone hated it, including its star—Harrison Ford. Written and directed by Ron Shelton, of Bull Durham and Tin Cup fame, Hollywood Homicide channels the real life exploits of one-time Los Angeles policeman Robert Souza. Judging by some of the movie's subplots, reality is indeed stranger than fiction. Speaking of those weaving narrative points, the abundance of them plague the film. There is just too much going on. That is probably why critics and audiences had such distaste for it. At 30% on Rotten Tomatoes—with an even lower audience score—Hollywood Homicide is one of Ford's worst rated films. It is also one of his lowest grossing. On a budget of $75 million, it failed to break even $52 million. Book it as a flop, Danno! Now, sit back, get fancy with a Stella Artois, and practice your big monologue! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Capt. Cash are doing our damndest to sell this monstrosity on Mount Olympus! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – In Hollywood, no one is who they really want to be! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Do Ford and Hartnett have chemistry? (32:03)The "Mount Olympus" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (51:32)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Aging Action Star Flops with Killing Gunther! (1:04:44) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Die Hard and Lethal Weapon are two of the great 80s action movie. That much is indisputable. But they are also both set during the Christmas season. On this podcast, we debate which is the better Christmas movie.  So, sit back, revel in the holiday spirit with either a Merry Monkey from Victory Brewing or an Abita Christmas Ale, and don't think you're too old for this shit! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and a special guest are eating Twinkies and doing our damndest to survive! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Round 1 – Do these movies—Die Hard and Lethal Weapon—have the hallmarks of a holiday film? (00:00)Round 2 – We each present our irrefutable evidence that our movie is the superior Christmas Movie. (33:31)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Season 6 with a series sure to be depressing for all action fans, Aging Action Star Flops. First up: Hollywood Homicide! (57:57) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Just Friends is a charming little comedy starring Ryan Reynolds before he ascended into super stardom. As Chris Brander, Reynolds plays a heavy-set high schooler whose love for his best friend Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart) is unrequited. Flash forward 10 years and Brander is now fit and successful. He begrudgingly returns to his hometown in New Jersey and takes one last shot with his longtime crush. Hijinks and hilarity ensue. Not well reviewed at the time of its release and with a middling box office, Just Friends has become a cult classic. That is thanks in large part to a bonkers performance from Anna Faris as loony pop star Samantha James; and an incredible villainous turn from Chris Klein as Dusty Dinkleman—a fellow high school nerd who also loved Jamie. If you slept on it in 2005, we don't blame you. But forgiveness is more than saying sorry. It's time to watch Just Friends now! It is a Christmas movie, after all. Now, sit back, reminisce about old times with a Holly Days IPA from MadTree Brewing, and good luck in those rented skates! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are skiing in jeans as New Jersey's finest should! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – He loves her. She loves him not! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Who of us was "Friend Zoned" in high school? (21:04)The "Simply Dusty" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (34:29)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We have the great Christmas movie debate — Die Hard vs Lethal Weapon! (44:11) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Reynolds/Smart reunion and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Palm Springs is a cinematic gem that went under the radar in 2020. Released at the height of the pandemic, it's an uproariously funny time loop movie, centering on a man stuck at a miserable wedding. When said man, Niles played by Andy Sandberg, mistakenly drags a fellow guest into the unending cycle, the real fun begins. Like Groundhog Day, Palm Springs is very much about our lead characters—the aforementioned Niles and Sarah played by Cristin Milioti—discovering what's truly important in life. Their chemistry and the hijinks they get into are the driving force of the movie. Throw in an incredible supporting performance from JK Simmons as Roy, and you've got a recipe for one of the best films of 2020. Watch it! Then watch it again like it's the same day you first watched it. It's that damn good. Now, sit back, get holly and jolly with an Alpha Klaus from Three Floyd's Brewing, and be on the lookout for Roy! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are brushing up on our quantum physics to escape this desert purgatory! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Live like there's no tomorrow! (00:00)Lingering Questions – What's our Palm Springs? (22:14)The "Trivia Springs" Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (34:08)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish off Bomb Coms by taking one last shot at love with Just Friends! (41:54) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the brilliance of The Lonely Island and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

So I Married an Axe Murderer came hot off the heels of the mega hit Wayne's World. Unfortunately for Mike Myers, it could not replicate the famous skit's success. Banking just north of $11 million, So I Married and Axe Murderer was a box office bomb. But any child of the 90s will tell you that it's still a damn good time. This is peak Myers, a time when his oddball characters were still funny. It's also his attempt to play the generic male lead. Aside from his dual role of Stuart, the curmudgeonly Scottish father of Charlie, he's just your average joe. The results of that attempt are mixed. Perhaps if they weren't, Myers wouldn't have made it his life's purpose to play increasingly bizarre characters. I guess, what I'm saying is: It's all our fault that The Love Guru happened. Damn us all to hell. Now, sit back, hack open a Fireside Chat from 21st Amendment Brewery, and help resuscitate the downed piper! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Mayor McCheese, and Bling Blake are hitting open mic night for some sick slam poetry! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The honeymoon was killer! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Shrek, Stuart, or Fat Bastard, which Mike Myers Scotsman reigns supreme? (38:32)The "Whoa, Man" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:01:24)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Bomb Coms by living our lives in repeat with Palm Springs! (1:15:00) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the truth behind The Pentaverate and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Summer Catch came at the peak of Freddie Prinze, Jr. mania. He was sort of the king of sub-par romantic comedies in the mid-2000s, and like the rest of his films, this one, too, is mediocre. Full of cringeworthy schmaltz and baseball scenes that strain credibility, Summer Catch is exactly what one would expect from a genre that feasts on the contrived. It's got the local boy (Prinze, Jr.) trying to make it after experiencing a downward spiral; it's got the rich girl (Jessica Biel) who falls for him; and, of course, it has the bad actor, her father (Bruce Davison), who doesn't want his daughter slumming it up with a guy destined to cut grass for a living. Even more obvious than all these stock characters is the fact that Ryan Dunne, the hometown pitcher, will not only achieve his baseball dreams, but he will also land the girl. Cue the corn! Anyway, with a plot as stupid as that and a moronic script to match, it is no wonder Summer Catch was lambasted by critics. It sits at 8% on Rotten Tomatoes with 92 reviews. Its box office fortunes weren't much better. It earned just $19.7 million. Now, sit back, clock a fastball with one hand while holding a cold New Grist Pilsner from Lakefront Brewing in the other, and hand us that cucumber! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are workshopping mascot costumes for our beloved Chatham As! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Baseball's a sport. Love's the game for Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Jessica Biel! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Where does Ryan Dunne rank on the list of fictional pitchers? (24:47)The "Shore Road Princess" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie and Cape Cod Baseball. (34:44)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Bomb Coms with a large cappuccino and Mike Myers before he was so randy, baby, in So I Married an Ax Murderer! (47:48) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the era of Freddie Prinze, Jr. and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Werewolves Within—which is as loosely based on a video game as possible—is a horror/comedy whodunnit that relies far more on humor than gore. And, for the most part, it works well. Starring Sam Richardson as bumbling park ranger Finn Wheeler, Werewolves Within never takes itself too seriously. Beaverfield, VT, is a small-town full of eclectic stereotypes of modern America. From the uppity gas pipeline executive to the moronic MAGA tandem to the yogi gay couple, it's a place already full of mistrust. The titular werewolf preys on those seeds of doubt; so, as a viewer, it is up to us to solve who is behind the sowing of the chaos. Hilarity mostly ensues. Now, sit back, gnarl an Imperial Amber from Great Lakes Brewing, and stay off of Emerson's porch! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are throwing axes and dancing to Ace of Base! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A whodunnit with teeth! (00:00)Lingering Questions – This movie is a lot of fun. Are we surprised it didn't do better? (42:31)The "Mr. Rogers" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about werewolves. (1:01:04)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Hops and Bomb Coms with Summer Catch! (1:17:22) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the game it's based on and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Renfield is a delightful little horror comedy chronicling the titular character's toxic relationship with his master, Count Dracula. Featuring Nicholas Hoult as Renfield and Nicolas Cage as that overbearing boss, it's a film that works despite its own confusion on what it wants to be. Cage is phenomenal as Dracula and Hoult is charming as the nebbish Renfield. Their interplay almost universally hits. The other identity of the film is a smattering of over-the-top action and balletic gore. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed that, too. I just wish there was more of the former. Why? Well, quite simply, Cage is the principal reason to watch Renfield. He is just so damn zany and fun. The fact that he disappears for large sections of the movie as Renfield makes googly eyes at a cop named Rebecca (Awkwafina) hurts the driving narrative of the film. We're here to see Dracula gaslight and manipulate Renfield, so give it to us. Anyway, as I said, this movie is mostly a good time. That sadly did not translate to box office success. On a budget of $65 million, it grossed a putrid $26.7 million. But with decent fan reactions (79% favorability compared to the 58% of critics), Renfield does at least seem destined for semi-cult status.  Now, sit back, suck the flavor from Rhinegeist's Franz, and don't make it a sexual thing! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are scouring New Orleans for some nuns or a busload of cheerleaders to feed the Lord of Death's insatiable apetite! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Stop serving. Start living! (00:00)Lingering Questions – Where does this version of cinema's most notorious vampire rank for us? (39:44)The "I Deserve Happiness" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about Count Dracula. (56:33)Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude Hops and Boo-Haha Flops with Werewolves Within! (1:12:02) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the history of Count Dracula on film and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!