Enough about small failures like Slender Man, let's talk about massive, hubristic failures like Mortal Engines ! Meanwhile Stuart discourses on other evil Valentines in fiction, Elliott's got Morgan Spurlock's reciepts, Dan doesn't understand how a single goddamn thing in this movie works, and we're joined by Brendan Hay , executive producer for Harvey Girls Forever! Wikipedia synopsis of Mortal Engines Movies recommended in this episode: Crawl Bones Centipede Horror Pieces Ashes and Embers Read...
Nov 09, 2019•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 297
Shocktober 2019 concludes with our dissection of the Internet meme/creepypasta horror film, Slender Man . Thanks to Max Fun HQ for letting us pop in and use an actual studio for once. Meanwhile Stuart tells a tale of nude figure drawing, Dan reveals karaoke antics, and Elliott's not afraid of businessmen. Wikipedia synopsis of Slender Man Movies recommended in this episode: Boy Three Tears on Bloodstained Flesh Who Let the Dogs Out...
Oct 26, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 296
We dip our toe into Shocktober by discussing one of the million court-mandated "The Conjuring" spin-offs, The Nun . Meanwhile Dan prefers that all demon-fighting talk be kept to work hours, Elliott takes down New Age music, and Stuart demands that you stop preaching at him. Wikipedia synopsis of The Nun Movies recommended in this episode: Child's Play Velvet Buzzsaw Emitai LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! October 12 (THAT'S TODAY, JERKS!) – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater...
Oct 12, 2019•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 295
For the second episode of Smalltember (Smallvember) 2019, we cave to overwhelming demand and discuss Love on a Leash. Meanwhile, Elliott ain't your daddy's Crypt Keeper, Dan exhibits his remarkable ability for telling two voices apart, and Stuart isn't having a breakdown, that really IS the plot of the movie. Love on a Leash HAS no Wikipedia page. Movies recommended in this episode: Tigers Are Not Afraid Paris is Burning The Murderer Lives at Number 21 LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! September 28 – BOSTON...
Sep 28, 2019•2 hr 54 min•Ep. 294
Smalltember (Smallvember) begins with a return appearance by the Flop House's favorite (insomuch as a terrible asshole can be a favorite) Canadian energy drink magnate-turned-filmmaker, Frank D'angelo , and his latest cinematic leavings, The Joke Thief . Meanwhile, Stuart reveals his love for all things Stu, Dan gives a few minor script notes, and Elliott's Nicholas Cage has snakes on the brain. You know? Honestly the Wikipedia page for this movie has almost no information. Movies recommended in...
Sep 14, 2019•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 293
Hoo boy, this was a tough one folks. How to navigate the Hollywoodization of a real-life trauma with a dash of weird gender politics? Answer -- less funny than usual, as we discuss Welcome to Marwen . Meanwhile, Elliott completely misunderstands the etymology of "painstaking," Dan details the many tones of Marwen, and Stuart bestows Dan with his Looney Tunes identity. Wikipedia summary for Welcome to Marwen Movies recommended in this episode: Burning The Head Hunter Scary Stories to Tell in the ...
Aug 31, 2019•2 hr 50 min•Ep. 292
We're taking a very brief summer break from new recording, and taking the opportunity to release one that we've been holding on to for too long -- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom . Recorded at Stuart and Dan's very own alma mater, Earlham College , in Richmond, Indiana! Wikipedia summary for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! September 28 – BOSTON – WBUR CitySpace (early show SOLD OUT, but there are still tickets to the later show!) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater...
Aug 17, 2019•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 291
Stuart's been hard at work running more Hogsbottom Three RPGs for Elliott, Stuart, and Flop House favorite guest host Zhubin Parang. Here's a little taste of the first episode of their new adventure! They're only available on the Maximum Fun bonus feed, exclusive for donors, so if you want this, and other wonderful bonus content from all the Max Fun shows, please become a member! Thanks to Alexander Smith for editing the episodes, putting together the sound effects, and composing the music....
Aug 10, 2019•7 min•Ep. 339
We're joined by the wonderful Sharlene Wellington, owner or partner in many lovely Brooklyn bars (also, she's married to Stu). She wanted to discuss the 1984 summer camp comedy Meatballs Part II , and as three middle-aged men who were raised on dumb 80's shit, who were we to argue? Meanwhile, Sharlene brings her Jewish summer camp experience to the fore, Elliott waxes poetic about making first contact, Stuart promises some future Baby Boomer rants, and Dan takes us on a trip through Meatballs hi...
Aug 03, 2019•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 290
Straight from the glamorous and echoey Minneapolis airport-adjacent La Quinta inn, it's all three of the peaches in the same room, chewing over the Taron Egerton, not-your-daddy's- Robin Hood . Meanwhile Dan talks a surprising amount about the Scarlet Pimpernel, Elliott talks about why the Sheriff of Nottingham's goons are a superstitious, cowardly lot, and Stuart is F. Murray Enthusiastic. Wikipedia summary for Robin Hood Movies recommended in this episode: Spider-Man: Far From Home The Hole in...
Jul 20, 2019•2 hr 42 min•Ep. 289
We were so delighted to have longtime Friend-and-Fan-of-Flop, Natalie Walker on the program! We were somewhat less delighted by the film she inexplicably chose, The Haunting of Sharon Tate . Life gives, and life takes. Meanwhile, Stuart hijacks the podcast to discuss the TV show "Younger," Dan shows his shameful lack of knowledge about the Manson murders, and masterful singer Natalie is somehow delighted by Elliott's caterwauling. Wikipedia page for The Haunting of Sharon Tate Movies recommended...
Jul 06, 2019•2 hr 50 min•Ep. 288
We took a break from live show prep in Portland to return to our beloved M. Night Shyamalan and the last film of his surprise trilogy, Glass . Meanwhile Stuart drags the Philly skyline, Dan points out the problem with exhaustive rule books, and Elliott takes a brave stand against sexist comics store clerks. Wikipedia synopsis for Glass Movies recommended in this episode: Always Be My Maybe Overlord Broadway Melody of 1936 LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! July 13 – MINNEAPOLIS – Parkway September 28 – BOSTO...
Jun 22, 2019•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 335
With John Wick 3 tearing up the theaters, we discuss this year's OTHER Keanu Reeves movie, Replicas . Meanwhile Dan repeats an old adage about beans, Stuart can't pronounce "Keanu," and Elliott's son really messes up our rhythm. Wikipedia synopsis for Replicas Movies recommended in this episode: J Booksmart Avengement Cold War LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! June 8 – PORTLAND – Revolution Hall – TICKET SALES ARE SLUGGISH, SO PLEASE COME OUT! July 13 – MINNEAPOLIS – Parkway September 28 – BOSTON – WBUR Cit...
Jun 08, 2019•2 hr 51 min•Ep. 334
We discuss something that's been on our want list for a while: the genre-hopping bonkers twist-em-up, Serenity . And to do so, we are joined by the delightful Jenny Jaffe , whose attachment to this film can surely be described as "healthy." Meanwhile Stuart explains costume-care in the stripper industry, Elliott introduces his new hit character "Crawdaddy," and Dan's reaction to the film is a real twist ending! Wikipedia synopsis for Serenity Movies recommended in this episode: John Wick 3: Para...
May 25, 2019•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 333
Elliott, noted non Pot-head, talks about the Potterverse sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald . Meanwhile Elliott talks Charles Dickens crossovers, Stuart almost causes his own brain to explode, saying something nice about Dan Fogler, and Dan is tricked into a lifelong commitment. Wikipedia synopsis for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewal d LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! June 8 – PORTLAND – Revolution Hall July 13 – MINNEAPOLIS – Parkway September 28 – BOSTON – WBUR CitySpace (TWO s...
May 11, 2019•2 hr 59 min•Ep. 332
It’s been so long, we can't even REMEMBER when we recorded this show on Tom Cruise's The Mummy . But it's from Seattle and it's on tape, so here it is! Wikipedia synopsis for The Mummy LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! June 8 – PORTLAND – Revolution Hall July 13 – MINNEAPOLIS – Parkway September 28 – BOSTON – WBUR CitySpace (TWO shows in one night) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater...
Apr 27, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 331
It's the moment you've all been waiting for -- we discuss the fabled Castle Freak . And we don't do it alone! We do it with noted B-movie aficionado Joe Bob Briggs who you can also see on Shudder's "The Last Drive-In." Meanwhile, Dan asks salient questions about Grimace's anatomy, Elliott denies all of Dan's best bits, and Stuart fulfills his destiny. Wikipedia synopsis for Castle Freak Movies recommended in this episode: Chopping Mall TerrorVision Howling: New Moon Rising Atlantic City LIVE SHO...
Apr 13, 2019•2 hr 54 min•Ep. 330
MAX FUN DRIVE part TWO! We talk about The Nutcracker and the Four Realms , which Elliott chose for some baffling reason. Meanwhile, Elliott explains Richard Gere's Mothman issues, Stuart reveals the scariest number of ghosts, and Dan takes the show off-road to an abandoned farm. Wikipedia synopsis for The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Movies recommended in this episode: Jason and the Argonauts Us A Bigger Spash LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! June 8 – PORTLAND – Revolution Hall July 13 – MINNEAPOLIS – Pa...
Mar 30, 2019•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 329
It's MAX FUN DRIVE time, everyone! That means we're putting out an extra episode on a week we'd normally take off and drink pina coladas or something. Instead we watched the Jennifer Garner revenge fantasy Peppermint , and hoo boy is it racist! Meanwhile, Elliott reveals his Mandela effect defense attorney strategy, Stuart gets lost in his thoughts, and YOU'RE NOT DAN'S DAD, JESSE. If you like what we do, and you have the means, please consider becoming a Max Fun DONOR! Wikipedia synopsis for Pe...
Mar 23, 2019•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 328
We continue to exploit our vault of unreleased live shows, with this discussion of The Dark Tower , with special additional guest co-host, Hallie Haglund , the star of the show. And for those who don't dig live shows, good news! Since next week is Max Fun Drive , we'll be releasing an EXTRA EPISODE during a week we'd normally be dark. Everyone wins! Wikipedia synopsis for The Dark Tower LIVE SHOW DATES 2019! June 8 - PORTLAND - Revolution Hall July 13 - MINNEAPOLIS - Parkway September 28 - BOSTO...
Mar 16, 2019•2 hr 34 min•Ep. 327
By popular demand, we talk about all the glitz and glamor that is... OSCAR! Movies recommended in this episode: Black Coal, Thin Ice Piercing Minding the Gap...
Mar 02, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 326
We reached into our archives, all the way back to 2017, to bring you this performance taped at the Now Hear This podcast festival. Elliott's not here (something about it being "too far to fly across the whole country for an unpaid gig, waaah waaah waaaah), but we've replaced him with guest host Ronny Chieng of Crazy Rich Asians and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Did we hold onto this so long, just to wait until Ronny was a BIG MOVIE STAR? Perhaps!
Feb 16, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 325
We don't usually editorialize on our own show, but... this is a good one, guys. The gang got together in a hotel room after our Madison, Wisconsin live show to discuss Life Itself , one of the most baffling, and most pleased with itself movies ever made, about nothing less than THE HUMAN CONDITION. Meanwhile, Stuart explains the secret history of the Zales shadow, Elliott reveals God's secret message to us via olives, and Dan suggests you just cover yourself in Wikipedia synopsis for Life Itself...
Feb 02, 2019•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 324
It's Jason Statham and a giant shark. Whaddaya need, a roadmap? We discuss The Meg . Meanwhile, Dan reveals a surprising science fact about Meg Ryan, Elliott reveals that Swamp Thing is the ideal male body, and Stuart's feet have a surprising superpower. Wikipedia synopsis for The Meg Movies recommended in this episode: Easy Living Rust Creek Can You Ever Forgive Me...
Jan 19, 2019•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 323
This one topped the lists of the worst movies of 2018, and it was so bad Dan barely understood what the fuck was happening, which you can tell, based on how little he can bring himself to say. Luckily, Elliott makes up for it by never shutting up. We discuss Gotti . Meanwhile, Stuart explains what it's like to play a game with Dan, Elliott starts a new podcast devoted to the human body's holes, and as always, when it comes to letters, Dan is a consummate professional. Wikipedia synopsis for Gott...
Jan 05, 2019•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 322
Can the magic of Cagemas overcome the most rote Nicholas Cage vehicle we've ever discussed, The Humanity Bureau ? Meanwhile, Stuart reminisces about the Cage days of his youth, Dan writes a happy ending for some Foodfight! characters, and Elliott sets down some strict boundaries surrounding his son's bath time. Wikipedia synopsis for The Humanity Bureau Movies recommended in this episode: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Leprechaun Returns Summer 1993 LIVE SHOWS: The Flop House in Madison, WI o...
Dec 22, 2018•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 321
We talk about the inexplicably star-studded comedy, The Bigfoot Who Saved Christmas. Excuse us, " Pottersville ." Meanwhile, Stuart brags about his back strength, Dan uncovers the world of Raising Cain conventions, and Elliott goes on his longest (most infuriating?) bit ever. Wikipedia synopsis for Pottersville Movies recommended in this episode: Anything Goes Suspiria Blindspotting LIVE SHOWS: The Flop House in Madison, WI on 1/26...
Dec 08, 2018•2 hr 37 min•Ep. 320
Why is Bruce Willis starring in an NRA recruitment video? Wait, this is a MOVIE? Are you sure? We talk about Death Wish . Meanwhile, Elliott writes the horror movie "Dr. Sleepypants," we get insight into Stu's endless Critters gifs, and Dan shows off his kaleidoscopic character work, during pie talk. Wikipedia synopsis for Death Wish Movies recommended in this episode: The Old Man & the Gun A Star is Born Shirkers LIVE SHOWS: The Flop House in Madison, WI on 1/26...
Nov 24, 2018•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 319
Remember that surprisingly well-defined contest Elliott spearheaded a few episodes back? Well the contest winner decided what we should watch, and it was Interview with the Vampire . Will we fall victim to its bloodsucking charms? Meanwhile, Elliott apologizes to goths, Stuart lists a few Ecks vs. Sever sequels, and Dan disputes the very premise of the movie. Wikipedia synopsis for Interview with the Vampire Movies recommended in this episode: First Man The Night Comes for Us Save the Tiger...
Nov 10, 2018•2 hr 49 min•Ep. 318
It's our second SHOCKTOBER episode (not that you'd know it, because Dan keeps forgetting to plug in the fucking Shocktober theme)! This time, we return to the social media horror well, with Friend Request . Meanwhile, Elliott gives a peek behind the curtain of Teddy Ruxpin fanatics, Stuart tells us what this movie really should be called, and Dan... well we're still mad at Dan for NOT PUTTING IN THE GODDAMN SHOCKTOBER THEME. Movies recommended in this episode: Hold the Dark Apostle The Funeral...
Oct 27, 2018•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 317
