The Flop House

Well, we made it to three hundred, guys. And it only took us 12 years. What a triumph of the human spirit. Or monument to three lives sorely misused. One of those two things. But hey! It's Cagemas, when we celebrate the work of Saint Nicolas Cage! And Hallie's here! And we're talking about The Wicker Man! That's a 300th birthday to be proud of Meanwhile Elliott and Stu really love pronouncing "raspberries," Dan wonders how long you can hold bullets, and Hallie isn't gonna let motherhood tank her Flop House Q rating. Wikipedia synopsis of The Wicker Man No recommendations in this episode, just some Flop House nostalgia.

We attempt to exploit the zeitgeist by... reviewing a movie from 1969. We may not be good at this zeitgeist thing. More to the point -- since Disney+ has been in the news, we attempt to bask in some reflected glory by talking about the young Kurt Russell Disney live-action vehicle, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (thanks to longtime Daily Show producer and head researcher Adam Chodikoff for the idea). Meanwhile Stu makes the fatal error of encouraging Elliott's singing, Elliott takes us inside the pitch meetings for our favorite cereal mascots, and Dan has the plague.

No, you didn't dream it. Way back in January the Peaches went to the University of Wisconsin, Madison (the dead of winter being the best time to visit the upper Midwest), and they discussed the infamous anti-hero superhero movie, Venom. This is that! Wikipedia synopsis for Venom

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 Ready or Not The Nightingale

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

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

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 – WBUR CitySpace (early show SOLD OUT, but there are still tickets to the later show!) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater

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 this episode: Satanic Panic Always Shine Tea With the Dames 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

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 Dark 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

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

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.

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 history. Wikipedia summary for Meatballs Part II Movies recommended in this episode: Matinee Midsommar The Sisters Brothers The Devil Wears Prada 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

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 the Ground The Adventures of Robin Hood The Gunfighter 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

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 in this episode: Under the Shadow The Kid Brother Drop Dead Gorgeous Bathtubs Over Broadway

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 – BOSTON – WBUR CitySpace (early show SOLD OUT, but there are still tickets to the later show!) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater

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 CitySpace (TWO shows in one night) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater

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: Parabellum Long Shot Alice in the Cities Police Story/Police Story 2 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 CitySpace (TWO shows in one night) October 12 – LOS ANGELES – The Regent Theater

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 Grindlewald 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

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

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 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