Maximum Film!

A dreamy two-piece love story about two men, one a soldier and the other a country boy. Or is three men? Or four? Also there's a tiger. We watch 2004's Tropical Malady from Apichatpong Weerasethakul, director of the 2010 Palme d'Or winner, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. He goes by Joe in the Western world which is too bad. What’s Good Drea - The exact day to plant tomatoes so perfect, you can eat them like the fruits they are Alonso- The releases of wonderful queer films Leviticus, Maddie's Secret, She's the He, Girls Like Girls, all unfortunately dropping on the same day Kevin - No more wasps or bees! Harry - The Spiritual Journey of Alexander Jodorowsky book Silas - Qween Jean wins (a Tony), Spencer Pratt loses (the LA mayoral race)   ITIDICThe Academy is creating the "Academy Marquee Theater List", an annual list of the 25 best US and 25 best international cinemasBad Bunny will voice "Pizza with Sunglasses" in Toy Story 5 Staff Picks Alonso - I Shot Andy Warhol Drea - Mulholland Drive Kevin - Reservoir Dogs Harry - Stalker (1979), Jubilee (1978) Silas - I Saw the TV Glow Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Just a well-intentioned bounty hunter and his magic green baby, zooming through the galaxy: you guessed it, we're talking THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU. We've got Danielle Radford (of MaxFun's TIGHTS & FIGHTS, Dropout, and more) along with us this episode to talk about the newest thing from the Star Wars universe, and whether being deeply invested in the lore is a benefit or a drawback to enjoying the film. Then we'll take a hotline question about Dad Movies! What’s Good Drea - Lake of the Isles Pencil Sharpening Party Danielle - get a hobby (like DIY press-on nails) Kevin - inside scoop on the La La Land/Moonlight Oscars snafu (as told in Oscar Wars) ITIDICPaddington 4 Will be Written by Armando IannucciMark Duplass and Other Big Names Defend BACKROOMS’s Young Director Staff Picks Drea - Carolina Caroline Danielle - Drumline (and the Waterworld Stunt Show at Universal Studios) Kevin - Backrooms Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s been 8 long years since Boots Riley’s directorial debut (Sorry to Bother You) surprised and delighted moviegoers. Does his follow-up deliver on color, comedy, and chaos? We’ve got Black People Love Paramore’s Ryann Graham with us to discuss I Love Boosters. Then, we talk about how some of the sci-fi tech from this film might be deployed in other movies! What’s Good Alonso - Getting things “Christmas” (both red and green chile) in Albuquerque Drea - Baked Ruffles Ryann - El Pollo Loco Kevin - mystery sauce saga ITIDIC Team Behind “Americana at Brand Memes” Writing Heist Comedy 2 Previously Unseeable Documentaries Are Getting a Chance to Be Seen: Spacewoman and Boorman & the Devil Staff Picks Drea - Dead Pigs Alonso - Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (Upcoming Cinematographe release) Ryann - Obsession Kevin - Legally Blonde This episode edited by Gabe Mara Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Part revenge thriller, part Greek tragedy, and fully its own thing, Aleshea Harris’s directorial debut is an adaptation of her own award-winning Off-Broadway show. We have Geek Girl Riot’s Sherin Nicole with us to talk about all the twists, turns, and treacheries. Then we have a fun quiz about “twin” movies. What’s Good? Alonso - Farmers markets (even for non-chefs) Drea - Richard Osman’s House of Games Sherin - nephew’s elementary school graduation Kevin - the gasman came by… ITIDICSweeney/Seyfried Thriller The Housemaid Is Headed to the StageDiscourse Around American Accents in Nolan’s The Odyssey Trailer Staff Picks Alonso - The Addiction of Hope Drea - Mile End Kicks Sherin - Nine Days Kevin - Obsession Listen to Sherin’s show Geek Girl Riot Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

If you didn’t have “Hugh Jackman/CGI Talking sheep murder mystery” down as a lock to be both a critical hit and a box office success, you’d be forgiven. Does it help or hurt to know that it’s director did all the MINIONS movies and it’s screenwriter did both THE HANGOVER and HBO’s CHERNOBYL? We get into all of that, plus our favorite moments in talking animal moviedom! What’s Good Alonso - Tacolate at Salt and Straw Drea - roasted edamame Kevin - cleaning up the office for real this time ITIDIC AMC Reports Box Office Recovery?!? Cannes 2026 Begins Staff Picks Drea - now available to rent: Project Hail Mary, You, Me, & Tuscany, The Christophers Alonso - Blue Film Kevin - Theater Camp Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

What’s RUNWAY like in 2026? THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 takes that question pretty seriously. We’ve got film critic (and former 2000s-era abused NYC assistant) Katie Walsh with us to talk about the fashion, the journalism, the nostalgia, and the cerulean of it all. What’s Good Alonso - Family Movie Night Menus by Leonard and Jessie Maltin  Drea - mom volunteering with for movie causes  Katie - Hudson Williams (and Connor Storrie) at the Met Gala Kevin - The Traitors UK (and The Celebrity Traitors UK S2 casting) ITIDIC The Academy Has Banned AI from Winning Oscars for Acting/Writing Netflix Sets Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Film for Wide Release, Long Theatrical Window Staff Picks Alonso - Into the Woods Drea - Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come Katie - Tuner Kevin - All About Eve This episode was edited by Gabe Mara. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

MaxFunDrive is almost over! Don’t wait – ensure the future of this show at MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm Jaafar Jackson (son of Jermaine) dances his slouch-socked feet off in Antoine Fuqua’s new Michael Jackson biopic. And we have no less a personage than Tre’vell Anderson here to help us figure out how to feel about what was left in and what was left out. Then we’ll talk about some biopics that really work for us. What’s Good Alonso - Hitchcockian Thrillers by Stephen Rebello Drea - costumed bar crawl Tre’vell - grand opening of Maroon in Las Vegas Kevin - Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears by Michael Schulman ITIDIC 20% of Netflix Watch Hours are Book Adaptations…and the Bump Goes Both Ways VHS Has Made a Comeback, and LA is the Epicenter Staff Picks Drea - All That Jazz Alonso - Hokum Tre’vell - Hidden Figures Kevin - Apollo 13 This episode was edited by Gabe Mara. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Support great shows like this one! Er, these TWO! Head to maximumfun.org/join right now to pledge your allegiance. And THANK YOU! Drea made a guest appearance on John Moe's SLEEPING WITH CELEBRITIES and we're dropping it for you in this feed as a special #MaxFunDrive treat. Drea Clark, one of the hosts of the popular and important Maximum Film! podcast has a theory: all middle-aged Guys think about the Roman Empire but from there, the Guys separate into Bigfoot Guys and Alien Guys. Sure, there are anomalies but you can mostly separate guys into those groups. Our host, John Moe, Bigfoot Guy, gets Drea’s opinion on where Rock History Guys, Computer Guys, and other Guys sort out into the Bigfoot and Aliens camps. Is it an airtight taxonomic argument? Not really. Is it an intriguing enough argument to let you conk out? Oh yes.   It’s MaxFunDrive! Become a Max Fun member and supporter of Sleeping with Celebrities by going to the link: www.MaximumFun.org/joinsleeping. Support Drea and our other friends at Maximum Film! by going to www.MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm. That will take you to our one stop portals for becoming a $5 a month member. To explore other membership options as well as our wonderful gifts (our delightful Sleepyhead keychain!), go to www.MaximumFun.org/join. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Head to MaximumFun.org/join by May 1, 2026! Just interested in supporting Maximum Film!? Do not pass Go: Go directly to MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm Here's a teaser of our first MAXIMUM SIDEBAR! episode! Drea, Alonso, and Kevin each brought something to discuss in the areas of food, self care, technology. Members get to hear it all, plus so much more BoCo (that's short for bonus content, folks). Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s MaxFunDrive! We need your support, and want you in our club! Head to MaximumFun.org/join to become a member or increase your pledge. And THANK YOU! David Lowery’s is back in his ethereal bag (or is it a dress? defo there's a ghost though...right?) with MOTHER MARY, a look at art, soul, collaboration, and self, through the relationship of a mega popstar and her once-and-future fashion queen. Then, we do a movie quiz about pop star cinema! What’s Good Alonso - Pop Tarts Super-Stuffed Drea - MTV Rewind Kevin - LA Times Festival of Books ITIDICGen Z Going to the MoviesCinemaCon Recap Staff Picks Alonso - The Serpent’s Skin Drea - Phantom Thread Kevin - The Five Heartbeats  Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters. For MaxFilm! listeners, we're kicking off the MaxFunDrive with a DOUBLE FEATURE of Casters on Casters. Both Alonso Duralde and Drea Clark participated in two separate recordings of this incredibly important podcasting event. The first episode you'll hear features Alonso chatting with Ben Blacker (Dead Pilots Society) and Hal Lublin (Tights and Fights & We Got This with Mark and Hal). In the second episode, the Queen of the Midwest chats with Ella Hubber (Let's Learn Everything!) and Allan McLeod (Walkin' About). In other words, we're bringing you six different podcasting perspectives in one big super episode. You'll hear name dropping, podcast origin stories, ruminations on the art form, listener contributions to the show and what makes Maximum Fun a great place to have a show. All this, and more! If this glamorous, in-depth journey into what makes your favorite hosts tick inspires you, support them by joining as a member at maximumfun.org/join. Produced by Laura Swisher for Maximum Fun. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

A rom-com is going to rom-com, but YOU, ME, & TUSCANY is actually doing at least one thing that feels pretty unique. We talk about this new movie from Kat Coiro and producer Will Packer (starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page) with All the Feels podcast’s Dory Benford. What’s Good Drea - friends coming by and doing helpful stuff Dory - Easter candy Alonso - chocolate pound cake ITIDICOver 1000 Big Hollywood Names Sign Letter Opposing Paramount/WB Merger Elaine May’s MIKEY & NICKY to get 50th Anniversary Theatrical RereleaseMario Bros. Sequel Sets Record…for Smallest Popcorn Bucket Staff Picks Drea - French Kiss & Only You Dory - Bull Durham Alonso - Yes This episode was edited by Gabe Mara.   Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

What’s the drama behind director Kristoffer Borgli’s new film, THE DRAMA? And, unlike Mary J. Blige, do we want said drama? We unpack all that with film critic Ariel LeBeau, and then talk about some movies that were secretly darker than advertised.   What’s Good Alonso - Flossing first Drea - Artemis II Ariel - soft boiled eggs for breakfast (6m) Kevin - rediscovering Billy Joel ITIDIC Writers Guild Reaches Tentative 4-Year Deal with Studios “It’s Not Your Imagination: Movies ARE Getting Longer” Staff Picks Alonso - Marc by Sofia Drea - The Christophers Ariel - Dogfight Kevin - One Hour Photo this episode edited by Gabe Mara Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Ryan Gosling is on a one-man mission to save the universe...but he's not alone. We've got film critic Rendy Jones with us to discuss PROJECT HAIL MARY from directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Then we share some of our favorite science fiction concepts from cinema. What’s Good Alonso - Free airplane Wifi Drea - skin flooding Rendy - taking time to rest Kevin - taking down Christmas decorations ITIDICK-Pop Demon Hunters 2 Is a Big Payday for Its DirectorsLord and Miller to Produce Murder She Wrote Film With Jamie Lee Curtis Staff Picks Drea - Europa Report Alonso - UFOria (available on 4K UHD) Rendy - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Kevin - Warrior Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re capping off a month at looking at different films directed by women with Hannah Berryman’s documentary, Spacewoman. Kevin Smokler, author of Breaking the Frame: Conversations with Women Filmmakers joins us to talk about this close look at the stellar career of astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot, and later command, a Space Shuttle mission. What’s Good Alonso - Calm for naps Drea - getting a doctor’s appointment Kevin S. - Memorizing Oscar winners as a sleep aid Kevin A. - 3 hour Celebrity game ITIDIC AI-Generated Val Kilmer Will Appear in Movie Kilmer Was to Shoot Before His Passing April Wolfe/Chloe Okuno Project Bad Hand Lands at Searchlight Staff Picks Alonso - Late Shift Drea - Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice Kevin S. - Say Amen Somebody Kevin A. - A Teacher Directors Mentioned in C-Block: Patricia Cardoso Debra Granik Amy Heckerling Anna Boden Rose Troche Donna Deitch Cheryl Dunye Joan Micklin Silver Lizzie Borden Wanuri Kihiyu Melanie Laurent Maggie Gyllenhaal Allison Anders Gillian Armstrong Celine Sciamma Lynn Shelton The Wachowskis Penny Marshall Martha Coolidge Vera Drew Jane Schoenbrun Alice Maio Mackay Mira Nair Věra Chytilová Ida Lupino Dorothy Arzner Alice Guy-Blaché Caitlin Adams Susan Seidelman Nia DaCosta Kathryn Bigelow Julia Hart Dee Rees Catherine Breillat Mary Harron Regina King Dyan Cannon Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re taking a good hard look in the mirror with our guest, actor/writer/director Michelle Krusiec as we discuss SXSW;s 2025 Grand Jury Prize winner, Amy Wang’s darkly comedic body horror, SLANTED. Then we’ll share some of our favorite movies that feature the prom, well…prominently. What’s Good Alonso - Alain Guiraudie Poster for Cannes Critics’ Fortnight (Quinzane des Cineastes) Drea - Jessie Buckley singing Sinead O’Connor’s “Troy” (and the Jessie Buckley rabbit hole) Michelle - not getting kidnapped (taking nothing for granted) Kevin - People who come to FYC events for the buffet ITIDICOscars 2026 Recap- Variety's Coverage- Indiewire's Coverage Letterboxd List of our "PROMinent Features" movies Staff Picks Drea - Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die Alonso - It’s Dorothy! and Videoheaven Michelle - All of Us Strangers (also Saving Face) Kevin - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 3/21/26, 7pm: Alonso and Christy’s After Hours Screening at the Gardena Cinema Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Podcaster and writer Harmony Colangelo joins the gang to track the many movements of THE BRIDE! Then we talk about actors we’d love to see paired up on the big screen.  What’s Good Alonso - matzoh Drea - filing (not clipping!) nails Harmony - definitely NOT Daylight Saving Time Kevin - zero degrees of Kevin Bacon?? ITIDIC Disney Releasing Fully Re-animated ASL Versions of Several Movie Songs Annapurna May Be Back A24 Opening a Vegas Wedding Chapel to Promote ‘The Drama’ Staff Picks Alonso - Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains Drea - Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn) Harmony - Baby Assassins Kevin - Promising Young Woman Listen to Harmony and BJ’s show This Ends at Prom Or check out their book, Sleepaway Camp Thanks to Christian Dueñas and Gabe Mara for production support on this episode. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

March is Women’s History month, and all the movies we cover this month will be directed by women! To kick things off, we’re leaning into the “history” part, and going back to 1953 to cover the most popular film from a truly pioneering director (and prolific actor), the one and only Ida Lupino. It’s The Bigamist, with our special guest, a journalist covering culture and history, Hadley Hall Meares! What’s Good Alonso - Stephen Rebello’s new book Hitchcockian Thrillers Drea - Canada Dry Strawberry Fruit Splash Ginger Ale Zero Sugar Hadley - Jane Fonda’s My Life So Far (for Vanity Fair’s Old Hollywood Book Club) Kevin -  Brand new cast iron skillet ITIDIC Lost Melies Film Found in the Library of Congress Alan Cumming, Bowen Yang, Lena Waithe, Adam Goldman Head New LGBTQ Film Initiative SAG’s Renamed ‘Actor Awards’ Air Live on Netflix Movie Quiz Letterboxd List: “The [Blank}ist” Staff Picks Drea - André is an Idiot Alonso - Micki & Maude Hadley - My Favorite Wife Kevin - Bottoms Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The gang's all here to discuss a new black comedy (sorta) where its Glen Powell's Becket Redfellow in a cat and mouse game to the death with his obnoxiously wealthy family -- a modernization of the 1949 Alec Guinness film Kind Hearts and Coronets. What’s Good? Alonso - Slow TV walks through snowy Helsinki Drea - Dog and Pet advocacy from Isabel Klee and the WeRateDogs guy Kevin - getting really into the last little bit of the Olympics (especially speedskating) ITIDIC K-Pop Demon Hunters & GDT Frankenstein Getting Criterion Releases BAFTA Broadcast Bungles Difficult Slur/Tourette’s Situation Sony Exec Confirms Plans to Reboot Spider-Man Villain Movies Check out our list of "Rags to Riches Movies" on Letterboxd. Staff Picks Alonso - River (2023) Drea - The Ladykillers (1955) Kevin - Top Gun: Maverick Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Romance novelist and filmmaker Alys Murray joins us to unpack Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) opinions are varied! What does the movie have in common with Grease 2? Listen and learn! Plus, we have a Hotline call all about movie characters that need family or couples counseling. What’s Good Alonso - Nathan Rabin’s The Fractured Mirror Drea - Talking Spindle Cove on Reading Smut Alys - The Artful Dodger TV series Kevin - Valentine’s Day romance, courtesy of Avengers: Endgame ITIDIC Bad Bunny Sets First Lead Movie Role in ‘Porto Rico’ With Norton, Bardem Remembering a Trio of of Hollywood Greats We Lost this Week (Tom Noonan • Frederick Wiseman • Robert Duvall) - Alonso recommends The Store as a Wiseman entry point. - Tom Noonan’s The Wife is an adaptation of his play, Wifey. Staff Picks Drea - Emily Alonso - A Useful Ghost Alys - Dangerous Beauty Kevin - Sliding Doors Alys Murray’s new book is A Little Buzzed Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Have you heard about the new A24 movie from writer/director Harry Lighton that’s almost a romantic comedy about gay BDSM biker culture? That’s PILLION, starring Alexander Skarsgaard and Harry Melling, and we’re thrilled to have our friend Nayland Blake (an influential artist and teacher who’s an authority on queer kink, riding with us!What’s Good?Alonso - Trans Girl Scouts you can buy cookies fromDrea - The Milan-Cortina Olympics (also Coach Jackie)Nayland - Midwest Magic Cleaning on YouTubeKevin - Casey Abrams at Hotel Cafe (w/surprise Dave Koz); Bobby Brown at the barITIDICLetterboxd Op-Ed: Is Streaming Making Movies Less Memorable?Kristen Stewart Buys Highland Park TheaterOur ‘Sex-Positive Movie Night’ Picks in a Letterboxd ListStaff PicksAlonso - Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t DieDrea - Nirvanna The Band The Show The MovieNayland - BloodsistersKevin - SecretaryNayland’s Books:My Studio Is a Dungeon Is the StudioNo Wrong Holes: Thirty Years of Nayland Blake  Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Sam Raimi's darkly comedic thriller SEND HELP is a bright spot in the early 2026 movie calendar, and we've got writer and film critic Kristen Lopez with us to discuss it, as well as some of our favorite "Desert Island Movies" -- by which we mean movies set on a remote island, of course.What's GoodAlonso - Super Bowl festivity & foodDrea - Rainbow WoolKristen - good movies in JanuaryKevin - Twilight Zone fundraiser readingITIDICIRON LUNG, YouTube Creator’s $3m Indie, Opens #2 at the Box OfficeLake Oswego Theater Loses Rights to Screen ‘Melania’ After Marquee JokesMST3K and Rifftrax Plan CrossoverCheck out our "Desert Island Movies" List on LetterboxdStaff PicksDrea - The HousemaidAlonso - Office KillerKristen - PillionKevin - The RuinsRead all about Kristen Lopez at her site or on The Film Maven   Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re throwing our whole bodies into this discussion of Mona Fastvold’s epic historical musical biopic THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE. But it’s an audio medium, so you’ll have to take our word for it. We’re thrilled to have Emily St. James back with us!What’s GoodAlonso - Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old ManDrea - The power of “DROWSING” (in Scrabble)Emily - Rewatching 28 Years LaterKevin - Love Thy Neighbor: A Charity Live Reading of The Twilight Zone (Live at Dynasty Typewriter and Livestreamed, 1/31/26)ITIDICOscar Nominations AnnouncedSundance Film Festival kicks off, for the final time in Park CityUnusual Musicals List on LetterboxdStaff PicksDrea - A PoetAlonso - The MomentKevin - Martha Marcy May MarleneFollow Emily St. James on Bluesky or Instagram @emilystjamsSubscribe to EpisodesListen to Podcast Like It’s… Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

MaxFun's own Jordan Morris (Jordan, Jesse, Go and Free with Ads) joins us to discuss Nia DaCosta's latest flex -- this time, she's settling into the 28 Years Later director's chair for the second in a proposed trilogy of 28 Years films (which are themselves sequels to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later). It's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, starring Ralph Fiennes, Chi Lewis-Parry, Erin Kellyman, and Jack O'Connell. Then we take a Hotline call about food and cooking in the movies.What’s Good?Alonso - Experimenting with Bro SoapDrea - the many queens of the Midwest (here’s a list of ways to help Minnesota)• The Smitten Kitten• Comma, a bookshopJordan - search for “ICE agents slipping on ice”Kevin - YouTube ‘80s/’90s football games rabbit holeITIDICKathleen Kennedy Stepping Down as Lucasfilm HeadBoots Riley to Direct An Adaptation of ‘Mr. Burns,’ a Play About The SimpsonsStaff PicksDrea - PrideAlonso - A Bigger SplashJordan - Godzilla vs. BiollanteKevin - The MarvelsMore about Jordan’s Predator: Bloodshedbit.ly/coolfight to preorder a signed copy Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

After making a splash at Cannes, THE CHRONOLOGY OF WATER is finally getting released to theaters around the US. It’s a faithful film adaptation of the memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch, and we’re joined by both a memoirist and a filmmaker to discuss it all — Roxane Gay (HUNGER, BAD FEMINIST, and much more) and Alain Martin (The Forgotten Occupation). Then we’ll name some of our favorite memoir adaptations, and some memoirs we’d like to see adapted to film  What’s Good?Alonso - The Hunger: Film Writing 2012-2024 by Melissa AndersonDrea - TasteBuds NYC videosRoxane - Heated Rivalry book seriesAlain - LA trip (for local premiere of The Forgotten Occupation!)Kevin - Buzz Ballz for DreaITIDICGolden Globes 2026 HappenedAlamo Drafthouse Shifting from Pen-and-Paper to Mobile Menu OrderingStaff PicksAlonso - The SwimmerDrea - Sound of FallingAlain - Nouvelle VagueRoxane - HeddaKevin - Cedar Rapids Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Josh Safdie directed it, Timothée Chalamet stars in it, awards groups are crazy for it, and it’s seriously stressing us out. This week we’re back in the swing of things and talking about MARTY SUPREME. Then, in honor of main character Marty Mauser, we’re naming some of our favorite world-class assholes of cinema.What’s Good?Alonso - The meme feedback loop of Heated RivalryDrea - Taskmaster (and the show’s quiet inclusivity)Kevin - Batman Bomber Jacket (and getting Alonso’s book for J)ITIDICBetty Boop and Blondie Enter Public Domain in 2026John Mayer and McG Buying the Henson Studio Lot and Name it Chaplin StudiosStaff PicksDrea - Predator: BadlandsAlonso - Familiar TouchKevin - We Bury the DeadLeave us a message with your movie query! MaximumFun.org/Hotline Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re celebrating the end of the movie year that was and the start of the movie year to come, plus our first year (minus a few months in the middle there) with Kevin at the helm! We’ve got our annual Maxie Awards, movies we’re looking forward to in 2026 and, most importantly, each host’s 10 favorites from 2025.What's Good?Alonso - BarebellsDrea - Warm (True) SpringKevin - a year of hosting (sorta)!*indicates a film we covered on the show!Drea10. Twinless*9. Lurker8. Hamnet*7. Bugonia*6. Sentimental Value5. Sorry, Baby4. The Secret Agent3. Train Dreams*2. One Battle After Another*1. Sinners*Alonso10. Happy End9. A House of Dynamite8. Rebuilding7. It Was Just an Accident6. One Battle After Another*5. Train Dreams*4. Caught by the Tides3. My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow2. Eephus1. Sinners*Kevin10. Good Fortune9. Hedda*8. The Long Walk*7. Twinless*6. Weapons*5. Thunderbolts**4. F13. Superman*2. Sinners*1. 40 Acres* Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Jingle jingle, ya’ll! We’ve got comedian Ben Katzner joining us under the mistletoe for the holiday movie about a recovering improviser and a divorced dentist that you didn’t know were missing. Then we have a Hotline question about holiday movies that center Black Joy for a change! #4Brothers4ChristmasWhat’s GoodAlonso - LAFCA Citation for Gardena Cinema; Support Your Local Film SocietyDrea - Pipsly.orgBen - Sam Evans’ comedy special, Down a MomKevin - moving boxes and having a spaceWETIDICa).  Several Stories about films in development:Live Action Teddy Ruxpin Movie Coming from AmazonMGM and 7 BucksSocial Network 2 In the Works Miss Piggy’ Movie In Development With Cole Escola Writingb). Rick Moranis Returns to Acting for Spaceballs 2c). Ariana Grande Grabber Sentenced to 9 Days in PrisonChristmas Movie MinuteA Make or Break HolidayThe Christmas BabyThe Best Thing About ChristmasStaff PicksAlonso - Boys Go to JupiterDrea - The Muppet Christmas CarolBen - One of Them DaysKevin - Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersWatch Supple HarlotTroll Hole Podcast Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The Flop House’s Elliot Kalan joins us to put his “Mad about Mads”-ness where his mouth is as we discuss a stylized new horror-ish thriller from director Bryan Fuller. Then we’ll talk about movies that would make good genre entry points for kids who are ready.What’s GoodDrea - Heated RivalryElliott - Latke Night, his new book Joke Farming, & Werner Herzog’s A Guide for the PerplexedKevin - Yuletide Unc gets his decorations upITIDICa.) Zootopia 2 Becomes the Year’s Highest Grossing Filmb). Famed Variety Oscars Party Moves to LACMAChristmas Movie MinuteSingle on the 25thOy to the WorldA Suite Holiday RomanceThe Christmas Writer(and a shout out to yet-unseen The Christmas Baby premiering on Hallmark on 12/21/25)Staff PicksDrea - The Princess BrideElliott - This Is Spinal Tap (see also, A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap) Kevin - Misery Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

George Clooney is JAY KELLY in Noah Baumbach’s latest film…and that might be true in more ways than one. The film chronicles the career of a fictional movie star. Speaking of chronicles, we’re joined by actor and filmmaker Justin Tyler, voice of the titular Derf in MaxFun’s newest show, The Young Old Derf Chronicles. And we have a movie quiz about real actors playing fictional actors on film!What’s GoodAlonso - “Buy a Christmas tree that’s considered too big for your apartment.”Drea - Forks Out on Sesame StreetJustin - end of year check-outKevin - Paranormal Activity playITIDICNetflix/Warner Bros. Monopoly InsanityOriginal Star Wars film to be Rereleased in Theaters for 50th AnniversaryChristmas Movie MinuteThe Christmas Cup (Hallmark)She’s Making a List (Hallmark)Staff PicksDrea - Goodbye JuneAlonso - The Swimmer (1968)Justin - Blue MoonKevin - Three Kings Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

What’s GoodAlonso - the magic of podcastingDrea - the magic of a repainted bathroomKevin - the magic of live jazz improvisation (The Tyler Hammond Jazz Experience)[Morgan Freeman falling asleep clip]ITIDIC2020 and 2021 Titles Coming to Indie Theaters for ‘Lost Films of COVID’ SeriesShrek 5 is back in the news as 3 actors are cast as his tripletsStaff PicksAlonso - BLKNWS: Terms and ConditionsDrea - Wild RoseKevin - Hamlet 2 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The new film from the team behind JOCKEY and SING SING is a lyrical life story starring Joel Edgerton. We’ve got casting director Nicole Arbusto with us to discuss this, and take on a Hotline question asking for professional shoutouts. Plus our annual Turkeys of the Year and the first post-Thanksgiving Christmas Movie Minute!What’s GoodAlonso - magazinesDrea - Buzz Ballz/BeatBox/Cutwater cocktail challengeNicole - LA cloud formations latelyKevin - “books I haven’t even cracked open”Staff PicksDrea - All That’s Left of YouAlonso - Jesus’ SonNicole - A Little PrayerKevin - Zero Dark ThirtyPick up Have Yourself a Movie Little ChristmasLeave a message for the Hotline!Get some Maximum Film! merch Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

An ode to a classic of French New Wave cinema – Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (A Bout de Souffle) – Nouvelle Vague is more than a heady film nerd love fest. It’s a Linklater movie, which means it’s a hangout film; it’s just that the gang we’re hanging with happens to be reinventing modern cinema, whether they know it or not. We’ve got writer, actor, and teacher Tarik R. Davis (The Amber Ruffin Show) with us to talk about the petite charms of this Cannes premiere. Then we pitch our own making-of hangout movies!What’s GoodAlonso - “Trans Images on Film” on TCM (w/Caden Mark Gardner and Willow Catelyn Maclay)Drea - Library Tool CheckoutTarik - a really good rehearsalKevin - Conduct Your Own Orchestra (Golden Records)ITIDICFilmmakers Meet the Pope (text of the pope’s full address is here)D&D: Honor Among Thieves Team Working on new Star Trek MovieStaff PicksAlonso - Faces PlacesDrea - Rental FamilyTarik - Brother JohnKevin - For Your Consideration Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

CW: discussion of domestic abuseWe get into the good the bad and the ugly of the new boxing biopic CHRISTY, which tells the story of pioneering boxer Christy Martin and her dark power struggles both in and outside the ring. Then we have a movie quiz about bio pics with first-name titles. What’s GoodAlonso - successful Parker House rolls trial runDrea - remembering a detail of ArrivalDaresha - screening her new film to big crowd at a Black church in Cambridge, MAKevin - was in a play!ITIDICKristen Stewart declares "state of emergency" over gender inequality in filmWarners Making ‘Gremlins 3’ With Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus ReturningStaff PicksDrea - RebuildingAlonso - Little Amelie or The Character of RainDaresha - Natchez Kevin - Unknown Number: The High School CatfishLove, Joy, & Power at DOC NYCAlonso’s book, Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Yorgos Lanthimos can be counted on for a weird, wild time, and this time around he’s back with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, plus newcomer Aidan Delbis, comedian Stavros Halkias, and even a bit of Alicia Silverstone. Former producer Casey O’Brien (co-host of Dear Movies, I Love You) joins us to take an up-close look at movie loaded with close-ups. Then we name some of our favorite actor-director frequent pairings.What’s GoodDrea - Toners in spray bottlesCasey - BuzzBallzKevin - Costco cashewsITIDICA Hello Kitty Movie is Coming in 2028Taylor Sheridan Broke Up with Paramount, But He’s Back In for ‘Call of Duty’Staff PicksDrea - Sentimental ValueCasey - The HiddenKevin - The MenuPhysical Media merch at maxfunstore.com Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Just us chickens here this week to talk about the wild party we just witnessed...in Nia DaCosta's HEDDA, a modernized (but not modern-day) adaptation of the classic Ibsen play, HEDDA GABLER. Then we get into what works and doesn't work for us in stage-to-screen adaptations.What’s GoodAlonso - Christmas creep!Drea - “...There she is.”Kevin - A weekend of artistic experiencesITIDICA Memo Reveals that the Pentagon is Mad About ‘House of Dynamite’LA Times: Horror May Have Its Moment at the Oscars‘Kidz Bop Live: The Concert Movie’ Set to Premiere in TheatersStaff PicksDrea - Nouvelle VagueAlonso - It Was Just an AccidentKevin - Good Fortune Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Josh O’Connor stars in a heist movie to end all heist movies – or at least end our illusions that the person pulling the heist is pretty cool and awesome. Comedian and friend Myq Kaplan is along to watch things unfold, and unravel, in THE MASTERMIND. Then we take a Hotline question about what film school courses we’d like to teach.What’s GoodAlonso - Programme 4   Drea - First women to cross the Atlantic unsupported (in their girthy canoe)Myq - Communing with friends [Rini (and Rini), John Fugelsang appearance, Separation of Church and Hate, tea with Abby Wambaugh] Kevin - new mic cable and arm; guesting on How to SurviveBernie & Phyl’s ad ITIDICPenske Reportedly Offers Golden Globe Bribe Opportunity to Right-Wing PodcastersBUGONIA Offering Free Screening for Bald AudienceStaff PicksDrea - La ChimeraAlonso - A House of DynamiteMyq - The Life of ChuckKevin - Roofman10/25: American Cinema Editors Short Film Showcase – The First Day of Your Last Period11/2: Myq at Dynasty TypewriterAlonso's book: Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

A little gritty political drama, a little technicolor musical, a little revolutionary politics, a little ahead-of-its-time queer representation…Kiss of the Spider Woman has been a novel, a play, an Oscar-winning movie, a Tony-winning Broadway musical, and now a Bill Condon movie musical starring Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna, and relative newcomer Tonatiuh. LA-based film critic Carlos Aguilar joins us to get into the enduring allure of Spider Woman, and to name some bleak movies that could be jazzed up with a little old-timey movie-musical interlude.What’s GoodAlonso - Bulgarian State Woman Choir on Johnny Carson in 1990Drea - Bed Bands (wholesome)Carlos - New episode of Storage WarsKevin - The Craft at CinespiaITIDICApple TV Streaming Drops “+” From its NameThe TiVo Era Has Ended, Officially NowAnnie Hall Returning to Cinemas in Honor of Diane KeatonStaff PicksAlonso - Orwell: 2+2=5Drea - Blue MoonCarlos - It Was Just an AccidentKevin - Battle Royale Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

If you’ve got Amazon Prime, you can put PLAY DIRTY (starring Mark Wahlberg, Rosa Salazar, LaKeith Stanfield, Tony Shaloub, and many more) right now. But should you? That’s where we come in, careening into your remote-wielding hand like a car chase onto a horse racing track in the first few minutes of PLAY DIRTY.Speaking of which, we’re also nominating Hall of Excellence candidates in the category Best Car Chase. All with Danielle Radford riding shotgun!What’s GoodAlonso - Zach BryanDrea - mom's girls trip to Portland (and a drag show)Danielle - Hello Kitty Island Adventure (and no IMdB-ruiner encounters)Kevin - Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Cinespia (starring Barry Bostwick, FYI)ITIDICAmazon Disarmed a James Bond Poster, then Undid it when folks noticedTarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’ Sets Theatrical ReleaseHall of Excellence NomsTerminator 2What’s Up Doc?Mad Max Fury RoadThe Matrix ReloadedStaff PicksDrea - If I Had Legs I’d Kick YouAlonso - Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky HorrorDanielle - Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream MasterKevin - Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film has car chases, explosions, secret societies, and and confused ex-revolutionaries...but did it make Drea cry? Find out the answer, plus our favorite underground cabals from film history, on this episode with special guest, noted critic Michael Phillips.What’s GoodAlonso - Brian Earl’s Of Christmases Long, Long AgoDrea - COVID booster/Worm Charming ChampionshipMichael - being with us (and Gov. Pritzker)Kevin - The Big Show at The EarlITIDICThe Tilly Norwood situationLA Times Editorial: Oscars International Feature Category Is Broken; No Easy FixStaff PicksAlonso - Smashing TimeDrea - FairylandMichael - SpartacusKevin - Apollo 13Check out Michael's appearances on Filmspotting and his piece on Ebert.com Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

An impossible, dystopian "sporting event" is the subject of this week's film, leading to a seemingly impossible feat of storytelling, production, and adaptation. It's THE LONG WALK, with YA Novelist and podcasting impresario Lauren Shippen as our special guest. Then, we talk about films that don't pass the Bechdel Test, but still pass muster.What’s GoodAlonso - Hallmark Holiday movie lineup unveiledDrea - duck stamp painting controversyLauren - second largest zucchiniKevin - worlds colliding, Great British Baking ShowITIDICDisney+ announces streaming price hikes at this of all momentsMarlon Wayans Takes Career of Bad Critical Reviews in StrideStaff PicksDrea - Secret Mall ApartmentAlonso - HappyendLauren - Edge of TomorrowKevin - On the Right TrackListen to Lauren’s new show, Two Thousand and LateAlonso at Vroman’s Pasadena for Stephen Rebello’s Criss-Cross Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Director/star James Sweeney’s sophomore follow-up to Straight Up made a spalsh at Sundance this January, winning the Audience Award and a lot of buzz about Dylan O’Brien’s dual roles as twins Roman and Rocky. Director and writer Bryan Fuller, whose feature debut DUST BUNNY recently premiered at TIFF, joins us to see what all the fuss is about. Then we share some of our favorite dark comedies.What’s GoodAlonso - Hobnobs (and Hobnob Fever!)Drea - Competitive nonsense (windowdressing, bedmaking, etc)Bryan - a murder of yard crowsKevin - no more waspsITIDICTIFF Wraps Up, Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet Wins Audience AwardParamount Wants to Buy Warner BrosRemembering Robert RedfordStaff PicksDrea - Predators (2025) (and Love and Monsters)Alonso - Chain ReactionsBryan -  The Last VikingKevin - Alien Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

W. Kamau Bell is a noted comedian, author, filmmaker, and activist. He’s also the former co-host of the podcast DENZEL WASHINGTON IS THE GREATEST ACTOR OF ALL TIME PERIOD, along with our very own Kevin Avery. Now, we've gotten the former co-hosts (and former roommates!) back together. It’s a big deal, but does Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s big reunion rise to the occasion? Find out as we discuss HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, and stay to hear some fantasy pitches for other classic movies that we’d like to see get Denzel-ified.What’s Good?Alonso - Petit Grain (and supporting your local bakery…and eating your feelings)Drea - being on festival juriesKamau - pizza; daughter fetching an umbrella for dadKevin - killing a wasp in a beekeeping suitITIDICUnfinished Orson Welles Movie Being Completed By AI…Meanwhile, WB Sues MidjourneyAfter The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie and The Rock Are Pairing Up AgainStaff PicksAlonso - The BaltimoronsDrea - Preparation for the Next Life (?)Kevin - Love, BrooklynKamau - The Unforgivable Sin of Ms. RachelSubscribe to Kamau’s Newsletter, Who’s With Me?Akira Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW on Criterion Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

This week we’re talking WEAPONS, Zach Cregger’s follow up to BARBARIAN, with freelance writer and host of Chasing Amy Adams, Louis Peitzman. Plus, in honor of a spooky movie with a lot of kids at the center of its plot, we honor some of our favorite creepy kids from cinema.What’s Good?Drea - llama costumes at the MN State FairLouis - giant beaver/fall scented candlesKevin -  AMC A-List bingeITIDIC- The Toxic Avenger Pledges to Commit Profits to Help With Medical Debts- Fall Film Festival Season Is Underway: Venice and Telluride- Another Live Action Remake Scrapped at Disney: Questlove’s AristocatsStaff PicksDrea - Twinless & A Little PrayerLouis - The 4th Man (De Vierde Man)Kevin - Longlegs Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Writer Meghan Fitzmartin joins us to debate: does a movie have to be "good," or is it enough to just be fun? Then, we'll discuss our favorite Hollywood power couples, both on and off the screen.What’s Good?Alonso - The Dean Martin Association YouTube channelDrea - State Fairs, MN State Fair, Cropseed Art (Crop Art & Scarecrow)Meghan - Clay pipes (mudlarking on the foreshore)Kevin - Studio 54 themed birthday partyITIDICK-Pop Demon Hunters Hits Big Screens and Leads Box OfficeM:I Final Reckoning Fakes-Out Fans Re: Free Release on YouTubeStaff PicksDrea - Griffin in SummerAlonso - SplitsvilleMeghan - Life SizeKevin - The Shakiest Gun in the WestMary Sue by Meghan Fitzmartin is out October 8 Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Director Kate Beecroft made her debut feature after meeting and living with a singular family, and then building a script and feature film around their lives – with them as the stars. The resulting film, EAST OF WALL won the Audience Award at the (ahem) Sundance Film Festival. Collider’s Taylor Gates joins us to discuss the movie, and to daydream about what kind of movie we’d set at some of our personal favorite real-world locations.What’s GoodAlonso - Pumpkin Spice Season Creep/Laughing Cow Pumpkin Spice Cheese Wedges (in principle)Drea - Chris Ware USPS StampsTaylor - Renee Rapp’s Bite MeKevin - Tracy Bonham live w/Chris and Adrienne Woods; Silver Lake sightingsAirplane Jive scene (watch at your own risk!) Physical Media merch!ITIDICDisney’s Marvel Pulling Out of GeorgiaAnna Faris and Regina Hall Return for Wayans’ Scary Movie RebootStaff PicksDrea - RelayAlonso - Souleymane’s StoryTaylor - Private LifeKevin - F1 The MovieLinoleum Knife Presents CLUE on August 24Taylor on Collider and Fanversation Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

**We have new PHYSICAL MEDIA merch! Check it out at maxfunstore.com**Everything old is freaky again, and vice verse, with this late-breaking sequel to the 2003 version of Freaky Friday. Prolific actor/comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub is our prestigious guest to take a look at Lindsay, Jamie Lee, and a whole cast of new and returning folks game to get Freakier. Then we have fun talking about best and worst sequel titles.What’s GoodAlonso - personalized coupons from RalphsDrea - first female umpire in the MLBMary Lynn - a day at Mt. FujiKevin - satisfaction from household item restockITIDICCharlie Kaufman’s New Movie Will Go Directly to KanopyWB Sets Wiig/Hill Comedy CUT OFF to Debut Against Nolan’s THE ODYSSEYHamilton Will Screen in Cinemas Next MonthStaff PicksAlonso - The High NoteDrea - SketchMary Lynn - All of Us StrangersKevin - Weapons Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

THE FLOP HOUSE's Dan McCoy joins us to consider the power of taking stupidity very seriously. Then, a dishy movie quiz about on-set meetings that led to off-set romances.What’s GoodAlonso- Mark Rappaport, Book of DreamsDrea - Midwest trip, “Schumers,” and great chip flavorsDan - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Collected Screenplays 1Kevin - Trip to Lake ArrowheadITIDICMARRIAGE STORY Fight Scene Being Used to Scare Off WolvesLas Vegas Sphere’s Manipulation of The Wizard of Oz Raises QuestionsOriginal Star Wars Will Return to Cinemas for Its 50th Anniversary in 2027On-Screen/Off Screen Romances Letterboxd listPamela Anderson in the Criterion ClosetStaff PicksAlonso - Billy Joel: And So It GoesDrea - Sorry, BabyDan - TogetherKevin - The Incredible Mr Limpet Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Is the fourth time the charm when it comes to Fantastic Four movies? We’ve assembled our own fearsome foursome – including graphic novelist and comics writer/artist Sina Grace – to debate all the charms of the modem MCU’s First Steps into Earth 828. Then we’ll celebrate some of our favorite character actors and promote them to center stageWhat's GoodAlonso - Voluspa candles (Drea references this SNL song)Drea - Mom’s “4” punchlineSina - Lady GagaKevin - Meeting Adam Stein (and seeing Ify!) at Comic-ConITIDICCoyote vs. Acme Gets a Theatrical Release DateAir Bud Returns in 2026Fortnite announces tie-in with upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson’s FilmStaff PicksDrea - Memoir of a SnailAlonso - DiciannoveSina - The New Adventures of Pippi LongstockingKevin - Avengers: EndgameLeave us a message at MaximumFun.org/hotline Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood For Love (which some are calling the fifth best movie ever made, or at least the fourth best this century?) was released 25 years ago, and anniversary screenings of a new 4k restoration have been happening all over. We've got critic John Powers (Fresh Air, Vogue), author of WKW: The Cinema of Wong Kar-Wai with us to help us take an inside look at a movie that continues to enchant and haunt audiences through the decades.What’s GoodAlonso - Boorman and the Devil to premiere at Venice (and Selena Gomez Oreos)Drea - pomodoro method (for Spirit Awards spreadsheet mode)John - Chris Marker: Immemory Gutenberg VersionKevin - ComiCon 2025ITIDICChristopher Nolan’s ‘Odyssey’ Sells Out in IMAX a Year Ahead of ReleaseNeon Promoting ‘Together’ With a “Free Vegas Wedding” ContestPee-Wee’s Red Bike Acquired by the AlamoStaff PicksAlonso - We All Loved Each Other So MuchDrea - Familiar TouchJohn - CloudKevin - Dancer in the Dark Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher