Podcasts about hop nation usa

It's your annual gift of a Hop Nation USA reunion episode. Steve has once again called upon his past co-host Adam to test their friendship with a bad Christmas horror movie. This year, it's one of the worst. A film that's never made it past the VHS era and only exists as aging temps and bad digitizations on the internet. The overly subversive, edgelord take on Elf mythos. An irredeemable downer film that constantly finds new lows to dig itself into. Follow along as we watch Grizzly Adams rip cigs in a world full of nazis and black magic. Plus we announce the January Showdown topic. Find Us Online- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halloweenisforever/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/halloweenisforever Twitter: https://twitter.com/HallowForever Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halloweenisforeverpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalloweenIsForeverPod E-Mail: Halloweenisforeverpod@gmail.com

Maury Cramduss ... Moory Clickpiss ... Merry Crisis! and Happy Holidays. This week Steve has assembled a team of podcasters to take apart and reconstruct SANTASTEIN. The recently released comedy horror about Santa's death, resurrection and murder spree, just as was prophesied in the Bible. Joining him is the cast from Decayin' with the Boys, Matt and Adam as well as the former co-host of Hop Nation USA another Adam. Does this shoestring Floridian film capture the true meaning of Christmas? Tune in and find out.  Find more from Decayin' With The Boys at https://linktr.ee/decayinwtb Find Us Online- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halloweenisforever/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HallowForever Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halloweenisforeverpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalloweenIsForeverPod E-Mail: Halloweenisforeverpod@gmail.com

Mars Attacks! is based upon a series of Topps trading cards released in the early 1960s. And it certainly pays homage to its inspiration. Unfortunately, its also a narrative mess that fails to get the most out of its stacked cast. Mars Attacks! features an all-star lineup. It's got Jack Nicholson in two roles, Jim Brown, Joe Don Baker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Pierce Brosnan, just to name a few. And, yes, their presence is felt, but outside of Nicholson, who's terrific as a Las Vegas Huckster and the President, they all have nothing to do. That is the great failing of Mars Attacks! It wants to do a lot without really doing anything at all. It's all just empty spectacle—little green CGI men conquering a hapless earth. Hence why it received middling to negative reviews—56% on Rotten Tomatoes with 86 of them—and was beheaded like an annoying chihuahua at the box office. On a budget of $100 million, Mars Attacks! raked in just north of $101 million worldwide. The losses on that are enough to make a financier's head explode like a martian listening to Slim Whitman. Now, sit back, disintegrate a Double County Double IPA from Dry County Brewing, and do not trust the martians! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are optimistic about still having two out of the three branches of government. That ain't bad! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Nice planet. We'll take it! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss assess why this movie flopped. (36:14) The "They Blew Up Congress!" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast pins a red skeleton, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:07:12) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish "Hops and All I Want for Christmas Flops" with 1989's blatant Nintendo commercial, The Wizard! (1:17:09) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the current value of the cards 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!

GI Joe: The Movie was meant for big things. Like Transformers and My Little Pony, it would be the property's big screen debut. The failures of those two prevented it from ever getting the chance, though. Even worse, it was meant to serve as a lead-in to the third season of the television show that, ultimately, never happened. Well, it sort of did, but far later and with a different animation studio at the helm. Essentially, it's all a big "what if?", but if you love the toys, then the odds are good you will love GI Joe: The Movie. It introduces a host of new Cobra and Joe characters to enjoy and even builds upon the lore of how Cobra came to be. Cobra-La, as silly and odd as it is, is visually interesting, and its central characters—Golobulus, Pythona, and Nemesis Enforcer—are all extremely cool. Throw in Sgt. Slaughter's Marauders, and you've got yourself a damn good time. Plus, GI Joe: The Movie has a sick opening song set to a battle at the Statue of Liberty! It's a banger, folks. Now, sit back, toast to America with a Space Camper Red Spectra IPA from Boulevard Brewing Co., and start your trek to the Slaughter House! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake were once men! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Fighting for freedom wherever there's trouble! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss our favorite real American heroes. (32:47) The "Yo Joe!" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast spars with Beach Head, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the cartoon series. (48:26) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue off "Hops and All I Want for Christmas Flops" with the Mars Attacks! (57:43) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the incredible toy line 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!

RIPD— the Rest in Peace Department—is based upon a comic of the same name. We're not sure about the source material, but the film is just a unabashed Men in Black ripoff. There's the wisecracking rookie who's new to the job; and the crotchety old vet who's stuck with him. Their job is to protect the earth from monstrous spirits, or deados, who walk among them, avoiding their fate in the afterlife. So, let's run this down. Secret government agency? Check. Young, quippy star? Check. Elder curmudgeon? Check. And plot that revolves around said agency protecting the unsuspecting public from a threat they have no idea exists? Check. Thus, RIPD is just a 2013 version of a 1997 film, and in no way is that a compliment. Why? Well, because most of it does not work. And it's central elements are just grifted from better movies. The villain, played hammily by the great Kevin Bacon, is essentially just the budget Gozer from Ghostbusters. With all that in mind, you can probably guess that this flopped and was buried by critics. On a budget estimated to be as high as $154 million, it earned a putrid $78.3 million. It's 12% on Rotten Tomatoes is also as moldy as one of the deados who's been hiding out on earth for too long. Now, sit back, enjoy the after life with a Dead 'N' Dead from Rogue, and stay frosty! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and a special guest are hunting down evil Kevin Bacon in the mean streets of Boston! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – They're defending our world one soul at a time! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we all choose our RIPD avatars. (30:37) The "Sounds Like an STD" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast handcuffs some deados, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (49:29) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off "Hops and All I Want for Christmas Flops" with the GI Joe: The Movie! (58:27) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the direct to Netflix sequel 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!

Mystery, Alaska is a classic underdog tale. The small town who lives for hockey is thrust into the spotlight when given the opportunity to faceoff against the NHL's New York Rangers (those rascally Rags). Starring Russel Crowe— who was at the peak of his leading man powers—as sheriff/defenseman John Biebe, the movie centers on the sleepy Alaskan town of Mystery. It's a place that takes pride in many things, but hockey is really its treasure. Thus, when the opportunity arises for them to play the aforementioned Rags, the town is abuzz. Throw in some drama around old romances, unfaithful spouses, leaky locker room betrayal, and an old curmudgeon who needs a reason to love the game again, you've got yourself the recipe for a great sports film. Unfortunately, those ingredients did not equate to critical or box office success. Earning just $8.9 million on a budget of $28 million, Mystery, Alaska was a flop. And being drubbed by critics—37% with 82 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes—was unwarranted and nastier than a crosscheck to the face. But, fear not, Mystery, Alaska is well worth a watch; and over time, it has garnered a devout following. That is no doubt due to its charming cast, who all feel like an actual team. You just can't help, but root for them. Now, sit back, high stick an Amber Alt-Style Ale from Alaskan Brewing Co., and keep your head up! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash and a special guest are skating the river to prep for our showdown with the Rags! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A small town on the outskirts of greatness! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we debate which Mystery player would be the best hang. (23:39) The "Saturday Game" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast wrestles the Goon, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (54:37) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish "Hops and Heartthrob Flops" with the comic book disaster, RIPD! (1:07:50) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the recent cast 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!

Necessary Roughness is very much just Major League on the gridiron, featuring a ragtag group of footballers who must rise to the occasion in the face of great adversity. And it's 100% a 90s gem. Necessary Roughness is sort of the sequel to The Program we never got. In it, the Texas State Armadillos are mired in scandals. As a result, their team has all had their scholarships revoked, leaving the university to cobble together a team of never weres. Enter, Paul Blake, played by the remarkably handsome Scott Bakula. He's a long forgotten QB who sacrificed his shot at glory to tend to the family farm. Alongside a crew of literal misfits—including a ninja, a war enthusiast, and guy who couldn't catch a cold—Blake must defy the odds. Oh, and since it's the 90s, he also has to fall in love. That's just science. You'll laugh; you'll cry; and I'll make you a promise: If TSU gets into that end zone, you're going to feel no pain. Now, sit back, root for your team with a Holiday Cheer from Shiner, and always go for two! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and a special guest are throwing bows at Billy Bob's with the a-holes from the Texas Colts! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – This gang of loners, loonies, and losers is about to become something they've never been before ... a team! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we debate who the greatest fictional QB of all time is. (24:51) The "Iron Man Football" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast commits several personal fouls, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (48:09) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Heartthrob Flops" with the comic book disaster, RIPD! (1:02:48) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the oral history of Necessary Roughness 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!

Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, True Romance is everything we love about the lawless ass 90s. It's unapologetically profane and violent, more than a bit dated, but also utterly rewatchable. This is due in large part to its incredible cast. From Gary Oldman as Rastafarian pimp Drexl, to a pre-Sopranos James Gandolfini as mafia heavy Virgil, to Brad Pitt as stoner Floyd, this movie is overflowing with stars in the making. And those three are barely even in it. That's how incredible this cast is. Christian Slater, who stars as Clarence Worley, and Patricia Arquette, who plays his love interest Alabama, are surrounded by top-tier performances. From the opening, you could probably also guess that True Romance is exceptionally written and confidently directed. Thus, despite some of its more cringeworthy (i.e. offensive) sensibilities, this is a stroll down 90s memory lane worth taking. Shockingly, though, even with strong reviews, True Romance flopped. It grossed just over $13 million on a budget of $12.5 million. Imaginary Elvis (Val Kilmer) does not approve. Now, sit back, casually sip a Narwhal Imperial Stout from Sierra Nevada, and enjoy the Sonny Chiba marathon! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Capt. Cash are auditioning for the TJ Hooker revival. Wish us luck! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Not since Bonnie and Clyde have two people been so good at being bad! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss our favorite performances and scenes from True Romance. (33:51) The "White Boy Day" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast tags in, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:06:57) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Heartthrob Flops" with Scott Bakula's 90s masterpiece Necessary Roughness! (1:18:48) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—how True Romance evolved 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!

Jason X was probably ahead of its time. In that, it deviates from the series traditionally serious horror roots, replacing traditional scares with unchecked campiness. When it was released in 2001, people were not pleased. Critics didn't know what to make of it either, slicing it down to a paltry 19% on Rotten Tomatoes. With a $14 million budget, a series high at the time, its $17.1 million gross was also box office murder. Over time, though, its unapologetically goofy premise—taking the titular Jason Voorhees to space—has grown on people. It seems the less serious audiences take Jason X, the more fun they have. And make no mistake, that is what Jason X is all about. Come for the gory kills; ignore the terrible acting and bafflingly cheap set; and stay for Jason turning into a futuristic version of himself, who bashes some horny holographic teens into a tree. Seriously, it's glorious. Now, sit back, carve the top off a Voodoo Ranger Xperimental IPA from New Belgium Brewing, and leave Jason's frozen ass on Earth 1! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK) and Capt. Cash are hiding in our sleeping bags! Wait ... is that a good idea? This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Welcome to the future of horror! (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast wins the Cryogenic Chamber Match, and then we open the Super Slash Bros field for the ultimate showdown. (34:14) Recommendations – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off "Hops and Heartthrob Flops" with ! (48:02) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the legacy of Jason 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!

Leprechaun 4: In Space is about as low budget as a horror movie sequel can get. Released straight to video in 1997 and produced for a whopping $3 million, it gives most local theater productions a run for their money in terms of set design and costumes. But, should we really expect anything else? Leprechaun 4 is the second of the sequels to be banished directly to video store shelves, and it further frays the series' strands of believability. Vegas sort of makes sense. But space? Odd plot aside—which involves the titular fairy wooing an alien princess in the hopes of becoming king—Leprechaun 4 lacks most of the elements necessary for entertaining horror. It's not scary; the kills are mostly laughable; and the space ship effects appear to be ripped from an old Sega Saturn game. Sadly, there's no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. There's just a man sobbing as the Leprechaun claws his way out of his pee hole head first. So, sit back, use your magic to conjure up a Guinness, and stop ogling the princess! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Mayor McCheese, Capt. Cash and Chumpzilla are crawling through the air ducts to escape the arachnid version of Dr. Mittenhand! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – One small step for man. One giant leap for terror! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, We discuss what, if anything, worked in this movie. (34:44) The "Irish UTI" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast trains with Fit Finley to take down the Leprechaun, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the iconic series. (50:50) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Cosmic Terror Flops" with Jason X! (1:02:23) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the legacy of the Leprechaun 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!

Hellraiser IV: Bloodline is a typical late 80s/early 90s horror sequel; as in, it's a cash grab. Sure, it takes Pinhead and his Cenobite minions to space (sort of), but it has nothing truly unique to offer to the series' lore. And the space element, which was so popular amongst fledgling horror franchises that we're dedicating an entire month to it, isn't even present the majority of the film. Hellraiser IV revolves much more around its subtitle, "Bloodline." It chronicles the history of Lemarchand's Box, the puzzle box that unlocks the gateway to Hell, covering its original design by French toymaker Philip Lemarchand, through its ultimate use to lock the portal forever. In between, we get the story of another of Lemarchand's descendants, an architect whose latest building is essentially a giant version of the 'Lament Configuration' or "The Box of Sorrows." Of course, it wouldn't be a Hellraiser film unless the horrors of the box were unleashed, and they are in each era. But, sadly, for us, the viewers, the only thing that follows is the equivalent of cinematic torture. Hellraiser IV looks and feels cheap; is devoid of scares; and isn't even so bad, it's actually fun. It's just plain bad. Certainly, diminishing quality is a hallmark of horror sequels during this era, but this thing is a total mess and not just because of all the guts it spills. Anyway, Adam Scott is here as a horny Frenchman who's into the occult! So, sit back, sink your hooks into a Tank Dog Hazy Imperial IPA from New Realm Brewing Co., and stop fumbling with that godforsaken cube! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Mayor McCheese, and Chumpzilla are dancing with the devil and celebrating the fall of capitalism in space with Tim Curry! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – This year, the past, the present and the future will all meet at the crossroads of Hell! (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast enters the Chamber of Horrors with Pinhead, and then we attempt to tackle the convoluted, era-spanning nonsense of Hellraiser IV. (46:06) The "Jesus Wept!" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the series. (1:04:42) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Cosmic Terror Flops" with Leprechaun 4. (1:18:11) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the best Cenobites in Hellraiser history 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!

Death to Smoochy is a black comedy about the ills of child television programming and its clear exploitation of kids for monetary gain. The concept is ripe for the picking. Sadly, Death to Smoochy's execution of it is lacking. Neither funny, nor particularly compelling, its a movie devoid of all the essential ingredients of a good comedy. The characters—played at least with enthusiasm by Robin Williams as Rainbow Randolph and Edward Norton, the titular Smoochy—are generally unlikeable. Randolph, who goes through a sort of awakening after losing his prime TV spot, just sort of sucks; and considering none of his self-reflection ever involves acknowledging he was fired for good reason, I'm not sure the point of it. Throw in a needless and bizarre romance angle, multiple mob sub-plots, Jon Stewart's weird haircut, and a character whose brain damage is played for laughs, and you get one of the more mediocre enterprises of the early 2000s. Hence why it flopped, earning $8.3 million on a budget of $50 million (Why was it that high?); and why it earned poor reviews, 42% on Rotten Tomatoes with 119 of them. Anyway, there are a couple of good jokes. So, sit back, plot revenge while sipping a Brotherly Love Hazy IPA from Victory Brewing, and remember: Your stepdad isn't mean ... He's just adjusting! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are all auditioning to be backup skaters in Smoochy on Ice! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – It's a kids show... with gangsters, bribery, and corruption! (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast has a Tornado Tag versus Smoochy and Rainbow Randolph, and then we discuss how a Robin Williams movie could be so unfunny. (32:16) The "It's a Rocket Ship!" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (39:46) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We begin "Hops and Cosmic Terror Flops" with Hellraiser IV: Bloodline. (51:10) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—history of taking kids entertainment to the ice 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!

47 Ronin is a Hollywood-sized retelling of a famous Japanese legend. It's full of mystical CGI beasts and absurd witchcraft. Why? Who the hell really knows, but apparently the executives wanted something in the vein of the Hobbit movies. Yes, a recurring theme on this pod is that too often the people running the studio let their bad ideas seep into the product. 47 Ronin did not need a monstrous budget to be captivating. The actual history is interesting enough. It's more an indictment of American audiences to think authentic Japanese history wouldn't capture their attention. Anyway, when you spend close to $225 million on what should be a straightforward tale of avenging samurai, it's a good bet you won't recoup your costs. It's also safe to assume that an abundance of fantastical nonsense will distract from the heart of the story. Both of these ended up being true. The core ronin sadly take a backseat to a silly, nonsensical romance subplot and over-the-top green screen. Hence, when 47 Ronin committed metaphorical seppuku at the box office, grossing a puny $151.8 million worldwide, they had no one to blame but themselves. Critics were just as unkind. With 90 reviews, it carries a 16% on Rotten Tomatoes. Is it truly that bad? Not really, there's some fun to be had; but the strains of it being pulled by the competing visions of the director and the studio are painfully apparent. So, sit back, pop the top on a Hitachino Nest White Ale, and beware of what lurks in the Tengu Forest! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK) and Chumpzilla—with katanas in hand—have vowed to avenge our fallen lord. This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – There is a legend of 47 warriors who seized eternity. (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss who was the better samurai, Keanu Reeves or Tom Cruise. (30:49) The "Die with Honor" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast is thrown into the pit to survive, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (42:36) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude "Hops and Star Powered Flops" with Death to Smoochy. (52:19) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the true story behind the legend 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!

Disney's Prince of Persia was a bold endeavor. With a $185 million price tag, it shattered the ceiling for video game adaptation budgets. The House of Mouse made a bet, and it was a big one. Unfortunately, it was also a bad one. The Prince of Persia franchise is popular, but general audiences have rarely flocked to movies based on games. Thus, despite it being the most successful of the bunch—grossing $336.4 million worldwide—its receipts weren't enough to warrant a sequel. Poor reviews, 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, coupled with a soft domestic opening, under $91 million, doomed its franchise prospects. What it's really remembered for, though, is its bizarre decision to cast Jake Gyllenhall as the titular Prince of Persia. In fact, the majority of the major players are white, rendering this just another tone deaf Hollywood endeavor. Now, sit back, uncork a Pumpkin Ale, and hop on an ostrich! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Mayor McCheese, and Chumpzilla are rewinding time to nudge the casting director for this film in a more appropriate direction. This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Defy the Future. (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss what wrong with this movie—whitewashing, of course. (36:43) The "Sands of Time" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast does some parkour to warm up, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (51:50) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Star Powered Flops" with Death to Smoochy. (59:36) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the odd demand for a sequel 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!

This week I chatted with Steve & Adam over at Hop Nation USA about Pittsburgh beer! Couldn't get an Iron City for the show so I had Lone Star as the Beer In Front this week!  Hop Nation USA

Predators is the ideal set up for a sequel to the 1987 original. It includes a cast of eclectic mercenaries being pursued by the titular create. Only this time, there are three of them, and it's on their home turf. Yes, Predators takes us back to lush jungles, which, honestly, are a much more interesting backdrop for the hunt than either LA or a small town. Yet, the setting is not the only good idea this movie brings to the table. You've got a Predator blood feud; the conceit that all the nefarious characters dropped into this scenario are on a game preserve; and the loony survivor who's stuck on the planet. Where Predators is lacking is in its execution. It's not a bad film, by any means; it's just one that could've benefitted from a little more style to its rule of cool. Hence why the reviews were just lukewarm—65% on Rotten Tomatoes with 205 of them; and audiences didn't flock to cinemas for it. It grossed $52 million domestically ($127 worldwide) on a budget of $40 million. Those numbers are quite possibly a reflection of the godawful Alien vs Predator movies that came before it, too. Anyway, sit back, booby trap a Cosmic Crown Belgian-Style Golden Ale from Cigar City Brewing, and stay away from the Danny Trap-jo! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and a special guest are hanging with Larry Fishburne and his imaginary best friend. This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet. (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss which fictional character we'd like the Predator to scrap with. (49:57) The "Predators" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast hides underneath some foliage to win the Predator Royal Rumble, and then Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:13:00) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude "Hops and Hunting Ground Flops" with the franchise's triumphant return Prey. (1:22:10) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the sequel that never was 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, and Amazon Music!

Fans of the franchise, like us, now doubt had high hopes for Shane Black's The Predator. Black, who'd appeared in the original as Hawkins and even served as a script doctor on set, is a legend of action movie scriptwriting. The Predator, unfortunately, fails in almost every way. The humor is overwritten and overstuffed; the characters are thin and generally unlikeable; the plot makes no sense; and the scars of tumultuous reshoots are painfully evident. The third act seems to connect to an entirely different movie. That makes sense because they did have to reconfigure the whole thing after poor test screenings. But, it renders The Predator a film with no identity. Hence why it failed to reignite the franchise. It earned just $160.5 million on a budget of $88 million; and its reviews were scathing. At 33% on Rotten Tomatoes with 296 of them, this was not the return to form fans were hoping for. It is gory, though, so that's a plus. Now, sit back, evolve your tastebuds with a Summer Love Ale from Victory Brewing, and never play fetch with the Predator's dog! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are on prison transport bus to the loony bin. This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – You'll never see him coming. (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss ideas for a better Predator sequel. (41:32) The "Apex Predator" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast goes toe-to-toe with the Upgrade, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (58:45) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Hunting Ground Flops" with 2010's Predators. (1:08:27) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—how this movie was hacked to pieces 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, and Amazon Music!

Ridley Scott's  The Last Duel depicts the final trial by combat in 14th Century France. The titular duel involved Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Squire Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver), battling over le Gris' alleged rape of Carrouges' wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer). Yes, folks, this is a heavy movie, but it is also a very good one. The sets, the costumes, the acting—which includes a wonderfully sleezy performance from Ben Affleck as Count Pierre d'Alençon—and the action are all top notch. This is Scott at the top of his historical storytelling game. Sadly, though, The Last Duel flopped. Hard. As in, it lie dying as an angry Matt Damon yelled at it to CONFESS. On a budget of $100 million, it grossed a puny $30.6 million. With stellar reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes with 283 of them) and awards buzz, The Last Duel deserved far better. This isn't only interesting history, it's important history. And its principle story is shockingly relevant to today. Thus, we highly recommend that you see it. So, sit back, impale a 1985 Voodoo Ranger IPA from New Belgium Brewing with your lance, and never trust the nefarious Jacques le Gris! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK) and Capt. Cash are clanging swords to the delight of "Mad" King Charles VI. This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The true story of a woman who defied a nation and made history. (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast borrows Drew McIntyre's sword to partake in the melee, and then we discuss why this may have flopped. (40:42) Recommendations – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish "Hops and Period Piece Flops" with an ode to the finest fiddler in all of Texas and his amazing adventures, The Alamo! (52:44) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the true history of the duel 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, and Amazon Music!

Steve and Adam hanging out drinking brown ales. That's the premise. Love it or leave it. This week they talk about Stone vs Keystone vs Firestone Walker vs Firestone Tires, Pints and Panels new book; the Two Frays, First Sip and Kweza beer and introduce a new segment. Then they decide what to do with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hint: It's not keep the Pittsburgh Pirates, but their ideas are far more fun. Finally, now that Stone has opened the lawsuit door it's time for Hop Nation USA to recoup some losses and set the industry straight with frivolous lawsuits. Of course this goes well. BEERS: Helltown Mischievous Brown Listermann Triple Digit Chickow! Hazelnut Double Brown Grist House Gristly Bear  

Showdown in Little Tokyo is indisputably a bad movie, but that doesn't mean it isn't a heck of a lot of fun. Starring Dolph Lundgren as Sgt. Chris Kenner and Brandon Lee as his partner Johnny Murata, it desperately wants to be Lethal Weapon. Unfortunately, it lacks the wit, charm, and overall directing acumen that film had. Instead, this is a low budget 90s flick with a seedy aesthetic that rises above its mediocre quality because of some insane, though unintentionally hilarious, scenes. Seriously folks, the way the villain bites it in this movie is one of the all-time great cinema deaths. All that said, this movie tanked. That wasn't entirely its own fault. WB, who produced it, hated Showdown in Little Tokyo, releasing it in under 200 theaters domestically and butchering the original edit. With such low distribution stateside and internationally, it was destined to fail. Boasting a budget of just $8 million, that shouldn't have been the case. There's a bathhouse fight, for Pete's sake.  Anyway, sit back, cut the top off a Kirin Ichiban, and if the bathhouse is rocking, don't bother knocking! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are playing pin the katana on Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – One's a warrior. One's a wiseguy. They're two Los Angeles cops going after Japan's top mobster...Feet first! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss the most gnarly death of "B-List Action Star Flops." (49:00) The "Double Team" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast wins the Samurai Sword Death Match, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:00:20) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We begin "Hops and Pandemic Flops" with the much maligned The Happening! (1:10:22) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the glory of this film's ending 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, and Amazon Music!

Double Team is an ill conceived 1997 action film that attempts to capitalize on the waning star power of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman. Though each had experienced much success in their respective careers, this came far after each of their sell by dates. For Van Damme, who stars as Jack Quinn, a series of misses and a well known issue with drugs took their toll. The latter can be said for Rodman, as well. His partying has been well documented. Thus, this was Van Damme's big attempt at a come back. He needed a win. Rodman, more than likely, was just along for the ride. For the director—Chinese film legend Tsui Hark—the whole enterprise was probably more than he bargained for. Double Team isn't exactly disastrous—like Hark's follow up to it Knockoff—but it's not too far from it. The plot is nonsensical, the action is hectic in the worst possible ways, and the stunt doubling is flagrant. This is probably why it bombed so badly. Double Team grossed a paltry $48.14 million on a budget of $30 million. Critics also dunked on it. It sits at 11% on Rotten Tomatoes and carries a User Score of 25%. Those are harsh numbers. They may be fair, but they also eschew the utter awesomeness of Van Damme fighting a tiger! Oh, and Mickey Rourke is here, chewing every awful line he has! You can't not love that! So sit back, imbibe in a 2XMas Spiced Double Ale from Southern Tier Brewing, and hack the Vatican with the cyber monks! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are fleeing spy island, so we can fight some tigers in the Roman Colosseum! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – He's a one-man arsenal... with enough voltage to rock the free world! (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast hits a Ram Jam from the top, and then we discuss whether this movie's absurdity is enough to mask its awful script. (59:16) The "Double Team" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, Capt. Cash challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:10:44) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We cap off "Hops and B-List Action Star Flops" with Brandon Lee's U.S. film debut Showdown in Little Tokyo! (1:20:03) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the insanity of Forsythe's fiery death 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, and Amazon Music!

Firestorm, which is essentially Die Hard set amidst a forest fire, is as bad as you'd expect a movie that stars an ex-NFL player to be. That said, it's still dumb fun, and it is anchored by another deliciously evil turn from William Forsythe. He plays Shaye—an escaped convict who engineered the fire, so he could reclaim his stashed millions. Unfortunately for him, these are Jesse Graves' woods! Jesse, played as varying degrees of confused by Howie Long, can throw axes super well and knows his way around an inferno. Thus, there is only one possible way for their showdown to end—with Shaye's head melted by the smoldering heat. No, seriously, that happens. The lunacy of this film's premise is probably why it tanked financially. It grossed just $8.16 million on a budget of $30 million. Critics took a torch to it, too. With 26 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at 12%. I mean, this isn't high art, but it feels wrong to burn poor Howie like that. Anyway, sit back, inhale a few Ax Man Doubled Bladed IPAs from Surly Brewing, and hurl a chainsaw at a moving car! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are smoke-jumping into the blaze to bring down some convicts posing as Canadians! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Any firefighter knows that fire moves faster going uphill, and going up a hill in a fire is a good way to get trapped! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we debate who would've been the better action star: The Boz or Howie Long. (37:26) The "Fight Fire with Fire" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast wins an Inferno Match, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (55:30) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and B-List Action Star Flops" with the unforgettable Van Damme and Rodman film, Double Team! (1:05:53) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the insanity of Forsythe's fiery death 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, and Amazon Music!

Stone Cold is a perfect piece of 90s cinema. It's hyper-masculine, nonsensical schlock; and it is glorious. Starring Brian Bosworth—a stud linebacker from Oklahoma University whose injuries derailed his NFL career—Stone Cold chronicles one man's struggle to bring a gang of degenerate bikers to justice. Yes, it is as awesome as it sounds. And it's just entertaining enough that one wonders why Bosworth didn't become more of a thing. After all, the 80s and 90s were littered with sub-par action films and actors. He had the build, and though he wasn't exactly overflowing with charisma, he still oozed enough cool with his ridiculous haircut/earring combo to warrant better work than he got after this. He also managed not to die of laughter when filming some of the lunacy this film entailed. Lance Henricksen, who chews every piece of scenery he's in as Chains, even adds a layer of legitimacy to the proceedings. Frankly, for this to only have grossed $9.1 million on a budget of $25 million is a crime. Its poor reviews are also nonsense. Come on, people! How many movies do we get to see William Forsythe in a leather vest with no shirt underneath!? Now sit back, do some target practice with an Icehouse, and burn some rubber! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are going deep undercover to bring down a group of badass bikers and slang some P2P! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The Brotherhood of Bikers demands vengeance. Only one man can stop them... John Stone! (00:00) Lingering Questions – After a word from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, we discuss this incredible piece of 90s cinema. (33:31) The "Brotherhood" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast joins the Undertaker's motorcycle gang, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (48:18) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We start "Hops and B-List Action Star Flops" with Howie Long's headfirst smoke jump into action movie infamy, Firestorm! (56:49) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the legend of the Boz 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, and Amazon Music!

Home Sweet Home Alone is the epitome of a lazy, soulless rehash; and, quite frankly, it is the antithesis of how you leverage a valuable IP. Disney should be ashamed. With their abundance of resources, they trotted out not only one of the worst films of the year, it's one of the worst of the decade. Home Sweet Home Alone is never funny. It is quite often painful, though, and that's not including the myriad of death traps the "burglars" are forced to endure. I use quotes because the "antagonists" are anything but that. They're actually just a struggling family attempting to retrieve a priceless doll they believe to be stolen. Thus, instead of relishing in the pain of two would-be felons, you are essentially tasked with laughing at two broke parents. Hooray! Not really, this whole endeavor is about as bad as taking a bag of sugar to the privates or a well-aimed pool ball to the cranium. Hence, to watch it, you must drink. So sit back, knock down a few Big Shanty Graham Cracker Stouts from Burnt Hickory Brewing, and prime the dart gun! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Mayor McCheese, and Chumpzilla are avoiding that little jerk's boobytraps! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – This movie is an absolute travesty. (00:00) Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then lament all the idiotic gags this movie throws at you. (40:53) The "Look What You Did, You Little Jerk" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast rigs the turnbuckle to break, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:04:12) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Jingle Bell Flops" with Out Cold, which isn't technically a Christmas movie, but there's snow in it! (1:12:06) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—why this clown show happened 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, and Amazon Music!

Terminator Genisys is a hodgepodge of ideas from more beloved Terminator films. It gives us the gruff and tough Sarah Connor, as well as the sleek and dangerous T-1000; and it even features an Arnold versus Arnold face-off in 1984 amid the familiar backdrop of the original T-800's arrival. There's only one issue: None of it particularly works. Terminator Genisys feels more like half-baked fan fiction than it does a coherent narrative. Thus, despite how much we all love those elements and moments from the prior movies, they come across as shameless pandering here. Pair that with a convoluted script that hops through time more often than Dr. Sam Beckett, and it's a recipe for reboot disaster. Now, it's not all bad. There are some good ideas in Terminator Genisys. Establishing connective technology as sort of a Trojan horse for Skynet is not without its merits. But, there is just so much happening that is uninteresting. With two leads (Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor and Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese) who lack even a semblance of chemistry, those flaws become even more apparent. Hence why this movie bombed with critics and domestic audiences. It sits at 27% on Rotten Tomatoes with 274 reviews; and it grossed just $89.7 million in North America. Its global cume helped it save face ($440.6 million), but it was still not enough to keep it out of the red. Listen, you could watch this, but these versions of the characters won't be back. So come with us if you want to drink some future-infused Spaten Optimator, while hunting down those goddamn time traveling robots! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are tumbling through time in our birthday suits! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Woof ... where to begin? Never has a movie failed so hard to grasp what made the fans love the characters of its series. (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast heads to 1997 to prevent the Montreal Screwjob, and then we discuss what could've fixed this travesty. (53:23) The "Judgement Day" Trivia Challenge – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:19:11) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off "Hops and Jingle Bell Flops" with a movie that will make you root for the burglars, Home Sweet Home Alone! (1:32:23) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the aborted sequels 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, and Amazon Music!

The Rocketeer is a beloved 1991 Disney film. Based on Dave Stevens' comic series, which debuted in 1982, it revolves around stunt pilot Cliff Secord's (Bill Campbell) fortuitous discovery of a jetpack created by Howard Hughes. Of course, adventure ensues. The character was created as a tribute to the 1930s serials that had inspired wonder in the youth of their day. Both the comics and film execute that homage perfectly. The Rocketeer is indeed a cult classic. Loaded with charm—which is anchored by the majestic score of James Horner—it serves as a delightful reminder of the comic book films of yesteryear. Those films had to rely far less on CGI and far more on making the viewers organically believe in the magic they were presenting. They also had a much slimmer margin for error. They weren't the commodity they are now, so there wasn't an excess of "superhero" cinema. Unfortunately for The Rocketeer, it failed to take flight at the box office. It grossed just $46.7 million on a budget of $40 million, sending the sequel plans to the crap heap. The good news: Despite some dodgy green screen here and there, it remains a very enjoyable time; and its enduring appeal seems to be leading to a sequel series for Disney+! So sit back, blast off with a Hazecraft IPA from Great Lakes Brewing Co., and don't let Lothar snap you in half! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash and two special guests are punching Nazis and crashing zeppelins! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – 30 years later, The Rocketeer still packs plenty of fun. (00:00) Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast tunes up the band, and then we discuss why this film should've soared, rather than crashed, at the box office. (56:16) The "Rocket Man" Trivia Challenge – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:14:42) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish off "Hops and Attempted Franchise Flops" with the least self-aware Skynet creation, Terminator Genisys! (1:22:10) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the upcoming reboot 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, and Amazon Music!

Snake Eyes continues the unfortunate legacy of the legendary G.I. Joe toys on film. As in, it's not particularly good, nor was it successful. Snake Eyes, like many films nowadays, is meant to serve as an origin story for its titular hero, but also as an introduction to a larger universe. We get appearances from Cobra's Baroness, as well as the classic Joe Scarlett. The issue is they don't necessarily fit. They are crammed into what's already a messy film. Thus, they are shortchanged and underdeveloped. What is developed is the film's inability to make Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding, particularly endearing. From the jump, his motivations and behavior establish him as almost a villain, especially when compared to Tommy, future Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji). In more trustworthy hands, Snake Eyes' dilemma and traitorous actions may have seemed tortured, something the audience could empathize with. The script here just doesn't allow for that. Instead, he comes across as a jerk for nearly the entire runtime. It's honestly one of the stranger attempts at a Hero's Journey I've ever seen. Couple that with a shaky cam that even Paul Greengrass would find offensive, a MacGuffin too stupid for even Cobra Commander to want, and a gaggle of giant snakes not murdering Jon Voigt, you've got yourself a fairly painful night at the movies. Critics and audiences seem to agree. With 170 reviews, it sits at 36% on Rotten Tomatoes; and it grossed a measly $40.1 million on a budget ranging from $88 to $110 million. That, folks, is disastrous. Anyway, now you know and knowing is half the battle. So sit back, kanpai with an Asahi Super Dry, and don't jump into the snake pit! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Capt. Cash are overstuffing fish with guns for the Yakuza! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Seems like an odd choice to make Snake Eyes the least likable character in your Snake Eyes movie. (00:00) Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then we offer our ideas for which cartoon episode or arc would make a great movie. (33:20) The "Three Challenges of the Warrior" Quiz – The Double Turn Podcast gets DQ'd because of outside interference, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (56:23) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Attempted Franchise Flops" with the beloved 90s flick The Rocketeer! (1:06:21) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Hasbro Movie Universe 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, and Amazon Music!

The Lone Ranger is a modern adaptation of the popular 1930s radio series, as well as the late 1940s/1950s television show. It features a masked hero, the titular one, and his trusty Native American sidekick, Tonto. After decades of inaction, Disney went big to bring the duo back. They re-teamed Gore Verbinski with Johnny Depp—who'd collaborated on the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies; and they essentially wrote the director a blank check. In retrospect, that was a mistake, as was Depp's baffling decision to play Tonto. With a budget ranging from $225 to $250 million, its modest $260.5 million take was disastrous for the House of Mouse. Depending on who you ask, the project lost them anywhere from $100 to $200 million. As for Depp, his decision to portray a Native American did little to quell the murmurs of the film's problematic production. And it certainly only shed more negative light on the project. In the end, the mileage for this movie will vary for most viewers. It's overlong, convoluted, a tonal rollercoaster, and lacks a charismatic lead. Armie Hammer, as The Lone Ranger, has less acting chops than his horse. But it also boasts incredible set pieces, gorgeous visuals, and a bit of the quirky charm that made the Pirates films so much fun. So sit back, grab your tin star and a Lone Star, and prime that silver bullet! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Capt. Cash are avoiding bad trades with railroad shysters! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Johnny Depp as an eccentric character seems like his forte, but not this time around. (00:00) Lingering Questions – Our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA offer a toast to progress, and then we assess where it all went wrong for Tonto and co. (57:28) The "Hell on Wheels" Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast uses the ivory leg as a foreign object, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:23:03) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Attempted Franchise Flops" with the latest G.I. Joe debacle Snake Eyes! (1:30:17) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the spooky route this movie nearly went down 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, and Amazon Music!

Dune, based upon Frank Herbert's classic 1965 novel, has been done before on both big screen and small, but never to this scope or scale. Denis Villeneuve—given the resources and technology—has crafted a faithful and awe-inspiring interpretation of the novel's first half. Thankfully—based upon recent remarks—Paul Atreides' adventure will not end here. This is literally half a story. And without the rest, it would not stand particularly well on its own. Unlike something like Zack Snyder's Justice League—which has a definitive ending, despite teasing more—Paul's story in this film ends on a cliffhanger. We won't spoil it here, as we do over the pod, but Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and his ilk have some serious comeuppance coming. Anyway, if you're not familiar with Dune, this movie's fade to black may either leave you jaded or hungering for more. It sort of depends on your appetite for sweeping science fiction epics; because, although this is a marvel to look at, it does throw a lot at you. Whether it is the Bene Gesserit testing Paul with the Gom Jabbar or it's relative lack of context to the mystery of Spice, Dune is not the most friendly film for non-fans of the book. That aside, this is definitely a voyage worth taking. It may even inspire you to seek out Herbert's other works in the series. Reading is super cool, and so are Dave Bautista and Jason Mamoa. The Spice must flow! So sit back, avoid the oppressive desert heat with a Corona Light and don't make a deal with the treacherous Baron! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Capt. Cash are getting Spicy with the Freman! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – How was Villeneuve's much anticipated adaptation of the classic novel? (00:00) The spoilers begin at 10:15. Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast hits us with some Spice to the eyes, and then we debate whether the ending of Dune's first chapter worked. (45:43) The "Gom Triviar" Challenge – Our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA imbibe in the Baron's finest ales, and then Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:05:59) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We begin "Hops and Attempted Franchise Flops" with the recently even more problematic The Lone Ranger! (1:13:37) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the extended lore of Frank Herbert's Dune 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, and Amazon Music!

Club Dread—Broken Lizard's follow up to Super Troopers—is a riff on 80s slasher films; and it boasts a cast of characters that are eclectic, dumb, horny, and ripe for the picking. This, of course, is anchored by the Broken Lizard crew. There's Dave, the drug-addled DJ (Paul Soter); Putnam, the buttoned-up tennis coach (Jay Chandrasekhar); Sam, the chief of the Fun Police (Erik Stolhanske); Lars, the smooth-operating new masseuse (Kevin Heffernan); and Juan, the promiscuous dive coach (Steve Lemme). Their characters here are wildly different from their respective turns in Troopers, and not all are created equal. There are a few swings and misses in the bunch. That is entirely forgiven, though, by the presence of Bill Paxton as "Coconut" Pete. Paxton's Pete—a Jimmy Buffet-esque singer living out his days on his hedonistic vacation island—is just a treasure. The character is wonderfully realized. From album covers, to candid photos, to actual songs, the work the Broken Lizard crew put into crafting Pete is incredible. His vinyl greatest hits is actually available for purchase (I may or may not have bought it). That performance owns the film and is probably responsible for why it's now a cult classic. Its need for that status is actually surprising. Despite the massive popularity of Troopers, Club Dread fell flat on its face at the box office. On a budget of $8 million, it earned just $7.6 million. It was also diced up by critics. With 101 reviews, it sits at 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. To hell with them, this movie is a bloody good time; so sit back, slug down one of Cutwater's Pina Coladas, and don't ask "Coconut" Pete to play Margaritaville! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Mayor McCheese are never gonna lose those tails! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – How does Broken Lizard's sophomore effort fare? (00:00)  Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast stops by for some drinking Pacman, and then we choose out favorite moments and lines from the film. (44:51) The "Ponytails, Cocktails" Trivia Challenge – Our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA offer libations for the slain staff, and then Mayor McCheese challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:05:25) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We take a trip to Arrakis with Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated Dune. Let the spice flow! (1:13:18) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the majesty of "Coconut" Pete's music 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, and Amazon Music!

They Live is a bonafide cult classic. And it works not only as a critique on rampant consumerism and Reagan-era economics, but also as a guilty pleasure action movie. The premise is simple: Nada—played by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper—is awakened to the horrific reality the world is actually living in through the lenses of special sunglasses. That world is one run by an unknown alien race, who are bleeding humans dry and lulling them into complacency through the content they absorb. Television, billboards, magazines, and even money all instruct people to do as they are told—to not think or have imagination. Carpenter's intentions are about as subtle as a Roddy Piper clothesline, but that doesn't make them any less resonant. Even if you have never seen They Live, you have no doubt seen its messaging. OBEY, one of the subliminal missives the aliens feed to humans to keep them compliant, is just part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Thus, despite earning just over $13 million during its theatrical run, They Live has lived on. And its conceit is just as relevant today as it was in 1988. Now sit back, BUY some Bubble Farm IPA from Clown Shoes, and CONFORM to our collective sense of humor! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Mayor McCheese are here to chew bubblegum and kick ass ... and we are all out of bubble gum! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – They Live is a potent social commentary wrapped up in glorious 80s action. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – Our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA ask you to DRINK 8 Hours, and then we rank the Carpenter classics to appear on the pod. (48:50) The "OBEY" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast orders you to CONSUME more pro wrestling, and then I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:05:21) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We sip on some pina coladas with "Coconut" Pete. That's right, "Hops and Floptober" heads to Pina Coladaburg with Club Dread. (1:14:52) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Carpenter's reflections on the movie 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, and Amazon Music!

Event Horizon was Paul W.S. Anderson's follow up to Mortal Kombat. At the time, he was highly sought after. In the wake of that movie's success, he was offered the sequel to MK and even an X-Men film, amongst other things. Wanting to veer away from PG-13 fare, Anderson settled on Event Horizon. The basic premise of the film is that a salvage crew is dispatched to secure the titular ship, the Event Horizon, which has been missing for seven years. What they find is not something they will ever un-see, even if they don't need eyes to do so. Why? Well, in the ship's journey through the pockets of space, it took a detour. As a result, its original crew slaughtered each other, bathing in blood and doing other unsightly things. This is a hard R, folks, and we don't even get the majority of the insanity he wanted to include. That last bit is unfortunate because, ultimately, Event Horizon feels like an unfinished film. Its slapdash editing, done over the course of just six weeks, is unable to hide its story flaws. It's not surprising then that the film was trashed by critics (29% on Rotten Tomatoes with 79 reviews); and failed to recoup its pricey $60 million budget, grossing just $42 million. Despite that, it is a pseudo-cult classic. Online fans have even attempted to insert what's left of the lost footage to build a director's cut the studio will never release. Its intense visuals, strengthened by dynamite sets and practical effects, also elevate what are mostly pedestrian scares. So sit back, unearth the cosmic horrors of a Hell Lager from Surly Brewing, and get off that ship! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Mayor McCheese are doing our best to avoid the creepy Dr. Weir as he prances naked around the Event Horizon! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Pitched as "The Shining in space," Event Horizon can't quite reach the lofty heights of its comparison. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then determine what could've improved this movie. (1:02:24) The "Save Yourself from Hell" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast enters a wormhole to Hell, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:23:02) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We get rowdy for "Hops and Floptober" with the John Carpenter classic, They Live.  (1:31:20) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the lost footage 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, and Amazon Music!

Tin Cup re-teams director Ron Shelton with his Bull Durham star Kevin Costner. The pairing, which was stellar in 1988's Durham, fails to rediscover the magic of that film. That's primarily because Roy McAvoy, the titular Tin Cup, just isn't likable. He's an obtuse man-child—much more akin to “Nuke” Laloosh than “Crash” Davis. And his foibles, which are on full display throughout, are never adequately addressed. One would be justified in arguing that his growth arc may actually be a negative one. Despite that, there is fun to be had on the back nine, especially if you ignore the forced romance sub-plot; and Tin Cup is at its best when it's tapping into the more spirited aspects and nuances of golf. In addition, its ending holds to this day. McAvoy's insistence on going for it all amplifies what could have been just a typical sports movie. That boldness is probably why critics appreciated it (72% on Rotten Tomatoes with 53 reviews). Audiences did, too. Though not a huge success, Tin Cup did manage to rake in $70+ million on a budget of $45 million. We'd say that's at least a box office par. Now sit back, grip and rip the top off a Modelo Negra, and define the moment! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Mayor McCheese are letting the big dog eat! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Tin Cup works very hard to stretch the limits of Kevin Costner's charm. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then assess whether this movie ended appropriately. (53:14) The "Golden Tassle" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast shanks one out of bounds, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of questions relating to the movie. (1:09:17) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We begin "Hops and Spooky Flops" with the long-gestating episode, Event Horizon.  (1:24:55) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the inspiration for Tin Cup's infamous 12 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, and Amazon Music!

Ed is a movie centering around a chimpanzee who just so happens to be exceptional at baseball. As a concept, that sounds ridiculous, but kids movies have worked with that conceit—take Air Bud as an example. But Ed is a travesty. Plain and simple. It's unfunny, nonsensical schlock, and it probably killed the notion that Matt LeBlanc could be bankable as a leading man. The film's failings are not his fault. As devoid of charm as he may be in it, it's just a rudderless enterprise. Other than the novelty of a chimp—who once belonged to Mickey Mantle—having a golden glove, there's a distinct lack of focus. Ed ping pongs between plot points we've seen in other movies. Universally, they were done better elsewhere. It even shoehorns in a romantic subplot between Ed's raucous bowel movement jokes. One wonders how they found the time. It should come as no surprise then that Ed was panned by critics. It sits at 0% on Rotten Tomatoes with 16 reviews. It also tanked at the box office. On a budget $24 million, it made just over $4 million. This thing is like hitting into an unassisted triple play. Now sit back, ease the pain of watching Ed with a Golden Monkey from Victory, and keep the chimp away from your bathroom! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are stuffing our faces full of frozen bananas! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Ed loves farting, frosty treats, and assorted hijinks. Sounds hilarious, right? It's not. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then make the difficult choice: Is this the worst movie we've ever done? (57:23) The "Houdini of the Hot Corner" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast drops a sacrifice bunt, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of questions relating to the movie. (1:12:27) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude "Hops and Sports Ball Flops" with the golf classic Tin Cup! (1:24:55) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Matt LeBlanc's anger over appearing in the 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, and Amazon Music!

Side Out—which stars C. Thomas Howell and Peter Horton as Monroe Clark and Zack Barnes—is the quintessential beach volleyball movie. There is a distinct lack of competition in that field, but regardless, it is a 1990s filmmaking delight. The central conceit of Side Out is that Clark, an aspiring lawyer, comes to California to intern for his uncle Max—an unscrupulous attorney who's always out for money. This fortuitously leads him to Barnes, an aging and disgraced former "King of the Beach." From there, it's magic. All of it. From the Kenny Loggins needle drop, to the ultra 90s aesthetic, to the incredible montages, Side Out is so bad it actually transcends its absurdity and attains greatness. Honestly, I'm clearly in the minority on this. Side Out grossed well under $1 million on a budget of $6 million—a cost apparently offset by its insane amount of product placement. It also bankrupted one of the studios that backed it. But, who cares!? We're here for the sand, beers, and babes! And this movie has an abundance of those. Plus, there is enough neon and Mossimo apparel to make your head spin. So sit back, relax by the ocean with a California Honey Blonde Ale from Pizza Port Brewing Co., and take a tour of the dead stars! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are entering the Jose Cuervo Classic for a shot at glory! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Side Out is perhaps the greatest beach volleyball movie ever, though that is admittedly not saying much. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – We hear from our brothers in beer at Hop Nation USA, and then we tackle Side Out's most enduring mystery: Does Zack Barnes conquer his crippling gambling addiction, or does he squander his new found winnings? (42:48) The "King of the Beach" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast sets us up for a spike, and then I challenge the field to a series of questions relating to the movie. (1:03:18) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, honor the late Norm Macdonald, and next up: We continue "Hops and Sports Ball Flops" with the all-star chimpanzee shortstop Ed! (1:13:21) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the odd amount of volleyball video games 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, and Amazon Music!

After weeks on the road, the crew is back at Hop Nation USA studios. Kelsey joins Adam and Steve to enjoy some of Wisconsin, and only Wisconsin's favorite brau, New Glarus Brewing. First they do some clean up on the news with talking about the upcoming Three Rivers Beer Week in Pittsburgh, New Guinness location in Chicago, new Doordash beer delivery, and a bunch of beer winners. Then it's onto the history and stylings of New Glarus brewery itself and what makes it so successful. Finally a fun little state line, border crossing fun where they figure the kind of strippers Texas has and how big the cream puffs are in Wisconsin.   BEERS: New Glarus Brewing Co Staghorn Oktoberfest New Glarus Brewing Co Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale New Glarus Brewing Wisconsin Belgian Red

This week Adam is on vacation. So instead it's Steve, Dennis, and Day Bracey spending time talking about Barrel & Flow Fest 2021, the largest Black beer fest coming from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You could call this a Hop Nation USA x Daily Sip x Drinking Partners collab, if you wanted because they spend a lot of time talking about the wonderful collaboration beers at B&FF. This includes Dennis' collab with Our Town, how Run the Jewels got hooked up with Brew Gentlemen, and the three beers they're drinking on this episode. Plus they get into what separates Barrel & Flow from other fests, its growth, partnership with Tavour, what it takes to put on such a massive event, the future, and more. BEERS: Crafted Culture x Burgh'ers Brewing Knock If Ya Bock Doppelbock 18th St Brew x Revolution Brewing Shop Talk West Coast IPA Byron Nash x Helltown Brewing BLQ METAL Hazy IPA

An episode Il Classico with Adam and Steve from the Hop Nation USA studio. Steve picked a bunch of mutants of beers styles Adam likes and then they drink. Goodnight everybody. ...oh plus, Pickle Beer is back, Texas loves trash beer, and Pittsburgh is getting a new brewery. Find out why all the cool kids are taking selfies with their vax cards. Plus they pay their (dis)respects to the 11 garbage brands Epsteined by Molson Coors. And they rip off PTI again despite Steve not watching ESPN or knowing how to pronounce a lot of words. BEERS: Surly Brewing Pentagram Dark Sour Threes Brewing Kicking and Screaming Foudre-Fermented Pilsner Rusty Rail Brewing Buckeye Gold Peanut Butter Chocolate Imperial Hefeweizen

On the latest episode of American Slacker, hosts Matt and Jesse are joined by guest host Hatt Manley to discuss this week's bizarre news including a cannabis friendly hotel in Arizona, another serial pooper, a planet following a cop, alligator and jaguar attacks in Florida plus the pick forFunny Clip of the week. Then the hosts suggest some music worth listening to with the bands Stand Atlantic and Meet Me at the Altar. The show wraps up with a music game where the two Matt's must guess the emo song that has been reversed, play along to see if you can get them all right. Promos Genuine Chit Chat  Hop Nation USA  Visit our sponsors and use these codes to support American Slacker Podcast HiiStick Delta8: use code “Slackers” at Hiistick.com Dango Products: use code “Slacker” at Dangoproducts.com Manscaped: use code “Slackers” at Manscaped.com Hemp-CBD: use code “Slacker” at Hemp-cbd.com Seat Giant: use code “Slacker” at Seatgiant.com Check out the American Slacker Podcast Website, Facebook Page, American Slackers Group, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.  To become a Patron of the show head over to Patreon.com/AmericanSlackerpodcast The song “American Slacker” provided by Haverland

Krull is a pseudo cult classic. It's got some kick ass box art and a host of ideas that nostalgia clouds as being awesome. But when revisiting it, neither of those two things amount to much. Why? Well, Krull is chock full world-building. It's got a Cyclops, a cannibalistic spider, horses whose speed creates a trail of flame, and so much more. But none of them are fleshed out all that well; and most of it is just ripped from better properties. And that's because Krull was a cash grab—meant to capitalize on the popularity of those other IPs. Fantasy, in particular space operas, were kind of a thing in the late 70s and early 80s. Premiering just two months after Return of the Jedi, this just never does enough to set itself apart from the things that inspired it. Hence why it made no money—$16.9 million on a budget of $30 million; and why it was trounced by critics—32% on Rotten Tomatoes with 22 reviews. With all that said, if Krull was a movie of your youth—as it was mine—you will still enjoy the hell out of it. Despite all the horrific fight choreography and cringe worthy green screen effects, it still packs plenty of charm.  Now sit back, slash the top off of a Viking Space Probe Hazy Double IPA from Stone Brewing, and mount your Firemare! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are triumphing over evil with the power of love! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Krull throws a lot at you, but not much of it is executed well. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – After a word from Hop Nation USA, we analyze why this fantasy failed to hit it big. (1:00:01) The "Not the One with Kevin Sorbo ... Thank God" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast sends you for an Irish Whip, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of questions about the movie. (1:29:32) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Fantasy Flops" with with Ridley Scott's under appreciated 80s classic Legend. (1:40:50) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the glory of the Glaive and more—from this week's episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Episode 146 : Pride and Podcasting Nick and Alex are back this week for a few conversations about things! First, go vote for us as Pittsburgh's Best Podcast as voted on by the Pittsburgh City Paper readers! (https://citypaper.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Pittsburgh-Readers-Poll-2021/gallery/?group=388190) After plugging ourselves relentlessly, we switch gears and talk to Alex about Pride Month. Alex shares the background he knows about it and we explore the conversation around acceptance and openness in the LGBTQ+ community. After the pride month conversation, Nick tells the story of meeting up with ABV Chicago (a local Chicago craft beer podcast). Alex tells us about going back to Grist House. Nick talks Four Points North Side, again. As we wrap this week, we talk about our love of low ABV crushers for the hot days and give a shout to Hop Nation USA and #spicyboisummer. Thanks for listening! Vote for us! Beers We Drank: Point To Point - Four Points Brewing (IPA - 7.4%) Music: All The Way Up - Eddy freemusicarchive.org/music/eddy/2_D…th-CloudBounce

2011's Conan the Barbarian is as bad of a reboot of a classic film as you are going to find. It's just a mess, folks. Its script is often witless, contradicting itself multiple times; and its cast—as distinguished as some of their careers may be—just don't fit the roles. Worst of all, Jason Mamoa, who plays the titular hero, just didn't appear ready to bear the weight of Conan's broad sword. As much as the filmmakers purported they wanted to channel the writings of Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, it more shamelessly robs better films.  It should come as no surprise then that this was a massive flop. Budgeted at $90 million, it grossed just over $63 million, snubbing any chances of a sequel. Critics, like audiences, were also unkind. With 152 reviews, it sits at 25% on Rotten Tomatoes (User Score of 30%). We do get a decapitation and an impalement, though, so it got the violence mostly right. Let's toast to that! Now sit back, hack open a Wizard Staff IPA from Two Brothers Brewing, and enjoy your launch from the trebuchet! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are living, loving, and slaying the night away! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The Conan reboot is a soulless slog. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – After a word from last week's guests, Hop Nation USA, we attempt to determine whether the Mask of Acheron is more off-putting than the pie from Thinner. (33:35) The "The Mystery of Steel" Trivia Challenge – The Double Turn Podcast hits you with an elbow drop from the top, and then I challenge the field to a series of questions about the movie. (52:02) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue "Hops and Fantasy Flops" with Krull. (1:00:21) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the legacy of the Conan character and more—from this week's episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

From the directing team of Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski—the latter of which directed indie hit PG: Psycho Goreman—The Void is a tension-fueled ride that relies heavily on practical effects and pace to maximize its sense of dread. It works. And it is worth your investigation, especially if you are a fan of Lovecraftian horror. Those inspirations are quite evident. The Void involves a cult, a small town, and the cosmic terrors that lie outside our consciousness. That conceit isn't all that original, but its execution is what sets the film apart. From its ominous opening onward, Gillespie and Kostanski build an uneasy atmosphere—an uncertainty akin to what lurks beyond. The answers, of course, come, but when they do, you almost wish they hadn't. This is due in large part to its creature designs, which are some of the more inspired in modern horror. Most impressive, they were accomplished on a shoestring budget. They crowd-funded $82,000 on Indiegogo to make them. With a low production cost and a good reception (77% on Rotten Tomatoes with 75 reviews), it should've been a hit. But due to a limited release, it grossed just $149,365. Trust us, don't sleep on this one. Now sit back, open a portal to your tastebuds with either a Poker Face Black IPA from Necromancer or a Cosmik Debris Double IPA from Creature Comforts, and don't approach the man in the robe! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and our beer bros from Hop Nation USA are joining a cult to unlock our best selves! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The Void nails atmospheric horror and is an excellent ode to the works of H.P. Lovecraft. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – Though it never received a wide release, did this film achieve what it set out to? More important, which of its gnarly creature effects was the most stomach-turning? (29:38) The "Avoid the Void" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of questions relating to people involved with the movie. (1:03:50) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off "Hops and Fantasy Flops" with the disastrous 2011 reboot of John Milius' 1982 classic, Conan the Barbarian. (1:15:21) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—an interview with the directors and more—from this week's episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

The Rundown is a legitimately good action movie. Directed by Peter Berg, in what was his second feature film, it showcases the Rock's size and athletic abilities—while also utilizing his expansive charm. It was an indicator for how well rounded he could be as a leading man. One of the movie's tests of that is its pairing of him with Seann Williams Scott and Christopher Walken. The former is his comedic foil; the latter is the film's villain. Scott has rarely been less funny, leaving much of the burden on the Rock to carry their interactions. Walken, on the other hand, is incredible as Hatcher, an oppressive prospector who's enslaved the town they find themselves in. The fact that a green Rock could hang with the insanity of his scene chewing is quite impressive. More important, unlike Walking Tall and Doom, The Rundown boasts a host of excellent action scenes. From busting up football players in a club to dueling three whip-wielding henchman, the Rock's muscles are put to a stiff test. Spoiler alert: He passes it. Unfortunately, audiences did not show up to witness that. Budgeted at $85 million, it failed to crack that mark. A disappointing turn for one of his best early works. I mean, it features an Arnold Schwarzenegger cameo! Who isn't here for that? So sit back, whip the top off a Dayglow IPA from Elysian Brewing Co., and don't choose Option B! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and J-Man from the Double Turn Podcast are on a quest for O Gato Do Diablo! This Week's Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Easily the best early film of the Rock's career, The Rundown established what he was cooking. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros at Hop Nation USA, and ask the important questions—such as which of the Rock's characters from "Hops and Rock Bottom Flops" is the toughest. (38:32) The "Helldorado" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie. (59:48) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We have a special episode featuring our buddies from Hop Nation USA, The Void. (1:09:12) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the potential for a sequel and more—from this week's episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Walking Tall is a remake of 1973 film starring Joe Don Baker. It's also "inspired" by a real-life sheriff, Buford Pusser, who patrolled the crime-laden streets of McNairy County, Tennessee, with a crudely fashioned cudgel. That's essentially the movie. The Rock walks softly and carries a big stick. As a conceit, that sounds like it could be pretty badass. Walking Tall is just executed poorly. It's hokey and feels far more like straight-to-DVD fare than an action showcase for its star. Worse, the fisticuffs and fireworks just can't sustain the silly plot that surround them. There's an entire shootout where the Rock's paramour just wears her bra because ... reasons. It's a dumb movie, folks. So, not shockingly, critics hated it. It's 26% on Rotten Tomatoes with 126 reviews. At the box office, it bombed, as well. It earned just over $57 million on a budget of $46. That's a far cry from the $40 million the 1973 version grossed  on a cost of just $500,000. There's no amount of corny courtroom speeches to redeem that. So sit back, club open a Luau Krunkles POG IPA from Terrapin Beer Co. with a 4x4, and don't roll those loaded dice! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are administering street justice with our Pusser Sticks! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – As a star vehicle for the Rock, does Walking Tall do enough to utilize his talents?. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros at Hop Nation USA, and then we discuss what could've made this movie far more interesting. Spoiler: It's mainly casting all wrestlers. (50:29) The "Big Stick" Trivia Challenge – After a word from the podcasting world's Hart Foundation, The Double Turn Podcast, Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie and the man who inspired it, Sheriff Buford Pusser. (1:05:30) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish off "Hops and Rock Bottom Flops" with The Rundown—featuring the aforementioned Double Turn! (1:15:36) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Piledriver music video and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Baywatch is a bad movie. Sorry, Rock, but it's true. And it's frankly one of the worst movies based on a TV show. To be fair, that's a crowded field. Many of them are awful. This just sort of treads water among the filth. That's due in large part to the fact that it is rarely funny. It wants so desperately to be 21 Jump Street. That approach makes sense. Jump Street was able to capitalize on its premise, while also satirizing its absurdity. Baywatch—despite the wealth to be mined from the show's preposterousness—can't seem to muster the energy to maintain a 15-minute sketch about lifeguards going far beyond their actual job duties. It's a shame. Baywatch is well cast. The Rock (Mitch Buchannon whose mentor is Mitch Buchannon?) and Zac Efron (Matt Brody) have decent chemistry. They're just not given much to work with. Written by a hodgepodge of people, the film's issues can all be attributed to its mishmash of a script. Thus, like a bloated body washed up on the sands of Emerald Bay, Baywatch was dead on arrival. It earned $177.9 million on a budget of $69 million—with only $58 million of that coming domestically. It was also lashed by critics, sitting at 17% on Rotten Tomatoes with 246 reviews. But, hey, a day at the beach always goes better with a beer. So sit back, bask in the sun with an ice cold Florida Man Double IPA from Cigar City Brewing, and watch out for sand grifters! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are staying ready. Forever and always! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Certainly Baywatch was a silly show, but was the film able to capture its utter lack of self-awareness in any funny ways? (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We tag in The Double Turn Podcast to hit you with a People's Elbow, and then we discuss why this movie was such a mess. (45:15) The "Save the Bay" Trivia Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie and the show that inspired it. (56:40) Recommendations – After a word from our beer buddies at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week, and next up: We continue our "Hops and Rock Bottom Flops" series with Doom! (1:06:02) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Hasselhoff's hits and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Big Trouble in Little China is a seminal 80s movie, and it may just be John Carpenter's best work. Starring Kurt Russell—a frequent Carpenter collaborator—as the braggadocios Jack Burton, it takes a familiar formula (the action/comedy team up) and escorts it into a superbly crafted world of ancient Chinese mysticism and mayhem. It subverts audience expectations in other ways, as well. Burton—for all his witticisms—is not your stereotypical hero. He's actually more a bumbling, albeit well-intentioned, buffoon. The true hero is his friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun). Their natural chemistry, along with the film's out of this world villains, creates something more than your average action movie. It's truly unforgettable, which is why it has persisted in the pop culture zeitgeist. They simply just do not make many movies as delightfully offbeat as this. That's also probably why it flopped, opening to just $2.7 million and finishing its run with just over $11 million. With a budget estimated to be as high as $25 million, that's not great. What is great is the following Big Trouble in Little China has amassed since its release. It may not have been in theaters long enough for word of mouth to spread, but its distinction as a cult classic is more than well earned now. So sit back, get hairy with Yeti Imperial Stout from Great Divide Brewing Co., and stay the hell away from the Chinese standoff! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are infiltrating the Wing Kong Exchange to save Miao Yin! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Equal parts weird, wacky, and wonderful, Big Trouble in Little China is truly a cult classic. (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We send The Double Turn Podcast off the ropes, and then we discuss why we love this film so much! (50:21) The "Six Demon Bag" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our beer buddies at Hop Nation USA, I challenge the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie and the continued lore of Jack Burton. (1:08:23) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, and next up: We kickoff our "Hops and Rock Hard Flops" series with Baywatch! (1:17:53) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Lo Pan Style and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

The Chronicles of Riddick is the big budget sequel to 2000's more reasonably priced and plotted Pitch Black. Both feature Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel), a wanted ex-con and master of navigating the dark. He's an anti-hero—a man who has done bad things, but who we root for because of his devil may care attitude. It was an archetype that worked perfectly in Pitch Black, as well as the third film in the series Riddick. The problem with The Chronicles of Riddick—problems rather—is the sheer size of the story they are attempting to insert him into. Chronicles is a full-on space opera. There are prophecies, warlords, intrigue, and treachery. It's a lot; and when compared to its predecessor, it doesn't feel at all like a sequel. As one reviewer put it, it's "Space Conan," but that's not a compliment. Where Conan the Barbarian juggles the heft of its story well, Chronicles crumbles beneath it. Hence why it was reviewed so poorly (29% with 167 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes) and failed to recoup its budget. It grossed just $115.8 million on a budget north of $120 million. But, hey, it does boast a handful of classically cheesy Diesel one-liners, some laughable self-seriousness, and a smattering of shoddy CGI. So sit back, crush a can of Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing, and prepare yourself for the Underverse! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are being taken to the threshold! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Is the scale and scope of Chronicles too much for its titular character? (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We tag in The Double Turn Podcast, and then we attempt to assess how the follow up to Pitch Black went so wrong! (1:04:11) The "You Keep What You Kill" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie. (1:35:12) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, and next up: It's the final entry of our "Hops and Favorite Flops" series, Big Trouble in Little China! (1:48:28) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Dame Judi Dench's D&D exploits and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Mortal Kombat marks the return of the legendary video game franchise to the big screen for the first time in 24 years. Considering its wild success on consoles, the gap is hard to fathom. Certainly Annihilation sort of poisoned the well, but the 1995 original remains popular, as does its techno theme song. The one thing most would agree on, though, is that 95's lack of an R-rating kept it from truly being a Mortal Kombat film. That is no longer an issue. 2021's film boats buckets of blood, and gruesome fatalities that are as true to the game as is probably acceptable for theaters. This is the adaptation die hard fans of Mortal Kombat have been waiting for. But it is not a flawless victory. As I noted in my review, Mortal Kombat suffers from silly plot contrivances, an expedited pace, and an uncharismatic lead. Those issues, however, do not prevent it from rising to the top of the video game film ranks. There is just too much fun to be had. General audiences seem to agree. In its opening domestic weekend, it grossed $22.5 million—the second largest premiere of the pandemic, behind only Godzilla vs Kong. Worldwide, it's already generated over $50 million, nearing its $55 million budget. With a decent critical reaction (56% on Rotten Tomatoes with 211 reviews), box office success, and a built-in sequel tease, it appears a follow up is definitely in the cards. That's good because there are elements here that are noticeably absent. Bring on round two! Now, sit back, uppercut a can of "Stone Cold" Steven Austin's Broken Skull IPA from El Segundo Brewing Co. into your mouth, and attempt to channel your Arcana! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, Mayor McCheese, and a special guest are helping Jax pump up his tiny robot arms! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Heaps of hemoglobin and gnarly fatalities? Count us in! (00:00)   Lingering Questions – We tag in The Double Turn Podcast, and then we tackle the serious questions: Best fight? Best fatality? Most improved character from the 1995 version? And More! (1:04:11) The "Get Over Here" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie, as well as the video game series. (1:35:12) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week, and next up: It's the second of our "Hops and Favorite Flops" series, The Chronicles of Riddick! (1:48:28) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the insane choreography and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Fight Club hasn't aged well. And that's putting it mildly. It wasn't that David Fincher and company didn't have something to say. Certainly, they did. It's more that the message is muddled and often lost amidst the overpowering stardom of Brad Pitt. You cast a movie star, you get a virtuoso performance. That's generally not an issue, but when the character is meant to represent the reprehensible, a conundrum ensues. Pitt's Tyler Durden is a false prophet; we're not supposed to think he's cool; and his ramblings—though hovering around actual facts—are not meant to inspire. Most viewers are aware of this, but for some, that meaning was lost. Thus, the dangerous fanaticism the film is supposed to expose instead becomes a roadmap. Truthfully, it only has its own execution to blame. For too much of its runtime, Durden's maniacal musings go unchallenged. There is no voice of reason until it's far too late. By then—like the increasing volatility of the titular Fight Club—the narrative damage has already been done. Thus, despite how well acted, shot, and scripted the film is at times, it can't get past its own problematic plot and pacing. But, that's nothing a few beers can't solve. So sit back, get punchy with a few Hazy Wonder IPAs from Lagunitas Brewing Co., and don't ask about Project Mayhem! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are fist-fighting our imaginary friends in the parking lot of Lou's! This Week’s Segments: Introduction – Yes, we know the rule is that you don't talk about Fight Club, but the format of the show forced our hand! (00:00)  Plot Breakdown and Lingering Questions – We tag in The Double Turn Podcast, and then we tackle this very 90s film. How did its themes age? (31:54) The "I am Jack's" Trivia Challenge – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, Mayor McCheese challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie and book. (1:24:40) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, and next up: It's another of our HBO Max specials, Mortal Kombat. Cue The Immortals song! (1:37:05) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Fincher/Pitt bromance and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Pacific Rim is Guillermo del Toro's homage to the Kaiju movies that fascinated him in his youth. To that end, it is a lovingly crafted and often beautiful film that delivers on the promise of its premise. What is the conceit? Well, in short, Jaegers—giant Earth-protecting mechs—fight invading Kaiju who emerge from a rift within the Pacific Ocean. And for all the movie's foibles—the plot has many—it does nail it's most defining element. The fights, in fact, are so visually dazzling that it makes the laborious human moments with wooden Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) all the more painful. Speaking of those foibles, the humans—not just poor Raleigh—encompass a host of them. They are unbearably bland caricatures of archetypes we've seen dozens of times over. And considering the movie makes you spend an enormous chunk of its two plus hours with them in its middle section, that can grow tiresome. But, if you make it through the slog of machismo-fueled, bro-tastic platitudes, the fights do return; and you will have one hell of a time; because if not for Pacific Rim, we would never know the glory of watching a giant mech swing a ship like a baseball bat right into a Kaiju's face. So sit back, use your sword to slice open a La Fin Du Monde from Unibroue Brewery, and lay off the Kaiju bone powder! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are prepping our Jaegers for an ocean brawl with Knifehead! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Giant robots versus giant monsters. Let the fights commence! (00:00)  Lingering Questions – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, we assess what kept this from being a huge hit. (1:10:20) The "Are You Funnin' Me, Son?" Trivia Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie. (1:14:36) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, and next up: It's the second entry of "Hops and Our Favorite Flops," Fight Club. (1:23:44) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the deeper Pacific Rim lore and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Godzilla vs Kong is a historic rivalry, yet it has been 59 years since these two giants of cinema last traded blows. That seems far too long, but fortunately for the "Monsterverse," the timing couldn't have been better. In our King of the Monsters (KotM) episode, Chumpzilla and I were bullish about the future of this series. We knew this movie would at least be made, but short of a miraculous run, KotM had sullied the stock. Turns out, we were wrong. In less than a week Godzilla vs Kong has grossed over $300 million worldwide, already nearing its predecessors totals. This comes amidst an ongoing global pandemic. Its reviews have also far surpassed that of KotM. It sits at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes with over 300 reviews—a striking 33% improvement. In hindsight, we probably could've predicted the bounce back. After all, these characters are truly the most iconic. Godzilla, for all his miscellaneous adventures, will always be a part of the Japanese zeitgeist due to his metaphorical significance. And the 1933 King Kong remains one of the greatest technical achievements in film; it's a true testament to the power of movies and their ability to suck the viewer into their world. So, does Godzilla vs Kong do its titular characters proud. Yes and no. The fights are a visual wonder—a feast for the eyes with a brutality that you can almost feel. The plot, on the other hand, mirrors that of KotM; in that, it's convoluted and dumb. But, hey, we're here to witness the former, so sit back, pound some Colossal Claude Imperial IPAs from Rogue Brewing Co. into submission., and don't exit your ship in the Hollow Earth! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla are riding the Skull Crawler infested bullet train from Pensacola to Hong Kong! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – It's a movie about a giant gorilla fighting a giant nuclear lizard. Enough said. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we analyze who'd truly win in a fight between these two titans of cinema. (57:52) The "Titan Truth Podcast" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie, as well as the return of "Name That Kaiju." (1:10:30) Recommendations – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA, and then we offer our picks for the week. Next up: It's the premiere of "Hops and Our Favorite Flops," Pacific Rim. (1:23:) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Peter Jackson's initial ideas for Kong and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Ang Lee's Hulk is ponderous—absurdly so—and mostly revolves around the gruesome father/son relationship between Bruce (Eric Bana) and David Banner (Nick Nolte). Reportedly, Lee wanted the film to evoke the weighty emotions of a Greek tragedy. It certainly does generate a palpable response, but it's apathy. For a movie whose title character is a big, green, rage monster, the Hulk is seldom seen for the first hour. When he does show up, he's relegated to fighting mutant poodles with a penchant for crotch attacks. Now, I'm not saying this movie wasn't ambitious because it certainly was. Unfortunately, all its aspirations are for naught; and it all amounts to little more than odd familial drama and nonsensical CGI fisticuffs. General audiences were just as confused. After winning its opening weekend with $62+ million, it dropped a stunning 69.7% in its second. That is the steepest decline on record for a film that opened at number one. The Hulk does fight his evil father as a cloud, though, so there's that. Now, sit back, crush a couple of Voodoo Ranger Captain Dynamite Hazy IPAs from New Belgium Brewing, and try not to fall asleep from boredom! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are wrestling some mutant dogs! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Despite his Oscar pedigree, Ang Lee struggled to find the proper balance between art and excitement. (00:00)  Lingering Questions – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we determine what could have livened this film up. (42:31) The "Hulk Smashed" Trivia Challenge – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA, and then Chumpzilla challenges the field to a series of trivia questions about the movie. (1:24:50) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week; and next up: It's the second of our HBO Max specials, Godzilla vs Kong. (1:38:28) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the comedy stylings of Eric Bana and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Zack Snyder's Justice League is a cinematic anomaly. When Snyder had to step away due to a family tragedy, Warner Bros. (WB) essentially hacked the material he left them to bits. Under the guidance of Joss Whedon, Snyder's originally footage was morphed into a soulless attempt to capture the magic of the MCU. It didn't work—a topic we explored in-depth on our Joss-Stache League episode. That film appealed to no one, but it particularly riled those faithful to Snyder's vision. Thus, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut was born—a fan movement spawned from the betrayal many felt the studio had committed. Make no mistake, folks, this movie is a whole new beast. From Steppenwolf's arc to Darkseid's ominous presence to the return of the Knightmare world, it's the sequel fans of Snyder's work were promised as the credits rolled on Batman v Superman. And at four hours, it literally crams as much of what he shot in as possible. Heck, Snyder even managed to shoot a couple of new scenes, despite WB's insistence he could not. Love his vision or hate it—as some members of the pod do—this is a movie that warrants your attention. It's a win for the fans who fought hard—both in supporting Snyder and for the cause of suicide prevention and awareness; and it's a win for artistic integrity. Most important, though, it's a movie that he lovingly crafted and dedicated to his daughter Autumn, whose suicide led to him walking away in March of 2017. So, sit back, open a Boom Tube to your tastebuds with a Galactic Cowboy Imperial Nitro Stout from Left Hand Brewing, and initiate the Unity! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are taking turns sniffing Jason Mamoa's sweater! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – With four plus hours of runtime, how different was Zack Snyder's Justice League from Whedon's disastrous theatrical cut? (00:00)  Spoiler Alert (12:22) Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA, and then I pose some quick fire questions to the crew. Will the Snyderverse live on? (1:15:51) The "Not Us United" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to a series of trivia questions about the actors portraying our favorite heroes. (1:36:02) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: It's the final entry in our "Hops and Heroic Flops" series, Ang Lee's Hulk. (1:45:36) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the sequels we will probably never see and more—from this week’s episode! If you are battling depression and in need of helpful resources, or to simply donate to a worthwhile cause, please visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Welcome to The Power Hour Podcast Episode 106 with special guests Hop Nation USA (Adam & Steve). In this episode the boys discuss: Intro Hop Nation USA What are we drinking What are we playing Patreon Questions AB InBev sues Constellation over Corona Seltzer https://www.businessinsider.com/ab-inbev-corona-hard-seltzer-lawsuit-2021-2?amp If we could design our own Busch Gardens, what would be in it? (Kitt) Weird Gaming Item: Tenet on GBA cartridges https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/11/22321473/tenet-game-boy-advance-christopher-nolan-bob-wulff-youtube-mod-cartridge?fbclid=IwAR1EJkFBPZX4K1BIQhPhgfUus8Lxa5xbtMaxJuOJWas3W-ZiUxGqEYMK6c8 What’s the most overrated and underrated Beer style Which is better? Untappd or […]

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, which is a sequel to the 2007 original, is so insane it almost works. Nicolas Cage, the Rider or Johnny Blaze, goes full Cage. It's equal parts glorious and dumbfounding. That is the movie in a nutshell. For everything that works—such as the Rider possessing humongous construction equipment—there are far too many other elements that do not. From the dude from Empire Records overacting literally every piece of dialogue to Idris Elba's mindbogglingly bad French accent, there are just far too many palm face moments. That said, it is better than the first—despite what the reviews (18% on Rotten Tomatoes with 114 reviews) and the box office ($132.6 million) may indicate. And, it does feature a whole lot of the Rider murdering bad dudes in all sorts of fire-induced ways. As viewers, that's something we can all get behind. So, sit back, absolve your sins with a Dead Guy Ale from Rogue Brewing Co., and sign a blood-soaked deal with the Devil! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are scraping at the door! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Was Spirit of Vengeance able to make amends for its disastrous 2007 predecessor? (00:00) Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA, and then Mayor McCheese poses some questions to the crew. (1:07:53) The Trivia Challenge – Mayor McCheese challenges the field to a series of trivia questions—some relating to the movie and others to unhealthy snack foods. (1:19:50) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: it's finally here! Zack Snyder's fabled Justice League premiered March 18, and we're taking a deep dive into its four hours of superhero team up action. (1:28:14) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the eccentricities of Nicolas Cage and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Joss-stache League (Justice League) is a cobbled together mess. It's the Frankenstein's monster of movies. I wish that were an understatement, but, sadly, it is not; and though it bears Zack Snyder's name in the credits, it is not his movie. According to Fabian Wagner, the original cut's cinematographer, up to 90% of what they shot is not in it. That's right, folks: In under two months, Joss Whedon basically reshot the entire thing. Why? Well, the answer to that is long, winding, and even filled with heartbreak. To keep it brief, the studio was no longer in support of Zack's vision. When Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice failed to break a $1 billion, a series of decisions were made. In retrospect, many of them were stupid. And Justice League paid the bulk of the price for them. It's a mishmash of competing interests and an attempt to please both critics and fans with something more similar to the MCU. That desperation backfired. At the time of its release, Justice League had the lowest opening of any DCU film ($93+ million). It would go on to gross $657.9 million—also the lowest for a DCU film at the time— against a production budget of $300 million. Deadline Hollywood reported that the film lost the studio around $60 million, scuttling their new plans and throwing DC's big screen universe into further turmoil. It also sits at just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes with 395 reviews—a modest improvement over its predecessor and certainly not worth the hack job they put to it. Now, despite of all you have just read, this movie is somehow still watchable—even if you are forced to look away as a certain CGI'd mustache burns a hole through your TV. So, sit back, enter a new dimension with a Mapping the Multiverse Hazy IPA from Surly Brewing Co., and unite the Seven! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, Mayor McCheese, and special guest Mario Francisco Robles—the Fanboy himself—are struggling to process Henry Cavill's face! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The road to DC's ultimate team up is rife with speed bumps, and we tackle them all. (00:00) Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA, and then I pose some questions to the crew. What did Whedon nail? And what are we most looking forward to come March 18th? (1:33:59) The "Something's Definitely Bleeding" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to questions about the movie, as well as the movement it inspired. (1:54:05) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: We rev our collective engines for the third entry in our "Hops and Heroic Flops" series, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance! (2:06:06) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Release the Snyder Cut book and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

It's the fourth anniversary show and we're redoing the 3rd anniversary show. All the pieces are set. Adam and Steve are here and Katie is back as a guest. They talk about the dwindling population of Trappist monks, the best burgh for baseball boozers, and West Virginia's struggles within the craft beer scene. Then it's the Pandaversary of the Panorama aka Ronamania and they take a look back at the "good" things to come out of the last year of crisis. Finally, they put together all star lineups for a special Hop Nation USA celebrity episode as well as cast Hop Nation USA The Podcast: The Movie. Steve attempts to use magick to meet Kat Dennings. BEERS: Westmalle Trappist Tripel Butler Brew Works Soft Top Hazy IPA Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue Pale Ale Brasserie d'Achouffe Cherry Chouffe Insurrection Ale Works Wash Uffizi Drive Me To Firenze Pilsner Hoof Hearted Brewing x Dugges Bryggeri Faster Than the Future Stout Oxbow Brewing Sap Haus Smoked Lager Grist House Mexican Mocha Stout Urban Artifact The Gadget Sour

Green Lantern is a mess—an expensive one, at that. Its horrid CGI suit tells all the tales one needs to know about how misguided the project was. And it was a misfire that had serious ramifications. In 2011, Green Lantern was meant to serve as the kickoff to a new DC movie universe. That notion was immediately squashed. On a budget over $200 million, it grossed just $219.9 million worldwide. Worse, critics (26% on Rotten Tomatoes with 246 reviews) and audiences (45%) reviled it. There would be no sequel, and there certainly would not be an integrated universe with Ryan Reynold's Hal Jordan at its center. When you watch it, none of the numbers above are shocking. Green Lantern, like its central protagonist, suffers from an identity crisis. It's plot is undercooked—adding characters and elements with little context—and its execution is lacking. The latter no doubt a consequence of the turmoil behind the scenes. Reynolds was miserable; the director probably more so; and the studio was full-on panicked throughout. The imagination that so often has defined the character, as well as his will to muster whatever comes to his mind, was swallowed whole by the dreaded Parallax—aka movie making by committee. So, sit back, create a pint class with your Lantern's ring to pour a Torpedo Extra IPA from Sierra Nevada, and fight the allure of fear! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are furiously taking notes in Ring Slinging 101! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – We dive headfirst into the galactic fart cloud of doom that is this movie's plot. (00:00) Lingering Questions – We hear from our beer bros. at Hop Nation USA and then assess what possibly could've righted this ship. (1:06:57) Trivia Challenge – Capt. Cash challenges the field to a bevy of Green Lantern-centric trivia. (1:27:42) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at The Double Turn Podcast, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: We all avert our eyes from poor Henry Cavill's face for the second entry in our "Hops and Heroic Flops" series, Joss-stache League! (1:33:54) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the on-set acrimony and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Top Secret! was the team of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker's follow up to their incredibly successful Airplane! It, like its predecessor, is an indescribably goofy movie—full of off the wall gags, jokes, and non-sequiturs. If you have seen Airplane!, you will understand what kind of humor it is. These guys were the kings of this style of comedy, and Top Secret! certainly lives up to that pedigree. It also introduced moviegoers to Val Kilmer. This was his big screen debut, and it's clear why he went on to become a household name. Where this movie suffers is a lack of clear narrative focus and a truly defined world. It is set in immediate post-World War II East Germany, but features wisecracks from several decades proceeding it—not to mention that the antagonists are Nazis.  Really, though, the plot is a big whatever. You come to a film like this to laugh, and you definitely will. As much as theater patrons ignored it in 1984 (it grossed $20 million compared to Airplane!'s $158), it has become a cult hit over time. Deservedly so. Now, sit back, catch a heavy with a Boom Dynamite IPA from OHSO Brewery, and introduce us to the little German! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are riding waves and blasting pigeons—Skeet Surfin'! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The plots for spoof movies are generally lacking and Top Secret! is no exception. (00:00) Lingering Questions – Are we surprised this couldn't replicate the success of Airplane!? (39:30) Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to a host of Top Secret!-related trivia. (54:08) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: We suit up for the start our "Hops and Heroic Flops," series with Green Lantern! (1:07:24) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the oral history and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is bad. Like truly awful. Its plot is convoluted; its action is often nonsensical and unimaginative; and it does little to capitalize on its star power. Antonio Banderas literally has nothing to do. This guy was El Mariachi in Desperado, for Pete's sake. Let him do more than smoke cigarettes and drink. Anyway, there is a boat load of slow motion, if you're into that. Most of it is wholly unnecessary, but it's there; and it probably adds 10 minutes to the runtime—a portion of your life you will never get back. There's also a lot of sulking and staring. There's an abundance of Ray Park in a turtleneck. Yep, Darth Maul loves sweaters, but he doesn't love fighting because he only does it once. Like the rest of the movie, that scene sucks. If you are noticing a trend, you should. We hated this movie. Critics also hated it. And audiences thoroughly despised it. It is one of our most egregious flops to date, earning barely above $20 million on a budget of $70 million. You have been forewarned. So, sit back, slug a few H.A.Z.Y. IPAs from Sweetwater Brewing Co., and throw on your best "Tactleneck"! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are stepping on land mines and running for cover! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Well, there's a lot of dumb stuff that happens in this movie. (00:00) Lingering Questions – Could any of us decipher a way to polish this turd? (29:30) The "Ballistic:"Trivia Challenge – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, Chumpzilla challenges the field to a host of Ballistic-related trivia. (55:07) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week; and next up: We close our "Hops and 00-Flops," series with Top Secret! (1:04:33) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Game Boy Advance game and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, and Amazon Music!

If Looks Could Kill is a piece of vintage 90s cinema. It takes a young star—presumably on the rise—and tasks them with elevating a sub-par film. It's a challenge many budding leading men have been burdened with. Richard Grieco—most famously Dennis Booker from the 21 Jump Street TV show and its spin-off Booker—is not quite up to the task. His big screen woes mirror that of his small screen ones. Like Booker, audiences did not flock to If Looks Could Kill. His suave appearance and brash attitude were not accompanied by the requisite charm. Grossing just $7.8 million on a budget as high as $12 million, it served as evidence that Grieco may not be the next big thing. It's hard to argue that point. But If Looks Could Kill is a fun—albeit stupid fun—time. It's a spoof on more serious spy movies, offering up a case of mistaken identity to fuel its hijinks. It also clearly served as a mild inspiration for more popular films to come. Cough ... Spider-Man: Far from Home ... cough ... With that in mind, watch it for what it is, and do a spit-take when you realize Roger Daltrey—of The Who fame—shows up just to be murdered by the principal from Kindergarten Cop. Now, sit back, toast to the lady on the moon with a Miller High Life, and stop fidgeting with the spy car's myriad of switches! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are smelting gold and reforming the European Union! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – McCheese and I loved this when were kids. Did it hold up? (00:00) Lingering Questions – Is beer chugging required to sit through this 90s B-movie? (47:19) Trivia Challenge – McCheese challenges the field to a host of Grieco-related trivia. (59:10) Recommendations – After a word from our pals at Hop Nation USA, we offer our picks for the week; and next up: We continue our "Hops and 00-Flops," series with Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever! (1:09:49) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Grieco's soft rock album and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl and Amazon Music!

The Long Kiss Goodnight is obnoxious, loud, and dumb. In other words, most action movies of the 80s and 90s. It's also hopelessly convoluted and botches its central premise—that of an amnesic suburban housewife who has forgotten that she used to be an assassin. Starring Geena Davis—in her second collaboration with former husband Renny Harlin—as Samantha Caine (the innocent)/Charly Baltimore (the no-so-innocent), The Long Kiss Goodnight just isn't equal to the sum of its parts. The supporting cast is great—boasting Samuel L. Jackson, Brian Cox, Craig Bierko, and David Morse, amongst others—and it was written by Shane Black, the literal master of this conceit (i.e. the mismatched action duo). Even with those elements, it just never comes together. Sure, there are scenes that work, but not enough of them; and for an action film, its set pieces generally fall flat or down a drain at Niagara Falls, only to reappear unscathed. Critics didn't agree with our pod's assessment. The film sits at 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, though, were skeptical. It grossed just $89.5 million on a budget of $65. But, its failures set a nice template for future films and proved—however unnecessary it was to prove—that women can also kick ass. So, sit back, set your sights on a Head Hunter IPA from Fat Head's Brewery, and deal with the fact that life is pain! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are blowing shit up with Charly Baltimore and trying to remember exactly why we're doing it! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Was Davis' second collaboration with Harlin better than the water logged dreck that was Cutthroat Island? (00:00) Lingering Questions – Shane Black loves Christmas, but what's his best holiday-centered film? (47:08) The "Life is Pain" Trivia Night Challenge – After we hear a word from our brothers in beer, Hop Nation USA, Capt. Cash challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:10:46) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week, and next up: We continue our "Hops and 00-Flops," series with If Looks Could Kill! (1:20:53) And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the long-gestating sequel and more—from this week’s episode! You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl and Amazon Music!

On the latest episode of American Slacker hosts Matt and Jesse talk everything beer with Steve from the Hop Nation USA podcast. Steve explains how he and his co hosts got into homebrewing and podcasting while dropping some info on the best breweries around the Pittsburgh area. They discuss the influence of “hyperlocal” breweries on the industry, some of Steve’s favorite recipes and why beer snobbery is bullshit. Then the guys describe some of the weirdest beers they’ve tried and Jesse drinks a spicy triple reaper pepper IPA. Listen to Hop Nation USA Follow them on Instagram & Facebook  Promos Murderous Minors: Killer Kids Genuine Chit Chat Visit our sponsors and use these codes to support American Slacker Podcast Dango Products: use code “Slacker” at https://www.dangoproducts.com/ Manscaped: use code “Slackers” at https://www.manscaped.com/ Hemp-CBD: use code “Slacker” at https://www.hemp-cbd.com/ Seat Giant: use code “Slacker” at https://www.seatgiant.com/ Check out the American Slacker Podcast Website, Facebook Page, American Slackers Group, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.  To become a Patron of the show head over to Patreon.com/AmericanSlackerpodcast The song “American Slacker” provided by Haverland

The crossover episode 3 people asked for is your reward for making it through 2020. The Weekly Re-Cap and Hop Nation USA come together for over an hour of Pittsburgh beer bants featuring Nick, Alex, Steve and Adam. Talking podcasting, breweries, beers, 2020 in review and capping off with a brutal round of Would You Rather which features a lot of bashing of beer that doesn't exist anymore. Beers: Dancing Gnome Upward Below IPA Brew Gentleman Kabuto IPA Grist House Outrun Nobility Keller Pils Grist House Velvet Vortex Dessert Sour Trace Brewing Sun Shadows Lager Couch Espionage Orca White Chocolate Stout

It's the second episode of Holiday programming for Hop Nation USA. They're ending 2020 by bringing on guests from the past, reflecting on the year, looking to the future, and having a bit of fun. Guests and their beers: Darren and Bobby Nacho of Couch Brewery Tom Wagner of A Little Beer Tasting / Logyard Misery Whip IPA CoHost Katie / Cinderlands Virgil Cain Vienna Lager CoHost Bubba / Leaning Cask Nelson Unleashed NEIPA OG Host Sam / Cinderlands She's A Beaut Spruce IPA Steve and Adam's Beers: Altered Genius Real Nice Surprise Holiday Ale Hitchhiker Some Mores Stout Samichlaus 2016

It's the first piece of Holiday programming for Hop Nation USA. They're ending 2020 by bringing on guests from the past, reflecting on the year, looking to the future, and having a bit of fun. First Steve and Adam welcome Trace Brewing and Truss Brewing to the Pittsburgh area. Then it's guests galore: Guests and their beers: Dave and Tom of Abjuration Brewing / Abjuration Dessert Stout V1.1 Chocolate Turtle Cohost Kelsey / Couch Brewery Sofa Quemando Pepper stout Pod Theory's Jason Cercone / Noble Stein Brewing Gnome for the Holidays Winter Ale A Little Beer Tasting's Nikki & Eric / Other Half Forever Citra IPA Steve and Adam's Beers: Four Points Brewery Hefeweizen Abjuration Smoothie Style Sour V1.4 Peanut Butter and Jelly North Country Brewing Snow Shoe Belgian White Victory Merry Monkey Holiday Belgian

Ryan from Fueled by Hops joins Steve and Adam this week. They dive into the news of the week which includes the latest fad slime beer from Armadillo brewing. It begs the question, what the hell is going on in Texas? Also Panera gets some Boulevard, a better name for an old brewery, and the U.S. elects a senator who's drank bull balls. Then they talk about the virtual festival organized by Ryan Cheers Yinz! Fest which is meant to benefit breweries affected by shutdowns and restrictions, but will also include a lot of educational opportunities. Finally, they totally don't rip off PTI. Hop Nation USA invented Werd, and they play Werd with stories of Sweetwater Brewing being bought and Adam hoarding Pumking. Beers: Mortalis Brewing Hydra Passion Fruit + Sweet Cherry + Peach Yellow Bridge Brewing Higher Learning Cream Ale Winding Path Brewing Boreal Spruce IPA Union Brothers Brewing Sauced Peach Mango Passion Fruit Fruited Sour Prairie Ales Punch Fruited Sour Other Half Brewing Cream Get the Honey IPA Insurrection Aleworks Blueberry Merph Wild Ale Hitchhiker Brewing Mashmallow Stout

Adam and Steve are in the studio, but with a twist. This week's theme is pretzel beers. First they talk about rauchbiers being declared to new official beer of the fall, forever. Then it's on to Michigan where a blight has befallen the hops, just another reason to thank 2020. On a positive note, Take Two Foods are transforming spent grains into milk, rather than letting them go to waste. Natural Light has a dumb promotion and they told it's dumb. Steve presents the history pretzels which is intertwined with beer history and gets into the vastness of Pennsylvania's love for salty baked goods. Finally, they celebrate the Hop Nation USA dodransbicentennial by beerify past guests into beers. Beers: O'Fallon Knotty Golden Ale Duclaw PastryArchy: Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Stout Rusty Rail Brewing Mobius Pretzel Imperial Salted Pretzel Ale

Jason Cercone returns to the Hop Nation USA via Zoom with Steve and Adam. He's the host of the new podcast consulting podcast Pod Theory. This week they look at Michelob's Chief Exploration Officer, WWE Wines, Clayton Kershaw's charity beer, Coca-Cola and ALDI changing the seltzer game, and more. Then they get into podcast and marketing theory, including the importance of planning, what causes podcasts to fail, how to stand out, and how to grow your audience. Finally, they play a game of "Is it A Podcast, Is It A Beer, or Is It Both?" Beers: Four Points Cargovan IPA Shubrew Jumpman Pixelated IPA Levity End of Haze IPA Hitchhiker Hammer & Lime Cocktail Ale Riverside Brewing Puckish Berliner-Weisse Southern Tier Pumking Nitro Pumpkin Ale Helltown Hefeweizen Abjuration Strawberry Milkshake Ale Michelob Infusions Prickly Pear

It's the end of an era as Hop Nation USA wraps up the beating of the dead horse known as Netflix's Brews Brothers with a cavalcade of guest stars including Jason Cercone of the After Poured Youtube show, Dennis of FirstSipBrewBox.com; Nikki, Eric, and Tom of ALittleTasting.com, Sean on In Poor Taste Podcast, and returning guest host Kelsey. Adam plays against these all-stars to protect the integrity of the show. Can they survive the battery of trivia and thinking on their feet? Find out at least half of the answer to this in Part One! Beers: Schlenkerla Marzen Abjuration Norwegian Farmhouse Ale Levity Tang Glider RAR Brewing Pulp Pale Ale Insurrection Game Head DIPA Cinderlands Passion Fruit Whipper Guinness Stout Hightower Rural Graffiti Southern Tier Creme Brulee NitroYellowbridge Midnight Pineapple Upside Down Cake Voodoo Brewery IPA

It's the end of an era as Hop Nation USA wraps up the beating of the dead horse known as Netflix's Brews Brothers with a cavalcade of guest stars including Jason Cercone of the After Poured Youtube show, Dennis of FirstSipBrewBox.com; Nikki, Eric, and Tom of ALittleTasting.com, Sean on In Poor Taste Podcast, and returning guest host Kelsey. Adam plays against these all-stars to protect the integrity of the show. Who is the grand champion and obviously the one who watched the most Brews Brothers and loved that show the most? Find out this episode! Beers: Schlenkerla Marzen Abjuration Norwegian Farmhouse Ale Levity Tang Glider RAR Brewing Pulp Pale Ale Insurrection Game Head DIPA Cinderlands Passion Fruit Whipper Guinness Stout Hightower Rural Graffiti Southern Tier Creme Brulee NitroYellowbridge Midnight Pineapple Upside Down Cake Voodoo Brewery IPA

In every dark cloud, there is a silver lining or some crap. This week's silver lining to the quarantine is we were actual able to get First Sip's Dennis and Sam on the same episode for the first time... even if they've never been in a room together. Steve and Adam are also present to drink beer, and they all talk about the emergence of the virtual beerfest. The first one they've heard of is being put on by Gathering Place brewery for their 2nd Annual Lager & Friends. Then they go down a rabbit hole of discussing how to improve beerfests for a corona world. Parades, pick up trucks, uber drivers, and drink at home concerts all get involved. Then it's on to reviewing Episode 4 of Brews Brothers. Dennis has only seen this episode and Sam has seen every episode. Both come to the same conclusion. However slight improvements in the show maybe slowly eroding Steve's hardened exterior and hatred for the show. Find out more on this episode of Hop Nation USA! Sick Jamiroquai reference in the title by the way. Beers: Butler Brew Works La Noche Triste Coffee Stout Ever Grain Brewing Bingo Pajamas NEIPA Collective Arts + Southern Grist All the Things Pastrystout New Belgium Atomic Pumpkin Free Will Brewing Garcia's Forest IPA Hitchhiker Brewing Tiny Guavas IPA

Special guest Anthony from The Main Damie and They Called This A Movie podcast joins regular guest host Kelsey, plus Adam and Steve for a rousing Zoom meeting. All podcasts are zoom meetings in this new world. They talk about the fun ways to past the time with emergence of digital age drinking games including solo beer pong, zoom pong, power hours, and general gaming. Also talk of baking, Altered Genius brewing opening in the midst of quarantine, Wrestlemania and Steve has a deep cut reference. Does anyone remember WMAC Masters? Then they review Episode 3 of the Tour de Farce Netflix sitcom Brews Brothers. Last week the show was all about pee, does this week's episode have a bodily fluid theme or is it as offensive as packing peanuts? Or did it actually get good? Find out this week on Hop Nation USA. Beers: Cape May Brewing Crushing It IPA Dancing Gnome Bifocal Feline IPA Saucy Uber ASAP Blood Orange IPA D9 Brewing Whiskers on Kittens Goose Island IPA Central Waters Mudpuppy Porter

Jason joins Adam and Steve for the first Zoom edition of the Hop Nation USA podcast. They talk about the good and bad business practices coming out of breweries during the quarantine. They speculate on the future of to-go orders and deliveries, and recognize the charitable contributions of breweries and distilleries in the area. Then they discuss the upcoming Wrestlemania event, but it sounds more like the sad state of affairs wrestling has become and how the current situation in the world has exposed the worst parts of both WWE and AEW. There's still hope for the Becky Lynch match, though. Enjoy the video version of this podcast for Steve's unspoken antics.Video Link:https://youtu.be/_xt5LJ-kYzc Beers: Grist House Morning Feels Coffee & Tea Ale Grist House Paddler Cherry Cheesecake Dessert Sour Millworks Single Hop IPA #13 - Centennial Spoonwood Turtle Waste of Time Black Lager Rivertown Hala Kahiki Pineapple Ale

Doowop, Snakebite Bitten, Ronnie's Pendulous Titties, Dick Dangler the Taurcen, Poopdream, Chatters, #FakeNews and that's all! Brought to you by Shuttercock, Granny P's Salad Cleanse, the Hop Nation USA podcast and Pitney and the Amelia's Bitchen Boutique podcast! Big thanks once again to Reasun for the use of his killer new track "Springtime (prod. Fadewell)"! If you enjoyed it as much as I did, get over to his Bandcamp page and buy a few tracks, or even an album!

On today’s episode, I talk with the guys behind the HopNationUSA podcast as part of a joint holiday series of podcasts that we recorded.  Joining Adam and Stephen, the hosts of HopNationUSA is Dennis from First Sip Brew Box.  We talk about how HopNationUSA came to be and the plans for the future.  If you’re a fan of beer podcasts, like this one here, this is the episode for you.

**BEER! The boys from Hop Nation USA and our friend Dennis from First Sip Brew Box return to The Eric McKenna Project! Craft Beer, Home Brewing, Beer tasting, Hilarity and — A Reaper Pepper Brew! Yikes! Join Us! EricMcKenna.com FirstSipBrewBox.com HopNationUSA.com

**BEER! The boys from Hop Nation USA and our friend Dennis from First Sip Brew Box return to The Eric McKenna Project! Craft Beer, Home Brewing, Beer tasting, Hilarity and — A Reaper Pepper Brew! Yikes! Join Us! EricMcKenna.com FirstSipBrewBox.com HopNationUSA.com

Episode 67 : FOMOFF Nick lights up this episode with Romp N Roll memories immediately followed by his yinzer accent impression. We cover how we missed out on Fresh Fest this week. Thanks to Hop Nation USA and our friend Jason from Breaking Brews for shouting us out on their most recent episode. Go check them both out! We rehash the Voodoo release idea but from there we get into the beer reviews and the concept of muling beer. Nick makes an observation about women in line for craft beer. Nick regrets not going to Fresh Fest again. Sara joins for a few minutes to discuss the vegan milkshake IPA from DG and Very Local PGH. We review DG's releases and Nick requests your Fresh Fest stories as the podcast wraps up this week. Beers We Drank: Swishy Socks - Dewey Beer Co x Burley Oak (IPA - 6.8%) Hard Corn - Hitchhiker Brewery x Walters PGH (Pale Ale - 5.8%)

It's the star-studded 100th episode of the Hop Nation USA podcast featuring Steve, Adam, First Sip Brew Box's Dennis, and the team from Abjuration Brewing in McKees Rock Dave, Tom and John. They all sit down to talk about Abjuration's first year and their accomplishments. Then the tables are turned on the hosts as brewers at Abjuration review their homebrewed beer while giving tips on how to improve your own homebrewing operation. Finally they all keep it 100 with a quiz pitting Hop Nation USA against Abjuration. All this plus bacon farms, supporting communities, beer dojos, Little Debbie, and drinking local With cameos from Breaking Brews, Should I Drink That?, In Poor Taste, Craft Beer Industry Pod and Bum Wine Bob. Beers: Abjuration Rice IPA Abjuration CIA (Cocktail Inspired Ale) Abjuration Maple-Bacon Imperial Stout

Eric and Sean take off on a grand voyage! It's the 100th episode!Ian Insect, Davian Dent, Mandy and Ruth, Andrew Kennedy, Basem Hassen, Megan Hesse and Issa Wurie join us in the pod! This is the longest episode ever of In Poor Taste. Strap in.Huge thanks to Meeting of Important People for use of their new single "Under Sorry Skies (On the Boat)"! Look them up at www.meetingofimportantpeople.com and buy an album or three! Our fellow podcaster guests were: Davian Dent - Strange Times - www.strangetimesshow.com and The Bitter Sound - http://www.thebittersound.com Basem Hassen - Turtle Power Pod - https://turtlepowerpod.libsyn.com Megan Hesse - Oh No! Lit Class - https://ohnolitclass.simplecast.fm and Rolling Misadventures - https://rollingmisadventures.podbean.com Issa Wurie - Young, Free and Coupled - https://www.youngfreeandcoupled.com and Fears and Desires - http://hyperurl.co/28ygxm   Special thanks to the following podcasts:  Turtle Power Pod - https://turtlepowerpod.libsyn.com Nerktalkalypse - https://nerdtalkalypsepodcast.com Podcast 42 - https://podcast42show.wordpress.com Hop Nation USA - http://www.hopnationusa.com/ Rough Giraffe - https://roughgiraffe.podbean.com/  

This week Adam, Steve and Dennis are joined by Pittsburgh Libations Week organizer and Breaking Brews siterunner Jason Cercone. We talk about the upcoming PLW Kick Off Bash as well as what we can expect from Pittsburgh Libations Week. Then Jason takes over the show in preparation for the return of Over A Couple of Beers and interviews the Hop Nation USA hosts. Finally, we put Jason on the spot again in honor of WWE Evolution and have him pair female wrestlers with some of his favorite beers. All the while they review seasonal Oktoberfest offerings. Beers:Shiner OktoberfestOtter Creek/Camba Bavaria OktoberfestRusty Rail Noktoberfest

Welcome to Year 2 of the Hop Nation USA podcast. We're kicking it off with a return visit from our friends at First Sip Brew Box, Dennis and Sammie. They're bringing us hot sauces crafted with craft beer! Adam and Steve review the hot sauces, talk about what's new at First Sip, and get into other foodstuffs made with craft beer. In the final segment, Adam, Dennis, and Sammie play a hot pepper guessing game with dire consequences. We also drink a craft beer, too. Hot Sauces:Wild Barrel Asian Sriracha LagerWild Barrel Garlic Serrano FarmhouseWild Barrel Roasy Chiptole Pale Ale Beer:Neshaminy Creek Imperial Chocolate Mudbank Stout

Megan Hesse from the Oh No! Lit Class podcast graces us with her charming presence! Is that not enough for you people!? Fine, we also discuss penny tacos, rice-o-ranchy, Taco Bell, gamesofts, inspirational posters, the large football festival, hello scream, the endangered Hesse, Dolla Dolla Make Me Holla Dolla Bush, Whirling Derbist and other! This episode brought to you by Granny P's Stained Apron, Mt Avalanche Black Ice, The What If podcast and Hop Nation USA! Big thanks to Best Day for their killer tracks "Old Humoresque of a Man" and "Sky Zone"! If you want custom beats, or just want to check out more of their stuff, find them at soundcloud.com/best-day!

Josh is back for an episode! Drew and Josh catch up on what life has been bringing them. They talk being a parent, the current situations some teachers are facing, the Evil Dead, complain about complaining, and other things. This week's brew is 3 Sheep Brewing "NitraJoe".   Promo by the Hop Nation USA podcast A "Pew Pew Audio" Podcast  

It's the final regular episode of the Hop Nation USA podcast and Adam, Sam and Steve have gotten into the gift giving spirit. They've gone out of their way to give each other the gift of beer. They also spend time reflecting on favorite beers and moments of 2017 and go through a bad gift buying guide. Happy Holidays to all of our listeners. May 2018 bring more good drinking and merriment, but not copper straws. Those seem dangerous. Beers:MIA Beer Company Tourist Trappe Belgian TrippelFlying Dog Tamarind Ale3 Floyds Necron 99 IPA

In a very special episode, Sam, Adam and Steve take listener questions and answer them. They celebrate National Stout Day, Dia De Los Muertos, and the 100th beer of the Hop Nation USA podcast! They tackle issues about homebrewing, which is worse, and what kind of brewery each of them would open. Also lots of coffee beer talk.Beers:Sierra Nevada Narwhal StoutStone Xocoveza Imperial StoutAvery Uncle Jacob's Bourbon Barrel Stout

It's October, so that means everything gets a little be spookier and pumpkinier and Hop Nation USA is no exception. This week we're all about pumpkin beers, pumpkin recipes, and horror movie preview. We explore the terrifying madness of baked pumpkin ziti, and delve into the frightful reality of the eighth Saw movie, Jigsaw. Listen in to our reviews of these frightfully delicious beers, if you dare.Beers:O'Fallon Pumpkin BreadNew Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic PumpkinSouthern Tier Cold Press Coffee Pumking

This week Hop Nation USA welcomes its first guest onto the show, friend of the show Kelsey. We discuss her impending marriage, boozing at said wedding, the last beer for the rest of your life, and trying to get Gillian Jacobs as Steve's date for the wedding. All that and an Eye of the Hurricane wedding and beer themed quiz! Beers: Weihenstephaner Heffeweissen Boulder Beer Co Mojo IPA Ommegang Rosetta

It's a special day in Hop Nation USA. This week's episode is dedicated to the fastest and furiousest film franchise around. The boys discuss some news and goings on in the craft beer world before going completely off the rails. On top of reviewing fast and furious beers, they discuss and review the first 20 minutes of The Fate of the Furious(spoiler free), and then Beerify! The Fate of the Furious. Buckle up, because it's a wild one. Beers: Breckenridge '72 Imperial Rusty Rail Snow Flyer 21st Amendment/Stone/Firestone Walker El Camino unReal