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Movie of the Year: 2006Slither The Slither Podcast Brings Body Horror to the 2006 BracketThe Slither podcast episode unleashes the first true horror movie on our Movie of the Year 2006 bracket. After opening the season with Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, the Taste Buds trade metafiction for meteorites. Consequently, things get slimy fast. Ryan, Mike, and Greg welcome producer and festival programmer Drea Clark to dig into James Gunn's gleefully gross directorial debut. Together, the panel asks whether a movie full of alien slugs deserves a deep run in the bracket. Above all, they ask whether Slither has more on its mind than exploding deer and tentacled husbands.About the FilmSlither is a 2006 science fiction horror comedy written and directed by James Gunn. A meteorite crashes outside the small town of Wheelsy, South Carolina, carrying an alien parasite. The parasite infects wealthy local Grant Grant, played with squirming brilliance by Michael Rooker. Soon, Grant transforms into a tentacled monster, and slug-like creatures spread through the town. Meanwhile, police chief Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion) and Grant's wife Starla (Elizabeth Banks) try to stop the invasion.Universal released the film on March 31, 2006. Notably, it flopped at the box office, grossing under $13 million against a $15 million budget. However, critics largely embraced it. Roger Ebert praised its Troma-loving spirit in his RogerEbert.com review, and the film became a cult favorite on home video. In addition, it launched the directing career that eventually gave us Guardians of the Galaxy and the new DC Universe.Guest Panelist: Drea ClarkThis week the Taste Buds welcome Drea Clark, a true film industry polymath. Drea co-hosts Maximum Film! on the Maximum Fun network, the long-running movie podcast she shares with film critic Alonso Duralde. Furthermore, her credentials behind the scenes run deep. She has served on the Sundance Film Festival programming team, led narrative feature programming at Slamdance for over a decade, spent ten years with the LA Film Festival, and curated Geena Davis's Bentonville Film Festival. As a producer, her features include The Last Time You Had Fun, Lake Los Angeles, and No Light and No Land Anywhere, the latter executive produced by Miranda July. In short, few guests are better equipped to judge a scrappy genre debut from a first time director.James Gunn as a First-Time FilmmakerBefore Slither, James Gunn was a writer with a strange resume. He cut his teeth at Troma on Tromeo and Juliet, then wrote the live action Scooby-Doo movies and the 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake. Consequently, Slither arrived as his first chance to direct his own material. The panel debates what the film reveals about Gunn as a filmmaker. Specifically, they trace the DNA that later shows up in Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, and Superman. The needle drops, the found family of misfits, and the sincere heart under the gross-out gags all start here. Moreover, Drea brings a programmer's eye to the question of how debut features signal a career to come.Sex and Violence on the Slither 2006 PodcastSlither earns its R rating with enthusiasm. The Taste Buds tackle how the film weaponizes both sex and violence, often in the same scene. Grant's infection plays like a grotesque infidelity story, and the alien's reproductive plans push body horror into genuinely uncomfortable territory. However, the violence stays cartoonish enough to keep the comedy alive. The panel asks where Gunn draws that line, and whether the bathtub scene, the barn scene, and that infamous bursting body still shock today. Ultimately, the conversation lands on a bigger question. Does the film use its excess for a purpose, or is the excess the point?Is Slither an Allegory?Every great monster movie smuggles in a meaning, or so the theory goes. Therefore, the panel puts Slither on the couch. Is the film an allegory for toxic marriage, with Grant's transformation literalizing a controlling husband? Is it about small town conformity, as a hive mind absorbs an entire community? By contrast, maybe Gunn simply loves slugs and explosions, and the search for subtext misses the joke. Drea, Ryan, Mike, and Greg each stake out a position. Nevertheless, the debate keeps circling back to Starla, whose arc gives the film its surprising emotional weight.TriviaNo Movie of the Year episode is complete without Trivia. This week's round digs into Slither's production and its B-movie family tree. Expect questions about the practical effects, the casting, and the film's connections to Troma legend Lloyd Kaufman, who cameos in the movie. Additionally, the segment tests whether the panel can untangle Slither from the movies it lovingly rips off, including Night of the Creeps and Shivers. Play along and see if you can outscore the Taste Buds.Dream Blunt RotationNew season, new games. In Dream Blunt Rotation, the panel assembles the ultimate smoke circle from the world of Slither. Which characters make the cut, and which get left outside the garage? Mayor Jack MacReady seems like a chaotic invite, while Bill Pardy might be the chillest hang in Wheelsy. Meanwhile, the conversation drifts toward the cast and crew themselves. Listen to find out who earns a spot in the rotation and whose vibes get vetoed.Awards and RecommendationsThe episode closes with Awards and Recommendations, the segment where the Taste Buds hand out honors to the film's cast, crew, and creatures. Nominees this week range from Michael Rooker's fearless physical performance to the effects team behind the slugs. As a result, expect passionate cases and at least one baffling pick. The winners stay a surprise, so you will have to listen for the results. Afterward, the panel shares recommendations for what to watch next if Slither leaves you hungry for more horror comedy.Why Slither Still MattersTwenty years later, Slither looks like a turning point hiding in plain sight. It kept practical creature effects alive at a moment when Hollywood was abandoning them. Furthermore, it proved that horror comedy could carry real emotion, a balance Gunn has chased ever since. The film's box office failure also tells a story about 2006 itself, a year when audiences ignored a future superstar director. In practice, the Slither podcast episode asks the question this whole season exists to answer. Does cult status and influence make a movie a contender for the best film of 2006? Listen and judge for yourself.Related Episodes from Movie of the Year: 2006Movie of the Year: 2006 — Intro, Part 1Movies of 2006: The Bracket RevealTristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull StoryAll Movie of the Year episodesFAQ: Slither Podcast and FilmWhat is this episode of the Slither podcast about?Ryan, Mike, and Greg debate whether James Gunn's Slither deserves to advance in the Movie of the Year 2006 bracket. Guest panelist Drea Clark joins to discuss Gunn's debut, the film's sex and violence, and its possible allegories.What is Slither (2006) about?An alien parasite crash-lands near the small town of Wheelsy, South Carolina, and infects a wealthy local named Grant Grant. He mutates into a tentacled monster while slug-like creatures take over the town. A police chief and Grant's wife fight to stop the invasion.Who directed Slither?James Gunn wrote and directed Slither as his feature directorial debut. He later directed the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and now co-runs DC Studios.Who stars in Slither?The cast includes Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, Gregg Henry, and Tania Saulnier, with a small role for Jenna Fischer. Full credits are on IMDb.More Questions from the Slither 2006 PodcastWas Slither a box office success?No. The film grossed under $13 million against a $15 million budget. However, strong reviews and home video sales turned it into a cult classic.Is Slither a remake?No, but it wears its influences proudly. Gunn openly drew on Night of the Creeps, Shivers, The Blob, and the Troma catalog, where he started his career.Who is the guest on this episode?Drea Clark, producer, festival programmer, and co-host of the Maximum Film! podcast on Maximum Fun.Why does Slither still matter?It launched James Gunn's directing career, championed practical effects, and perfected the horror comedy tone that countless films have imitated since. The Slither podcast episode makes the full case.
Brian Copeland is joined by Cathy Sorbo, Tony Camin, and Kevin Avery for a lively conversation that spans politics, media, technology, and entertainment. The panel dives into the controversy surrounding presidential pardon powers, debates a shocking proposed North Carolina abortion bill, and examines growing concerns about the future of journalism amid major changes at CBS News and 60 Minutes. The discussion also explores cultural shifts in branding and representation, the rise of YouTube creators as Hollywood power players, and the impact of AI on writers, artists, and the future of creative work. Plus, the crew shares summer movie picks, and weighs in on the myth of “superhero fatigue". -- Connect with our Guests... #CathySorbo - CathySorbo.com and @CathySorbo on IG #KevinAvery - @KevinAveryComedy on Instagram and his Maximum Film! Podcast #TonyCamin - Website: TonyCamin.com and on Instagram @Tony.Camin -- #PresidentialPardons #PoliticalComedy #GeorgeSantos #AbortionRights #JournalismMatters #60Minutes #MediaIntegrity #CBSNews #ArtificialIntelligence #AICopyright #CreativeRights #FutureOfEntertainment #YouTubeCreators #Hollywood #SummerMovies #Supergirl #SpiderMan #PodcastDiscussion #BrianCopeland #CopelandsCorner #HeadlinersOnTheHeadlines#CopelandUnfiltered #ComedyCommentary #PodcastersOfYouTube #ComicsOnAir #TalkPodcast#PoliticalHumor #PoliticalPodcast #HotTalkTopicsPodcast#ComedyNewsShow #CurrentEventsComedy #NewsCommentaryShow#WeeklyComedyTalk #BayAreaTalkShow #ComedyPodcastInterviews #ComedyPodcastHost Hosted by the Bay Area's own Brian Copeland, a longtime Actor, Comedian, Author, Playwright, Television and Radio Personality. Brian and The Copeland's Corner Network of content creators provide a weekly mashup of news, interviews and comedy.--For more from Brian...Visit his website: www.BrianCopeland.comFollow on Social Media: Instagram - @CopelandsCorner & @BrianCopieEmail: BrianCopelandShow@Gmail.com --Copeland's Corner is Created, Hosted, & Executive Produced by Brian Copeland. This Show is Recorded & Mixed by Charlene Goto with Go-To Productions. Visit Go-To Productions for all your Podcast & Media needs.Our Booking Producer is Tom Sawyer. For any show inquiries, please email CopelandsCornerPodcast@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Support great shows like this one! Er, these TWO! Head to maximumfun.org/join right now to pledge your allegiance. And THANK YOU! Drea made a guest appearance on John Moe's SLEEPING WITH CELEBRITIES and we're dropping it for you in this feed as a special #MaxFunDrive treat. Drea Clark, one of the hosts of the popular and important Maximum Film! podcast has a theory: all middle-aged Guys think about the Roman Empire but from there, the Guys separate into Bigfoot Guys and Alien Guys. Sure, there are anomalies but you can mostly separate guys into those groups. Our host, John Moe, Bigfoot Guy, gets Drea's opinion on where Rock History Guys, Computer Guys, and other Guys sort out into the Bigfoot and Aliens camps. Is it an airtight taxonomic argument? Not really. Is it an intriguing enough argument to let you conk out? Oh yes. It's MaxFunDrive! Become a Max Fun member and supporter of Sleeping with Celebrities by going to the link: www.MaximumFun.org/joinsleeping. Support Drea and our other friends at Maximum Film! by going to www.MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm. That will take you to our one stop portals for becoming a $5 a month member. To explore other membership options as well as our wonderful gifts (our delightful Sleepyhead keychain!), go to www.MaximumFun.org/join. Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Drea Clark, one of the hosts of the popular and important Maximum Film! podcast has a theory: all middle-aged Guys think about the Roman Empire but from there, the Guys separate into Bigfoot Guys and Alien Guys. Sure, there are anomalies but you can mostly separate guys into those groups. Our host, John Moe, Bigfoot Guy, gets Drea's opinion on where Rock History Guys, Computer Guys, and other Guys sort out into the Bigfoot and Aliens camps. Is it an airtight taxonomic argument? Not really. Is it an intriguing enough argument to let you conk out? Oh yes. It's MaxFunDrive! Become a Max Fun member and supporter of Sleeping with Celebrities by going to the link: www.MaximumFun.org/joinsleeping. Support Drea and our other friends at Maximum Film! by going to www.MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm. That will take you to our one stop portals for becoming a $5 a month member. To explore other membership options as well as our wonderful gifts (our delightful Sleepyhead keychain!), go to www.MaximumFun.org/join. ************************************************** Hey Sleepy Heads, is there anyone whose voice you'd like to drift off to, or do you have suggestions on things we could do to aid your slumber? Email us at: sleepwithcelebs@maximumfun.org. Follow the Show on: Instagram @sleepwcelebs Bluesky @sleepwithcelebs TikTok @SleepWithCelebs John is on Bluesky @JohnMoe John's acclaimed, best-selling memoir, The Hilarious World of Depression, is now available in paperback. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's MaxFunDrive! Still want to get in on the action? Follow this link to support this show (and get in on our limited-time keychain sale to benefit the Center for Constitutional Rights): https://maximumfun.org/joinsleeping
Hey Eurovision fans: we're in the middle of the MaxFunDrive, Maximum Fun's annual fundraising drive to keep the lights on and help support our show. We've got a taste of our episode with film critic Alonso Duralde of Maximum Film watching an absolutely terrible VHS version of an arguably worse musical, Cliff Richard's Heathcliff. We didn't like it, but we did like talking about it. Take a listen to part of the ep, and if you'd like to hear the rest, click the link below and become a member! Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's MaxFunDrive! Still want to get in on the action? Follow this link to support this show (and get in on our limited-time keychain sale to benefit the Center for Constitutional Rights): https://maximumfun.org/joineurovangelists Eurovangelists is an American Eurovision podcast, made in the US for Eurovision fans worldwide. The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!
Head to MaximumFun.org/join by May 1, 2026! Just interested in supporting Maximum Film!? Do not pass Go: Go directly to MaximumFun.org/joinmaxfilm Here's a teaser of our first MAXIMUM SIDEBAR! episode! Drea, Alonso, and Kevin each brought something to discuss in the areas of food, self care, technology. Members get to hear it all, plus so much more BoCo (that's short for bonus content, folks). Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/joinmaxfilm Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
New year, new Nicolas Cage movie released for free! We all watched 2019's Color Out Of Space, a sci-fi body horror film about grief or something.Tune in next week when our movie will be... Rock-a-Doodle.-----Visit Emily's ETSY store FlemGemsJordan went on Maximum Film to talk about the new 28 Days Later movie.Click this link to get a signed copy of PREDATOR Bloodshed #1-5! https://bit.ly/coolfightGet a signed copy of Web Of Venom #1 https://bit.ly/coolgoopAlso Jordan is doing some dates with the Doughboys. You can get your tickets at BirdFuck.com
On this episode, we bring you a special presentation of our made-for-podcast Christmas movie: “A Bomb For Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future.” All 5 acts together in one, as well as outtakes and special messages from the cast. Brief Synopsis: Last year, detective Tracy Chabert helped her partner, Holly, foil a plot to blow up a small town Christmas festival. This Christmas, someone is out to get revenge on Holly and it’s up to Tracy to save her…and she’ll be getting a little help from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. It’s the movie that answers the question no one asked, “What would happen if you combined Die Hard 2 an A Christmas Carol?” Download here! 00:00 – 00:20 Intro 00:20 – 11:57 Act 1 11:57 – 13:11 Cast Greetings Part 1 13:11 – 23:42 Act 2 23:42 – 24:27 Cast Greetings Part 2 24:27 – 32:40 Act 3 32:40 – 33:55 Cast Greetings Part 3 33:55 – 43:50 Act 4 43:50 – 44:42 Cast Greetings Part 4 44:42 – 56:22 Act 5 56:22 – 58:18 Credits 58:18 – 1:08:47 Outtakes (The embedded player for the episode is bellow the credits) A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past Present and Future Act 5 was written directed and produced by Tim Babb With the voice talents of: Kiki Cronin as Tracy Chabert Emmily Scherb as Jemma Rickmanovich Jeffery Cronin as the Russian Voice Brendan Scherb as Bobby McTiernan Trish Healey as Betty Tim Dumont as the Plane Captain Kyra Hogue as “Simone Grubbs” Lesley Victorine as Samantha the Reporter Micheal Babb as Quinn James Babb as Patrick and Dynelle Babb as Holly McTiernan Jacklyn Collier from Deck the Hallmark as Candice from the Christmas Initiate Brian Earl from Christmas Past and author of Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past as the Ghost of Christmas Past Mike Westfall, from the Advent Calendar House podcast, as Captain Willis Edward Frizzelle from That's Hindsight as George Noah from TANcast (NSFW) as Joe McKringleberry Gerry D from Totally Rad Christmas as Bert Sean Sotka from the Christmas Podcasts Podcast as Ernie Mignon Fogarty, from the Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing podcast, as Mayor Deleo (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) and Alonso Duralde from LinoleumKnife, Maximum Film, Breakfast All Day, and Deck The Hallmark and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas – Revised and Updated Edition as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Music The choral renditions of We Wish You A Merry Christmas and The Star Spangled Banner were performed by the 1995 Lincoln High School Chamber Ensemble. Deck the Halls A was performed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Used under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License Sound Effects palazzo d’accursio xmas band 20121222_181319.mp3 by suonidibologna — https://freesound.org/s/172338/ — License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Kickin’ around the ole’ pigskin.flac by CGEffex — https://freesound.org/s/94172/ — License: Attribution 4.0 JJJ2 96 countdown – cheer.wav by FreqMan — https://freesound.org/s/88002/ — License: Attribution 4.0 Explosion by Iwiploppenisse — https://freesound.org/s/156031/ — License: Attribution 4.0 All other music and sound effects were public domain found at Pixabay.com This made-for-podcast Christmas movie is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental. Copyright 2025 by the Can’t Wait for Christmas Podcast. All rights reserved.
On this episode, we bring you a special presentation of act 5 of our made-for-podcast Christmas movie: “A Bomb For Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future.” Brief Synopsis: Last year, detective Tracy Chabert helped her partner, Holly, foil a plot to blow up a small town Christmas festival. This Christmas, someone is out to get revenge on Holly and it’s up to Tracy to save her…and she’ll be getting a little help from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. It’s the movie that answers the question no one asked, “What would happen if you combined Die Hard 2 an A Christmas Carol?” In Act 5, can Tracy use the lessons of past, present, and future to save the plane, save McKringleberry, and save Christmas?! Download here! 00:00 – 00:20 Intro 00:20 – 12:01 Act 5 12:01 – 13:53 Credits (The embedded player for the episode is bellow the credits) A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past Present and Future Act 5 was written directed and produced by Tim Babb With the voice talents of: Kiki Cronin as Tracy Chabert Emmily Scherb as Jemma Rickmanovich Jeffery Cronin as the Russian Voice Brendan Scherb as Bobby McTiernan Trish Healey as Betty Lesley Victorine as Samantha the Reporter Micahel Babb as Quinn James Babb as Patrick and Dynelle Babb as Holly McTiernan Jacklyn Collier from Deck the Hallmark as Candice from the Christmas Initiate Brian Earl from Christmas Past and author of Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past as the Ghost of Christmas Past Mike Westfall, from the Advent Calendar House podcast, as Captain Willis Noah from TANcast (NSFW) as Joe McKringleberry Edward Frizzelle from That's Hindsight as George Gerry D from Totally Rad Christmas as Bert Sean Sotka from the Christmas Podcasts Podcast as Ernie And Alonso Duralde from LinoleumKnife, Maximum Film, Breakfast All Day, and Deck The Hallmark and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas – Revised and Updated Edition as the Ghost of Christmas Present. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by the 1995 Lincoln High School Chamber Ensemble Graduating Seniors. All other music and sound effects were public domain found at Pixabay.com This made-for-podcast Christmas movie is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental. Copyright 2025 by the Can’t Wait for Christmas Podcast. All rights reserved. Tune in Christmas Eve for a special presentation of the full movie of A Bomb for Christmas 2, featuring outtakes and special messages from the cast.
On this episode, we bring you a special presentation of act 3 of our made-for-podcast Christmas movie: “A Bomb For Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future.” We will be releasing a new act every Tuesday until Christmas! Brief Synopsis: Last year, detective Tracy Chabert helped her partner, Holly, foil a plot to blow up a small town Christmas festival. This Christmas, someone is out to get revenge on Holly and it’s up to Tracy to save her…and she’ll be getting a little help from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. It’s the movie that answers the question no one asked, “What would happen if you combined Die Hard 2 an A Christmas Carol?” In Act 3, The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Tracy that her partner, Holly, isn’t the only one she has to save on this perilous Christmas Eve. Download here! 00:00 – 00:20 Intro 00:20 – 08:33 Act 2 08:33 – 10:21 Credits (The embedded player for the episode is bellow the credits) A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past Present and Future Act 2 was written directed and produced by Tim Babb Cast: Kiki Cronin as Tracy Chabert Emmily Scherb as Jemma Rickmanovich Jeffery Cronin as the Russian Voice Trish Healey as Betty Justin Dinger as Gern Blanston Dynelle Babb as Holly McTiernan Brendan Scherb as Bobby McTiernan With special podcaster guest stars… Alonso Duralde from LinoleumKnife, Maximum Film, Breakfast All Day, and Deck The Hallmark and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas – Revised and Updated Edition as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Noah, from the TANcast Podcast (NSFW), as Joe McKringleberry and Edward Frizzelle from That's Hindsight as George The choral renditions of We Wish You A Merry Christmas and The Star Spangled Banner were performed by the 1995 Lincoln High School Chamber Ensemble All other music and sound effects were public domain found at Pixabay.com This made-for-podcast Christmas movie is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental. Copyright 2025 by the Can’t Wait for Christmas Podcast. All rights reserved. Tune in December 15th for the next regular episode of the Can’t Wait For Christmas Podcast and December 16th for A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future Act 4.
We are getting into the holiday spirit - whether you like it or not ya filthy animals! We had a wonderful chat with film critic and author ALONSO DURLADE to discuss his new book HAVE YOURSELF A MOVIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS and one of the featured films from his list BETTER WATCH OUT (2017).More about our guest: Alonso Duralde is the Chief US Film Critic for The Film Verdict and co-host of the podcasts Linoleum Knife, Breakfast All Day, Maximum Film!, and Deck the Hallmark. His books include Hollywood Pride (TCM/Running Press), and Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, which will be reissued in Fall 2025 by Bloomsbury in a revised and updated edition. A former host for FilmStruck, he has discussed movies on TCM, CNN, and ABC, as well as in numerous documentaries. We hope you enjoy getting into the holiday season with us! Be sure to check out Alonso's book HAVE YOURSELF A MOVIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS! Support the show
On this episode, we bring you a special presentation of act 2 of our made-for-podcast Christmas movie: “A Bomb For Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future.” We will be releasing a new act every Tuesday until Christmas! Brief Synopsis: Last year, detective Tracy Chabert helped her partner, Holly, foil a plot to blow up a small town Christmas festival. This Christmas, someone is out to get revenge on Holly and it’s up to Tracy to save her…and she’ll be getting a little help from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. It’s the movie that answers the question no one asked, “What would happen if you combined Die Hard 2 an A Christmas Carol?” In Act 2, Tracy is sent to the past and learns the shocking truth about what really happened last Christmas. Download here! 00:00 – 00:20 Intro 00:20 – 10:53 Act 2 10:53 – 12:59 Credits (The embedded player for the episode is bellow the credits) A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past Present and Future Act 2 was written directed and produced by Tim Babb Cast: Kiki Cronin as Tracy Chabert Emmily Scherb as Alana/Jemma Rickmanovich Jeffery Cronin as the Russian Voice Justin Dinger as Gern Blanston Dynelle Babb as Holly McTiernan (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) Brendan Scherb as Bobby McTiernan (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) With special podcaster guest stars… Brian Earl from Christmas Past and author of Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past as the Ghost of Christmas Past Mike Westfall, from the Advent Calendar House podcast, as Captain Willis (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) Edward Frizzelle from That's Hindsight as George (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) Mignon Fogarty, from the Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing podcast, as Mayor Deleo (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) Noah, from the TANcast Podcast (NSFW), as Joe McKringleberry (Archival audio from “A Bomb For Christmas” 2020) And Alonso Duralde from LinoleumKnife, Maximum Film, Breakfast All Day, and Deck The Hallmark and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas – Revised and Updated Edition as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Sound Effects palazzo d’accursio xmas band 20121222_181319.mp3 by suonidibologna — https://freesound.org/s/172338/ — License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Kickin’ around the ole’ pigskin.flac by CGEffex — https://freesound.org/s/94172/ — License: Attribution 4.0 JJJ2 96 countdown – cheer.wav by FreqMan — https://freesound.org/s/88002/ — License: Attribution 4.0 Explosion by Iwiploppenisse — https://freesound.org/s/156031/ — License: Attribution 4.0 All other music and sound effects were public domain found at Pixabay.com This made-for-podcast Christmas movie is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental. Copyright 2025 by the Can’t Wait for Christmas Podcast. All rights reserved. Tune in December 9th for A Bomb for Christmas 2: Past, Present, and Future Act 3.
This week we invited Alonso Duralde back to the pod to talk about the Christmas TV movie classic, The Christmas Toy, which is basically Toy Story but with death!Tune in next week when our movie will be... Santa Jaws.-----Buy Alonso's new and updated book Have Yourself a Movie Little ChristmasListen to the podcast Linoleum KnifeAlso listen to Maximum Film wherever you get your podcasts!Finally, follow Alonso on instagram!Visit Emily's ETSY store FlemGems!Matt will be at The Ice House comedy club in Pasadena on December 13th!If you are in California, Jordan will be here on these dates!Wed Dec 3rd - Merced Public Library 5pm - 7pmSaturday Dec 6th - Thousand Oaks Public Library 2pm - 3pmGet a copy of Jordan Morris's comic book Predator: Black White and Blood #4!Also click this link to get a signed copy of something else Jordan made! https://bit.ly/coolfight
The new film from the team behind JOCKEY and SING SING is a lyrical life story starring Joel Edgerton. We've got casting director Nicole Arbusto with us to discuss this, and take on a Hotline question asking for professional shoutouts. Plus our annual Turkeys of the Year and the first post-Thanksgiving Christmas Movie Minute!What's GoodAlonso - magazinesDrea - Buzz Ballz/BeatBox/Cutwater cocktail challengeNicole - LA cloud formations latelyKevin - “books I haven't even cracked open”Staff PicksDrea - All That's Left of YouAlonso - Jesus' SonNicole - A Little PrayerKevin - Zero Dark ThirtyPick up Have Yourself a Movie Little ChristmasLeave a message for the Hotline!Get some Maximum Film! merch Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
This week, our MaxFun friends Helen Hong and Kevin Avery join Dave for Nintendo trivia, LGBTQ+ anthems, and Sesame Street pitches.Helen Hong would like to plug Go Fact Yourself and Belly Laughs FestivalKevin Avery would like to plug Maximum Film and The Great North and recommends Kara MorganAnd finally Dave is on Bluesky!Find us on Instagram and BlueskyWritten by Riley Silverman and John-Luke Roberts, recorded remotely over Zoom and produced by Christian Dueñas and Laura Swisher.Join the MaxFun fam:maximumfun.org/join
Our own Mr. January, Kevin Avery, joins the crew IRL (!!!) for an episode all about one of Ify's favorite movies, The Big Lebowski. With a foursome made up of half long-time Little Lebowskis and half newcomers to the film, we're tackling a much-memorized Coen Classic with fresh(ish) eyes. Plus, some Very Big Show News and a rundown of movies we can't shut up about.This in-studio episode happened because of members who supported Maximum Film! In the latest MaxFunDrive. Check out the video version of the episode on MaxFun's YouTube page!What's GoodAlonso - Right-on pudding (Petit Pot)Drea - Davy Mayer's alder win in Madison, WIKevin - The Traitors UKIfy - Latex jumpsuitITIDICOscars Add a Category Honoring Stunts for 2027Meta and Blumhouse Are Bringing a Second Screen Experience to CinemasCinema Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Films Opens in LondonStaff PicksIfy - The AmateurAlonso - A Minecraft MovieKevin - Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part OneDrea - Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
It's Maximum Horny on today's Maximum Film. We are looking at the 2024 erotic thriller(?), Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman, written and directed by Halina Reijn. Our returning guest today is filmmaker, writer, comedian, and the host of the It's Always Halloween Podcast, Lucé Tomlin-Brenner.What's Good:Alonso - Squid GamesDrea - The 2024 Hater's Guide To The Williams-Sonoma CatalogLucé - Keeping Letterboxd Clean in 2025Kevin - The Bob Bakker Maronite theaterThis Week's ITIDICs:1. Melania Trump Documentary Directed By Brett Ratner Bound For Prime Video2. Netflix Is Telling Writers to Dumb Down Shows Since Viewers Are on Their Phones3. If you cry while watching movies, it is probably a sign of your emotional strengthStaff Picks:Drea - Good Luck To You Leo GrandAlonso - Hope SpringsLucé - Secret CeremonyKevin - The LookoutPlugs!Listen to It's Always Halloween!Check out more of Lucè!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
We are looking at the 2024 film, Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, based off the 2019 Colson Whitehead book of the same name. Plus we look at other films covering lesser known historical events. Our guest today is the talented director and writer, Tristán T.A. Hill. What's Good:Drea - LED face mask/cat snuggle comboTristan - New doc he directed: Game Maker's Journey | "Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water"Ify - White Elephant gift partyStaff Picks:Drea - A Fire InsideTristan - ConclaveIfy - Fruitvale StationPlugs!Watch Game Maker's Journey | "Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water" Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Sure the holidays are upon us, but did you know that we have brand new merchandise celebrating the best time of the year? Get your new Ice Cream Christmas shirts available in any color and flavor you'd like at Maxfunstore.com.Alonso Duralde is one of the hosts of the podcast Maximum Film, right here on the MaxFun Network. He also happens to be one of the biggest Christmas fanatics of all time.We decided there was no one better to discuss the closest thing we've ever gotten to a real holiday special from the WWE: That time Alberto Del Rio ran over Santa Claus. Hosted by Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, and Lindsey Kelk.Produced by Julian Burrell for Maximum Fun. The music for our new promo is provided by Incompetech.comIf you want to talk about more wrestling throughout the week be sure to join us on Facebook, BlueSky and Instagram. If you liked the show, please share it with your friends and be sure to leave us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts.
Today we are looking at the 2024 film, Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller, based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder of the same name, starring Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, and beautiful pack of pooches. Plus we are looking at other films that portray motherhood in a more complicated light. Writer and director, Mo Perkins, joins us.What's Good:Alonso - Going to Wawa for the first time!Mo - Klara and the Sun by Kazuo IshiguroDrea - Being on BlueskyThis Week's ITIDICs:1. Even After ‘Kraven the Hunter' and ‘Madame Web,' Sony's Marvel Movies Aren't Dead (EXCLUSIVE)2. Zoe Saldaña Feels Actors Who Use CGI for Roles Are Often Overlooked for Awards3. Anne Hathaway Is ‘Desperate' to Star in a Christmas Movie: ‘That's a Weird Bucket List Thing' Christmas Movie Minute:ChrismessFollowing Yonder StarSugar PlumThe Santa ClassStaff Picks:Alonso - The BrutalistMo - My Old AssDrea - Holiday In HandcuffsPlugs!Come see Alonso intro Carol and sign books at the American Cinematheque THIS SUNDAY (December 22nd, at 7pm in Los Angeles)! Come see Holiday Hornyfest: A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy hosted by Ify! Today, December 13th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Shortbus hosted by Ify, December 21st at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Bound hosted by Ify, December 28th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Magic Mike XXL hosted by Ify, December 30th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Today we're looking at the 2024 period drama, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs of the same name. Plus, we are looking at other straight action stars who have portrayed queer characters on screen. Senior Culture Writer for Newsweek, H. Alan Scott, joins us.What's Good:Alonso - A City Full of Hawks by Stephen RebelloDrea - Slow Dance by Rainbow RowellH. Alan - HashbrownsIfy - Hating Spirit AirlinesThis Week's ITIDICs:82nd annual Golden Globes Announced!The Best Movies of 2024, According to John WatersOlivia Wilde Talks Choosing Art Over Audience Approval: “I Don't Make Movies So People Love Them”Christmas Movie Minute:Seasons Greetings From Cherry LaneChristmas On CallThat ChristmasThe Holiday ClubStaff Picks:Alonso - Kraven the HunterDrea - September 5H.Alan - The BirdcageIfy - Holiday Hornyfest at Vidiots this month! See links below to every screening!Plugs!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy hosted by Ify! Today, December 13th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Shortbus hosted by Ify, December 21st at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Bound hosted by Ify, December 28th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Come see Holiday Hornyfest: Magic Mike XXL hosted by Ify, December 30th at Vidiots in Los Angeles!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Today we are looking at 2024's hit musical movie adaptation, Wicked: Part I, directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Plus we hear from the listener looking for movie recs while they recover from surgery. Author Paul Miles Schneider (The Silver Shoes trilogy) joins us.What's Good:Alonso - BFI Classic's 3 Women by Justin WyattDrea - Spirit Awards 2024 nominationsPaul - Thanksgiving up in the Pacific NorthwestIfy - Thanksgiving meal (Al Pastor Turkey)This Week's ITIDICs:1. Thanksgiving Box Office Record: ‘Moana 2' Scores Dazzling $225 Million Debut, ‘Wicked' Adds Huge $118 Million2. Sebastian Stan's Variety ‘Actors on Actors' Halted Because No Other Talent Wants to Talk About Trump3. ‘Wolfs' Director Jon Watts Tells Apple: No Sequel, I Don't Trust YouChristmas Movie Minute:Holiday TouchdownTo Have & To HolidayChristmas Under The LightsA 90s ChristmasDeck The WallsStaff Picks:Alonso - The Gathering (1977)Drea - Hard TruthsPaul - Miracle of Marcelino (in Spanish)Ify - The WizPlugs!Get the Silver Shoes trilogy from Paul Miles Schneider!Los Angeles! Come see Alonso, this Saturday, December 7th at Vidiots doing a book signing and introducing the Hitchcock film, Rope, at 4:15pm!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
We are looking at 2024's Gladiator II, a sequel to the original 2000 film, also directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. Plus we look at the Top Turkeys of 2024 and our favorite Legacy Sequels. Writer and comedian, Kevin Avery (The Great North, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), joins us.What's Good:Alonso - Disco: Music, Movies, and Mania under the Mirror Ball by Frank DecaroDrea - Embracing sneakersKevin - Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam HigginbothamIfy - Kendrick Lamar's new album, GNXChristmas Movie Minute:Saint Nick of BethlehemA Novel NoelUnwrapping Christmas: Lily's DestinyMistletoe MurdersChristmas in the SpotlightStaff Picks:Alonso - NutcrackersDrea - Maria/Maria by CallasKevin - Crimson TideIfy - Red One Plugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
We are looking at the 2024 Netflix adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning August Wilson play, The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington, starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, and Samuel L. Jackson. Plus we take a music-movie quiz written by Steven Ray Morris. Emmy-winning film and television producer, Shelby Stone, joins us.What's Good:Drea - Celebrity Look Alike CompetitionsShelby - Not Snowing or Freezing on the East Coast/Her petsAlonso - A Season for Soft Foods (A can of Campbells' Cream of Chicken Soup)ITIDIC:1. Several high-profile filmmakers pull their films out of Poland's Camerimage Film Festival following a Misogynist op-ed written by the festival's founder and head Marek Żydowicz.- https://deadline.com/2024/11/coralie-fargeat-the-substance-camerimage-marek-zydowicz-women-cinematographers-1236178278/- https://www.thewrap.com/camerimage-festival-jury-we-wholeheartedly-support-gender-inclusivity/- https://deadline.com/2024/11/steve-mcqueen-blitz-camerimage-film-festival-2024-marek-zydowicz-female-cinematographers-1236174179/2. Anna Kendrick Felt ‘Gross' Making Money Off ‘Woman of the Hour,' Donated All Her Pay to Anti-Violence Charities: ‘Felt Like the Least I Could Do'3. Pop-Loving Beauty Brand E.l.f. Cosmetics Launches Production ArmChristmas Movie Minute:Festival of TreesTis the Season to be IrishChristmas with the SinghsJingle Bell RunConfessions of a Christmas LetterHot FrostyStaff Picks:Drea - FlowShelby - NightbitchAlonso - Carnage for ChristmasPlugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
We are taking a look at A24's 2024 spiritual horror film, Heretic, starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East about two Mormon missionaries whose faith is tested by a seemingly awkward, but polite man. Plus we look at more movies about playing games. Oh No, Ross and Carrie's Ross Blocher joins us.What's Good:Alonso - Direct action and act locallyDrea - SKINCARE (medicube collagen overnight wrap and peel facial mask pack!)Ross - Moana 2Ify - Flyover Comedy Festival in St. Louis this weekend!ITIDIC:1. ‘Wicked' Dolls: Mattel Apologizes for Mistakenly Linking to Adult Porn Site on Packaging2. Mubi Cancels Turkish Film Festival Over Istanbul City Hall ‘Queer' Ban3. Sean Baker Says the Fight for Theatrical Before Streaming Is Now a Permanent BattleChristmas Movie Minute:Red OneFive Golden RingsSanta Tell MeHolidazed (series)Unwrapping ChristmasMistletoe MurdersStaff Picks:Drea - ConclaveAlonso - Meet Me Next ChristmasRoss - Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlIfy - SLC PunkPlugs!Oh No, Ross And Carrie on Facebook!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
10 months on the waitlist, and well worth it! Casa Bonita is the definition of a dining "experience" with its hodgepodge collection of oddball acts and entertainment, but is it worth flying out of state to grab dinner? I break down this kitschy paradise with my guest, the hilarious Ify Nwadiwe (Dropout TV, Um Actually, Maximum Film) in this week's review episode! The Good: Cliff divers are tremendous fun, the puppet show is expertly entertaining, the magician is a pro, the merch is unrivaled, the food is way better than its reputation would have you believe, a Love Tester machine tells me I'm "burning" with passion, and much more! The Not Good: Manbearpigrilla's handler snubbed us out of a photo op, there's too much to do in one visit, the service pace is overwhelmingly fast, a food assembly line, and there's a lack of clarity on the best way to experience the show The Just There: Rice & beans were whatever What We Ate: Horchata, the Wooly Bully, Chips & Salsa, Mole, Carnitas, Rice, Beans, Enchiladas, & Sopaipillas Ify details his worst & best restaurant experiences in The Calibration Station The second highest score in the history of the podcast! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ify on Instagram @ifynwadiwe Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: The History of Dining at Strip Clubs! Adult film star Ryan Keely and her I Seduce The Dragon podcast costar Dana Scarborough join me to learn about the development of strip clubs as restaurants, and dive into a few Yelp reviews that are all over the place. Ever work at a strip club buffet? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
We are taking a look at the new Steve McQueen film Blitz, the 2024 historical war drama starring Saoirse Ronin as Rita, a single mother, working in a bomb factory, and introducing Elliot Heffernan as her son, George. Plus we look at other films where characters go on a journey to find their way home again.What's Good:Alonso - Phyllis theme songDrea - “John” sign, NYC marathonIfy - Landmark Theatres ITIDIC:1. Jennifer Lopez & Anthony Ramos Mattel Animated Movie ‘Bob The Builder' Heading To Amazon MGM Studios – The Dish2. China's Hishow Acquires ‘Megalopolis'; Ramps Up Slate Of Prestige Festival Titles For China Release3. Hallmark Holiday Stars Won't Be Ignored by Hollywood Anymore: ‘I Treat Each Production Like a Martin Scorsese Film'Christmas Movie Minute:Best Christmas Pageant EverSudden Case of ChristmasMy Sweet Austrian HolidayOur Holiday StoryHoliday MismatchStaff Picks:Alonso - Christmas Eve in Miller's PointDrea - Their Finest/My Old AssIfy - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among ThievesPlugs!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
As seen on South Park! Casa Bonita, an institution near Denver, Colorado blends the kitsch of a sprawling indoor theme park with Mexican food, and Ify Nwadiwe (Dropout TV, Um Actually, Maximum Film) is here to learn all about it with me The location that everyone knows and loves isn't the original Casa Bonita, which used to have locations in four different states The Secret Menu: Edible TV Shows I name the winner of the Septemburger $500 giveaway The South Park creators buy Casa Bonita and find themselves hemorrhaging money to the tune of $42 million to restore it A Yelper desperately tries to convince us that post-renovation Casa Bonita is clean now, and we don't know how good we have it "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Theme Song by: Gabe Alvarez (@spooky.gabe) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (My October Patreon exclusive episode about Mr. Chow came out on Halloween! Go check out the episode about a place that is expensive for expensive's sake), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Send in your Casa Bonita stories at finediningpodcast@gmail.com. Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Follow Ify on Instagram @ifynwadiwe Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next week on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita Review [Part Two]! Ify Nwadiwe is back to break down the Good, the Not Good, and everything that was Just There at this experience that is way more about the atmosphere than the food. Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
We are taking a look at Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, the new Netflix movie focusing on the true story about serial killer Rodney Alcala's 1978 appearance on The Dating Game. Plus we look at other true crime stories dramatized on film. Lucy Fitzgerald from Wine & Crime joins us.What's Good:Alonso - End of Daylight Savings TimeDrea - Memorizing GeographyLucy - Going to ItalyIfy - Magic-Con ITIDIC:Newsom calls for big boost in funding for California's film and TV tax credit, throwing Hollywood a lifelineNicole Kidman Says She's Acting in So Many Projects Because ‘I Can Create Jobs for People' and Help Newcomers in Hollywood‘Oregon Trail' Action-Comedy Movie In Development at AppleChristmas Movie Minute:Hallmark MysteryChristmas CharadeFive Year Christmas PartySee You Next ChristmasStaff Picks:Alonso - Chasing Chasing AmyDrea - A Real PainLucy - True Crime Bullshit & Somewhere In The PinesIfy - Don't BreathePlugs!Listen to Wine & CrimeHave Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Season 3 is coming next week! Follow along for season 3 as I'm headed to a lot of fun restaurants! 11/6-11/13 Casa Bonita with Ify Nwadiwe 11/20-11/27 Strip Club Food with Ryan Keely & Dana Scarborough 12/4-12/11 California Pizza Kitchen with Holly Brown 12/18-12/25 Arctic Circle with Santa Claus On top of that, I've got some new music to freshen things up, including a brand new opening theme song! "Fine" Dining is now on video! Head on over to my YouTube to watch this episode! Music by: James McEnelly (@Ramshackle_Music) Segment Transitions Voiced by: Sandy Rose "Fine" Dining is on Patreon! Get an extra episode every month (Tomorrow, I'm dropping the October Patreon episode covering the iconic Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills), extended Yelp from Strangers segments every other week, merch discounts, download access to our music including the 7 singles from our Olive Garden musical, and more! Patreon Producers: Joyce Van, & Sue Ornelas Get the 5 Survival Tips for Casual Dining at www.finediningpodcast.com! Follow the show on TikTok and Instagram @finediningpodcast Let me know where I should go next by leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, PodcastAddict, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I read every one! Next time on "Fine" Dining: Casa Bonita [Part One]! I'm off to Denver for the season 3 premiere, dropping November 6th, and I brought Dropout's Ify Nwadiwe with me! Ever work at Casa Bonita? Send your stories to finediningpodcast@gmail.com.
Anora is a 2024 romantic-comedy (?) written and directed by Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project), starring Mikey Madison as stripper Anora Mikheeva, and follows her beleaguered romance with Vanya (Mark Eidelstein), the son of a Russian Oligarch. All that and a discussion of other films portraying sex work.What's Good:Alonso - Christmas Movie Magic: The Game!Drea - A freshly, deep-cleaned fan (Doing the one small thing).Ify - Benadryl and When We Were Young ITIDIC:Alien: Romulus is Bringing Its Terror to VHS in DecemberMeta Teams with Blumhouse to Test Movie Gen AI ToolWho Needs Critics When You Have Influencers?Staff Picks:Alonso - Piece By PieceDrea - Compartment No. 6Ify - Smile 2Plugs!Come see The Fog and hear Alonso talk about it on October 27th at The Frida Cinema!Have Yourself A Movie Little ChristmasI'll Be Home For Christmas Movies Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
The Substance is a 2024 body horror film written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Farageat, starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. The film follows a recently displaced celebrity who decides to take a secret drug that temporarily creates a younger version of herself with unexpected side effects. All that and a discussion of films that make you squirm. The one and only Katya Zamolodchikova joins us.What's Good:Alonso - Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book by Neal E. FischerDrea - Friend Trip!Katya - Woman of the HourIfy - Biqtch Puddin Substance drag performanceITIDIC:Dueling Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce-inspired films set to debut this fall on Lifetime and HallmarkHarrison Ford Says Avoiding Marvel Roles is "Silly" When MCU Films Provide "Good Experiences for an Audience," Calls the Death of Movie Stars "Rubbish"Elon Musk accused of copying designs by I, Robot directorStaff Picks:Alonso - BasketcaseDrea - AnoraKatya - Candyman (1992)Ify - Margaret QualleyPlugs!Go see Katya live in your city (Trixie And Katya Live)!This weekend, see Alonso during the Deck The Hallmark marathon! Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Joker: Folie à Deux is the 2024 follow-up to 2019's Joker. Directed again by Todd Phillips (of The Hangover fame originally), it stars Joaquin Phoenix (reprising the Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck), joined by musician-turned-actor Lady Gaga, playing the iconic comic book character Lee Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. All that and discussion of other musical moments in “none-musicals.”What's Good:Alonso - Sally Field gets real.Drea - LA Voterguide 2024Ify - Corn telethon to fight Project 2025 ITIDIC:Airline apologises after R-rated Dakota Johnson film played to all passengersToxic Fandom: How Hollywood Is Battling Fans Who Are ‘Just Out for Blood' — From Social Media Boot Camps to Superfan Focus GroupsDisney's ‘Princess Diaries 3' Gets Royal Treatment, Sets Adele Lim As DirectorStaff Picks:Alonso - Terrifier 3Drea - Casa Bonita Mi AmorIfy - Chicago (2002)Plugs!Purchase Corpses, Fools and MonstersThe History and Future of Transness in Cinema Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Will & Harper is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Josh Greenbaum and follows Will Ferrell and Harper Steele as the duo made a 17-day road trip across the United States discussing Harper's transition, and their friendship. All that and discussion of other iconic friendships in cinema. Film Critic and Essayist, Willow Maclay joins us!What's Good:Alonso - Texas State FairDrea - Free Covid testsWillow - Spooky double features at The Brattle on October 8th and 9thIfy - Wasteland FestivalITIDIC:James Cameron Joins Board of Stability AI in Coup for Tech FirmSAG-AFTRA Launches Bid to Organize Intimacy CoordinatorsLionsgate Offering Employees Voluntary Severance Amid “Disrupted Business Environment” Staff Picks:Alonso - Tea With The DamesDrea - It's What's InsideWillow - The Silence of The LambsIfy - The SubstancePlugs!Purchase Corpses, Fools and MonstersThe History and Future of Transness in Cinema Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Film critic Alonso Duralde and I talk his new book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film (Running Press, 2024), including some fascinating anecdotes, case studies, and watershed moments in queer cinematic history, not to mention its creators, its stars, its detractors, and its various ebbs and flows -- from as early as Edison sound experiments to the pornographic underground to more recent strides and mainstream representation in the new millennium. Featuring: your gracious host not being able to pronounce "linoleum." Alonso Duralde is Chief US Film Critic for The Film Verdict, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, and coauthor of I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies. He is the cohost of the Linoleum Knife, Maximum Film!, and Breakfast All Day podcasts, and has discussed film on CNN, PBS, TCM, ABC, and in numerous documentaries. Tyler Thier is a faculty member and administrator in the Department of Writing Studies & Rhetoric at Hofstra University. He regularly writes and teaches cultural criticism, specifically in relation to maligned, dangerous, "poor-taste," and otherwise controversial pieces of film and pop culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Film critic Alonso Duralde and I talk his new book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film (Running Press, 2024), including some fascinating anecdotes, case studies, and watershed moments in queer cinematic history, not to mention its creators, its stars, its detractors, and its various ebbs and flows -- from as early as Edison sound experiments to the pornographic underground to more recent strides and mainstream representation in the new millennium. Featuring: your gracious host not being able to pronounce "linoleum." Alonso Duralde is Chief US Film Critic for The Film Verdict, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, and coauthor of I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies. He is the cohost of the Linoleum Knife, Maximum Film!, and Breakfast All Day podcasts, and has discussed film on CNN, PBS, TCM, ABC, and in numerous documentaries. Tyler Thier is a faculty member and administrator in the Department of Writing Studies & Rhetoric at Hofstra University. He regularly writes and teaches cultural criticism, specifically in relation to maligned, dangerous, "poor-taste," and otherwise controversial pieces of film and pop culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
Film critic Alonso Duralde and I talk his new book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film (Running Press, 2024), including some fascinating anecdotes, case studies, and watershed moments in queer cinematic history, not to mention its creators, its stars, its detractors, and its various ebbs and flows -- from as early as Edison sound experiments to the pornographic underground to more recent strides and mainstream representation in the new millennium. Featuring: your gracious host not being able to pronounce "linoleum." Alonso Duralde is Chief US Film Critic for The Film Verdict, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas, and coauthor of I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies. He is the cohost of the Linoleum Knife, Maximum Film!, and Breakfast All Day podcasts, and has discussed film on CNN, PBS, TCM, ABC, and in numerous documentaries. Tyler Thier is a faculty member and administrator in the Department of Writing Studies & Rhetoric at Hofstra University. He regularly writes and teaches cultural criticism, specifically in relation to maligned, dangerous, "poor-taste," and otherwise controversial pieces of film and pop culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies
Movie podcasters / authors Jordan Morris (Youth Group, Free with Ads) and Elliott Kalan (Disney's Hercules, The Flophouse) go head-to-head at the virtual draft table, ranking the 7 best films about SUPERNATURAL KIDS! Joining Clay as co-commissioner is movie podcaster / author Alonso Duralde (Hollywood Pride, Maximum Film). Order the books! YOUTH GROUP HERCULES HOLLYWOOD PRIDE
Dennis is joined via Zoom by film critic Alonso Duralde to discuss his new coffee table book Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance In Film. It's a beautifully written and designed book about at the history of queer people in the movies, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Alonso talks about the artists and films that weren't on his radar before he began his research and shares insights about some of the films in the book like including Prick Up Your Ears, Philadelphia, Brokeback Mountain, Parting Glances, Longtime Companion and Making Love. He also talks about what it's like to be the busiest gay in film criticism with five regular podcasts--Linoleum Knife (with his husband, film critic Dave White), Breakfast All Day, Maximum Film, Deck the Hallmark and the just-launched The Film Library. Other topics include: the gay cinematographer that shot Rocky, why queer millennials love The Mummy, how he cries more watching movies than he does in real life, his seeming unflappability, the 2016 surprise party for Dennis that Alonso attended, getting recognized on the street and the movie that made him cry so hard he had to go to the lobby to pull himself together. Following the interview with Alonso, there's also a short interview with comedian Jim David who appears in the new Netflix documentary Outstanding.
Hey you guyyyyyyyys! It's a brand new episode of Go Fact Yourself!In this episode…Guests:Blair Socci is a comedian who got involved in the trade in an unusual way: She started out wanting to be a novelist and got a burst of inspiration… in the shower. Along the way she wrote for magazines, was a volleyball player and even learned how to make a great salmon. Blair's debut special ''Live from the Big Dog'' is available now. Alonso Durlade is a prominent podcaster, hosting shows like ''Deck The Hallmark'' about Hallmark Christmas movies and MaxFun's movie podcast “Maximum Film!” He'll tell us about why he's always thinking about Christmas at least a little bit and some of the prizes he's won on other game shows. Alonso's newest book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film, is available now.Areas of ExpertiseBlair: Pizza, the healing ointment Aquaphor, and the actor Walton GogginsAlonso: College radio music from 1984 to 1988, the TV show “The Electric Company,” and American Christmas after Coca-Cola's invention of Santa Claus as we know him.What's the difference: Reinventing the WheelWhat's the difference between inventing and innovating?What's the difference between a cog and a sprocket?Experts:Frank Pinello: Host of “The Pizza Show” on Vice and the proprietor of Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.Paul Dooley: Writer and actor with a decades-long career, including playing dads in Breaking Away and Sixteen Candles – and one of the creators of ''The Electric Company.''Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows in LA by YOU!
Emily and Jordan invited Alonso Duralde from Maximum Film to talk about the queer cinema classic The Opposite of Sex starring Christina Ricci, Lisa Kudrow, and Lyle Lovett.Make sure to join Maximum Fun so you can listen to our newest bonus episode about Street Fighter The Animated Series.Buy Alonso's book Hollywood Pride - A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film. Get it wherever you purchase fine literature.Visit Emily's ETSY store right now and buy some stuff!Give us 5 stars and a review on the Apple Podcast Store! DO IT NOW!
On a brand new episode of Bad Dates, guest host Marie Faustin welcomes comedians Laci Mosley and Ify Nwadiwe to discuss their most iconic dating fiascos. Laci gives us two short stories from the come-up, featuring shady producers, ex-girlfriend hype men, and the wig that Tyler Perry threw away, then Ify's Pisces behavior causes some after-care confusion. Plus, a listener letter recounts a date that became a biohazard.If you've had a bad date you'd like to tell us about, our number is 984-265-3283, and our email is baddatespod@gmail.com, we can't wait to hear all about it.Marie Faustin: @reeezy on social media, @whyare.yousingle on Insta for ticketsLaci Mosley: @divalaci on social media, Scam Goddess podcast, Scam Goddess book pre-orderIfy Nwadiwe: @ifynwadiwe on social media, Maximum Film podcast, Our Relationship Pod, UK dates at Leicester Square TheatreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Alonso Duralde, of our sister Max Fun podcast Maximum Film and many other projects joins us to discuss something that is, technically, a film, and not a pile of feces. But it's a tough call! In honor of Pride Month and also Alonso's new book Hollywood Pride, our guest pitched us some bad LGBTQ+ themed movies, and (in lieu of trashing some failed films with their hearts in the right place) we decided to critique one of the most retrograde comedies of the 2000s: motherfucking Boat Trip. Did we regret this decision? Ask us when we're done crying and trying to wash off the stink.See us LIVE in July in Boston!Wikipedia page for Boat TripRecommended in this episode:Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)In A Violent Nature (2024)Raw Deal (1948)Gay USA (1977)
This episode is part of The #MaxFunDrive! If you love Go Fact Yourself, please go to Maximumfun.org/join to become a MaxFun Member. For a monthly contribution as little as $5 a month, you have a direct hand in helping this show continue. Plus, you have a chance to BE on the show!Happy #MaxFunDrive! We've got more fun and surprises for you than ever before. Listen to the pledge breaks for details on all the exciting stuff. And thank you for your support!In this episode…Guests:Ify Nwadiwe is a comedian, actor, and one of the hosts of Maximum Film!, which he and his co-hosts describe as “a movie podcast that isn't just a bunch of straight white dudes.” On the show, Ify prides himself on getting to express his unique taste in film, like his opinion that Pacific Rim is a perfect movie. Laurie Kilmartin is a former writer for “Conan” and one half of the podcast The Jackie and Laurie Show. Every week they discuss the state of women in comedy with their peers. Even though the industry still has a long way to go, they're happy to report that things HAVE gotten better! Laurie's new comedy special, “Cis Woke Grief Slut,” is available now. Areas of Expertise:Ify: MTV's “The Challenge,” Black hockey players, and Godzilla.Laurie: The TV show “The Walking Dead,” Living British royals, and the Irish Republican army. What's the difference: Drilling for oilWhat's the difference between a drill sergeant and drill instructor?What's the difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?Experts:Jordan Wiseley: Actor, athlete, and four-time champion of MTV's “The Challenge.”Josh McDermitt: Actor, famous for portraying Eugene Porter on “The Walking Dead.”Hosts:J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Show engineer is Dave McKeever.Associate Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Supporting GFY in the MaxFunDrive by YOU – Go to maximumfun.org/join
How much Dune is too much Dune? We're fixing to find out this March on Maximum Film! We're starting with the 1984 Lynch/Dino De Laurentiis space opera that was a theatrical flop, yet remains an enduring (cult?) classic. Then we'll pitch some outside-the-box auteur/book series pairings to fantasize about.What's GoodAlonso - Schmigadoon Season 2Drea - GORP-Core and scrogginGuy - Whenever I Call You Friend at a steakhouseIfy - performing at Leicester SquareITIDICDune 2 Makes a Huge DebutBootleg Willy Wonka Experience to become a literal horror movie AMC Theaters Launching “New” Nicole Kidman Pre-Show SpotsDune “Glossary” handed out in theaters in 1984Staff PicksAlonso - The Straight StoryDrea - Love Lies BleedingGuy - The Taste of ThingsIfy - Police Academy Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Screen Drafts rookie Katie Walsh (The Los Angeles Times, Miami Nice) joins Screen Drafts Hall of Famer Drea Clark (Bentonville Film Festival, Maximum Film) and Screen Drafts Legend Billy Ray Brewton (Make Believe Film Festival) to rank the 20 best films of the year 2023 with Screen Drafts commissioner Clay Keller (Screen Drafts)!
Today's movie takes on the guise of a weird '80s teen comedy, then adds in some supernatural phenomena and some axes. So we consult THE JV CLUB's Janet Varney on the peculiarities of Lisa's high school experience, and then make up some Monster Mash-up movies of our own.What's GoodAlonso - RO-TEL DipJanet - Mochi Muffins from Third Culture BakeryDrea - Chocolate-dipped TwinkiesITIDICThe Oscars Are Adding a New Category: Best Casting2023 Sundance Darling FANCY DANCE Finally Finds a HomeCrunchyroll Merges with Funimation…Now Funimation Digital Downloads Will DisappearStaff PicksAlonso - Perfect DaysJanet - HouseboundDrea - Players
This week comedian, writer, and podcaster Ify Nwadiwe (Maximum Film!) joins us to talk about video games, foreign McDonalds, and zhuzhing a store bought potato salad.Check out all of the delicious options at Nuts.com/jjgo. You'll receive a free gift and free shipping when you spend $29 or more!Try Stitch Fix today at and you'll get 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix.Jordan wrote a brand new graphic novel called Youth Group which you can pre-order at Sky Light Books in Los Angeles.Do what Jesse says and go to PutThisOnShop.com for your holiday shopping!
The hosts of Maximum Film! don't have all the answers, but they do have their own answer to the questions "What if I drank 10 glasses of water before seeing a 206-minute movie?" "Is it okay for a movie to be 206 minutes long?" and "What directors and actors do you want to see work together for 206 minutes or more?" These and many more answers await in our KILLER OF THE FLOWER MOON episode (which clocks in at a mere 68 minutes).What's GoodAlonso - Herr's “Flavored by Philly” line of chipsDrea - RunPeeIfy - Perry's Joint in PasadenaITIDICSAG-AFTRA Strike hits 100 Days, Talks Resume this WeekGerard Butler Settles Lawsuit Over Missing ‘Olympus Has Fallen' ProfitsBritney Spears' Audition Tape for ‘The Notebook' Has SurfacedStaff PicksAlonso - Werewolves WithinDrea - Rhymes for Young GhoulsIfy - There Will Be BloodWe're sponsored this week in part by...Factor Visit www.FACTORMEALS.com/maxfilm50 and use code maxfilm50 to get 50% off!Museum of Flight's "The Flight Deck" PodcastListen at museumofflight.org/podcast or search “The Flight Deck” on your favorite podcatcher. New episode every Tuesday beginning October 24.WithIfy NwadiweDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher
Ify Nwadiwe (@ifynwadiwe, Maximum Film) joins Kevin and Caroline to talk all about EmanuelDaProphet and KJ-52 for the Hunt for the Worst Christian Song of All Time: Rap Edition!Subscribe to our Patreon to get a weekly 2nd Service episode and become a "Patreon saint" at patreon.com/goodchristianfunEvery month we match iTunes reviews with donations to charity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.