Maximum Film!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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