Maximum Film!

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

We are taking a look at the new Steve McQueen film Blitz, the 2024 historical war drama starring Saoirse Ronan 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

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

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

After undergoing facial-reconstructive surgery, Edward becomes fixated on an actor in a stage production based on his former life. That’s the setup for A Different Man starring Sebastian Stan, written and directed by Aaron Schimberg. All that and a discussion of best plays-within-films from movie history. Writer and film critic Kristen Lopez joins us! What’s Good:Alonso - Kelly Bishop, The Third Gilmore GirlDrea - zackfox.comKristen - finally ready to start Spooky SeasonIfy - Ranting for a good cause (fundraising for Ysabel Jorado campaign) ITIDIC:Major Cineplexes Plan $2 Billion UpgradeMagic: the Gathering Animated Series Hits the Restart Button with New ShowrunnerSaiorse Ronan Could Make Oscar HistoryStaff Picks:Alonso - In the SummersDrea - Rez BallKristen - The Wild RobotIfy - The Substance kristenklopez.comTicklish BusinessPlugs!See In The SummersWatch Rez BallWatch Hollywood BlackWatch The Mirror GameSee Alonso in Dallas with The Last of Sheila (9/26)Watch Drea’s A New York StoryFollow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram  Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

An 18 year old scores a phone number...for herself at 39. That's the soft sci-fi hook of Megan Park's second movie, a coming of age story that is very much of this era, even if it has its eyes on the future. All that and a discussion of best and worst older/younger character casting choices. Plus, big life news from Producer Marissa, who joins in as an all-episode guest this time around.What’s GoodAlonso - Agatha All AlongDrea - Moo Dang the baby pygmy hippo in ThailandMarissa - English TeacherIfy - painting Warhammer guys and thinkingITIDICSundance Narrows Down Its List of Potential Venues to 3 CitiesTyler the Creator Making His Movie Debut in Josh Safdie’s A24 Table Tennis MovieStaff PicksDrea - His Three DaughtersAlonso - SecondsMarissa - Between the TemplesIfy - Freaky Friday (2003)Plugs!Listen to Feeling SeenWatch The Mirror GameListen to Sweet Valley DiariesSee Alonso in Dallas with The Last of Sheila (9/26)Watch Drea's A New York Story Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We go into a whole song and dance this week over Tim Burton's new BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,. with Riley Silverman as our special guest. Then we'll remember (and suggest) some movies that made/would make for pretty bizarre Saturday Morning cartoons.What’s GoodAlonso - Big Ice Cubes™Drea - Ross Taylor’s NYC exhibit, A knowing HistoryRiley - Reading streakIfy - Chris Tucker’s protection of his carITIDICa.) Almodovar’s Latest Wins the Golden Lionb). Happy Gilmore 2 is “Officially In Production”c). James Earl Jones Passes Away at 93Staff PicksDrea - ROBOT DREAMSAlonso - CLOSE YOUR EYESRiley - ELEMENTALIfy - SCREAM  Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum lead an ensemble cast of blissful (and, for a while, blissfully unaware) island-timers in mind- and genre-bending new movie BLINK TWICE.  Amber Benson (filmmaker, writer, and actor) joins us to uncover the secrets of Slater King’s mysterious island. Then we do a movie quiz about actors who’ve dabbled (and then some) in directing.What’s GoodAlonso - general food quality in Italy/EuropeDrea - the Paralympics (and the release of A New York Story!)Amber - pugsIfy - traveling to London for his show at Leicester Square TheatreITIDICTikTok May Be Driving More Folks to TheatersCalifornia Senate Passes a Law Requiring Consent for AI Replicas of Deceased ActorsStaff PicksAlonso - Lover of MenDrea - Rebel Ridge (and A New York Story!)Amber - The Last of SheilaIfy - Skywalkers: A Love StorySlayers: A Buffyverse Story on Audible Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

A book adaptation with cast of leading ladies to die for, three life stories, and only two hours to get it all out! We've got the smart and radiant Shar Jossell (newly elected President of NABJLA!) here with us to fill in the gaps. Then, we pitch some movies of our own, about unexpected celebrities in unexpected places.What’s GoodAlonso - WHAMMY!Drea - Photobook from GidgetShar - Strawberry horchata smoothieIfy - LARP Bar with Amanda Turner in AustinITIDICNow Entering the Streaming Service Arena…Chick-fil-A?Lionsgate Gets Into Trouble With Megalopolis TrailerStaff PicksAlonso - Something NewDrea - Tokyo CowboyShar - Waiting to ExhaleIfy - Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

We’re getting into that 2008 headspace with Sean Wang’s narrative feature debut, Dìdi. Then, a not-quite-a-Hotline “call” from Marissa about movies that showcase how media worked in the past.What’s GoodAlonso - a nice, cold mealDrea - her movie to screen in White Bear Lake, MNIfy - meeting Alonso’s nephew at a CommandFestITIDICDespicable Me Director On Idea of Live-action Minions Movie: “God I Hope Not”James Gunn Doubts There Will Be Much Need for Reshoots on his SupermanBorderlands Is Headed to Streaming Like, NowStaff PicksDrea - Eighth GradeAlonso - Close to YouIfy - North Hollywood, mid90sIfy’s FBI Story Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

It’s a thriller. It’s a Josh Hartnett vehicle. It’s…a comedy? But is it the kind of trap you want to fall into, or the kind you want to avoid? Our mileage varies, but one thing is for sure: cinema yappers and movie snitches are both likely to get bonechilling glares from a MaxFilm host. We’ve got culture writer and film critic Fran Hoepfner along for these Shyamal-antics, plus a hotline question about memorable moviegoing experiences.  What’s GoodAlonso - Imane Khelif’s gold medal, but really her cyberbullying lawsuitDrea - Seeing Ify in a short, but really her new movie, A New York Story!Fran - Albero dei Gelati yellow bell pepper gelatoIfy - Gundams survived the big quakeITIDICAt D23, An Announcement about…Nine Inch Nails?Dominic Sessa will play Anthony BourdainJoaquin Phoenix Made an 11th-Hour Exit from the next Todd Haynes FilmStaff PicksAlonso - The StepfatherDrea - Jackpot! (also Virgin Suicides)Fran - Rap WorldIfy - The FacultyAlonso Duralde presents No Time for Love at the Los Feliz 3Fran on LetterboxdLeave us a Hotline message! Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Colman Domingo does it again, this time alongside a cast of mostly real-life former participants in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing penitentiary. The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson is with us to take a closer look at a film that is, in fact, one of A24's latest. Then, a movie quiz that is much sillier than the film at hand!What’s GoodAlonso - Hollywood Black on MGM+Drea - time with friends in the MidwestOdie - “Blaxploitation, Baby!” Film Festival at Film ForumIfy - Naomi getting into CoraQuestITIDICBritney Spears Biopic Set at UniversalOn Hot Ones, Vince Vaughn Predicts the Return of R-Rated ComediesTom Cruise Rumored to Be Doing a Hollywood Stunt to Mark Handoff of Summer GamesDouble Trouble on LetterboxdStaff PicksAlonso - DaughtersDrea - JockeyOdie - Quiz ShowIfy - Life Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

This week, Ify is reunited with the host of Very Important People, but not dressed as a purple alien this time, AND Alonso gets to meet the star of his favorite Hallmark movie of last year (Round and Round)...and oh hey, it’s the same person, TWISTER superfan Vic Michaelis! It’s all in celebration of some tornado chasin’ (and Glen Powell in the rain in a white t-shirt) in Lee Isaac Chung’s TWISTERS!Then, we get our Hall of Excellence results (Best Time Travel Movie) and we fantasize about our dream 4DX experiences. Ify even predicts some 4DX news about TWISTERS! What’s GoodAlonso -  weaponizing “creepy”Drea - Regional adsIfy - Comic-Con speed runVic - the repartee?Staff PicksDrea - My Old AssAlonso - FayeVic - Twisters, RachelIfy - American HoneyEquality Florida Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Today we're taking a look at a movie from director Luke Gilford that started out as a book of photographs taken on the Gay Rodeo circuit and became a lot more. It's NATIONAL ANTHEM, with EUROVANGELISTS' own Oscar Montoya as our very special guest! Plus, we're naming favorite instances of drag on film and pitching fresh Westerns that deserve that angel investor capital.What’s GoodAlonso - McConnell’s x See’s Candy Ice Cream CollabDrea - Minnesota State Fair’s “Fried Ranch”Oscar - Platform CrocsIfy - going to the beach (esp Carbon, Zuma)/ “listening to me”Drag Moment Movie MentionsSee them as a Letterboxd List!Sylvia ScarlettSome Like it HotYentlVictor/VictoriaBugs BunnyPort AuthorityRomeo + JulietTo Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie NewmarLegend Cole Escola’s “Our Home Out West”Staff PicksAlonso - Small Town Gay BarDrea - A Quiet Place: Day One (and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe)Oscar - Hellzapoppin’Ify - Boys in the Sand (FYI: NSFW) Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Listener Harrison gave us a great shortlist of films to choose from this year – a prize Harrison became eligible for by supporting the show at MaximumFun.org/join. We went with Nahnatchka Khan’s slasher comedy from last year, TOTALLY KILLER (starring Kiernan Shipka as a teen who ends up back in time and tries to catch a murderer…before the murderer catches her! That inspires our latest slate of Hall of Excellence nominees: Best Time Travel Movie. (Vote for your winner at facebook.com/groups/maximumfilm before July 29, 2024).What’s GoodAlonso - Not watching the newsDrea - cat ordeal over at lastIfy - WHOOP bandHall of Excellence NomineesAlonso - Time After TimeDrea - Peggy Sue Got MarriedIfy - InterstellarStaff PicksDrea - The Final GirlsAlonso - Let It SnowIfy - The Blackening Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

The third installment of Ti West's maybe-a-trilogy, MaXXXine follows up on the bloody sagas of X and Pearl. And it does so in 1980s LA drag. Writer and critic Sarah Gorr joins us to share her big feelings about it! Then most of us take a Hotline email about introductions to horror for the horror-averse.What’s GoodAlonso: Corpses, Fools and Monsters by Willow Maclay and Caden GardnerDrea: European election reliefSarah: Sister’s first visit to LAIfy: Sundresses, day parties…etcITIDICJohn Cena is Retiring from the WWEToho Will Release My Hero Academia: You’re Next in the USMark Ruffalo Got The Avengers Cast Together to Dub the Film in the Lakota LanguageStaff PicksAlonso - FTADrea - DandelionSarah - Mother, CouchIfy - A Nightmare on Elm StreetSarah’s Letterboxd list, “Horror 101" Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Director Erica Tremblay's narrative feature debut stars Lily Gladstone and Isobel Deroy-Olson as an aunt and niece on the Seneca-Cayuga rez. After a long search for distribution, it's finally found its home on AppleTV+. We'll tell you why you should look out for it, and then round out the aunt-ly experience with a movie quiz all about the Aunts of Cinema.What's GoodAlonso - the hand fanDrea - Diet Cherry Ginger Ale ("Fruit Splash")Ify - not the hockey clinic, but Arizona Hard Iced TeaITIDICIATSE and Studios Reach a Tentative AgreementWicked Release Moved Up to Nov 22 – The Same Weekend as Gladiator 2World’s Largest Screen X Auditorium to Open at a New Jersey Mega-MallStaff PicksAlonso - Catch the Fair OneDrea - Frybread Face and MeIfy - Sorry to Bother YouLook out for: Justin Simien’s BLACK HOLLYWOOD on MGM+Alonso's screening in Tennessee  Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, or InstagramWithDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeIfy NwadiweProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher