Hops and Box Office Flops

Transformers: The Last Knight – Drunk History

Transformers: The Last Knight is the fifth film directed by Michael Bay about the storied toy line. The prior four were of varying quality, but The Last Knight stands out as by far the worst.
A convoluted mess, it rewrites the legend of King Arthur, infusing the Autobots into the tale. This, of course, leads to a whole bunch of other nonsense, including Merlin's magical staff being of Cybertron origin.
Anyway, as we rumble through this slog, we're treated to secret societies, moronic plot twists, and a smorgasbord of explosions and CGI bombast. It's a lot to digest, folks.
Mercifully, though, The Last Knight's poor box office performance and abysmal reviews ensured this would be the last of the so-called Bayformers. 
Now, sit back, transform your taste buds with an Automatic IPA from Creature Comforts, and don't let Merlin's staff fall into Megatron's hands! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are sliding under giant robots and wielding Excalibur!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Every legend hides a secret! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Why? Just why?! (34:43)
The "Sir Edmund Burton" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (54:10)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off our 90s Cult Flops series with Keanu Reeves' precursor to The Matrix and Cyberpunk 2077, Johnny Mnemonic! (1:01:41)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

The Last Jedi – Kicked in the Space Balls

The Last Jedi, despite being a massive financial success, has been highly divisive since its release in December 2017.
Sure, there are those who love and defend it, especially for its willingness to subvert expectations. Its detractors, though, often cite The Last Jedi's nonsensical plot and less than favorable depiction of beloved Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker for why they hate it.
The pod tends to lean toward the latter. For all its exceptional visuals and some genuinely great Star Wars moments, The Last Jedi often feels like a muddled mess—less a sequel to a $2 billion movie, more a piece of odd fan fiction.
Hence the divide between fans. As the middle part of a trilogy, The Last Jedi too often throws away or outright dismisses plot threads from The Force Awakens. When there was still a film to follow it, perhaps writing the characters into a narrative corner wasn't the best idea.
Now, sit back, feel the Force with a Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher from Firestone Walker Brewing, and find the master codebreaker! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are seeing who can chug the most thala-siren milk!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Let the past die! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – When subverting expectations goes wrong... (36:47)
The "Jar of Snokes" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:03:51)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish our $1 billion+ follow up flops with a doozy of a dumpster fire, Transformers: The Last Knight! (1:12:11)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

The Marvels – Identity Crisis

By feeling more like optional homework than obligatory viewing, The Marvels falls into a familiar trap of the Phase 4 and 5 MCU films. And it fails to up the ante for its main heroine from her first solo outing.
There is certainly more to juggle here—adding in both Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau—but The Marvels fails to find the right balance.
The titular three are charming and have decent chemistry. The villain, however, is one of the most paper thin ever produced by the Marvel movie machine.
As for the plot, what little there is, it just feels like a retread of better films. Another issue The Marvels shares with some its more recent MCU counterparts is an abundance of cheap looking effects.
For a movie with a budget north of $250 million, it looks more like a hastily produced Disney+ show. None of this should've been enough for it to tank as badly as it did, earning just 20% of the first's gross; but it is indicative of the larger MCU issue: too much, too often, too little quality control.
Now, sit back, swap places with a Juiced to Jupiter from Fat Head's Brewery, and warm up those pipes for Aladna! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are hijacking the sun!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Higher. Further. Faster. Together! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Who is in a position for better future success: DC or Marvel? (40:02)
The "Flerken Transit Authority" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:08:28)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We analyze perhaps the most divisive Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi! (1:20:53)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Joker Folie à Deux – Off Key

In 2019, Todd Phillips' Joker, though divisive, received heaps of praise and a box office shattering $1 billion+ take. Joker: Folie à Deux, however, received none of that acclaim or success. That is for good reason.
Joker: Folie à Deux is a meandering mess of a film — one that features impromptu musical segments. Those songs, shockingly, are not at all the issue. Instead of carrying on Arthur Fleck's story, Folie à Deux just sort of castrates the character.
Certainly, it can be argued that Fleck never intended to become the Joker. But he did. Going back on that in every conceivable way makes for a film with no identity.
It honestly feels as if Phillips did not want to make this movie. Their is a palpable disdain that can be felt throughout its trudging two hours. Which begs the question: Why, aside from the potential for a big theatrical haul, was it ever greenlit? The script, like Fleck, is empty.
Now, sit back, feed your psychoses with a Psychedelic Rabbit from New Realm Brewing, and stop harassing poor Mr. Puddles! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are gonna build a mountain!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The world is a stage! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – What the hell happened? (18:56)
The "Mr. Puddles" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (35:42)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our look at sequels to billion dollar hits that flopped with The Marvels! (45:17)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!

Kraven the Hunter – Franchise Slayer

Kraven The Hunter, Marvel's most dangerous huntsman, has always been linked with perhaps their most famed hero, Spider-Man. Yet, for his big screen debut, there is a distinct lack of the web-head.
Yes, folks, this is another of Sony's moronic attempts to build a shared universe out of the wall crawlers villains. And, like all those that came before it—Madame Web, Morbius, and the trilogy of Venom films—it doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense.
The titular predator resembles little the character he's based on. In fact, this movie makes Kraven the Hunter a more benevolent version of the Punisher. He's a straight up hero, leaving one to wonder how this version would ever come to odds with Spider-Man.
It should come as no surprise then that this movie flopped and was reviled by critics. Even the most ardent of Kraven supporters didn't ask for this.
Now, sit back, track down a Dr. Octoberfest from Next Level Brewing, and look out for the man traps! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are sampling vials of lion's blood to try and gain super powers!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Villains aren't born. They're made. His hunt begins! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – If this is the end of Sony's ill-conceived Spider-Man-less Spiderverse, what will our lasting impressions be? (23:43)
The "Kraven that D" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (50:59)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff the pod's seventh season with sequels to billion dollar hits that flopped with Joker: Folie à Deux! (58:18)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!

Red One – The North Pole Has Fallen

Red One is a big budget Christmas action film with an array of stars to make it shine; it is also a mindless hunk of studio schlock.
In it, Santa Claus has been kidnapped by a malevolent holiday witch. It is up to the Rock's Callum Drift (yes, that is his name) to get him back in time for the big day.
What follows is a paint-by-numbers blockbuster that is crammed with enough CGI and bad one-liners to rip the seams of even the largest stocking.
This thing is a jingle bell mess from start to finish. Hence why it sits at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes and was given a lump of coal at the box office. Red One couldn't even muster enough holiday cheer to break even with its asinine $250 million budget.
Now, sit back, get into the spirit with a glass of Evan Williams' Bourbon-infused Eggnog, and rip off some snowmen noses! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are hacking into Santa's secret lair to blow the whistle on his elf sweatshop!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Enforcement, logistics and fortification! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Did this silly Rock em' Sock em' Christmas Film work for us? (32:48)
The "Kavalame" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (56:59)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude our season with the mother of all 2024 flops, Kraven: The Hunter! (1:07:42)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – Nostalgia on Ice

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire directly proceeds the events of 2021's Afterlife, following the Spengler gang as they begin their exploits in the Big Apple.
Wider in scope and scale than its predecessor, Frozen Empire features plenty of ghoulish fun for fans of the franchise. However, it's also poorly paced and overstuffed with characters and sub-plots—some of which work far better than others.
That latter fact is probably why critics skewered it upon its release. At 42% on Rotten Tomatoes, Frozen Empire is the worst reviewed entry in the storied franchise. Those tepid reactions may have been responsible for its soft box office.
Costing $25 million more to produce than its predecessor, Frozen Empire grossed slightly less ($201 million vs $204 million worldwide). Despite that, it is hard to ignore its charms, and the presence of the OG Ghostbusters is sure to make the most pessimistic of us smile.
Now, sit back, make the busting feel that much better with a Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Stout from Trader Joe's, and hit us with that mood slime! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are harnessing our Firemaster powers to put the heat on Garraka!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – It'll send a chill down your spine! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Would we like to see more paranormal adventures with the Spengler family? (34:05)
The "Death Chill" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (59:40)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our series of 2024 flops with one fit for the Christmas season, Red One! (1:10:54)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!

The Fall Guy – The Unseen Stuntman

Based on a 1980s television show of the same name, The Fall Guy seemed to be on course to be the summer season’s first hit.
Screening more than a month before its release at South by Southwest, the buzz (reviews included) for the Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt film was strong. And with Gosling—who plays the titular character Colt Seavers—coming off of Barbie, his movie star bonafides had never been stronger.
Yet, despite all that momentum, The Fall Guy failed to break the bank. It grossed just north of $181 million. Its budget was rumored to be around $150 million—resulting in a break even point of roughly $275 million.
The Fall Guy deserved so much better during its theatrical run, especially considering the hell all the stunt people went through to deliver this delightful gem.
Now, sit back, take the liquid courage leap after a Long Leash from Sleepy Dog Brewing, and attaque! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Bling Blake, and a special guest are crying in our car listening to T. Swift!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Fall hard! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – How on earth did this flop!? (19:04)
The "Metalstorm" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (41:49)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our series of 2024 flops with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire! (53:30)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!

Borderlands – An Empty Vault

Borderlands is yet another vapid video game adaptation that fails to capture what made the games it's based on so great—a colorful explosion full of nonsensical plot points and weak action.
Not surprisingly, it couldn't ignite the box office or earn the adoration of fans and critics.
Now, sit back, fuel your anarchy with a Oberon Eclipse from Bell's Brewery, and roll up the damn windows! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are trying our hands at vault hunting. What could go wrong?!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Chaos loves company! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Whose to blame for this debacle? (23:09)
The "Other Pandora" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (36:49)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our series of 2024 flops with the ultra charming Ryan Gosling vehicle The Fall Guy! (47:06)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on all your favorite pod catchers!