Hops and Box Office Flops

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!

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – Good Old Boys

Loosely based on the daring exploits of a ragtag group of soldiers during World War II, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a tale of heroism with a Guy Ritchie spin.
The film chronicles Operation Postmaster—in which a battalion led by Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill) is sent on an off the books mission to disrupt, ideally destroy, the Nazis U-Boat resupply operation.
March-Phillips, played with extraordinary flair by Cavill, is joined by an eclectic group of commandos. Though the subject matter is serious, their personalities allow for plenty of fun, and that levity drives The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
As historically embellished as it may be, this is still a journey through the past well worth taking.
Now, sit back, gear up for some sabotage with an Old Speckled Hen from Green King, and do not sing in Yiddish! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are prying the nipple clamps off Capt. Cash to free him from Nazi prison!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Keep calm and Cavill on! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Which of these motley crew members is our respective spirit animal? (36:17)
The "Operation Postmaster" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (50:42)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our series of 2024 flops with the video game adaptation disaster Borderlands! (1:00:49)
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!

Sting – Arachnophobia on HGH

Sting is a nasty little creature feature that came and went to little notice.
Released on under 1,000 screens, this tale of a cosmic spider running amok is sure to make the hairs of any arachnophobe stand up.
It's lean; it's mean; and it's got enough gross gore to unsettle even the least squeamish of us. It's like Alien—if the Xenomorph was an eight-legged freak who enjoyed dining on birds, babies, and pups.
Now, sit back, drown the ick with a West Bestern IPA from Belching Beaver, and don't you dare whistle! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are washing ourselves with mothball water to keep Sting away!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Your biggest fear just got bigger! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – How quickly to we flee a building being menaced by a giant arachnid? (21:41)
The "Bug Brothers" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (40:31)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off our series of 2024 flops with The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare! (51:12)
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!

Oddity – Burning Wood Man

Oddity, a small Irish film, is one of the better horror movies of 2024.
It centers on Darcy, whose twin sister Dani was brutally murdered alone in the remote house she was renovating with her husband. Darcy, who is blind, is a medium. When she touches an object, she can peer into its experiences.
She, still unsure of what truly happened to her sister, takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery of Dani’s murder.
A slow burn, Oddity is full of creepy visuals and uses its setting to maximum effect. Horror fans should not sleep on this one.
Now, sit back, peer into the memories of the deceased with a Hop Chowda Hazy IPA from Goldwater Brewing, and don't ring for the bellhop! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK) and Bling Blake are using Olin Boole's glass eye to track down the real killer!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Every murder lives on! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Best weapon to take down a wood golem? (22:38)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our month-long series dedicated to torturing poor Bling Blake with gross little creature feature, Sting! (38:34)
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!

In a Violent Nature – Theft is Bad, Eh

In a Violent Nature is an art house version of Friday the 13th. It's minimalist, lacking a score, and generally follows the killer Johnny around as he tromps through the woods.
It's an interesting twist on the classic slasher formula, but its style certainly won't be for everyone. That said, In a Violent Nature deserves credit for daring to be distinct in a genre full of tropes and clones.
That alone probably warranted a better at the box office. It grossed just $4.56 million on a budget of $3 million. Good enough to earn it a sequel, but nothing to write home about.
Now, sit back, enjoy the serene sounds of nature with a Moose Drool from Big Sky Brewing, and don't touch Johnny's locket! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Chumpzilla are trying not to die during our downward facing dog!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Nature is unforgiving! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Did we enjoy the muted style of the movie? (23:58)
The "White Pine Slaughter" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (50:13)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our month-long series dedicated to torturing poor Bling Blake with another critical darling of the horror world, Oddity! (1:00:48)
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!

Terrifier 2 – Torturous Viewing

Terrifier 2 ups the ante of the first film in nearly every way. It is brutal, shocking, and repugnant. Despite that, it is hard not to appreciate the practical effect work of Damien Leone—the film's writer, director, editor, and producer. This is a carnival of splatter.
And Art the Clown, the principal antagonist of the Terrifier franchise, is quite creepy. Where the movie fails is in creating a narrative tension. It is disturbing to watch, and the kills only get more grotesque as the movie meanders across its lengthy 138-minute runtime. There is just a distinct lack of pathos to balance out the mayhem.
Too often, Terrifier 2 just feels like an endurance exercise. How long can the viewer survive before they've seen enough mutilation? A person's mileage on that may vary. It just does not make for a compelling movie experience. 
Now, sit back, keep your dinner down with a Smashed Pumpkin from Shipyard Brewing, and remember: there is now why! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, Mayor McCheese and Chumpzilla are waving our white flags because we've had all the viscera we can handle!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Who's laughing now? (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Will we still Terrifier 3 in theaters or did this one sate our appetite for the deranged? (33:32)
The "Art the Clown" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (59:02)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our month-long series dedicated to torturing poor Bling Blake with In a Violent Nature! (1:09:40)
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!

Rebel Moon Part Two: Curse of Forgiveness – For the Slain King of Beers

Rebel Moon – Part Two Director's Cut: Curse of Forgiveness is the ultimate payoff to our team of rebels coming together.
Essentially, it all culminates in one massive battle scene, where each of our heroes gets their due. It is a visual feast of explosions, violence, and destruction. And, quite frankly, it is awesome.
In the PG-13 cut, The Scargiver, the majority of the battle scenes were in tact; but what makes the Director's Cut so superior is all the small moments of connective tissue it adds.
Our investment in the team, as well as the townspeople of Veldt is much greater with the added context. If you choose to watch one version, then Curse of Forgiveness is the way to go.
Now, sit back, annihilate your tastebuds with a Suckerpunch Dill Pickle Sour from Destihl, find her, and fight! The Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Bling Blake, and Chumpzilla are laying the smack down to the Motherworld's forces with an antler in each hand!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – There are no heroes, only rebels! (0:00)
Lingering Questions – Having seen both Director's Cuts, which one did we enjoy more? (26:32)
The "For the Slain King" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (55:13)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off a month-long series dedicated to torturing poor Bling Blake with Terrifier 2! (1:11:31)
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!