Hops and Box Office Flops

War of the Worlds – Get Away from This Thing

Filmed during the pandemic, 2025's War of the Worlds was shelved for four+ years before being foisted upon the unsuspecting public. This turd should've never been dusted off.
There is nothing less suspenseful than watching Ice Cube fluctuate between looking anxious, angry, disturbed, and smarmy whilst sitting at a computer screen.
Literally, that is the film.
Now, sit back, ease your migraine with a Hazy Sculpin from Ballast Point Brewing, and stop hacking those drones! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are fighting off the alien invasion with nothing but our moxie and Amazon Prime Air!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – It's worse than you think!
No, I am not just having a laugh; that is legitimately the movie's tagline.
Lingering Questions – Why!? (28:30)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff our Try Hard Flops series with the mediocre sequel to an action classic, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory! (45:46)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Jaws: The Revenge – Teleporting and Telepathic Terror

Jaws: The Revenge is the sad end to the great white's big screen carnivorous adventures.
Last episode, we skewered Jaws 3D for its cheap effects, lack of tension, and overall moronic story. Jaws: The Revenge is somehow worse. Sure, the shark effects are better (however moderately), but the story is nonsensical slop.
This time around, the prehistoric predator is out for more than just satisfying its own bloodlust. This hunt is personal. The Brody family is going to pay! Why does this particular shark care so much about their past offenses? That's an impossible question to answer, and, therefore, it probably shouldn't have been asked.
Regardless, they're going to get what's coming to them, and neither the laws of physics nor basic logic will stop Jaws! Hell, why are we even debating this?! Just jump on the banana boat and have some fun!
Now, sit back, toast to Sean Brody's memory with a Fiddlehead IPA from Fiddlehead Brewing Co., and track those sea snails! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are betting it all with Hoagie at the craps table!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – This time...it's personal!
Lingering Questions – Better or worse than its terrible predecessor? (33:20)
The "Shark Roars at Midnight" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (48:29)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We tackle one of the dumbest films on this planet—or any other—2025's War of the Worlds! (1:01:15)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Jaws 3D – Bland Fish

Jaws 3D is the third entry in the killer shark franchise.
The original is still widely regarded as a classic. The second is a watchable flick with some decent gore. This one, however, is a shipwreck of epic proportions.
From its shoddy 3D effects to its dearth of tension, Jaws 3D never offers anything to justify its existence. Yes, money is why, but having a good idea or two wouldn't have hurt.
The titular fish terrorizing a SeaWorld isn't exactly fodder for action and excitement. Critics and audiences agreed, sinking the threequel. Sadly, their disdain for Jaws 3D didn't bury the franchise deep enough.
It would rise back to the surface one last time for an even dumber adventure.
Now, sit back, ease your fears of the great white with a Devil's Ale from SanTan Brewing, and search that sunken pirate ship! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are perfecting our water skiing stunts with Jaws in hot pursuit!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A deadly new attraction!
Lingering Questions – Did the movie about a killer shark have any cool killer shark murders? (28:07)
The "Third Dimension is Terror" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (43:07)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jaws by dissecting the second of its terrible sequels, Jaws: The Revenge! (58:27)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

The Dark Tower – Let It Fall

The Dark Tower is a woeful adaptation of Stephen King's beloved book series.
Condensing seven mainline stories into one undercooked film, The Dark Tower lacks any of the elements that made the novels so special.
It's a speed run, dumbing down the world and its lore so much that there's really no audience for it. Fans of the books were left dumbstruck, and newcomers were just confused.
The Dark Tower is a textbook example of not understanding the property you're adapting. And it very much deserves its 16% on Rotten Tomatoes. No thankee sai, Sony. You botched the hell out of this one.
Now, sit back, settle your mind with Black Caddis Porter from Wren House Brewing, and never forget the face of your father! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are beguiling people with our powerful magics!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – In a world of superheroes, there's only one Gunslinger!
Lingering Questions – Who would be the ideal actor to portray Roland Deschain? (29:09)
The "Gunslinger" 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 celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jaws by watching the two terrible sequels. First up is Jaws 3D! (1:00:58)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

The Man from UNCLE – Spy Hard

Based on a 60s television show of the same name, The Man from UNCLE attempts to merge the cool of James Bond with real-world Cold War era politics.
The results are mixed. Directed by Guy Ritchie, it has all the hallmarks of one of his films—quippy banter, smooth action beats, and heroes that ooze charisma.
Well, one of the heroes is charismatic. And it's not the one who allegedly is into cannibalism. Henry Cavill is the engine that drives The Man from UNCLE. And just like his turn in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, he proves he's got the chops to be both comedic and badass.
Sadly, audiences never gave this one a chance. On a budget of $75 million, it grossed just north of $110 million. That wasn't nearly enough to warrant the sequel they teased.
Now, sit back, stay incognito with a Lord Grey from Three Taverns, and never trust a Nazi scientist! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are enjoying some fine cheese and red wine while Mayor McCheese evades the goons!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Two sworn enemies ... one common mission!
Lingering Questions – How did Cavill never get a crack at Bond? (31:33)
The "UNCLE" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (50:15)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude Flopbusters with the woeful Stephen King adaptation, The Dark Tower! (58:54)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Furiosa – Remember Us

As a follow-up to the masterful Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa had a tough road to hoe. It mostly lives up to those lofty expectations, but it also suffers from the same ills that plague most prequels.
We essentially knew the titular Furiosa's story. It was told brilliantly through the performance of Charlize Theron. Seeing it fully realized onscreen, as beautiful as it can be, doesn't feel entirely necessary.
This only ends one way; we've been privy to that. In the end, your left to wonder whether it would've served this universe better to see what comes next. Why drudge up the past?
Critics and audiences, those that actually saw it, loved what Furiosa had to offer. But that aforementioned question must have weighed on the general audience's mind. Grossing more than $200 million less than its predecessor, Furiosa lost a lot of money for WB.
It may not have felt necessary, but it certainly deserved a better fate than that.
Now, sit back, trade some guzzoline for a Sabre-Toothed Squirrel from Smog City Brewing, and top off your blood bag! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are all shiny and chrome! Witness us!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Fury is born!
Lingering Questions – Where does this rank in the Mad Max saga? (33:32)
The "We Have Become Half-Life" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:00:49)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Flopbusters with the slick spy flick, The Man from UNCLE! (1:13:25)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Battleship – Sunken Sailors

There was a time when Hasbro envisioned a cinematic universe. Battleship was a cog in that misguided wheel, an expensive one at that.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for all us movie goers, Battleship sank before it even hit the seas.
Critics and audiences alike found little joy or interest in a $200 million dollar blockbuster based on a slow-paced board game.
To be fair, they were all correct. Battleship is a slog of a movie; and its nonsensical plot cannot be saved by the bombastic effects and action. Odds are that within minutes, you’ll be sending an SOS to your TV to find something more entertaining.
Now, sit back, arm your tastebuds with a Blind Pirate Blood Orange IPA from Monday Night Brewing, and don't promise any late night snacks if you can't deliver! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are sinking alien ships and dropping super cool one-liners — mahalo mother f%$&er!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The battle for earth begins at sea!
Lingering Questions – Did their silly attempts at incorporating the game work? (25:20)
The "Chicken Burrito" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (49:58)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Flopbusters with the long-awaited prequel to one of the greatest movies ever made, Furiosa! (59:42)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Batman Forever – Holy Bat Nipples

Batman Forever attempted to course correct the Caped Crusader's big screen adventures after its predecessor, Tim Burton's Batman Returns, was deemed too dark.
Swapping Burton for Joel Schumacher in the director's chair, the film certainly has a different feel than Returns. It trades the dark and moody Gotham for a more campy, neon soaked one.
That change may have led to greater receipts at the box office, but it hardly equated to a quality film. Batman Forever isn't without its charms, but it is also a tonal wreck, whiplashing between introspective musings of what it means to be Batman and the Two-Face/Riddler comedy hour.
It's no wonder than that its star, Val Kilmer—who stepped in for Keaton—wanted no part of a sequel. Judging by our Batman & Robin pod, he made the right choice.
Now, sit back, find the courage to fight crime with a Shiner Black Lager from Spoetzl, and don't over kung-fu your laundry! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are joygasming all over Gotham!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Courage now, truth always, Batman forever!
Lingering Questions – Were the critics and fans too hard on this one? (31:59)
The "I'm Going Rock Climbing this Weekend" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:05:57)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We celebrate the summer movie season by kicking off our series dedicated to big time blockbuster flops. First up, the board game boondoggle that sunk with critics and audiences, Battleship! (1:16:38)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – Ike, Mike, and Mustard

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a fantastic neo-noir that is carried by outstanding lead performances from Robert Downey, Jr. (RDJ) and Val Kilmer.
Written and directed by Shane Black, it is a film that thrives on its witty banter, sleek visuals, and intricate plotting. Ok, that latter bit can sometimes be a bit convoluted, but that doesn't detract from the repartee.
Kilmer has never been better than he is here. And RDJ capitalized on his exceptional performance as Harry Lockhart to catapult back into the mainstream. Yes, he's that good in this.
Sadly, this movie didn't fare nearly as well at the box office as its spiritual successor, The Nice Guys, nor did it ever get the sequel it so richly deserved.
Now, sit back, choke down a Rowdy Peach IPA from Sweetwater Brewing, and avoid peeing on the corpse! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are investigating the untimely and mysterious death of Proto-Cop!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Sex. Murder. Mystery. Welcome to the party!
Lingering Questions – Why didn't this revive Kilmer's career the way it did RDJ's? (36:24)
The "Johnny Gossamer Thriller" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:10:50)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude our tribute series for the great Val Kilmer with the campy, caped classic Batman Forever! (1:26:02)
And, as always, hit us up on Threads, X, Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids from this week’s episode!