Hops and Box Office Flops

Heavyweights – We’re Feeling Skinny, Tony

Heavyweights is a kid friendly take on the the traditional slobs versus snobs trope. In it, a group of kids are supposed to be headed to enjoy an awesome summer; but once there, they discover that the beloved owners of Camp Hope were forced to sell to an obnoxious fitness freak, Tony Perkis.
It's Perkis' mission to whip these kids into shape—only not for their own benefit. He's trying to sell an infomercial about his patented Perkis System.
It then becomes the mission of the titular Heavyweights to take back their summer from the unstable Perkis.
Hijinks, hilarity, and a fair bit of sadism ensue. Full of mixed messages about excess weight, the movie can be a tonal rubber band. And Heavyweights is also extremely 90s, which as we all know, was a lawless ass time.
Hence why it received general poor reviews and struggled to make a dent at the box office. Despite that, though, it is generally considered a cult classic—especially since Perkis is such a memorable character.
Now, sit back, launch a Fat Randy's IPA from Holidaily into the stratosphere with the Blob, and help get those deli meats off your friend's back! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, the J-Man, and Bling Blake are high on Perkis Power!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – They never met a hot dog they didn't like... until now! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast cheats to win the Apache Relay, and then we debate who the true villain of the film is. (31:03)
The "Perkis System" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (45:19)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Hops and Gridiron Flops with Robert Rodriguez's 1998 gem, The Faculty! (55:33)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Perkis' striking similarity to White Goodman and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Wet Hot American Summer – Show Us the Fever

Wet Hot American Summer is an absolute cult classic. Boasting a cast on the cusp of superstardom, it is everything an eccentric comedy full of funny people should be. As in, it is hilarious.
Wet Hot American Summer eschews plot in favor of nonsensical hijinks and non sequiturs. The things that happen vaguely follow its story, but they are much more in service to its anarchic stylings.
That sense of chaos and utter unseriousness may have been why it never found its footing at the box office. On a modest budget of just $1.8 million, it failed to break $300,000.
That said, Wet Hot American Summer's unabashed spirit of insanity is the primary driver to it gaining cult status, as well as earning it a long-gestating prequel and sequel series on Netflix.
So, sit back, talk to a can of Paradise from Masthead Brewing, and take it higher and higher! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are saving some campers from certain river rafting doom!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – High times. Hard bodies. Soft rock. It was the last day of summer camp! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast dodges the falling Skylab, and then we discuss our favorite gags and characters from the movie. (41:29)
The "Capture the Flag" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:07:05)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish Hops and Summer Camp Flops with Heavyweights! (1:19:03)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Hurricane of Fun and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Indian Summer – Dirty Dogs

Indian Summer is a heartwarming, ensemble comedy in the vein of The Big Chill. Seven friends, all at differing existential crises, reunite for one last magical summer at Camp Tamakwa, a seminal experience in each of their lives.
Their mentor, camp owner Unca Lou, brings them all together because he, too, is at a crossroads. It's his last summer running the camp.
That's the backdrop, but what makes Indian Summer work is how relatable it is. Adulthood can be difficult—full of stress and various frustrations.
Remembering to have fun in life and embrace the kid inside you is important. A life lesson that our own Chumpzilla could do well to learn from.
Unfortunately, Indian Summer couldn't out-paddle the average reaction from the critics (58% on Rotten Tomatoes). It grossed just  $14.9 million on a budget of $9 million. Regardless, this is one vacation that is wholly worth your time.
So, sit back, fish a Big Henry Hazy IPA from Holidaily Brewing out of the lake, and don't underestimate the shcreck king! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are sneaking out of our cabins to raid the pantry!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A place you'll never forget. A time you'll always remember. (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast laces up the boxing gloves, and then we discuss our ideal 20-year reunions. (29:40)
The "Tamakwathon" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (42:34)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Hops and Summer Camp Flops with an all-time cult classic, Wet Hot American Summer! (49:16)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the pratfalls of Sam Raimi and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Sleepaway Camp – Dude Looks Like a Lady

Sleepaway Camp is considered an 80s horror cult classic. That is due in large part to its big final act twist.
Otherwise, though, it's your general run-of-the-mill slasher that is too often derivative of better films in the genre, especially Friday the 13th.
Sleepaway Camp boasts a laughably bad script, one made worse by the casts' delivery of it. And the kills—unfortunately—consistently fail to impress.
That said, it is one of the most successful independent films ever made. It grossed more than $11 million on a budget of just $350,000. The reviews, which were initially brutal, have also blossomed over time. Most of us on the pod aren't sure why, but Chumpzilla certainly enjoys it.
Now, sit back, fill your belly and a balloon full of Bud Light, and don't cross Mel! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are living our best lives in super short shorts and crop-tops!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – You won't be coming home! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast captures the flag, and then we discuss whether Sleepaway Camp is deserving of its cult status. (33:11)
The "Carpenter's Dream" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (56:17)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Hops and Summer Camp Flops with Indian Summer, RIP Alan Arkin! (1:04:02)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Return to Sleepaway Camp and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – One Last Ride

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a wonderful and heartfelt sendoff to one of cinema's greatest heroes. It makes bold narrative decisions and gives us an Indy who's a man out of time. That may sound depressing—and there certainly are tough moments—but it's not.
The heaviness of Dial of Destiny's story is what makes it work. It can be extremely compelling to see our heroes vulnerable, watching them rise to the occasion and rediscovering themselves.
Throw in wonderful performances from Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Indy's goddaughter, Helena Shaw, and Ethann Isidore as Teddy, her loveable sidekick, and Dial of Destiny is a welcome return to form for the franchise. The hallmark magic of the series is alive and well. Despite Spielberg's absence, James Mangold skillfully handles the directing duties.
Sadly, Dial of Destiny has failed to hit it big at the box office, grossing just over $337 million thus far. On a budget estimated to be north of $290 million, that just doesn't cut it. That said, unlike Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—which divided series fans—audiences who have seen it seem to love it. So it's only logical to assume people will discover it when it lands on-demand.
Now, sit back, spice up your morning with a Mooby’s Chronic-Con “Superficially Mandated Beer” IPA by Societe Brewing, and feel free to punch some Nazis! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are breaking up illegal auctions with the crack of our whips!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A legend will face his destiny! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast barters for a championship belt in Tangier, and then we discuss what we loved about Indy's final adventure. (43:10)
The "Give 'em Hell, Indiana Jones" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:01:41)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off Hops and Summer Camp Flops with Sleepaway Camp! (1:15:13)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the legend of the Antikythera and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Mac and Me – We’re Not Loving It

Mac and Me is an unapologetic clone of E.T., a far superior movie. It's weird, loaded with unintentional laughs, and packed with an obscene amount of product placement.
We're not joking. Mac and Me boasts a scene of the titular alien dancing on the counter of a McDonald's — in a bear suit, no less. These extraterrestrials also drink Coca Cola as their life blood, a fact that comes sadly into play in the film's later acts.
Over the years, it has become a frequent internet meme and for good reason. It's a fairly terrible film, despite its good heart.
Hence why on a budget of $13 million, Mac and Me failed to replicate the success of the film it so shamelessly stole from. It grossed just $6.4 million at the box office. Critics were similarly underwhelmed. With a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes, Mac and his clan were better off dead in the desert.
Now, sit back, chug a Cosmic Treasures from Jackie O’s Brewery through a straw, and don't engage in extreme wheelchair riding down a hill! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are phoning home or whatever the hell Mac's family does!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – How two boys worlds apart become the best of friends! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast supersizes a leg drop from the top, and then we discuss whether this movie succeeds in ripping off Spielberg's classic. (42:24)
The "Big Mac" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:01:41)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off Hops and Summer Camp Flops with Sleepaway Camp! (1:15:13)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the Paul Rudd's prank and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Heartbeeps – Request for Humor Denied

Heartbeeps was meant to serve as the big screen launching pad for comedian Andy Kaufman. It backfired.
Why? Well, it's a mostly nonsensical mess with few laughs, and it buries him under bizarre robot prosthetics. As a performer, Kaufman was known for his showmanship. Heartbeeps robs him of all that, instead turning him into a caricature of his own caricature.
Val, the android he plays, is just a watered down Latka Graves from Taxi. Hence why this unfunny mishmash of a film bombed at the box office. On a budget of $12 million, it grossed barely over $2 million, scuttling future plans for its star. Kaufman and his co-stars deserved so much better.
Now, sit back, rewire your palette with a Dr. Robot Blackberry Lemon Sour from Monday Night Brewing, and refrain from telling low power jokes! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are just three dim-witted robots looking for love!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Meet a modern nuclear family unlike any other! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast wrestles a camel (well, technically a bear), and then we discuss how a film as miserable as Heartbeeps could happen. And, we also declare it the Shit Movie Champion. (35:49)
The "Request Denied" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (43:42)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We finish Hops and WTF Flops with bastardized E.T., aka Mac and Me! (52:03)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the brilliance of Andy Kaufman and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace – Cast It into the Sun

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is the sad end to a beloved series. Well, III was also terrible, but there is something uniquely depressing about Superman IV.
Perhaps it’s the fact that they coaxed Christopher Reeve into returning by agreeing to center the film on the threat of nuclear escalation; and then as they shot the movie, budget cuts kneecapped the project faster than a speeding bullet.
Superman IV was clearly hindered by Cannon’s frugal ways, but it’s a bizarre and poorly written film, as well. The movie’s central antagonist Nuclear Man has the look of a compelling villain, but his voice was dubbed with Gene Hackman’s. A move that truly put the f%*$ in WTF.
Couple that with shoddy special effects, a nonsensical love triangle, and a B-plot seemingly taken from an never produced episode of the George Reeves show and you’ve got one of the more notorious superhero movies ever made.
Hence, why it bombed with critics and at the box office. Superman IV grossed just $36.7 million worldwide, further worsening the financial woes of Cannon Films. And it’s 10% on Rotten Tomatoes is a far cry from even that of III (29%).
Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Hackman all deserved so much better, lest we forget Jackie Cooper and Mark McClure.
Now, sit back, go nuclear with a Sol Mexican Lager, and broker world peace through a tender hearted letter! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, Capt. Cash, and Bling Blake are fist-fighting some whacko with press-on nails and feathered hair on the Moon!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Nuclear Power. In the best hands, it is dangerous. In the hands of Lex Luthor, it is pure evil. This is Superman's greatest battle. And it is for all of us! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast throws Nuclear Man over the top rope, and then we discuss what, if anything, worked about Superman IV. (34:00)
The "Lex's Secret Recipe" Trivia Challenge – I challenge the field to trivia about the movie. (1:01:55)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Hops and WTF Flops with the indescribable Heartbeeps! (1:16:00)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—Proto-Nuclear Man and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!

Tiptoes – We Know What We Are!

Tip Toes is an odd movie. Instead of serving as an effective drama that highlights the health and societal struggles of little people, it devolves into utter insanity.
Why? Well, Gary Oldman took the lead role of Rolfe, a little person whose twin brother, played by Matthew McConaughey, is going through an existential crisis.
Steven, McConaughey, is not a little person, but the rest of his family is. He fears that his baby will be born with dwarfism. On the surface, that sounds like general drama fare; but, it’s impossible to ignore how bizarre the choice to cast Gary Oldman was.
He shuffles around on his knees, wears a bulky shoulder pad to make it look like he has a hunchback, and frequently sits inside a couch while his fake legs dangle over the cushions.
None of this is an exaggeration. Add in Peter Dinklage as an insane French Marxist and Tiptoes frequently veers into dark territory. Nothing that happens in the movie is as funny or insightful as it hopes to be.
So, sit back, ease your bewilderment with a Glowstick IPA from Reformation Brewery, and don't yell, "I'm a dwarf" in public! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are wondering where we can buy a couch with a Gary Oldman-sized whole in it!
This Week’s Segments:
Introduction/Plot Breakdown – It's the little things in life that matter! (00:00)
Lingering Questions – The Double Turn Podcast wins a dubious contest, and then we assess who should've fired their agent for this. (40:41)
The "Rolfe's Revenge" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (1:03:41)
Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kick off Hops and WTF Flops with childhood trauma-inducing Superman IV: The Quest for Peace! (1:14:05)
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to check out all the interesting factoids—the apparent director's cut and more—from this week’s episode!
You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Vurbl, Amazon Music, and more!