Hops and Box Office Flops

Hops and Box Office Flops

A film podcast dedicated to the underdogs — the disasters, the bombs, the much maligned! So sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy!

  1. 8h ago

    The Last Starfighter – Fire Up the Death Blossom

    The Last Starfighter is wish fulfillment the movie. A teenager hoping for bigger things gets called to action because of his sick arcade skills. That call is to become a starfighter in the coming war with the treacherous Xur. It's a charming, silly little film that definitely sought to capitalize on moviegoer's continued love of the Star Wars franchise. In spite of horrid effects and a cornball script, it mostly works. And it has become an 80s cult classic. That nostalgic love, though, was not enough to earn it a sequel — an idea that has been floating somewhere in the vacuous space of development hell for a couple decades. Now, sit back, prepare to fight the Ko-Dan Armada with an Imperial Luau Krunkles from Terrapin Beer Co., and watch out for shape-shifting assassins! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are desperate to be recruited to the Star League! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – For every Earthling who's ever dreamed of adventures beyond the stars, comes the astonishing story of one who made it! Lingering Questions – Does the dated CGI cause The Last Starfighter to crash and burn? (33:51) The "I Need an Ear Job" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (52:09) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our Insert Coin Flops series with 1994's Street Fighter! (1:03:42) 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!

  2. Jul 3

    The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen – Victorian Avengers

    The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen failed so spectacularly it ended two careers — that of the legendary actor Sean Connery and its director, Stephen Norrington. Based on a comic co-written by Alan Moore, the property had the bonafides to be more than just dispensable popcorn theater. Sadly, a disastrous production—plagued by delays and abusive behaviors from its star— ultimately relegated it to the dustbin of comic book movie history. Despite its troubled path to screens, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is not entirely unwatchable. The seams of a decent film are scattered throughout. They just can't escape the pedestrian script and abominable CGI. Now, sit back, Hyde-up with a M-43 from Old Nation Brewing, and burn that grotesque painting! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are hellbent on committing evil shenanigans across the globe! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The power of seven become a league of one! Lingering Questions – For a film with extraordinary in its title, why is this film so uninspired? (37:14) The "Sword of the Ocean" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (57:49) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff our latest round of video game-related flops! (1:06:24) 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!

  3. Jun 19

    Clifford – Steffen Did It

    Clifford centers on an obnoxious pre-teen who thrives on being an a*****e. To that end, his entire goal in life is to get his uncle to take him to a dinosaur-themed amusement park. When his Uncle Martin's life gets in the way, Clifford sets out to ruin him. Hilarity does not ensue. That's mainly because—and we probably buried the lede—the titular character is played by Martin Short. He doesn't look 10, and he certainly doesn't act 10. This one is a slog, folks. Now, sit back, get ready to roar with a Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., and aim that laser at Larry! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are slipping Tabasco sauce into Capt. Cash's drink! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Uncle Martin is suffering from a little problem! Lingering Questions – Why, Marty, just why? (21:13) The "Dinosaur World" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (33:49) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude Tubi Roulette with another terrible film we haven't decided on yet! (40:50) 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!

  4. Jun 12

    The Pest – Voodoo Mambo

    The Pest is obnoxiously unfunny. Full of racist gags and manic energy, it is the epitome of the lawless ass 90s. And, listen, this pod loves John Leguizamo. He's had a fantastic career. But he's going 110 in a 35 zone here and essentially none of it works. We may not be rich Germans with an enthusiasm for hunting humans, but it's hard not to see their point with The Pest. After about 20 minutes of his schtick, death seems to be the only acceptable recourse. Now, sit back, drown out the noise with The Poet from New Holland Brewing, and pass one stinky dinky ... ha, ha, ha! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are livin' life in Miami's Vice! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – The schemin'est, keenest scam artist! Lingering Questions – Is this the new Shit Movie Champ? (33:07) The "Ridica-licka-lous" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (54:38) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Tubi Roulette with another star-driven, 90s flop that is mostly devoid of humor, Clifford! (1:02:37) 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!

  5. Jun 5

    Party Monster – Scrod-la-dah

    Party Monster—we came, we partied, we killed! Now, sit back, get club kid wasted with a Hazy Day Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., and put the hammer down! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are addicted to glamour! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Good. Evil. Fun! Lingering Questions – Did anything about the movie capture the insanity of the true story well? (22:53) The "I Pity the Pod" Trivia Challenge – Chumpzilla challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (40:07) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue Tubi Roulette with a 90s gem, The Pest! (52:36) 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!

  6. May 15

    Expendables 2 – Biceps, Blood, and Bullets

    Expendables 2 is the ideal sequel. Overflowing with testosterone, bulging veins, and well-timed quips, it fulfills the promise made by its predecessor — to bring back the mayhem and stars from yesteryear for a smorgasbord of insane action. It's literally perfect. No notes. Watch it now, or rest in pieces! So, sit back, get locked and loaded with a Capiche? from Paperback Brewing Co., and we now pronounce you man and knife! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are gearing up to take down the Sangs! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Back for war! Lingering Questions – How does one hear about an opening with the Expendables? (28:53) The "Lucky Ring Part Deux" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (46:57) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We kickoff Tubi Roulette with Party Monster! (55:02) 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!

  7. May 1

    Firewalker – Temu Indy

    Firewalker, another of Chuck Norris' many collaborations with Cannon Films, is exactly what you'd expect from a low budget Indiana Jones ripoff. The script is bad, the plot is ludicrous, and we never even get to see what the bad guy intends to do with his desired magical abilities. Despite all that, Firewalker does have its charms—most of which lie heavily on the back of Louis Gossett Jr. Predictably, in a film with Norris as its lead, emotive acting is in short supply. Without Gossett as his sidekick, Leo, and John Rhys-Davies doing a bizarre Foghorn Leghorn accent, this movie would've been quite the slog. Now, sit back, perform the last rites with a Seeing Colors from Mad Tree Brewing, and be wary of El Coyote! The Thunderous Wizard, Chumpzilla, and Bling Blake are scouring Mexico for ancient Aztec gold! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – A pair of down-and-out fortune hunters cash in on high adventure! Lingering Questions – What exactly does the titular Firewalker do? (32:57) The "Fruitcake" Trivia Challenge – Bling Blake challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (48:22) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We conclude our Hops and Kicking Jeans Flops series with Expendables 2! (59:40) 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!

  8. Apr 17

    Sidekicks – Are We Men or Marvin Milquetoasts?

    Sidekicks is essentially The Karate Kid with a giant dose of wish fulfillment. In it, Barry Gabrewski (played by the late Jonathan Brandis) spends his days daydreaming about busting skulls with his favorite action hero, Chuck Norris. Of course, since this is a kid learns karate to better himself movie, he ultimately meets Norris, gets the girl, bests his bully, and overcomes the issues that have plagued him. Along the way, we get some good old timey 90s racism and a handful of fantasies themed around Norris' filmography.  Sidekicks isn't exactly high art, but it will remind you that Norris generally just plays himself, as he does here, and the key to life is learning how to dodge dumplings. Now, sit back, douse those bricks with a Pupil IPA from Societe Brewing, and chase those dreams! The Thunderous Wizard and Bling Blake are donning our dusters and mullets to kick some mafia ass! This Week’s Segments: Introduction/Plot Breakdown – Barry Gabrewski is about to learn that the greatest weapon you possess is self-control! Lingering Questions – Who's our ideal action movie partner? (26:02) The "Mr. Dumpling" Trivia Challenge – The Thunderous Wizard challenges the field to trivia about the movie. (46:28) Recommendations – We offer our picks for the week and next up: We continue our Hops and Kicking Jeans Flops series with Firewalker! (55:55) 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!

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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

A film podcast dedicated to the underdogs — the disasters, the bombs, the much maligned! So sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy!

Information

  • Creator
    Hops and Box Office Flops
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Hops and Box Office Flops