The Flop House

We've got a new best friend, and it's Alison Rosen! She drops by to discuss the Oscar-nominated Being the Ricardos, a movie that expresses Aaron Sorkin's deep and not at all bizarre understanding of how TV comedy works, and how it's the most solemn, earth-shaking thing that could ever exist, filled with people staring very seriously at jokes until their genius strikes them and they spew an impeccably-worded monologue about someone slipping on bananas, or whatever.Wikipedia entry for Being the RicardosMovies recommended in this episode:Jackass ForeverThe Card CounterI'm Your ManThe Stepford Wives

Who's winning in our brackets? Find out here, without even having to check Twitter!

We're going to do something a little different for this year's Maximum Fun donors exclusive bonus episode -- our first full-length movie commentary! And we're going to let YOU pick which of our previously-discussed Flop House faves we're recording a commentary for!We've put together a bracket, and starting on Monday, and going for four weeks in total, we'll be running Twitter polls at @theflophousepod to determine which fan-favorite movie will be revisited!But fear not! Even if you're NOT a MaxFun member, this episode is a lot of fun, with highlight clips from a bunch of our best episodes, our current thoughts on the bracket matchups, and the three of us in silly high spirits... Although, c'mon, if you're not a member by now, don't you think this year's upcoming drive (dates still under wraps) is the time to change that?Thank you to our sponsor, Lumi Labs.

We're joined by bestselling children's book author and illustrator Adam Rex, to discuss the misbegotten Dungeons & Dragons movie from 2000. What does he know about D&D, oh, we dunno... just that he was an illustrator for a little book called... THE MONSTER MANUAL (3rd edition)? Ever heard of it? (...plus a ton of other D&D manuals, Magic the Gathering cards, and other role playing and fantasy games). Join us as we point our magic missles at this magic misfire.Wikipedia entry for Dungeons & DragonsMovies recommended in this episode:Inherent ViceThe Last DuelMr. KleinThe Green Knight

We're joined by Erik Marcisak, the man who holds a hallowed place in Flop House history, as the man who introduced Dan and Elliott to one another. We reminisce with Erik about the old days, doing shows in his tiny comedy theater; then we segue into a discussion of Nukie, one of the bad movies that bonded him with Elliott; and wrap up with Erik subtly hijacking the show to interview us for a little bit.

Here's a new one -- two of the credited writers of Accidental Love (aka "Nailed," the movie that went through so many production issues that director David O. Russell asked for his name to be removed) actually PITCHED their own movie to us to cover. That's right, Elliott's colleagues, Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser, join us to discuss this legendarily troubled film, and they seem just as baffled as anyone about it!Wikipedia entry for Accidental LoveMovies recommended in this episode:TenebraeRed RocketDevil in a Blue DressBasket Case

Scott Meslow, author of the soon-to-be-released (Feb 1st!) book "From Hollywood With Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy," joins us to explain the surprising interconnectedness of Netflix's holiday romcom offerings.Praise for Scott's book:“From Hollywood With Love gives rom-coms the analysis and respect they finally deserve, especially since part of the snobbery around them is rooted in misogyny.”-Rachel Bloom, comedian, actress, and writer

Up until now, Audrey has been like one of those sitcom characters who's oft-referenced, but remains unseen, but now it's time for her to take the spotlight! Did we mention that Dan married her in November? Mazel tov, etc. And for such a joyous occasion the boys have given themselves a break by watching a movie that many people have goofed on, but they were all pretty sure they'd actually enjoy -- Lady Gaga's accent extravaganza, House of Gucci!Wikipedia entry for House of GucciMovies recommended in this episode:The French DispatchI'm Not ScaredThe Power of the Dog 

Author and host of Max Fun's very own Feeling Seen podcast, Jordan Crucchiola, joins us to talk about Georgia Rule, the film she claims has the largest discrepancy between what the viewer expects the movie to be and what it actually is.CONTENT WARNING: includes references to sexual assault, a surprising element in the film's plot that certainly took us off guard, so we don't want you to have to experience the same surprise, if you're not up for it.

In what has become a mini-tradition, we kick off the new year with an examination of last year's biggest musical flop. Unfortunately this one has a lot fewer cats and a lot more lying to a grieving family, and it's called Dear Evan Hansen. Joining us for the discussion is noted bar owner, Stuart wife, and DEH-on-Broadway-hater, Sharlene Wellington!Wikipedia entry for Dear Evan HansenMovies recommended in this episode:Nightmare AlleyHouse of GucciThe Worst Person in the WorldThe Year of the Sex Olympics