Episode 349: 'Challengers' with Robert Abele

Episode 349: 'Challengers' with Robert Abele

Author: MaximumFun.org May 10, 2024 Duration: 1:02:46

Luca Guadagnino’s latest film (and biggest to date) has been the talk of cinema circles since its release. Whether it’s causing a thirst for threesomes, a craving for churros, or a burning desire to pick up a racket, folks have been talking about it, and now we are too, with help from LAFCA President and critic Robert Abele! Then we’ll hear a lot more about Alonso’s forthcoming book, HOLLYWOOD PRIDE, out soon on May 14! 

What’s Good
Alonso - Justin Chang winning a Pulitzer Prize
Drea - PRF Facial in Vegas
Robert - LA Lemons galore and making food with them 
Ify - Warhammer Cafe in Monrovia

ITIDIC

  1. Slamdance Is Moving to Los Angeles!
  2. Vin Diesel’s Riddick Sequel Will Begin Filming This Fall
  3. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys Are Revealing MCU Spoilers

Vin Diesel Street Sharks Demo (as referenced by Ify)

Tennis player Andrea Petkovic’s review in The Guardian (referenced by Robert)

***Order a signed copy of Alonso’s book from Book Soup***

Staff Picks
Drea - The Idea of You
Alonso - Egoist
Robert - Whatever is on Criterion 24/7! (also: Evil Does Not Exist)
Ify - Dial M for Murder

Get your Physical Media Sign for tapping! Art by Producer Marissa…tap at will!

Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or Letterboxd

With
Kevin Avery
Drea Clark
Alonso Duralde

Produced by Marissa Flaxbart
Sr. Producer Laura Swisher


Every week, comedian Kevin Avery, film producer Drea Clark, and critic Alonso Duralde gather to tear into the world of movies, offering a perspective that breaks from the usual mold. Their conversations are a rapid-fire mix of sharp critique, industry knowledge, and genuine comedy, making each episode feel like hanging out with the most film-obsessed friends you have. Maximum Film! dives into the latest releases, dissects classic cinema, and unpacks the news shaping Hollywood, all delivered with an energy that’s as entertaining as it is insightful. This isn’t a dry lecture; it’s a lively, thoughtful, and often hilarious flight through everything on screen. You’ll find yourself reconsidering films you love and discovering new favorites, all thanks to the distinct voices and experiences each host brings to the microphone. Part of the MaximumFun.org network, this podcast consistently delivers that perfect blend of smart analysis and effortless fun, turning your weekly listen into a highlight for any film fan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 459

Maximum Film!
Podcast Episodes
Episode 322: 'The Persian Version' with Artemis Pebdani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:29
Maryam Keshavarz’s semi-autobiographical film won awards at Sundance and jumps between tones as it switches from the perspective of daughter, mother, and grandmother. Our hosts, along with guest Artemis Pebdani, talk abo…
Episode 321: 'Killers of the Flower Moon' & Its Handsome Devils [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:52
The hosts of Maximum Film! don't have all the answers, but they do have their own answer to the questions "What if I drank 10 glasses of water before seeing a 206-minute movie?" "Is it okay for a movie to be 206 minutes…
Episode 320: 'Anatomy of a Fall' is NOT Relationship Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
Director Justine Triet's Palme D'Or winner ANATOMY OF A FALL is finally appearing in American theaters, and our trio is ready to deliver a verdict. Plus, a new round of Hall of Excellence nominees that really puts the wi…
Episode 319: 'Dicks: The Musical' with Drew Droege [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
When a UCB show (called Fucking Identical Twins) becomes A24’s first musical, it’s safe to expect the unexpected. Joined by actor, writer, and comedian Drew Droege, the gang takes an intimate look at Dicks, followed by a…
Episode 318: 'Flora and Son' with Siobhan Fallon Hogan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:09
Director John Carney has a very particular set of skills…this week, the gang discusses those skills and how they’re on display in his latest, FLORA AND SON, starring Eve Hewson. Then, we debate a Hotline question about w…
Episode 317: 'A Haunting in Venice' with Gillian Walters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:30
It’s getting spooky (and even a little sad) in the world of Branagh Poirot, but don’t worry it’s still cozy! Cozier than ever, perhaps. We’ve got Gillian Walters, Poirot fan and arbitress of all things cozy (which is the…
Episode 316: 'Cassandro' Changes the Rules [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:16
A new film directed by Roger Ross Williams tells the true story of luchador Saúl Armendáriz, who was determined to fight and win on his own terms as Cassandro…and made (gay) history in the process. Then, we’ll take a loo…
Episode 314: 'Bottoms' with Julie Goldman and Brandy Howard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:28
What’s GoodAlonso - Bellota BellotaDrea - Romantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldBrandy - Video Patreon FeedJulie - new kitten (getting his nails trimmed)Ify - weekend trip, painting tiny boysITIDICTaylor Swift’s Studio-Fre…
Episode 313: 'Blue Beetle' with Carlos Aguilar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:59
What’s GoodAlonso - Ben & Jerry’s Gimme S’more Drea - Inkoo Kang’s Newsletter, This Was CoolCarlos - Return to the dry heat of LAIfy - Aunts in town and cookingITIDICDUNE 2 Pushed to 2024Los Angeles Is Having an Art Hous…