HBO Max Movie Club

"Batman Returns” is the iconic 1992 superhero film where Horror Queers can go for Christmas content. In both aesthetic and legacy, the sexy silhouettes, childhood nightmare foder, and commercial success could only be the product of Tim Burton’s fantastic stylings. In this sequel, as Batman inevitably returns to battle the joint efforts of the monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito) and businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) we see the resulting rise of Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Detailing Pfeiffer’s effortless prowess and iconic performance in the role, Matt is joined by the one and only, writer and podcaster, Danny Pellegrino, for the season finale of the HBO Max Movie Club. There is no better way to end season two on a high note than recounting Pfeiffer’s iconic villain performance, the film’s major marketing campaign, and ultimately the dark but memorable childhood staple for so many. 

Watch on HBO Max: “Batman Returns” until December 31, 2022

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In some of the most unpredictable ways, “The Bodyguard” is the ultimate queer narrative! The romantic drama follows a former Secret Service agent tasked with protecting a high-profile actress and singer, iconically starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. On this episode, journalist & podcaster Sam Sanders joins Matt to explore the legacy of Whitney Houston’s acting debut. Most notably, the soundtrack for the film featuring Whitney’s cover of “I Will Always Love You,” cements the lovable legacy with the best-selling soundtrack of all time. At the height of her living stardom, Whitney’s performance was best highlighted by the film’s unforgettable musical moments and cultural iconography. 

Watch on HBO Max: “The Bodyguard” until December 31, 2022

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The first in Drew Barrymore’s iconic pairings with Adam Sandler, “The Wedding Singer” is the perfect gentle yet sassy rom-com that could only be a product of the 90s. When Robbie, a wedding singer, meets Julia their friendship slowly reveals that they have both fallen for the wrong people. Gracing the pod today is actress, D’Arcy Carden, to gush over the film’s cutest moments on top of Drew’s life in the spotlight and her evolution as an actress and public figure. As a child star, Barrymore embodied Hollywood royalty for better or worse, but has since successfully solidified her legacy as a genuine and loveable star. “The Wedding Singer” is the cheesy will-they-won't-they that capitalizes on undeniable chemistry and underdog romance to rank as a fan favorite in Barrymore’s canon of Blockbuster hits. 

Watch “The Wedding Singer” on HBO Max until December 31, 2022 and “Grey Gardens” on HBO via HBO Max.

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“Little Shop of Horrors” is an iconic American horror comedy musical turned film, but simply put, it is a cult classic. Starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, and countless iconic cameos, “Little Shop” somehow makes murder endearing when paired with a catchy, early 1960s rock & motown soundtrack. The film follows Seymour, a nerdy flower shop attendant, who seizes an opportunity to jumpstart the straining business, as well as a hopeful romance with his co-worker Audrey. Discovering an alien plant that feeds only on human flesh and blood, this adaptation of an Off-Broadcast musical toes the line between chaotic camp and creative comedy. To honor the madness, personality and mogul, Michelle Collins, joins Matt to dive into everything from the sexuality of an alien plant to the featured tentacle work. 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “Little Shop of Horrors” until December 31, 2022

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If there is one thing we all want a little more than world peace, it’s Matt Rogers and comedian Joel Kim Booster to relive the Sandra Bullock masterpiece that is “Miss Congeniality.” Joining the movie club again this season, Joel and Matt rival mixed reviews for the film with their appreciation for every quotable moment and Bullock’s endless number of dedicated pratfalls. Bullock plays an undercover FBI agent who transforms from one of the boys to become a pageant queen in order to investigate a bomb threat targeting the Miss United States beauty pageant. With effortless performances from the likes of Michael Caine and Candice Bergen to William Shatner and Benjamin Bratt, the film is as far-fetched as it is loveable. Thankfully, Joel - ever the Sandra enthusiast - uplifts moments that gracefully highlight Bullock as the versatile and fearless comedic actress that she is.

 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “Miss Congeniality” until December 31, 2022

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“Magic Mike” was the major box office hit to spawn the G-string paradise that would kick off the female frenzy and boost Channing Tatum’s sex symbol status as a movie star. This week, Matt is joined by comedian and friend, Mary Beth Barone, to revisit the cultural phenomenon that took straight women by storm. From the iconic Live stage show to the 3rd installment “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” the original film became a franchise that could actually make hot beefcakes into art. Following the woes of Maimi’s Magic Mike, the headliner in an all-male revue, the screenplay was inspired by Channings own stint as a roofer by day and professional stripper by night. The film contains clear shock value with much eye candy, but is surprisingly even more shocking with it’s deeper storylines, star-studded cast, and acclimated direction by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh. 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “Magic Mike” until May 31, 2023 and “Magic Mike XXL” until July 31, 2022. “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” is heading to theaters on February 10, 2023.

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The legendary comeback queen, Miss Tina Turner herself is the focus of the heart-wrenching documentary respectively named, “Tina.” Angela Bassett’s Oscar-nominated performance as the soulful singer and dancer gave a glamorous, yet raw telling of a life of trauma and suppression. Matt is joined by HBO Docs Club host, Ronald Young Jr., to unpack over 50 years of Tina’s career in popular music and culture profiled in the film. The tragic, yet triumphant journey follows Tina as she reclaims a career controlled by her ex-husband, Ike Turner, and gyrates her own way to legendary status. Forever evolving her memorable career and style as a performer - Tina defines what it means to have star quality. 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max

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Satire-comedy, “9 to 5,” stars the iconic trio, Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), as exhausted secretaries navigating their toxic workplace. While under the heavy thumb of their sexist boss, they find their wildest revenge fantasies coming true, while of course, hilarity ensues. To recall the classic, Matt is joined by writer and friend of the show, Louis Virtel, to reflect on Jane Fonda’s imprint on the film, and gush over favorite scenes and BTS gems. Establishing Dolly as more than a country singer and entertainer, but truly as a star, “9 to 5” started life-long friendships for the leading ladies and cemented a home for acrylics in the workplace. Never forgetting the song of the same name, “9 to 5” was a Billboard Hit and Grammy winner, and simultaneously immortalized the legacy of the film.

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “9 to 5” until March 31, 2023

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For childhood friends, Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), their love for the game has stiff competition against their growing love for each other. It begs the question: is all fair in Love & Basketball? Matt is joined by comedian and actress, Sydnee Washington, to rehash the edgy chemistry and all-star cast in this sweet sports classic. The film follows the two friends as they shoot their shot at love as the success of their separate professional basketball careers threatens their relationship. This directorial debut for Gina Prince-Bythewood is a testament to her nuanced approach to a coming-of-age film and her own love of the game.

 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “Love and Basketball” until December 31st, 2022

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Where would we be without ‘90s teen movies? A true time capsule of over-the-top high school stereotypes, films like “She’s All That” left their mark on informing a generation of rom-com drama addicts. Matt is joined by the second half of the “Seek Treatment” podcast, Pat Regan, to rewind the tapes and share their take on the teen classic. The clichés colored the foundation for their nineties youth and the politics of a high schooler’s social life. In a world of aesthetic outdoor lockers, the romantic chemistry between Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook had no better place in teen history.  

Don’t forget to submit your hot takes for our next movie club meeting on “Love & Basketball” with #maxmovieclub to @hbomaxmovies on Twitter and Instagram! 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “She’s All That” until March 31, 2023

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