For the bright young ladies of Wellesley College, their time at university may have more to do with finding the man of their dreams than chasing dreams of their own. Featuring one of the most empowering performances by the one and only Julia Roberts, ”Mona Lisa Smile” challenges the dominant culture in the movie’s 1950s landscape. Joined by comedian and podcaster, Cat Cohen, the two break down Roberts’ portrayal of this new subversive art history teacher who has a natural disdain for the girls’ conditioning. Undoubtedly, “In a world that told them how to think, she showed them how to live.” This Roberts’ classic embodies her effortless poise and effect on audiences with just a smile. 

Don’t forget to submit your hot takes for our next movie club meeting on 90s Teen Movies with #maxmovieclub to @hbomaxmovies on Twitter and Instagram! 

Watch on HBO via HBO Max: “Mona Lisa Smile” until November 30, 2022 & “Stepmom” until July 31, 2022
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Julia Roberts Showed Us How to Live (with Cat Cohen)

The official HBO Max Movie Club podcast provides a forum for fans of the service’s priority library films and new Saturday night theatricals via conversational host commentary, along with guest appearances from the folks who produced, directed, wrote, or starred in these very awesome movies. Hosted by comedian Matt Rogers (Las Culturistas), this fun (and often, hilarious) podcast that covers the freshest new releases and most beloved nostalgic films of the past is your one-stop-shop for all movies on HBO Max…and beyond.

TV & Film

Film Interviews

Film History

"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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Batman Returns (with Danny Pellegrino)

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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I Will Always Love “The Bodyguard” (with Sam Sanders)

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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Gimme Barrymore (with D’Arcy Carden)

“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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Feed Me, Seymour! (with Michelle Collins)

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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Julia Roberts Showed Us How to Live (with Cat Cohen)

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