Ep. 55: Stephen King’s ”Maximum Overdrive” (1986)

What if machines came to life and wreaked havoc on humanity? Join us for a riotous episode of Screams & Streams as we dissect the outrageous 1986 Stephen King film "Maximum Overdrive." With a shockingly low 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie is a goldmine of absurdity and questionable production choices. Sam kicks things off with a hilarious summary, capturing the chaos at a truck stop where machines terrorize the hapless survivors. We mix things up with our drink of the day, the Old Town Road cocktail, inspired by the film's bizarre setting and King's rumored state of mind. We then share our vastly different experiences of the film—Mike nostalgically recalls his childhood fascination, while Sam laments her arduous viewing experience.

We take a fun dive into classic 80s horror tropes and clichés, poking fun at the impractical reactions of characters and the bizarre dynamics of being trapped with various personalities. From absurd one-liners like "Curtis, are you dead?" to the misleading joy marketed on a toy trailer, we leave no stone unturned in our comedic critique. We also tackle the film's glaring inconsistencies, such as the improbable gas supply at a single station and the reckless use of rocket launchers near gas pumps, making for an entertaining discussion on the film's numerous flaws.

To round things out, we delve into the chaotic production background of "Maximum Overdrive," including Stephen King's infamous drug use and his ill-fated attempt to cast Bruce Springsteen. We share shocking trivia, like the on-set accident that cost a cinematographer his eye and King's unconventional method of securing AC/DC for the film's soundtrack. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just in the mood for a good laugh, this episode offers a perfect blend of critical insights and humor. Tune in and join us on this wild ride through one of the most bizarre films of the 80s!

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