How Did This Get Made?

Earwolf and Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas

Have you ever watched a movie so perplexing that you found yourself wondering, 'How did this get made?' You're not alone! Join hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas as they dive deep into some of Hollywood's most bizarre and fascinating cinematic creations. Each episode of 'How Did This Get Made?' features lively debates, hilarious insights, and a touch of comedic madness. From box office bombs to cult classics, the trio, along with special guests, explore the mysteries and the joys behind these unique films. The podcast, produced by Earwolf, combines humor, critical analysis, and enthusiast discussions, making it a perfect pit stop for anyone who loves pop culture and movies with a twist. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for a laugh, this podcast promises entertainment and bewilderment. Dive into the full list of episodes below and experience a roller-coaster ride through cinema's most curious offerings.

Episodes

  • Last Looks: Merlin: The Return

    In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the quirky and puzzling movie "Merlin: The Return." The hosts, along with their audience, revel in dissecting the film's odd choices, from outdated special effects to confusing plot decisions. They humorously question the film's historical inaccuracies and the peculiar persistence of ancient characters in modern settings. Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener submissions and corrections, adding a layer of interactive humor as they discuss everything from the film's budget myths to Merlin's anachronistic presence in a contemporary village.

  • Matinee Monday: Rhinestone LIVE! (w/ Matt Jones)

    The hosts and their audience gathered live at Largo in Los Angeles to dissect the 1984 musical comedy "Rhinestone." The film, which paired Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton, is a comedic disaster where Stallone's character must become a country singer to win a bet. The episode features a blend of humorous commentary, live audience interaction, and critical analysis of the film’s absurdities, from its implausible plot to Stallone’s awkward musical performance. Highlights include discussions on the film's bizarre depiction of New York as a country music hub, the odd contractual stakes of the bet, and Stallone's comedic attempts gone awry.

  • Merlin: The Return LIVE!

    In this live episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas tackle the film "Merlin: The Return". The hosts humorously dissect the film's various absurdities, including its low budget, bizarre plot choices, and questionable character dynamics. Notable discussions include the anachronistic setting, misplaced special effects, and the unexpected portrayal of historical characters. The hosts’ chemistry adds a dynamic layer to the review, engaging the audience with their banter and spontaneous reactions to the film’s oddities.

  • Matinee Monday: Solarbabies LIVE! (w/ John Mulaney)

    In a raucous live event, the team dissects "Solarbabies," a film produced by Mel Brooks, known for its bizarre blend of post-apocalyptic themes and roller skating. The hosts, along with comedian John Mulaney, explore the movie's oddities, from its confusing narrative and underdeveloped characters to its inexplicable focus on roller skating as a mode of transport and sport in a dystopian future. The conversation highlights the film's peculiarities, such as the integration of a mystical orb called Bodi, which the characters believe will save their desolate world. The episode is filled with humor, incredulity, and a deep dive into what makes "Solarbabies" a memorable cinematic oddity.

  • Last Looks: Madame Web

    In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas review the movie "Madame Web." They explore various aspects of the film, including its plot, character development, and special effects, while providing a comedic take on its shortcomings. They discuss specific scenes and decisions that seemed illogical or poorly executed, often referencing fan comments from their discord channel for additional humor and insight. The episode is filled with lively discussions, corrections and omissions from previous episodes, and segments where the hosts interact with their listeners to address their thoughts and corrections about the movie.

  • Matinee Monday: Howard the Duck LIVE! (w/ Kristen Schaal)

    "Matinee Monday: Howard the Duck LIVE!" is an episode of the podcast hosted by Earwolf along with Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas. Featuring guest Kristen Schaal, the hosts delve into the bizarre and humorous aspects of the 1986 movie "Howard the Duck." The discussion focuses on the movie's unusual plot, its reception, and various eccentric details, like the evolutionary implications of a duck with human-like features and the notorious "duck boobs" scene that left an imprint on the hosts' childhood memories. The conversation oscillates between laughter and disbelief, highlighting the movie’s outlandish special effects, quirky dialogue, and the absurdity of a duck becoming the lead character in a sci-fi narrative.

  • Madame Web LIVE!

    In the "Madame Web LIVE!" episode of the podcast, the hosts delve into an in-depth and comedic critique of the film "Madame Web." They explore various aspects of the movie, from its plot and characters to its logical inconsistencies and humorous moments. The discussion is filled with witty banter and insightful comments about the film's execution, character development, and the odd choices made throughout its storyline. The hosts also engage in a lively debate about the implications of the film's narrative decisions and the potential connections to broader Marvel lore.

  • Matinee Monday: Moonfall LIVE!

    In "Matinee Monday: Moonfall LIVE!", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas dive into the movie "Moonfall" with their trademark humor, live at Largo in Los Angeles. The episode dissects the film's plot, acting, and numerous plot holes, with particular emphasis on its portrayal of a moon threatening Earth. Their discussion blends comedic critique with spontaneous jokes, often focusing on the absurdity of the film’s premise and execution, including its unexpected product placements like Lexus. The hosts also explore the implications of corporate influence on film narratives.

  • Last Looks: The Ugly Truth [Jason Edition]

    In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?" Jason Mantzoukas takes the lead with co-hosts Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael absent, diving into the movie "The Ugly Truth." The discussion unfolds in a chaotic yet entertaining manner as Jason, along with producers Scott Aukerman and Molly Reynolds, navigates through listener comments, voicemails, and personal rants about the film. The episode features a mix of humor and critique, focusing on the film's unrealistic elements, humorous scenes, and overall impact on viewers. The interaction is spontaneous, filled with tangents that provide both insight and comedy, reflecting on the absurdity of the film's plot and execution.

  • Matinee Monday: Ernest Goes To Jail

    In this episode, the hosts explore the movie "Ernest Goes to Jail," discussing its humorous and often bizarre scenes. The film features the character Ernest, portrayed by Jim Varney, who is mistaken for a look-alike criminal and ends up in jail. The hosts comment on the film's slapstick humor, peculiar scientific inaccuracies, and unexpected depth given to Ernest's character, especially highlighting his transformation into an electrically charged, magnetic personality. The episode mixes humor with an analysis of the film’s production quality, Ernest's character evolution, and its cult status.

  • The Ugly Truth LIVE!

    In "The Ugly Truth LIVE!" from the podcast by Earwolf with hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, the trio delivers a comedic and critical breakdown of the 2009 rom-com "The Ugly Truth." The hosts engage in lively discussions about the movie's outdated gender stereotypes, character dynamics, and comedic elements, often highlighting the absurdity and hilarity of the film's approach to romance and relationships. They also touch upon the performances of the lead actors and the film's reception, mixing personal anecdotes and industry insights to explore how the movie reflects broader societal attitudes.

  • Matinee Monday: The 6th Day

    This episode of "Matinee Monday" features hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas as they explore the 2000 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "The 6th Day." The film's central themes of cloning and the moral questions it poses serve as a springboard for a lively discussion that blends humor with insightful commentary. The hosts dissect the film's plot, special effects, and its relevance to current scientific debates about biotechnology. They also compare the movie's futuristic predictions to today's technological advancements, making for a humorous yet thought-provoking conversation that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

  • Last Looks: The Beekeeper

    In "Last Looks: The Beekeeper," hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas dissect the film "The Beekeeper," focusing on its unique aspects and missed opportunities. The episode kicks off with humorous banter and segues into a thorough analysis of the film's plot, character development, and thematic undertones. They explore the titular character's role and the film's connection to broader cinematic narratives. The hosts also engage with the audience through a segment called "Corrections and Omissions," where they address feedback and insights from listeners, further enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives. This interaction adds depth to their analysis and highlights the community's engagement with the podcast.

  • Matinee Monday: Sleepwalkers (w/ Lauren Lapkus)

    The hosts and Lauren Lapkus tackle the oddities of "Sleepwalkers," a Stephen King adaptation featuring shapeshifting, vampiric creatures preying on virgins. The episode unpacks the film’s convoluted plot, peculiar characters, and bizarre lore, interspersed with humorous takes on its illogical scenes. They discuss the film's unique elements like its blend of horror and comedy, the incestuous undertones between the main characters, and the film’s chaotic use of its monster lore. The hosts express confusion and amusement over the film's poorly explained mythology and the inexplicable behaviors of its characters, particularly the peculiar mother-son dynamic.

  • The Beekeeper LIVE!

    In this high-energy live episode, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the absurdities of the fictional action movie "The Beekeeper." Recorded at the Hackney Empire in London, the trio humorously critiques the film's plot, characters, and logic—or lack thereof. From Jason Statham's character, a retired assassin turned beekeeper, to bizarre narrative choices and inexplicable scenes, the hosts entertain the audience with their witty observations and engaging banter. They discuss various elements of the movie, including its action sequences, the unrealistic portrayal of technology, and the comedic value of the supporting characters. The episode thrives on the hosts' chemistry, delivering laughter and insightful commentary on the movie's attempt to blend action with peculiar beekeeping metaphors.

  • Matinee Monday: Kazaam LIVE! (w/ Kay Cannon)

    In this live episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, along with special guest Kay Cannon, delve into the 1996 movie "Kazaam," featuring Shaquille O'Neal as a rapping genie. The hosts explore the absurdities of the film, from its bizarre plot points to Shaq's questionable acting chops. They humorously critique various scenes, discuss character motivations, and revel in the film's many inconsistencies. Audience interaction adds a lively dynamic to the episode, as fans share their thoughts and pose intriguing questions, enhancing the comedic and analytical exploration of "Kazaam."

  • Last Looks: Samurai Cop (w/ Todd Glass)

    In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", the hosts and guest Todd Glass explore the cult classic "Samurai Cop." The discussion begins with an analysis of the film’s unintentional humor resulting from the director’s shaky grasp of English idioms and American action movie tropes. The episode features amusing segments like listener corrections and omissions, and live reactions to absurd movie scenes, making for an engaging critique. Additionally, Todd Glass shares insights into his comedy career and discusses his upcoming project, "The Event of a Lifetime," blending humor with serious commentary on the art of stand-up and audience engagement.

  • Matinee Monday: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow LIVE!

    In this live episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, along with guest Tawny Newsome, deliver a scathing and humorous review of "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow." They discuss the film's over-reliance on CGI, the puzzling plot, and the underwhelming performances. Their commentary is interspersed with humorous anecdotes, interactions with the audience, and discussions on various absurd elements of the film, such as the odd scientific inaccuracies and the bizarre narrative choices. The episode is a mix of criticism and entertainment, providing listeners with both laughs and insights into the film's production and its myriad shortcomings.

  • Samurai Cop LIVE!

    In a live recording, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas tackle "Samurai Cop," a film notorious for its over-the-top action, awkward dialogues, and an infamous wig. The hosts hilariously dissect scenes, performances, and technical mishaps, emphasizing the film’s poor production values and unintentional comedy. Discussion includes the improbably complex romantic scenarios and bizarre action sequences that align with the film's cult status. They explore how "Samurai Cop" reflects an extreme example of a genre film that's become beloved for all the wrong reasons, celebrating its place in cult film lore.