Podcast Summary: "How Did This Get Made? - A View to a Kill LIVE! w/ Matt Gourley and Matt Mira (HDTGM Matinee)"

Release Date: January 7, 2025

In this lively and in-depth live episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas are joined by Matt Myra and Matt Mira from the "James Bonding" podcast. Together, they dissect the James Bond film "A View to a Kill," exploring its numerous flaws, questionable plot points, and memorable yet perplexing scenes. This summary captures their key discussions, insights, and humorous critiques, enhanced with notable quotes and timestamps for a comprehensive overview.

I. Introduction to the Live Episode

Paul Scheer kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to the live session of "How Did This Get Made?" He briefly addresses potential technical issues inherent to live recordings and promotes his new Adult Swim infomercial featuring Ray Wise.

Notable Quote:

• Paul Scheer [02:16]: "He's armed, he's dangerous, he's geriatric. In a movie that makes as much sense as its title. We saw 'A View to a Kill.' So you know what that."

II. First Impressions and Overall Assessment

The hosts share their initial thoughts on "A View to a Kill." Paul Scheer expresses a surprising affection for the film, despite its reputation as one of the weaker Bond installments. Jason Mantzoukas echoes this sentiment, highlighting his nostalgic connection to the movie.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [06:02]: "This movie is ingrained in me. Every scene was great."
• Jason Mantzoukas [06:10]: "Personally, I'm in the same boat as you. This movie is my origin story."

III. Character Analysis

Max Zorin and Grace Jones’s Character

The discussion delves into the portrayal of Max Zorin, the film’s villain, and Grace Jones’s enigmatic character. Paul Scheer criticizes the clichéd and pun-filled names of the Bond girls, contrasting them with Grace Jones’s more unique portrayal.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Mantzoukas [12:12]: "Zorin was a cosmetics manufacturer... we saw multiple blimps in this movie."
• Paul Scheer [18:35]: "Grace Jones is the most recognizable person in the world. She is a giant woman with a bizarre hairstyle."

IV. Plot and Logical Flaws

The hosts critically examine Max Zorin’s plan to flood Silicon Valley to monopolize the microchip industry. They point out the inherent flaws, such as Zorin inadvertently targeting his own customers instead of his competitors.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [50:11]: "He wants to flood Silicon Valley to disrupt microchip production so he can own all the microchips."
• Jason Mantzoukas [53:19]: "His whole plan, he doesn't see the folly in it. It's just an exercise for him."

V. Technical and Cinematic Elements

Critique is directed at the film’s technical aspects, including the overuse of blimps and reliance on green screen technology, which detracts from the movie’s authenticity and believability.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [12:25]: "This movie is drowning in blimps."
• Jason Mantzoukas [19:38]: "They paid for the cheap rights to a Beach Boy song."

VI. Specific Scene Critiques

Butterfly Show Sequence

One of the most discussed segments is the butterfly show, which the hosts find unrealistic and indicative of the film’s lack of coherence. They debate whether the butterflies were meant to be real or were merely special effects, expressing concern over animal cruelty implications.

Notable Quotes:

• June Diane Raphael [32:55]: "The butterflies aren't real... it's just amazing how they're presented."
• Paul Scheer [36:19]: "Those butterflies have no choice in performing that act. You know what? And that is ammo. Cruelty. And they do not belong."

Awkward Sexual Encounter

The awkward and uncomfortable sexual scene between James Bond and Grace Jones is another focal point. The hosts critique the lack of chemistry and the bizarre portrayal of intimacy, highlighting how it undermines the film’s quality.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Myra [60:04]: "He throws dildos... they are just wrestling around until they get their juices flowing."
• June Diane Raphael [87:01]: "There's nothing. But with Tanya Roberts, he does. He acts like a daddy to her."

VII. Cinematic and Cultural References

The hosts make cultural references to other films and elements, such as the Duran Duran song associated with the movie, drawing parallels to works like "Mr. Magoo" and "Blue Man Group" to illustrate their points.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Mantzoukas [26:56]: "It's the best song. It really is one of my favorites."

VIII. Audience Interaction and Alternate Opinions

Addressing listener questions, the hosts juxtapose their harsh critiques with more favorable audience reviews found on platforms like Amazon. This contrast highlights the subjective nature of film appreciation.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [107:56]: "I love collecting and watching James Bond movies during the winter when there's nothing nor anywhere to go."
• Jason Mantzoukas [112:33]: "I recommend this movie with every drop of blood that pumps through my heart."

IX. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Concluding their discussion, the hosts express a consensus that while "A View to a Kill" has its entertaining moments, its overall execution is flawed. They recommend viewing select scenes rather than the entire film, citing its length and unnecessary plotlines involving horses.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Mantzoukas [112:33]: "I recommend this movie with every drop of blood that pumps through my heart."
• Matt Myra [113:20]: "I wouldn't watch the whole movie. Especially, you can fast forward anything with horses in it because it's not relevant to the rest of the movie whatsoever."

X. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to guests, shout-outs to contributors, and promotions for future episodes. The hosts encourage listeners to engage on social media and support their ventures.

Notable Quote:

• Paul Scheer [110:21]: "We'll see you next time."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the live podcast episode, offering a structured and comprehensive overview of the hosts' perspectives on "A View to a Kill." By highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and critical analyses, it serves as a valuable resource for those who haven't listened to the episode.