Episode Summary: How Did This Get Made? – "God of Egypt" with Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi (HDTGM Matinee)

Release Date: February 4, 2025

In this engaging episode of the award-winning comedy podcast "How Did This Get Made?" hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, the team delves deep into the infamous film "Gods of Egypt." Joined by special guests Brian Safi and Aaron Gibson from the "Casuals" podcast, the discussion is a blend of sharp humor, insightful critique, and collective bewilderment at how such a movie came to fruition.

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode kicks off with Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas introducing their guests, Brian Safi and Aaron Gibson, highlighting their backgrounds in comedy and podcasting. The hosts set the stage for a thorough examination of "Gods of Egypt," emphasizing their intent to celebrate the film's shortcomings with humor.

Notable Quote:

• Paul Scheer [02:03]: "Hello people of Earth, and welcome to How Did This Get Made? We're gonna have a good time celebrating."

2. Initial Impressions of "Gods of Egypt"

The conversation begins with the guests sharing their first reactions to the film. Brian Safi expresses initial excitement due to Jason Mantzoukas's recommendation but quickly shifts to disappointment after realizing the film's departure from authentic Egyptian mythology.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Safi [03:33]: "I realized I had watched part of Exodus, Gods and Kings, the Ridley Scott movie that is also a nonsensical. All white people in an environment in which everybody would not be white."
• Paul Scheer [04:06]: "Take everything you know about Egyptian mythology and forget it completely."

3. Plot and Narrative Structure

The hosts and guests dissect the film's convoluted plot, noting the confusion arising from its lack of coherence. They highlight the constant shifting of settings, unclear motivations, and the overabundance of subplots that fail to contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Mantzoukas [04:46]: "There are so many subplots. Boring subplots."
• Brian Safi [05:20]: "Cause we really wonder how did this get made?"
• Paul Scheer [10:31]: "Do your gods have. Can your gods turn into battle armor?"

4. Casting and Character Analysis

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the casting choices, particularly Gerard Butler as Set and the portrayal of gods with inconsistent accents and character traits. The hosts critique the lack of diversity and the incongruity of casting actors from "Game of Thrones," which inadvertently added to the film's confusion.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Gibson [05:52]: "All of which is green screen."
• Brian Safi [06:07]: "Jaime Lannister is 25ft tall, and the human guy he's running around with is a normal dude."
• Paul Scheer [07:12]: "A cast of Americans could not make this movie."

5. Special Effects and CGI Critique

The group delves into the film's visual aspects, particularly its reliance on CGI and green screen technology. They express frustration over the unrealistic portrayal of gods, the overuse of snakes, and the overall lack of visual coherence that detracts from the viewing experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Safi [05:35]: "It's a platform movie because it's all they had was a platform."
• Paul Scheer [06:22]: "They keep saying in order to beat Set, we have to like, extinguish his fire with the space water."
• Aaron Gibson [17:34]: "I loved that scene. I loved the snakes."

6. Dialogue and Script Issues

The episode highlights the film's problematic dialogue, including unrealistic conversations, inconsistent character voices, and lines that break immersion. The hosts point out moments where the script fails to align with the movie's mythical setting, creating a jarring experience for the audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Mantzoukas [07:28]: "I was like, no one's ever said that in Egypt."
• Brian Safi [16:24]: "From the get go, nothing makes sense."
• Paul Scheer [12:02]: "Ploop."

7. Performances and Character Development

Despite the film's numerous flaws, the hosts acknowledge the actors' efforts. Gerard Butler's commitment to his role and Geoffrey Rush's portrayal of Ra receive particular mention. However, they lament that these performances are undermined by the film's structural issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Safi [32:10]: "I wish this guy would do better stuff because I find him interesting, compelling."
• Paul Scheer [32:10]: "Everyone was in like, I am here. I am committed."

8. Critical Reception and Audience Response

The discussion touches upon the film's critical reception, noting its low Rotten Tomatoes score despite a substantial budget. Guests speculate on the movie's international appeal versus domestic performance, ultimately agreeing that the film's quality does not justify its financial investment.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Safi [31:37]: "How did this get made Hollywood?"
• Paul Scheer [31:55]: "This movie is terrible."

9. Final Verdict and Recommendations

Concluding the episode, the hosts and guests unanimously recommend against watching "Gods of Egypt" in its entirety. Instead, they suggest viewing selective clips to understand their points of critique. They humorously entertain the idea of being part of such a chaotic production, highlighting the movie's appeal as a "background movie" rather than a focal watch.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Safi [69:36]: "I would not watch. Cause it is just unfathomably long."
• Jason Mantzoukas [71:14]: "It's a background movie."
• Paul Scheer [71:16]: "So that was no audience, guys. I'm going to say no on this one either."

10. Audience and Reviewer Perspectives

The episode also reviews various audience and critic opinions, ranging from exaggerated praise to mocking disdain. They analyze one particularly earnest review that paradoxically both criticizes and lauds the film, reinforcing the polarized reception "Gods of Egypt" has garnered.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [65:59]: "These are five star reviews culled from Amazon and they are..."
• Aaron Gibson [66:17]: "I want to fuck that Guy, five stars, all the buttons."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests maintain a humorous yet critical stance towards "Gods of Egypt," dissecting its myriad flaws with wit and camaraderie. Their comprehensive analysis not only entertains but also serves as a cautionary tale of how high-budget films can falter without authentic storytelling and thoughtful execution.

Final Thoughts:

• Jason Mantzoukas [71:17]: "Please, we don't."
• Paul Scheer [71:40]: "No, I don't think anyone really does."

For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussion, offering a window into the comedic yet critical dissection that "How Did This Get Made?" is renowned for.