Podcast Summary: "Hercules in New York LIVE! w/ Abbi Jacobson (HDTGM Matinee)"
Podcast Information:
- Title: How Did This Get Made?
- Hosts: Paul F. Tompkins, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
- Guest: Abbi Jacobson
- Episode: Hercules in New York LIVE! w/ Abbi Jacobson (HDTGM Matinee)
- Release Date: June 3, 2025
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with the hosts Paul F. Tompkins and Jason Mantzoukas setting the stage for their live discussion of the 1969 cult classic "Hercules in New York", featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of his earliest roles. The lively atmosphere is palpable as they welcome their special guest, Abbi Jacobson, known for her role in Broad City.
Notable Quote:
- Paul F. Tompkins [00:00]: "What do you do when you only have two locations, Central Park and a dingy hotel room? You make a movie."
2. Initial Impressions
The hosts express their surprise at the obscurity of the film despite its "awesome" qualities, contemplating the necessity of reviewing it multiple times a year due to its intricate discussions.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul F. Tompkins [03:10]: "This movie is awesome. Amazing. I'm surprised I never heard of it."
- Jason Mantzoukas [03:24]: "I feel like this is a movie we could do once a year."
3. Character Analysis
a. Arnold as Hercules
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Hercules. They debate the authenticity of his performance, noting his struggle to convey emotions and the dubbing choices made due to budget constraints.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mantzoukas [10:03]: "But he's meant to be, like, an absolute brat and that this is gonna humble him. But it doesn't really."
- June Diane Raphael [15:03]: "He has a very, very small waist, which I never noticed before."
b. Prezi
Prezi, portrayed by Jason Mantzoukas, is examined as a complex character who interacts with Hercules, leading to discussions about his background, name origin, and psychological state.
Notable Quotes:
- Abbi Jacobson [05:09]: "I thought they were both pseudonyms."
- Jason Mantzoukas [14:34]: "He is a beautiful man."
c. Other Characters: Zeus, Mercury, etc.
The portrayal of gods like Zeus and Mercury entering the mortal world is critiqued for its absurdity and lack of coherence, with humorous comparisons to other fictional universes.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mantzoukas [35:27]: "Such a good question. I mean, I still do, you know. My family... everybody wave to."
- June Diane Raphael [33:15]: "It's the backyard of a house."
4. Plot and Key Scenes Discussion
a. Central Park Scenes
The depiction of Central Park in the film is mocked for its unrealistic portrayal, including cars driving on the lawns and the overall bleakness mirroring New York's late 60s backdrop.
Notable Quotes:
- June Diane Raphael [44:51]: "Yeah. What is that?"
- Paul F. Tompkins [44:37]: "By the way, Central Park looks like shit in this movie."
b. Boat and Airplane Scenes
The hosts discuss the bizarre entry of gods into the mortal realm, including Mount Olympus being reduced to a backyard setting and gods arriving via unconventional means like helicopters and subways.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul F. Tompkins [08:12]: "Attempt ever to be undercover. No, but, like, he's like, I am from Mount Olympus and my father is Zeus."
- Abbi Jacobson [09:00]: "When he arrives, he behaves as though he's still on Mount Olympus."
c. Fight Scenes and Chariot Chase
Highlighting the film's action sequences, such as Hercules fighting a bear and the notorious chariot chase through New York City, the hosts critique the inconsistency and comedic exaggeration of these scenes.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mantzoukas [48:16]: "I would love a movie that's based on these two dudes."
- Paul F. Tompkins [50:15]: "The title says it all. Hercules. A strong young man looking to find his purpose in life."
5. Acting and Direction
The hosts delve into the movie’s direction, particularly the low-budget constraints that led to creative choices like dubbing and limited locations. They humorously compare Arnold’s performance to Tommy Wiseau’s iconic role in The Room.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mantzoukas [10:02]: "The problem is Schwarzenegger can't perform any of those emotions."
- Paul F. Tompkins [19:50]: "He has such a depression era mentality that he's like, what's yours is mine."
6. Themes and Subtext
Discussions reveal underlying themes of immortality leading to apathy among gods and the existential crises faced by Hercules and Prezi. The hosts draw parallels to modern myths and the disconnection between divine beings and mortals.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul F. Tompkins [35:02]: "The gods are bored."
- Abbi Jacobson [35:24]: "There's nothing happening."
7. Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Throughout the episode, several standout quotes encapsulate the hosts' comedic and critical perspectives:
- Jason Mantzoukas [16:07]: "This is a Tommy Wiseau level performance."
- Paul F. Tompkins [25:37]: "This is a real fish out of water story."
8. Guest Highlights: Abbi Jacobson
Abbi Jacobson contributes insightful and humorous observations, challenging the hosts on character motivations and plot inconsistencies, enriching the discussion with her unique comedic flair.
Notable Quotes:
- Abbi Jacobson [08:43]: "Okay, so both were being... you thought both of them were his name."
- Abbi Jacobson [25:09]: "How awesome would it be if Pretzy was also dubbed by Schwarzenegger?"
9. Fake Critics Reviews
The segment transitions to imagined five-star reviews from fictional fans, satirizing typical positive movie critiques by highlighting absurd praises for the film’s flaws.
Excerpt:
- Paul F. Tompkins: "The hot dog vendor scene is the best. I would pay 300 yen to see that again. The guy chases the horseman and it goes bog. It's awesome, Bo. Five stars."
10. Concluding Opinions
In wrapping up, the hosts collectively acknowledge the film's unintentional humor and cult status, recommending it for its sheer entertainment value despite its numerous flaws.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Mantzoukas [75:55]: "You know why it doesn't get a pause? Because this is New York and New York is like no New York. Fuck America."
- Paul F. Tompkins [76:09]: "Watch this movie. Just for Pretzy alone."
Final Thoughts
"Hercules in New York LIVE! w/ Abbi Jacobson (HDTGM Matinee)" offers a thorough and hilariously critical exploration of a fictional, yet emblematic bad movie. The blend of sharp wit, detailed analysis, and guest interaction makes it both an entertaining and informative listen for aficionados of cult cinema.