How Did This Get Made? Episode Summary: "Last Looks: Oscar" featuring Nick Kroll & Rob Huebel
Release Date: July 18, 2025
In the "Last Looks" episode of How Did This Get Made?, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the notoriously flawed film "Oscar." Joined by special guests Nick Kroll and Rob Huebel, the episode offers a blend of humorous critiques, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and engaging discussions that shed light on the myriad ways the movie missed the mark.
**1. Episode Introduction and Updates [00:38 - 02:30]
Paul Scheer kicks off the episode by addressing the audience from a laundry room in Vancouver, humorously highlighting his inability to disconnect from work even while on vacation. He shares uplifting news about Avril, the movie-picking producer, whose MRI results have shown no growth or tumors. Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude towards the listeners for their support and well-wishes, emphasizing the community's role in Avril's recovery.
Paul Scheer [02:05]: "Avril just got some amazing MRI results that showed no more tumors or growth... It has meant the world to her. We really appreciate that."
**2. Deep Dive into "Oscar" and Listener Contributions [03:00 - 13:00]
The hosts transition into a detailed analysis of the film "Oscar," inviting listeners to rectify any inaccuracies from their previous discussions. This segment features various listener comments sourced from the show's Discord channel, addressing plot inconsistencies, character development issues, and directorial choices that rendered the film ineffective.
Key Discussions:
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Misconception About Sex and Acne:
Rob from Long Island humorously debunks the cliché that sexual activity cures pimples, referencing a line from Little Shop of Horrors.
Rob [08:15]: "The notion that sex cures pimples is a common myth that is not supported by scientific evidence."
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Animation Choices in the Film:
Johnny Unusual critiques the decision to include Claymation for an opera singer character, questioning its purpose and execution within the movie.
Johnny Unusual [09:45]: "It's confounding to have no funny business nor exciting visual flair... What was the point?"
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Jewelry as a Security Measure:
Cash Money Coward draws parallels between the film's portrayal of jewelry as a means to protect assets from police seizure and real-life practices among criminals.
Cash Money Coward [10:30]: "It's seen as a sign of opulence, but actually stems from the thought that arrested by police, the cops can take your cash, but they have to give your jewelry back."
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Alternate Ending in French Version:
SS Lizard points out differences in the French version of "Oscar," where the daughter ends up with the character Oscar, contrasting it with the original script.
SS Lizard [11:50]: "In the older French version of the movie, the daughter actually gets with Oscar in the end."
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Stakes and Plot Holes:
DrGutts1003 laments the lack of tension in the film, citing obvious plot holes such as the protagonist's obliviousness to a police stakeout.
DrGutts1003 [12:20]: "Snaps never seems concerned or even aware of the fact that the police have staked out his house... It would have made the film so much better."
**3. Sylvester Stallone Podcast Highlights [14:00 - 25:00]
Paul Scheer introduces a nostalgic segment by unveiling highlights from a decade-old "Sylvester Stallone Podcast," unearthed from the now-defunct Wolfpop network. This archived content features conversations with Nick Kroll and Rob Huebel, providing humorous and exaggerated insights into Stallone's persona.
Notable Highlights:
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Nick Kroll as Stallone:
Nick Kroll humorously mimics Stallone's demeanor and discusses the rigors of a writing day infused with over-the-top routines.
Nick Kroll [20:23]: "I wake up about 4am, I go out, I go drink like 12 eggs and then I come home and do three hours of buys."
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Rob Huebel's Attempted Stallone Impression:
Rob Huebel engages in a comedic interaction, attempting to embody Stallone's tough-guy image while inadvertently showcasing his lack of familiarity with the role.
Rob Huebel [27:34]: "That's why I said which movie that I did."
Paul Scheer [28:19]: "Over the top, that arm wrestling movie and shit."
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Behind-the-Scenes Banter:
The exchange between Paul, Nick, and Rob provides humorous behind-the-scenes insight into the dynamics of portraying a legendary action star.
Paul Scheer [24:23]: "I have nothing to plug, but I just want to say you are all absolutely amazing."
**4. Announcements and Future Episodes [25:00 - 43:56]
As the episode progresses, Paul Scheer transitions back to current updates, announcing the premiere of "Expendables 4." He humorously critiques the film's reception, referencing its low Rotten Tomatoes score and Adam Graham's negative review in the Detroit News.
Paul Scheer [40:53]: "Rotten Tomatoes gives this movie a 14% on the Tomatometer. And Adam Graham of the Detroit News says this dumb as rocks exercise in violence and stupidity represents a low for the franchise."
Additionally, Paul promotes digital media services like Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby, encouraging listeners to support their local libraries by utilizing these platforms.
Paul Scheer [43:03]: "When you use them, you actually help fund the local public library. So get an account, get on there. It's important that we keep our libraries open."
Upcoming Content:
The episode concludes with teasers for future "Last Looks" segments, emphasizing the ongoing "Stallone Summer" theme and promising more in-depth analyses of action-packed, yet critically panned films.
Paul Scheer [43:56]: "We'll be continuing Stallone summer with 2023's Expendables 4... Enjoy the show."
**5. Host Interaction and Humorous Antics [30:00 - 34:00]
A segment of the episode showcases a scripted and lighthearted interaction between Paul Scheer, Nick Kroll, and Rob Huebel, further highlighting the camaraderie and comedic timing that characterize the podcast. This playful banter adds an extra layer of entertainment, keeping listeners engaged and amused.
Nick Kroll [42:53]: "Expendable Definitely rated r. In theaters September 22nd."
Rob Huebel [29:13]: "People, you're going to get in a lot of trouble for this podcast."
Conclusion
The "Last Looks: Oscar" episode of How Did This Get Made? masterfully combines insightful critiques of a flawed movie with entertaining segments featuring beloved comedians. Through listener interactions, humorous impersonations, and candid discussions, the hosts and guests deliver a comprehensive and engaging analysis that both entertains and informs. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers a delightful exploration of how some films become legendary for all the wrong reasons.
Notable Quotes:
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Paul Scheer [02:05]: "Avril just got some amazing MRI results that showed no more tumors or growth... It has meant the world to her."
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Nicola Kroll [20:23]: "I wake up about 4am, I go out, I go drink like 12 eggs and then I come home and do three hours of buys."
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Rob Huebel [27:34]: "That's why I said which movie that I did."
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Paul Scheer [40:53]: "Rotten Tomatoes gives this movie a 14% on the Tomatometer."
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Nick Kroll [42:53]: "Expendable Definitely rated r. In theaters September 22nd."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the discussions and humor that make How Did This Get Made? a standout podcast celebrating the art of questionable filmmaking.
