Podcast Summary: How Did This Get Made? – "Last Looks: Sinbad Of The Seven Seas" Featuring Jon Gabris

Introduction & Guest Appearance

In the June 6, 2025 episode of How Did This Get Made? titled "Last Looks: Sinbad Of The Seven Seas," hosts Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas welcome comedian Jon Gabris as their special guest. The trio embarks on an entertaining dissection of the infamous film "Sinbad of the Seven Seas," exploring its myriad flaws and cult status among bad movie enthusiasts.

Deep Dive into "Sinbad of the Seven Seas"

The episode kicks off with Paul Scheer humorously suggesting an alternate tagline for the film: “Sinbad of the Seven Seas, long tails, high sales, and coke nails” (02:05). This playful mockery sets the tone for a thorough analysis of the movie's shortcomings, from its improbable plotlines to its questionable special effects.

Jason Mantzoukas chimes in with exclamations like, “How did this get made?” (02:05), highlighting the collective bafflement shared by fans of the show. The hosts humorously lament the film's narrative choices and character development, painting a vivid picture of why "Sinbad of the Seven Seas" has become a staple in the "so bad it's good" movie category.

Corrections and Omissions from Fans

One of the standout segments features corrections and insights from dedicated listeners who submitted their observations via Discord. Mitch Capa, also known as Chunk Style, points out a directorial nod to the "Hercules" film series: “When the camera is down below him as he is swimming in the open water, we see that this film is lifted straight from Hercules” (06:46). Paul responds with mock astonishment, admitting, “Probably was averting my eyes” (07:26), showcasing the hosts' willingness to engage with and appreciate fan contributions.

Another listener, Katie from Seattle, provides a nuanced correction regarding the inspiration behind Disney's "Aladdin," noting its closer ties to "The Thief of Baghdad" than to the original "Thousand and One Nights" version (08:14). Paul acknowledges her input with gratitude, stating, “We're learning... we could also be learning” (08:50), emphasizing the educational aspect of their discussions.

Katie further elaborates on plot points she felt were overlooked, such as the scene where Sinbad chokes a horse in a gravel pit, adding, “I'm pretty fucking sure they actually buried a horse in gravel” (09:19). Paul humorously reacts, “You can’t have PETA in sight on these films at all” (10:20), blending humor with critique.

Supporting a Cause: Avril Halle's Battle with Cancer

Amidst the humor, the hosts take a heartfelt moment to support Avril Halle, a valued member of their production team battling brain cancer. Paul makes a heartfelt appeal: “We want to send her a lot of love and that's what she wants right now” (07:12). He encourages fans to share fan art and messages of support through various platforms, showcasing the community's solidarity beyond just discussing bad movies.

Deleted Scene: Jessica St. Clair's Hilarious Anecdote

A highlight of the episode is a bonus deleted scene featuring Jessica St. Clair recounting a bizarre encounter with Eddie Murphy involving a butt rash (16:46). The comedic exchange unfolds as Jessica hilariously mixes personal health woes with fictional mishaps involving "fake Eddie Murphy," leading to an uproarious narration that underscores the absurdity the hosts revel in.

Conversation with Jon Gabris: Summer Movies and Beyond

In a candid conversation with Jon Gabris, the hosts transition from deconstructing "Sinbad" to discussing broader topics, primarily focusing on summer movie releases. Jon introduces his new podcast, Staying Alive with Adam Pally, a health and wellness show targeting mental and physical well-being through engaging conversations with experts (23:40). Paul praises Jon’s work, saying, “It's such a fun podcast” (28:34), while Jason elaborates on the show's appeal, highlighting its organic approach to discussing health without being prescriptive (27:21).

The discussion then shifts to ongoing summer movies. Paul and Jason express excitement for upcoming releases like "Naked Gun," "Friendship," and "Weapons," sharing their anticipations and reservations. Notable mentions include:

• Naked Gun: Paul shares his enthusiasm after watching a sneak peek, “I laughed, like genuinely hard laughs throughout” (29:02), praising its alignment with the original’s comedic style.

• Friendship: Jason lauds the film, mentioning, “People are so primed to laugh at Tim... It’s a really beautiful score” (30:08), while Paul emphasizes his desire to experience the movie in a lively theater setting.

• Superman and Fantastic Four: Both hosts discuss their mixed feelings about these reboots. Paul is cautiously optimistic about the new "Superman" film under James Gunn’s direction, appreciating his track record while expressing uncertainty about character inclusions (37:00). Jason compares it to the "John Wick" series, highlighting his excitement for fresh takes on classic characters.

• Thunderbolts and Fast X: The duo also touches on Marvel’s "Thunderbolts," appreciating Florence Pugh's performance, and debates the likelihood of "Fast X Part 2," citing Vin Diesel’s relentless promotion as both hopeful and exasperating (47:00).

Fan Engagement and Community Highlights

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize their interactive relationship with listeners. They encourage submissions of taglines, corrections, and creative contributions through their Discord and website, fostering a vibrant community. Highlights include:

• Nikki the Gnome's Insight: Offering a historical perspective on Italian cinema and its influence on "Sinbad of the Seven Seas," Nikki adds depth to the hosts’ analysis (10:00).

• Final Fan Opinions: In the outro, snippets from fans like Katie and Dan provide a humorous counterpoint to the episode's critiques, culminating in a comedic endorsement of the film despite its faults (59:28).

Upcoming Episodes & Announcements

As the episode wraps up, Paul announces the next installment will focus on the 2004 dance film "You Got Served," hyping its inclusion despite its low critical reception: “Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a 14% on Tomatometer... but let's take a listen to the trailer” (56:55). This teaser promises another round of humorous deconstruction and celebration of a less-than-stellar film.

Conclusion

"Last Looks: Sinbad Of The Seven Seas" is a quintessential How Did This Get Made? episode, blending sharp wit, community engagement, and insightful (albeit humorous) critiques. By navigating through fan submissions, personal anecdotes, and animated discussions with Jon Gabris, Paul, and Jason create an episode that not only ridicules a gloriously bad movie but also celebrates the joy of shared laughter and communal support.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer: “We watch these bad movies so you don’t have to!” (00:54)
• Jason Mantzoukas: “How did this get made?” (02:05)
• Katie from Seattle: “The Disney movie is much more inspired by the Thief of Baghdad.” (08:14)
• Jessica St. Clair: “Eddie Murphy has somebody. I call him fake Eddie Murphy.” (16:46)
• Jon Gabris: “Staying Alive with Adam Pally is a health and wellness podcast hosted by the physically unhealthy and the mentally unwell.” (27:21)

This episode serves as a testament to How Did This Get Made?'s ability to turn cinematic disasters into sources of laughter, learning, and community spirit.