Matinee Monday: Kate and Leopold – Episode Summary

Released on December 2, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the quirky romantic comedy "Kate and Leopold." Celebrating the film's unique blend of time travel and romance, the trio dissects its plot intricacies, character dynamics, and numerous continuity gaffes with their signature comedic flair.

Plot Overview

"Kate and Leopold" centers around Leopold (played by Hugh Jackman), a 19th-century Duke who inadvertently time travels to modern-day New York City. There, he meets Kate (Meg Ryan), a successful market research executive specializing in promoting Farmer’s Bounty Margarine. Their unexpected meeting sparks a romantic connection that bridges centuries but is fraught with comedic and illogical moments.

Continuity and Time Travel Gaffes

The hosts spend significant time critiquing the film's handling of time travel and continuity errors:

• Time Travel Mechanics: Leopold's method of traveling through time—jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge during specific weather patterns—raises eyebrows. Paul Scheer (02:30) questions, "Did you think she was a margarine salesman?" highlighting the confusion surrounding Kate's actual role.

• Historical Inaccuracies: The film references historical events and figures inaccurately. At (04:14), Jason Mantzoukas notes Leopold mentions Jack the Ripper, whose activity peaked in 1888, seven years after Leopold’s supposed 1876 origin.

• Costume Consistencies: The hosts humorously discuss the unchanged attire of characters despite time shifts. At (09:49), Jason quips about the "continuity police," emphasizing how Kate's modern hairstyle remains unchanged even as her dress transforms to fit the 19th century.

• Logical Inconsistencies: The abrupt disappearance of the time portal and the effortless relocation of characters between eras are points of contention. At (07:54), June Diane Raphael remarks, "We actually have not seen that," referring to the portal's existence.

Character Analysis and Development

• Leopold’s Characterization: Leopold is portrayed as a "complete and utter idiot" despite his time-traveling abilities. Jason Mantzoukas (18:20) sarcastically summarizes Leopold’s obsession, illustrating the lack of character depth and motivation.

• Kate’s Professional Life: Kate's dedication to her career is both a strength and a weakness. Paul Scheer (28:14) criticizes her inability to balance love and career, leading to her tragic decision to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge.

• Supporting Characters: The interplay between Meg Ryan's Kate and other characters, including played by Breckin Meyer and Bradley Whitford, adds layers of complexity that the hosts find underdeveloped and confusing.

Romantic Elements and Chemistry

The chemistry, or lack thereof, between the leads is a focal point of the discussion:

• Lack of "Meet Cute": The absence of a traditional romantic "meet cute" hampers the development of Leopold and Kate’s relationship. Paul Scheer (05:02) laments, "But there was stuff in it that I couldn't figure out."

• Meg Ryan’s Performance: While June Diane Raphael (11:29) praises Meg Ryan’s portrayal of Kate, Paul Scheer (22:03) feels her character lacks genuine interest until later in the film, undermining the romance's foundation.

• Romantic Inertia: The hosts argue that without a compelling romantic connection, the film fails to engage emotionally. Jason Mantzoukas (39:07) points out, "There's nothing for her to..."

Humor and Comedic Elements

Despite its flaws, the film contains moments that elicit laughter:

• Opening Scene Jokes: The movie kicks off with a "30-second dick joke" (15:02) that sets an awkward comedic tone.

• Character Quips: Lines like Margaret’s (Bradley Whitford) comments on Kate’s appearance and attire provide levity but often fall flat due to lack of context.

• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Pitches: The hosts brainstorm alternative scenes that could have enhanced the film’s humor and coherence, such as a more dynamic entrance for Kate through the portal (65:05).

Technical and Production Critiques

The podcast hosts also touch upon the film's production choices:

• Direction and Script: While acknowledging James Mangold's directorial efforts (17:53), Paul Scheer (63:22) criticizes the convoluted problem-solving approaches Leopold employs, undermining the film’s logic.

• Budget vs. Execution: With a budget of $48 million (72:16) and a modest box office return, the hosts question whether the investment was justified given the film's lackluster execution.

• Deleted and Additional Scenes: Insights into deleted scenes suggest a more developed storyline that could have enriched the film, yet their absence leaves the narrative disjointed (45:19).

Audience Reception and Legacy

In assessing the film’s reception, the hosts reference audience reviews:

• Mixed Reviews: Despite their critique, some audience reviews on Amazon praise the film for its "old-fashioned romance" and "clean fun" (66:49), indicating a polarized reception.

• Cultural Impact: The movie maintains a nostalgic charm for some viewers, while others, like the hosts, see it as a convoluted mess that fails to resonate.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Paul Scheer (73:09) and June Diane Raphael (73:26) ultimately conclude that "Kate and Leopold" does not stand up as a commendable romantic comedy. They recommend viewers opt for more coherent and engaging rom-coms, deeming this film neither a hidden gem nor a worthwhile watch for fans seeking sensible storytelling and genuine chemistry.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Scheer [00:03]: "Christmas is going up in flames."
• Jason Mantzoukas [03:08]: "She's slinging margarine. She's not making."
• June Diane Raphael [11:29]: "She didn't chew the scenery. It was so well done."
• Paul Scheer [29:06]: "I have to jump. And the visuals of that are very unsettling."
• Jason Mantzoukas [37:18]: "She needs her. Who gives anyone a bomb pilot?"
• June Diane Raphael [39:26]: "I'm here for the right reasons. Are you here for the right reasons?"

Final Recommendation

For fans of "Kate and Leopold" seeking a light-hearted critique filled with humor and sharp observations, this episode offers a comprehensive dissection of the film's strengths and glaring weaknesses. However, those expecting an endorsement of the movie should note the hosts' unanimous sentiment that numerous other romantic comedies offer a more satisfying viewing experience.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on "Kate and Leopold" by visiting our Discord at Discord.gg/hdtgm or tune into our mini episodes for more in-depth discussions.