Matinee Monday: The Adventures of Pluto Nash (w/ Jessica St. Clair & Lennon Parham) – Detailed Summary

How Did This Get Made? is renowned for its humorous dissection of poorly received films, and the episode titled "Matinee Monday: The Adventures of Pluto Nash" continues this tradition with an in-depth, comedic analysis of Eddie Murphy's notorious sci-fi action film. Hosted by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, the episode welcomes special guests Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham to explore why The Adventures of Pluto Nash became one of the biggest box office flops in history.

Introduction of Guests and Episode Setup

At [02:05], Paul Scheer introduces the episode's special guests, Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, who are promoting their new NBC show, Best Friends Forever. The hosts set the stage for a deep dive into Pluto Nash, expressing both curiosity and skepticism about the film's questionable merits.

June Diane Raphael humorously remarks, "Perhaps we'll find the answer to the question, how did this get made?" ([02:01]), signaling the comedic yet critical examination to follow.

Initial Impressions and Plot Confusion

The discussion kicks off with Paul Scheer asking, "How would you classify this movie? Is it a comedy? Is it an action movie?" ([03:00]). Jason Mantzoukas responds with confusion, stating, "I was completely mystified by what was happening." ([04:12]), highlighting the film's convoluted narrative.

Lennon Parham attempts to distill the plot, suggesting, "In one line. What is the movie? Yeah. You're black. Han Solo on the moon." ([04:31]), which encapsulates the film's attempt to blend genres but falls short in coherence.

June Diane Raphael adds, "I kept thinking to myself during the first scene, who ran his club when he was in jail?" ([05:04]), pointing out the movie's lack of clear backstory and character motivations.

Plot Breakdown and Inconsistencies

The hosts delve into specific plot points, with Jason Mantzoukas humorously lamenting, "How did this remain? Let's wallow in the mediocrity of subpar art." ([01:56]). They dissect the movie's timeline issues, such as the sudden seven-year jump and conflicting character histories.

At [06:16], June Diane Raphael notes, "Rosario Dawson in one scene goes. Keeps referring to back in 76. That's only four years ago." The discrepancy in the timeline underscores the film's inconsistent world-building.

Paul Scheer summarizes the plot's lack of sense: "From moment one, actively doesn't make any sense. And it is definitely not a comedy. I counted one and a half jokes." ([07:29]). He cites specific non-humorous elements like the robot maid scene: "They could look at her robot vagina. Like that was basically what Eddie Murphy gets off on, looking at robot vaginas." ([07:43]), highlighting inappropriate and poorly executed humor.

Acting and Character Development

The episode discusses the performances, particularly criticizing Randy Quaid as the robot bodyguard. June Diane Raphael states, "I think he was the only committed member of this cast." ([21:08]), praising his dedication despite the film's shortcomings.

Paul Scheer and the others express frustration over character motivations and developments, questioning the logic behind cloning and character interactions. Jessica St. Clair humorously points out, "Rex Carter was cloned from Alec Baldwin and then Eddie Murphy was fighting himself the entire movie." ([41:11]), illustrating the film's confusing character arcs.

Production Flaws and Budget Mismanagement

The hosts critique the movie's production design and budget allocation. June Diane Raphael observes, "This movie was in development for 17 years. That is insane." ([11:58]), indicating outdated and inconsistent visual elements.

Paul Scheer mocks the film's aesthetics: "They made this movie like, in the 2000s, it looks like someone in the 70s made a movie about the future." ([12:13]). The discussion touches on poor set designs resembling a "dilapidated version of Universal CityWalk" ([11:20]), and the misuse of budget funds for incoherent advertisements within the film.

Jason Mantzoukas jokes about the soundtrack, stating, "It's one of the worst soundtracks of all time. It's like Saved by the Bell underscore, but jazzy hip hop." ([09:39]), emphasizing the disjointed and unfitting musical choices.

Soundtrack and Costuming Critique

The episode highlights the film's ineffective soundtrack and bizarre costuming. June Diane Raphael comments on Rosario Dawson's outfits: "Rust colored ruffled shirt and leather jacket that was the most awesome, unflattering thing I've ever seen." ([12:27]), critiquing the impractical and unappealing wardrobe choices.

The hosts also discuss the movie's attempts at humor through costume, noting "they're dressed like Arsenio Hall on the moon." ([12:49]) and comparing some outfits to "40s hairstyles" ([24:10]), further illustrating the film's lack of cohesive style.

Financial Impact and Overall Opinion

Paul Scheer reveals the movie's financial debacle: "It has a distinction of being the biggest financial loss of any movie besides John Carter of all time." ([10:45]). The hosts collectively express that the film failed both critically and commercially, deeming it a "million-dollar mistake."

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a critical yet comedic tone, ultimately advising listeners to avoid the film. Paul Scheer emphatically concludes, "Do not watch this. Do not watch this movie." ([58:39]), summarizing their unanimous negative reception.

Audience Reviews and Contrasting Opinions

In classic How Did This Get Made? fashion, the hosts juxtapose their harsh critique with absurdly positive audience reviews from Amazon.com. Jason Mantzoukas sarcastically agrees with a five-star review: "Look at this moving image." ([54:20]), mocking the notion that the film has redeeming qualities.

Lennon Parham humorously adds, "If you want a secondary activity to your main activity which is shoveling popcorn in your fat fucking face, then you could do worse than watch this movie." ([54:38]), emphasizing the film's suitability only as a mindless pastime rather than a quality cinematic experience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts solidifying their shared disdain for The Adventures of Pluto Nash. They lament the film's numerous flaws, from plot inconsistencies and poor acting to dreadful production choices. Despite the entertaining breakdown and humorous banter, the consensus remains clear: Pluto Nash is a cinematic misstep best left unviewed.

June Diane Raphael encapsulates the sentiment: "Your life is precious. Do not waste it watching Cuda." ([58:19]), advising listeners to spend their valuable time on more worthwhile endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Scheer: "From moment one, actively doesn't make any sense. And it is definitely not a comedy. I counted one and a half jokes." ([07:29])
• Jason Mantzoukas: "How did this remain? Let's wallow in the mediocrity of subpar art." ([01:56])
• June Diane Raphael: "Perhaps we'll find the answer to the question, how did this get made?" ([02:01])
• Lennon Parham: "If you want a secondary activity to your main activity which is shoveling popcorn in your fat fucking face, then you could do worse than watch this movie." ([54:38])
• Paul Scheer: "Do not watch this. Do not watch this movie." ([58:39])

Final Verdict

How Did This Get Made? delivers a thorough and entertaining critique of The Adventures of Pluto Nash, blending sharp humor with genuine analysis. For fans of the podcast or those intrigued by cinematic flops, this episode offers both laughs and scathing insights into why Pluto Nash remains a legendary example of a film that missed the mark entirely.