Episode Summary: "On the Line w/ Ike Barinholtz (HDTGM Matinee)"
In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas are joined by special guest Ike Barinholtz to dissect the notorious 2001 NSync movie, "On the Line." Known for its exceptionally poor reception, the episode delves deep into the film's myriad flaws, questionable performances, and baffling production choices.
Introduction to "On the Line"
The discussion kicks off with the hosts introducing Ike Barinholtz, a familiar face from MADtv and Eastbound & Down, setting the stage for a thorough critique of the movie.
June Diane Raphael [02:25]: "We are joined today by the very funny Ike Barinholtz... He played the Russian pitcher. Welcome, Ike."
Plot Overview and Initial Impressions
"On the Line" is portrayed as a romantic comedy centered around Lance Bass, who plays a man actively dating but freezes when he meets the woman he's truly interested in. The hosts immediately highlight the movie's inability to establish clear stakes or coherent character motivations.
Jason Mantzoukas [02:39]: "I'd say besides 9/11, it's the worst thing to happen in 2001."
The film's premise is criticized for its lack of depth and confusing narrative structure.
June Diane Raphael [03:19]: "Lance Bass is a guy who is dating, but he just clams up when he finds the right girl."
Acting and Performances
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing the performances, particularly focusing on Joey Fatone and Lance Bass. Fatone's attempts at acting are met with mixed reviews, acknowledging his comedic background but questioning his fit in a leading role.
Jason Mantzoukas [12:05]: "I thought, for being a non-actor, Joey Fatone, this is controversial. I thought he did a fine job."
GQ and Dave Foley are also mentioned, with the hosts noting a general lack of chemistry and depth in performances, contributing to the film's overall mediocrity.
Production Flaws and Technical Issues
The hosts delve into numerous production disasters that plague "On the Line," ranging from poor sound mixing to inexplicable script choices.
Sound and Music
The movie's sound design is heavily criticized for its overwhelming and inappropriate use of sound effects and music, which detracts from the viewing experience.
June Diane Raphael [09:26]: "This movie was scored by a fucking DJ."
The relentless and often jarring music montages are highlighted as a significant flaw, disrupting the narrative flow and emotional beats.
Jason Mantzoukas [24:49]: "This movie is the most uncinematic film at all."
Script and Pacing
The script's lack of coherence and the movie's erratic pacing are major points of contention. The hosts point out scenes that feel stretched unnaturally, leading to a disjointed and tiresome viewing experience.
June Diane Raphael [45:40]: "It takes a really bold choice, which is the last 20 minutes could probably be condensed into five."
Product Placement
"On the Line" is rife with blatant product placements, particularly of brands like Reebok and McDonald's, which the hosts mock for their intrusive presence.
June Diane Raphael [08:30]: "Reebok is really up our ass on this account."
Narrative Inconsistencies and Plot Holes
The movie is riddled with plot holes and inconsistent character actions, leaving the audience bewildered. The absence of modern conveniences like the internet, despite the film being released in 2001, is a recurring joke among the hosts.
June Diane Raphael [14:12]: "2001. Right. That didn't exist. Right."
The unconvincing and rushed romantic developments further exacerbate the film's narrative shortcomings.
Jason Mantzoukas [27:09]: "They didn't beat the script that enough, I think was the biggest problem."
Reviews and Reception
The episode humorously tackles the movie's reception, showcasing fake positive reviews from dubious sources to emphasize the film's lack of genuine acclaim.
June Diane Raphael [51:33]: "This is written by Cary Gilfeather. A real feel good movie when America needed it most."
Real negative feedback is also parodied, reinforcing the movie's failure to resonate with audiences.
Box Office Performance
"On the Line" is acknowledged for its financial failure, having grossed a mere $4.3 million against an estimated budget ranging from $8 to $16 million.
June Diane Raphael [49:38]: "It made a whopping 4.3."
The limited release across a questionable number of theaters is mocked, highlighting the movie's lack of commercial viability.
June Diane Raphael [53:43]: "They would have added, actually placed fourth for first week numbers. Not bad for a couple of boy band guys, huh?"
Conclusion and Recommendations
Despite the overwhelming criticism, the hosts conclude that "On the Line" can be entertaining in its own flawed way. They recommend it to listeners who appreciate "so-bad-it's-good" cinema, suggesting it as an amusing watch for a good laugh.
June Diane Raphael [57:33]: "I think it's a fun movie to watch. Clearly."
Additionally, they mention the availability of the film on YouTube, allowing interested viewers to access it conveniently.
Jason Mantzoukas [57:56]: "You can imagine better people doing this."
Final Thoughts
The episode effectively highlights why "On the Line" is considered one of the worst films ever made, dissecting its numerous flaws with humor and camaraderie. For fans of the podcast and enthusiasts of cinematic misfires, this episode offers an entertaining deep dive into a film that seemingly missed every mark.
Note: All timestamps correspond to specific points in the transcript provided.