Podcast Summary: "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot w/ Kate Spencer (HDTGM Matinee)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: How Did This Get Made?
• Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
• Guest: Kate Spencer
• Episode Title: Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot w/ Kate Spencer (HDTGM Matinee)
• Release Date: July 15, 2025
• Description: Celebrates and dissects notoriously bad movies with humor and insightful commentary.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode begins with Paul Scheer introducing the podcast and welcoming the special guest, Kate Spencer. The hosts tease the discussion about the infamous movie "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot," setting the stage for an in-depth analysis.

Paul Scheer [01:25]: "It's a buddy cop movie where one of the buddies is a mommy. We saw the Sylvester Stallone Estelle Getty classic. Stop or my mom will shoot."

2. Initial Impressions and Roger Ebert's Critique

The hosts reference Roger Ebert's scathing review, which labeled "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" as the worst film he had ever watched. This sets a critical tone for the discussion.

Paul Scheer [03:22]: "This is our Roger Ebert tribute episode here. Because Roger Ebert has called this movie the worst film he ever saw, ever."

3. Character Analysis: Sylvester Stallone and Estelle Getty

The conversation delves into Sylvester Stallone's portrayal of a police officer partnered with his overly intrusive mother, played by Estelle Getty. The hosts debate the effectiveness of this dynamic and its impact on the film's reception.

June Diane Raphael [05:30]: "There are several shots of Estelle Getty that make it seem as though this is a horror film. ... I felt scared."

4. Themes and Messages: Gun Control and Mental Health

Kate Spencer brings up the underlying themes of gun control, highlighting scenes where the protagonist faces challenges acquiring a firearm legally, which resonates with issues pertinent to 2013.

Kate Spencer [07:14]: "There was a gun control message to this movie that felt very applicable to 2013."

The hosts also touch upon the psychological aspects, discussing the protagonist's inability to express emotions and how his relationship with his mother influences his behavior.

Jason Mantzoukas [16:53]: "Something that we're putting a lot on Sylvester. I actually really think the bigger problem was with her."

5. Prop and Soundtrack Critique

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the movie's props and soundtrack, which the hosts find incongruent with the film's intended genre. The constant use of a seemingly cheerful jazz soundtrack juxtaposed with violent scenes creates a disjointed viewing experience.

Paul Scheer [19:03]: "It's the music that underscores every scene. It's like a bad Disneyland jazz band throughout the entire movie."

6. Cinematic Techniques and Directing Flaws

The hosts critique the directing choices, such as inconsistent character development, awkward framing, and misplaced emotional beats. They argue that these flaws contribute to the movie's poor reception.

June Diane Raphael [22:20]: "But what they were establishing is that she's in jeans. It's after. This is the dress. It just felt like that."

7. Comparative Analysis with Other Films

Comparisons are drawn between "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" and other buddy cop movies like "Beverly Hills Cop," highlighting where the film succeeds and where it fails in relation to its peers.

Jason Mantzoukas [09:03]: "Beverly Hills Cop was written for Sylvester. And he turned it down and Eddie Murphy made it. And it became a huge hit. I think this movie was Sylvester's attempt to be like, oh, shit, I blew it with that movie."

8. Discussion on Misogyny and Character Portrayal

The hosts express concerns about the film's portrayal of women, particularly focusing on Estelle Getty's character. They argue that the movie perpetuates misogynistic stereotypes by depicting the mother as overbearing and the female lieutenant as underdeveloped.

June Diane Raphael [35:17]: "I felt like she's doing something we've already seen her do on Golden Girls. Like there was nothing different."

9. Analysis of Supporting Characters and Extras

Attention is given to the supporting cast and extras, whom the hosts find either overacting or contributing little to the narrative. They point out inconsistencies and unnecessary comedic elements that detract from the main storyline.

Jason Mantzoukas [30:01]: "I love that shit."

10. Reception and Legacy

The discussion shifts to the movie's reception, both critically and among audiences. The hosts read aloud purported five-star Amazon reviews, questioning their authenticity due to the movie's widely acknowledged flaws.

Paul Scheer [51:03]: "A flatworm could write a better script."

11. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Concluding the episode, the hosts reflect on whether the movie merits viewing. They agree that while "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" is undeniably terrible, it's watchable for its entertainment value and the laughs it inadvertently provides.

Jason Mantzoukas [53:49]: "I would like to put it out to our audience to cut a trailer for this movie that makes it seem like a horror movie."

Paul Scheer [53:49]: "We probably wanna just do an episode where you... Yeah, let's actually just play one of the scenes where Sylvester is very upset with his mom."

12. Notable Quotes

• Paul Scheer [03:22]: "This is our Roger Ebert tribute episode here."
• June Diane Raphael [05:30]: "I felt scared."
• Jason Mantzoukas [09:03]: "Beverly Hills Cop was written for Sylvester."
• Paul Scheer [51:03]: "A flatworm could write a better script."

13. Conclusion

"Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" serves as a prime example of how not to blend genres and develop character relationships. Despite its numerous flaws, the film provides ample material for humor and critique, fitting perfectly into the "How Did This Get Made?" ethos of celebrating and dissecting bad movies.

For those who haven't listened: This episode offers a humorous yet critical examination of a poorly received film, enriched by thoughtful commentary and engaging banter among the hosts and their guest. It's an entertaining deep dive into movie-making missteps and the enduring fascination with films that bewilder both critics and audiences alike.

Notable Timestamps:

• Introduction of Guest: [02:12]
• Roger Ebert's Critique: [03:22]
• Gun Control Theme: [07:14]
• Character Portrayal: [05:30], [35:17]
• Soundtrack and Props: [19:03]
• Comparative Film Analysis: [09:03]
• Final Thoughts: [53:49]

Follow the Hosts and Guest:

• Paul Scheer: @PaulScheer
• June Diane Raphael: @isjunedian
• Kate Spencer: @aitspencer

Disclaimer: All quotes are attributed as per the provided transcript and may contain paraphrasing for clarity and conciseness.