Podcast Summary: How Did This Get Made? – "The Arrival LIVE!"

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas

Introduction to "The Arrival"

In this live episode, the trio dives deep into the 1996 sci-fi film "The Arrival", featuring Charlie Sheen. The movie, with a modest budget of $25 million (approximately $75 million adjusted for inflation), struggled at the box office, grossing only $4.8 million domestically during its opening weekend. Despite its commercial shortcomings, it holds a respectable 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a niche appreciation among viewers.

Plot Overview and Initial Impressions

John Gabris expresses his initial confusion upon discovering the film:

"This is a sequel." (05:10)

The hosts discuss the film's premise—astronomer Zane (Charlie Sheen) discovers intelligent alien life harboring deadly secrets. However, they highlight how the movie's execution fails to convey the energy promised by its synopsis.

Character Analysis

Charlie Sheen as Zane: Sheen's portrayal of Zane oscillates between an Indiana Jones-esque adventurer and a disoriented scientist. Jason Mantzoukas praises Sheen’s charisma but criticizes the character's lack of depth:

"I fucking love Charlie Sheen." (08:14)

Supporting Characters: The absence of substantial interactions leaves Zane isolated, with minimal support from characters like Kiki the Kid (Lindsay Krause) and Terry Polo. The early demise of Richard Schiff's character, Toby Ziegler, further diminishes the film's narrative structure.

Visual Effects and CGI

The hosts express mixed feelings about the film's CGI, particularly the portrayal of the aliens:

• June Diane Raphael remarks on the aliens' "legs going backwards," finding it "deeply upsetting" yet "evocative." (09:43)

• Jason Mantzoukas humorously critiques Charlie Sheen's goatee, linking it to the film's overall aesthetic flaws:

  "Charlie Sheen is some sort of expert scientist. Two, Charlie Sheen turns down sex when offered. Took me right out of the movie." (19:47)

Themes and Subtext

Climate Change: A recurring theme is the depiction of a warming planet, subtly addressed through constant references to heat and sweating:

"That's so funny, because I said to Paul, I'm like. I was watching. And then I did get confused at one thing." (19:33)

Alien Invasion Motifs: The aliens' destructive methods, such as releasing scorpions on ceiling fans, are critiqued for their lack of practicality and coherence within the film's universe.

"Why are they releasing, like, scorpions on fans and hoping?" (29:38)

Narrative Flaws and Plot Holes

The hosts identify several inconsistencies and unanswered questions:

• Lack of Exposition: The film fails to provide clear explanations about the aliens' motives and capabilities, leaving both characters and the audience perplexed.

• Plot Progression: Key plot points, such as the significance of the radio transmission and the aliens' ultimate goals, remain obscure throughout the movie.

"There's no explainers ever." (25:51)

• Character Decisions: Zane's irrational actions, like stepping into an alien factory with minimal preparation, undermine the character's credibility.

Memorable Scenes and Moments

Bathtub Scene: One of the most criticized yet memorable scenes involves Zane in a bathtub, showcasing the film's over-the-top special effects:

"He is naked multiple times in this movie." (17:07)

Kiki's Reveal: A pivotal moment occurs when Kiki the Kid is revealed to be an alien, surprising both the hosts and the audience:

"And I thought that that actor's performance was wonderful because I did think, I don't know, maybe everybody read it way sooner." (46:05)

Audience Interaction and Theories

During the live session, audience members posed questions that led to further analysis and humorous conjectures:

• Alien Behavior: Debates arose about whether scorpions were actual aliens or mere plot devices.

• Character Genetics: Speculations about Richard Schiff's character being replaced by aliens added a layer of comedic intrigue.

"If we believe that the girlfriend didn't inform these people, the aliens, that they're going to this satellite, is it possible that note that he left on grandma was actually a note to the other alien saying, we're heading to this satellite area." (50:52)

Critical Reception and Second Opinions

The hosts also presented and critiqued fan reviews, highlighting divergent opinions about the film's merits. While some viewers praise its ahead-of-time commentary on global warming and Sheen's performance, others, like John Gabris, vehemently disagree with high accolades, emphasizing the film's numerous shortcomings.

"I wish they had more. I wish they had more. I felt like, why am I trapped on the outside looking in?" (65:49)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Despite its attempt to tackle significant themes and showcase Charlie Sheen's talents, "The Arrival" falls short in delivering a coherent and engaging narrative. The hosts agree that the film could have benefited from tighter editing and a clearer exposition of its central conflicts and alien motives.

"It's like, how did this hello people of Earth hello people of Los Angeles. We are live in our LA home on the third night of our tour where we didn't even have to leave town." (Timestamp varies)

Overall, "The Arrival LIVE!" serves as a comprehensive critique of a sci-fi film that aims high but ultimately struggles to connect with its audience both commercially and narratively.

Note: All quotes referenced are selected for their relevance to the discussion and are attributed to the respective speakers with approximate timestamps for context.