How Did This Get Made? Episode Summary: "Time Cop LIVE! W/ Nick Kroll (HDTGM Matinee)"

Release Date: January 28, 2025

In this lively episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, alongside special guest Nick Kroll, delve into the convoluted world of the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme film "Time Cop". Recorded live at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, the episode offers a blend of sharp critique, humorous banter, and insightful analysis, making it both entertaining and informative for listeners not familiar with the podcast.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode kicks off with a bustling live audience atmosphere as the hosts welcome Nick Kroll to the show. Their initial exchanges set a playful tone, with Paul Scheer humorously commenting on the "balcony people."

[03:40] Paul Scheer: "How are you doing? Balcony. That's right."

[06:15] Jason Mantzoukas: "Look at this. It says thank you, ZP and J. Fireworks says thank you, ZP and J. The Zooks, Paul and June."

2. First Impressions of "Time Cop"

The discussion begins with the hosts and Nick sharing their first encounters with "Time Cop." While some express nostalgia, others grapple with the movie's perplexing elements.

[06:33] Jason Mantzoukas: "How do you feel about Time Cop? I would imagine..."

[07:01] June Diane Raphael: "I feel like on a Sunday afternoon when I was, like, 16, I saw this movie."

June's unexpected enjoyment of a film she previously dismissed sparks further conversation.

3. Characters and Performances

Jean-Claude Van Damme's portrayal and Ron Silver's role receive significant attention. The hosts commend Van Damme for bringing depth to his character, despite the film's shortcomings.

[07:20] Jason Mantzoukas: "He's, by the way, become great."

[10:02] June Diane Raphael: "I don't remember how many JCVD movies I've seen, but I do feel like JCVD is doing some of the best work I've seen him do in this motion picture."

Ron Silver's performance is both praised and humorously critiqued, especially regarding the pronunciation of his name.

[12:13] Paul Scheer: "Ron Silver."

[13:00] Jason Mantzoukas: "I'm honoring his memory by pronouncing his name correctly."

4. Plot and Time Travel Mechanics

A substantial portion of the episode dissects the movie's time travel logic, highlighting numerous plot holes and inconsistencies. The hosts question the feasibility of the time travel technology depicted and the character motivations behind altering the past.

[16:05] June Diane Raphael: "Is this a movie that..."

[25:25] Paul Scheer: "They must arrive in the car, which they do. How?"

[31:00] Jason Mantzoukas: "Wouldn't that attack never have happened until he started investigating the case?"

The discussion emphasizes how the film's approach to time travel undermines its own narrative coherence.

5. Specific Scenes and Elements

Key scenes, such as the opening mall scene and the intricate fight sequences, are analyzed for their execution and impact. The hosts express both amusement and frustration over certain directorial choices.

[16:35] Paul Scheer: "It was a earned split and I appreciated it."

[44:30] Paul Scheer: "It's not like it's so big to the sign."

[56:37] Paul Scheer: "He's watching virtual reality porn at his desk at the TEC Center."

The juxtaposition of serious plot elements with gratuitous or poorly executed scenes is a recurring theme.

6. Production Quality and Comparisons

Comparisons to other time travel classics like "Back to the Future" underscore the production disparities and creative choices that set "Time Cop" apart—often not in a favorable way.

[26:29] Paul Scheer: "Honestly, it makes the mailbox in the lake house look genius. Like. And by the way, we've already seen this done better in a vehicle based time travel system in Back to the Future."

These comparisons highlight the critics' perception of the film as attempting grandeur without the necessary finesse.

7. Audience Interaction: Puns and Questions

The live audience segment introduces a fun element where attendees contribute puns and pose questions about the movie. This interactive portion adds depth to the discussion, revealing diverse viewpoints and sparking further debate among the hosts.

[65:04] Paul Scheer: "Go to the past. See Van Damme's ass."

[75:46] Nick Kroll: "My personal pun is killing time has a whole new meaning."

These contributions enhance the episode's dynamic, blending humor with analytical discourse.

8. Overall Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Despite acknowledging its flaws, the hosts collectively express a peculiar fondness for "Time Cop." Their final remarks suggest that the movie's entertainment value, grounded in its unique quirks and over-the-top performances, makes it a memorable watch.

[83:13] Jason Mantzoukas: "This movie is fucking awesome. It's pretty terrific. It's loads of nonsense, and everybody's chewing up the scenery. I say 100%, go for it, June."

[84:12] June Diane Raphael: "Yes, yes, yes. And I feel like it's the right amount of time for this movie. It's not too long. Which is, I guess, a glowing review. It's not too long."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Paul Scheer: "[04:30] I wish I could travel back in time to a period where I had never seen this movie so I could watch it again for the first time."

• June Diane Raphael: "[07:00] I feel like on a Sunday afternoon when I was, like, 16, I saw this movie."

• Jason Mantzoukas: "[25:25] Wouldn't that attack never have happened until he started investigating the case?"

• Nick Kroll: "[75:51] My personal pun is killing time has a whole new meaning."

Conclusion

This episode of "How Did This Get Made?" masterfully blends comedy with critical analysis, offering listeners a comprehensive look at "Time Cop." Through engaging discussions, humorous exchanges, and insightful critiques, the hosts and Nick Kroll navigate the film's eccentricities, ultimately celebrating its place in cinematic history as a quintessential "so-bad-it's-good" movie.