Podcast Summary: How Did This Get Made? – Episode: xXx: Return of Xander Cage LIVE! w/ Adam Scott (HDTGM Matinee)
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the award-winning comedy podcast How Did This Get Made?, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the convoluted action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Joined by special guest Adam Scott, the trio dissects the film's plot, characters, and over-the-top action sequences with their signature humor and critical insight. Recorded live at their favorite venue, Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, this matinee edition offers listeners a front-row seat to the hosts' unfiltered reactions and entertaining banter.

Overview of xXx: Return of Xander Cage

The episode begins with Paul Scheer introducing the film:

"[00:43] Jason Mantzoukas: I absolutely love it."
"[00:45] Paul Scheer: You can dominate demon-infested battlefields with bone-crunching tools of mayhem."

The hosts humorously highlight the film's extravagant nature, emphasizing its blend of extreme sports, over-the-top action, and the return of Vin Diesel's character, Xander Cage, in a sequel that seemingly ignores previous installments.

Plot and Character Analysis

Xander Cage and the Triple X Program

Jason Mantzoukas provides an enthusiastic yet critical overview of Xander Cage's role within the Triple X program:

"[03:47] June Diane Raphael: What up, jerks?"
"[04:03] June Diane Raphael: I went to Burbank..."

The discussion pivots to Xander Cage's recruitment and his seemingly inconsistent portrayal as an extreme sportsman-turned-spy. The hosts question the logic behind his abilities and the Triple X organization's recruitment criteria:

"[31:22] Jason Mantzoukas: And by the way, the whole opening title sequence was just every detail of a saddle."
"[37:16] Adam Scott: So he was like, oh, the only movies that make money for me are Fast and Furious. How can I do the exact same thing but just not call it Fast and Furious?"

Action Sequences and Special Effects

The hosts express both awe and skepticism toward the film's action sequences, questioning their plausibility and execution:

"[56:27] Adam Scott: Did you say Chico? Chico State."
"[59:55] Jason Mantzoukas: It's like getting a James Bond car, and you're not James Bond, and you know every feature of the car without anyone explaining it to you."

Jason Mantzoukas humorously critiques the unrealistic gadgets and stunts, comparing them unfavorably to the Fast and Furious franchise's more grounded approach.

Humorous Critiques and Observations

Continuity and Plot Holes

The episode is rife with humorous observations about the film's continuity and plot inconsistencies. For instance, June Diane Raphael points out:

"[58:39] Jason Mantzoukas: All right, here we go."
"[58:40] Adam Scott: I had no idea why they were chasing each other or mad at each other."

The hosts mock the film's abrupt scene transitions and lack of coherent storyline, highlighting moments where characters inexplicably appear or disappear.

Character Portrayals and Casting Choices

The casting of actors like Donnie Yen and Nina Dobrev is both praised and parodied. The hosts joke about the characters' motives and interactions:

"[64:37] Adam Scott: Like, in your scenario, Vin Diesel's, like, around for the editing process."
"[64:46] June Diane Raphael: Like, and stuff that people thought was cool, basically is like the guy that I feel like is like, cool isn't cool."

Jason Mantzoukas continues with sarcastic admiration:

"[65:02] June Diane Raphael: I wonder if the guy was a dick. And then Vin was, like, you know what? Put in, like, him being, like, embarrassing or something."
"[75:42] June Diane Raphael: I agree. A long time."

Audience Interaction and Questions

A significant portion of the episode involves audience engagement, where listeners submit their extreme facts and questions about the film. These segments are marked by lively exchanges and further comedic critique:

"[62:30] June Diane Raphael: I've been skydiving."
"[73:27] Guest Speaker: I went to Chico, so we know."

June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas navigate through audience questions, maintaining the comedic momentum while providing insightful commentary on the film's absurdities.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• "[17:25] June Diane Raphael: I had never seen in Nina Dobrev in anything. And I think she's wonderful."

• "[35:07] Adam Scott: That's right. And then he gets up and starts following her up. It's just they're in, like, the tropics right there in South America."

• "[44:04] Jason Mantzoukas: Every one of these decisions, it is like if no one else weighed in on a Fast and Furious script. He's like, it is."

• "[71:20] Paul Scheer: Ever wonder what happens when two college best friends become finance experts?" (Note: This is part of an advertisement segment and should be excluded from content summary.)

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts continuing their humorous take on the film, blending in promotions for various sponsors seamlessly into the discussion. They reflect on the movie's impact and their own entertainment value derived from dissecting its flaws:

"[89:23] June Diane Raphael: Like he was like angry at cool stuff."
"[90:34] Adam Scott: It's the most insulting scene to the military in any movie ever."

Despite their criticisms, the hosts acknowledge the entertainment factor of xXx: Return of Xander Cage, concluding that while the film is rife with inconsistencies and over-the-top action, it serves its purpose as an amusing cinematic experience.

Conclusion

This episode of How Did This Get Made? delivers a comprehensive and entertaining critique of xXx: Return of Xander Cage through the dynamic interactions of its comedic hosts. By blending sharp observations with humorous commentary, Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas provide listeners with both laughs and thoughtful insights into the film's eccentricities. Special guest Adam Scott adds another layer of humor and perspective, making this matinee edition a standout episode for fans of bad movies and great comedy.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments within the transcript were excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core discussions and analyses related to the film.