Pod Meets World: Episode Summary - "H. E. Double Hockey Sticks"

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Pod Meets World, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, Danielle, Will, and Rider delve into the nostalgic world of the 1999 Disney movie "H. E. Double Hockey Sticks". Dedicated to fans of the iconic series "Boy Meets World," the hosts rewatch and dissect every aspect of this cult classic, offering behind-the-scenes insights, memorable moments, and personal anecdotes that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Overview of "H. E. Double Hockey Sticks"

"H. E. Double Hockey Sticks" is a Disney Direct-to-Consumer Movie (DCOM) that takes viewers on a fantastical journey blending sports, supernatural elements, and heartfelt storytelling. The movie follows Griffelkin, an apprentice devil, who is tasked with obtaining the soul of Dave Heinrich, a hotshot hockey player, to graduate from the Beelzebub Vocational Institute.

Behind the Scenes and Production Insights

Direction and Inspiration: Directed by Randall Miller, an acclaimed AFI graduate, the movie draws inspiration from the opera "Griffelkin" by Lucas Faust and Alistair Reed. Originally performed in 1955, the three-act opera provided a highbrow foundation for what would become a 90s Disney fantasy. Despite its operatic roots, the movie adopts a Tim Burton-esque aesthetic, featuring a computer-generated Beelzebub Vocational Institute reminiscent of "Beetlejuice."

Casting and Collaboration:

• Honey German stars as Griffelkin, bringing a dynamic and energetic performance that anchors the film.
• Will Friedle, renowned for his role in "Boy Meets World," co-hosts the podcast and shares his experiences working alongside Honey.
• Matthew Lawrence reprises his role as Dave Heinrich, delivering a performance that balances charm and complexity.
• Gabrielle Union and Tara Spencer-Nairn add depth to the supporting cast, with Union portraying Gabby and Spencer-Nairn as Ann.

Special Effects and Filming Techniques: The movie utilizes practical effects combined with early CGI to create visually engaging scenes. Notably, scenes depicting hell and various magical occurrences were achieved using models and miniature sets, a testament to the era's technological constraints and creative ingenuity.

Character and Actor Highlights

• Griffelkin (Honey German): An up-and-coming devil with aspirations to graduate by securing a soul. Honey shares her experience of developing Griffelkin's persona, inspired by the comedic flair of Jim Carrey.

  Notable Quote:

  "Griffelkin couldn't be more upbeat. He doesn't seem super popular, though." [02:24]

• Dave Heinrich (Matthew Lawrence): A talented but selfish hockey player whose ambition makes him an ideal candidate for Griffelkin's mission.

• Ms. Beelzebub (Rhea Perlman): The principal of the Beelzebub Vocational Institute, portrayed by Rhea Perlman, adds a formidable presence to the film.

• Gabby (Gabrielle Union): Griffelkin's right-hand woman, whose dual role as both helper and antagonist adds complexity to the narrative.

Plot Summary and Key Scenes

Beginning: The movie opens with Griffelkin's introduction to hell's bureaucratic system, where Ms. Beelzebub assigns him the task of obtaining Dave Heinrich's soul (00:00 - 02:32). The journey kicks off with Griffelkin navigating the human world to find Heinrich, leading to humorous and chaotic encounters.

Middle: Griffelkin's attempts to convince Heinrich are met with skepticism and resistance. Highlights include:

• Hockey Matches: Griffelkin manipulates games to demonstrate his powers, leading to Heinrich's team's unexpected success.

  Notable Quote:

  "If you don't do this, you'll die." [53:43]

• Character Development: Dave begins to reflect on his life choices, influenced by Griffelkin's interventions and the looming threat of damnation.

Climax: The tension peaks during the Stanley Cup Finals, where Griffelkin's plan faces unforeseen challenges. The final moments blend supernatural elements with sports drama, culminating in an unexpected twist that redefines the characters' relationships and destinies.

Ending: Ms. Beelzebub's confrontation and Griffelkin's ultimate decision wrap up the narrative, leaving viewers with a mix of resolution and lingering questions about ambition, sacrifice, and redemption (72:42 - 78:35).

Host Discussions and Opinions

Honey German and Will Friedle provide candid assessments of the movie's strengths and weaknesses throughout the episode:

• Character Portrayal: Honey praises her own portrayal of Griffelkin and appreciates how Will's character complements hers.

  Notable Quote:

  "I thought you were gonna keep it going. I was kind of sad when you went back to the regular look because I thought it was like, this is his." [55:06]

• Plot and Pacing: While enjoying the overall storyline, the hosts critique certain plot points and pacing issues, such as the abrupt transitions and underdeveloped subplots.

  Notable Quote:

  "I thought it was better than Godfather 2. Great movie. I know I said, I'm never gonna give a 10, but I don't know. This could be. I'm kidding." [16:52]

• Special Effects: Appreciation for the film's practical effects and creative set designs, despite some inconsistencies.

  Notable Quote:

  "I remember actually shooting this scene. There were no lines for a lot of this movie." [39:09]

• Personal Anecdotes: Honey shares personal experiences, such as her mother's love for the film and the challenges she faced while filming, including her first panic attack during a scene (05:57 - 16:19).

Ratings and Reviews

At the episode's conclusion, Honey and Will engage in a playful rating segment:

• Will Friedle: Rates "H. E. Double Hockey Sticks" an 8.5 out of 10, highlighting its fun aspects and appeal to sports enthusiasts despite some narrative flaws.

  Notable Quote:

  "I'm giving it an 8.5. That is great." [93:55]

• Honey German: Provides a more reserved rating of 7.5 out of 10, citing pacing issues and over-reliance on certain comedic gags but acknowledges the enjoyable performances and character dynamics.

  Notable Quote:

  "I thought the beginning was a bit slow. But it was fun and it was a lot of fun." [94:48]

Additionally, fan reviews add depth to the discussion:

• Unamid: Offers a 5-star review, appreciating the twist on traditional sports narratives.

• Jonah F.: Leaves a 1-star review, humorously cryptic in his critique.

Conclusion

This episode of Pod Meets World provides an in-depth exploration of "H. E. Double Hockey Sticks", blending nostalgic appreciation with critical analysis. Danielle, Will, and Rider offer a multifaceted perspective that celebrates the film's charm while acknowledging its imperfections. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the "Boy Meets World" universe, this episode delivers valuable insights and entertaining commentary that enrich your viewing experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Honey German on Character Development:

   "It's been my raincoat since 1998." [02:32]

2. Will Friedle on Production Challenges:

   "They just brought us up as a package type situation." [06:02]

3. Honey German on Fashion Choices:

   "I had to cut off my choker because it was holding on for dear life." [10:06]

4. Will Friedle on Plot Pacing:

   "The intro was long." [16:19]

5. Honey German on Improvisation:

   "There was a lot of personal stuff going on while I was shooting this movie." [15:35]

6. Dave's Fate Highlight:

   "He dies extremely overweight and choking on goose liver at a smorgasbord." [53:23]

7. Final Thoughts on Ratings:

   "I thought it was better than Godfather 2. Great movie." [16:52]

Tune in Next Episode:
Join Danielle, Will, and Rider as they continue their nostalgic journey with a Park Hopper episode, featuring exclusive interviews with Matt Lawrence and more insights into their shared experiences on set.

Disclaimer: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode's main discussions and insights.