Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio) – Episode: You Might Also Like: Magical Rewind

Host: Adam Graham
Episode Release Date: December 21, 2024
Description: In this episode, host Adam Graham delves into his second journey through every episode of Dragnet, exploring bonus episodes and additional programs. However, the focal point of this episode shifts intriguingly to a nostalgic discussion about the 1997 Disney Channel movie Toothless.

1. Introduction

Magical Rewind, a segment within the podcast, takes center stage as Adam Graham introduces the episode. Co-hosts Sabrina Bryan and Will Friedell embark on a critical and humorous examination of the Disney movie Toothless, blending personal anecdotes with in-depth movie analysis.

2. Overview of "Toothless"

Toothless is a 1997 Disney Channel Original Movie that blends elements of fantasy and drama. The story revolves around Dr. Catherine Lewis, portrayed by Kirstie Alley, a dedicated dentist who finds herself in limbo after death. To ascend to heaven, she must fulfill the role of the Tooth Fairy, navigating supernatural challenges while confronting her own emotional barriers.

3. Cast and Crew Highlights

Key Cast Members:

• Kirstie Alley as Dr. Catherine Lewis: Renowned for her role in Cheers, Alley brings both charisma and controversy to the character.
• Dale Midkiff as Thomas Jameson: Known for roles in Elvis and Me and Pet Sematary.
• Ross Mallinger as Bobby Jameson: Recognized from Sleepless in Seattle and voice roles in Homeward Bound 2 and Recess.
• Lynn Redgrave as Rogers: An Oscar-nominated actress from Gods and Monsters and sister to Vanessa Redgrave.
• Daryl Mitchell as Raul: Featured in 10 Things I Hate About You and Fear of the Walking Dead.
• Marcus Toji as Trevor: Known for Little Giants and various Nickelodeon shows.

Crew Highlights:

• Directed by Melanie Mayron: A seasoned director with credits including Freaky Friday and Pretty Little Liars.
• Cinematography by Sandy Sissel: Acclaimed for Master and Commander, although Toothless showcases a stark contrast in visual quality.

4. Plot Summary

The movie opens in the 1960s, introducing a young Catherine Lewis whose father, also a dentist, passes away. Fast forward to the present day, Catherine inherits her father's dental practice but struggles with personal connections. After a mysterious accident involving a bicycle and a BMW, Catherine realizes she has died and is now in limbo. Tasked with being the Tooth Fairy, she must navigate a bureaucratic afterlife system to earn her way into heaven by performing community service that benefits children losing their teeth.

Throughout her journey, Catherine grapples with adhering to rules, managing her newfound magical abilities, and confronting the emotional trauma of her past, especially her inability to connect deeply with loved ones. Parallelly, a young boy named Bobby struggles at school and at home, gradually forming a bond with Catherine as she attempts to help him.

5. In-depth Analysis

Cinematography and Special Effects

Sabrina Bryan critiques the cinematography, highlighting the inconsistency and poor execution by Sandy Sissel. Despite Sissel's reputation from Master and Commander, Toothless suffers from "shaky cam" and low-angle shots that detract from the viewing experience. Bryan notes:

"I was getting... something like vertigo or whatever. I don't know, like something. It was not making me feel good. I didn't like that at all." ([09:20])

Acting Performances

The hosts commend the stellar cast but express disappointment in their roles within the film. Kirstie Alley’s portrayal of Catherine is seen as over-the-top and inconsistent, shifting erratically between earnestness and cartoonish antics. Bryan shares:

"I did think she was one of the best actors of the movie." ([14:21])

Narrative and Plot Consistency

A significant point of contention is the film’s plot coherence. The hosts find numerous plot holes and abrupt shifts that undermine the story's integrity. From unexplained character behaviors to illogical supernatural rules, Toothless leaves viewers puzzled. Will Friedell remarks:

"Every choice in this movie from beginning to end was weird to me." ([16:41])

Themes and Emotional Depth

Despite its flaws, the movie attempts to tackle themes of grief, isolation, and the importance of human connections. Sabrina notes that once Catherine discovers her mission, she becomes more engaged:

"Once I found her mission and figured that out, then I was able to kind of accept the, like, the holes and the silly things." ([74:21])

6. Critical Reception by Hosts

Both hosts express a largely negative view of Toothless. Sabrina awards the movie a 5.5 out of 10, citing Kirstie Alley’s performance as the sole redeeming factor, while Will rates it a 4 out of 10, emphasizing the disjointed narrative and poor special effects.

Sabrina’s Rating:

"5.5 Stairways to Heaven." ([102:04])

Will’s Rating:

"I'm giving it four Stairways to Heaven." ([102:47])

7. Interactive Segment: "Facts and Plaque"

The hosts engage listeners with a trivia game focused on dental facts. Sabrina impressively scores five out of five, showcasing her knowledge about teeth.

Example Question:

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
   • Answer: True ([96:01])

This segment adds an educational twist, balancing the critical review with informative content.

8. Final Ratings

In their closing segment, the hosts reiterate their ratings with creative labels:

• Sabrina Bryan: Stairways to Heaven – 5.5/10
• Will Friedell: Stairways to Heaven – 4/10

Their ratings reflect their overall disappointment, juxtaposed against a nod to the movie’s memorable cast.

9. Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

The episode concludes with Sabrina highlighting guest appearances, including young actors like Kaley Cuoco and RJ Smith, who later achieved prominence in Nickelodeon and beyond. The hosts tease the next episode, which will explore the 1996 Disney release Holiday Fair: The Christmas Tree, featuring an interview with author Julia Devillars about her best-selling book adaptation.

Notable Quotes

• Sabrina Bryan ([09:20]): "I was getting... something like vertigo or whatever. I don't know, like something. It was not making me feel good. I didn't like that at all."

• Will Friedell ([14:21]): "This infuriates the administrator, and he calls Bobby's dad. He calls Bobby's dad, which finally gets him to pay attention to his son."

• Sabrina Bryan ([74:21]): "So she out of everyone really need to. Needed to keep it flat, you know."

Final Thoughts

Adam Graham, alongside Sabrina Bryan and Will Friedell, provides an engaging yet critical exploration of Toothless. While they appreciate the film’s ambitious casting, the hosts' analysis underscores significant shortcomings in storytelling, special effects, and character development. This episode serves as both a nostalgic trip and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of mid-90s Disney filmmaking.

Listeners looking to revisit Dragnet will find value in this detailed breakdown, gaining insights into the hosts' perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the film's impact and legacy.

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