The Big Hit

Mortal Kombat w/ Cameron Esposito (Classic)

May 12, 20261h 3mSummary

In this classic episode, the hosts are joined by comedian Cameron Esposito to break down the 1995 film Mortal Kombat. The discussion kicks off with a humorous revelation that one of the hosts went into the film completely unaware that it was based on a famous video game, despite the auditory cues and the repetitive, high-energy soundtrack. The panel dissects the film’s confusing narrative structure, noting the lack of clear tournament rules and the bizarre character dynamics. A major focus of the conversation is the film’s early reliance on CGI and practical effects, particularly the character Goro, whose multiple arms and distinct movement styles lead to a spirited debate about the production techniques of the era. The hosts also touch upon the questionable character motivations—specifically those of Sonya Blade—and the strange, humorless dialogue that plagues the supporting cast. Throughout the episode, the group critiques the film’s pacing, the repetitive nature of the fight sequences, and the overall absurdity of the plot, ultimately questioning how such a high-concept action movie failed to establish a coherent world for its audience.

Rock Star LIVE! w/ Jake Weisman (Classic)

May 5, 20261h 2mSummary

In this live episode of How Did This Get Made?, the hosts and guest Jake Weisman dive into the 2001 film Rock Star. The panel explores the bizarre premise of the movie, which follows a man who goes from singing in a tribute band to fronting the very group he idolizes. The discussion highlights the film’s odd tone, questioning whether it aims to be a drama or a comedy, while noting the confusing character motivations and the strange, ageless presence of its leads, Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. Key insights include the group’s bafflement at the film's unrealistic portrayal of 1980s music culture, the questionable "business" ventures of the main characters, and the unintentionally hilarious scenes, including a chaotic orgy and a press conference featuring an inexplicable, one-off accent. The hosts also poke fun at the film’s excessive hair, questionable kissing techniques, and a head-injury scene so severe it defies logic. Ultimately, they reflect on why such a pure, earnest, yet misguided story about the pursuit of musical mimicry resulted in such a perplexing cinematic experience.

Shoot 'Em Up

Feb 27, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of How Did This Get Made, the hosts tackle the 2007 action film Shoot Em Up, a movie chosen by their listener community. Starring Clive Owen as a mysterious loner who protects a newborn baby during an endless series of stylized shootouts, the film is described as a bizarre, Bugs Bunny-inspired ride that is largely in on its own joke. The hosts discuss the movie’s extreme, cartoony violence, the bizarre subplots involving a lactating sex worker played by Monica Bellucci, and the surreal, themed environment of the brothel where she works. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the origins of the film, noting that director Michael Davis was a storyboard artist who used an elaborate sizzle reel to secure funding. The hosts analyze why the film was perhaps ahead of its time, as audiences were unsure whether to take the over-the-top, grit-filled action seriously or as a dark comedy. Ultimately, they praise the film’s visual creativity while highlighting the absurdity of its plot points, such as the protagonist's inexplicable insistence on having the baby breastfed mid-gunfight.

88 Minutes w/ Pete Holmes (HDTGM Matinee)

Feb 24, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of How Did This Get Made?, the hosts are joined by comedian Pete Holmes to break down the 2007 thriller 88 Minutes, starring Al Pacino. The panel dives headfirst into the film's chaotic and bewildering narrative, which follows a forensic psychologist who is given—as the title suggests—88 minutes to live. The discussion highlights the movie’s bizarre production choices, including its excessive reliance on phone calls, the protagonist's strange, mahogany-toned appearance, and an unnecessarily complex plot filled with suspicious characters who seem to exist solely to serve as confusing red herrings. The hosts particularly relish the film's unintentional hilarity, from the absurdity of Al Pacino’s wig to the questionable acting choices of the supporting cast, who the hosts joke all appear to be auditioning for a teen soap opera. Beyond the script's shortcomings, the panel critiques the movie's portrayal of women and its lack of coherent logic. They spend a significant amount of time poking fun at the film’s "trashy" aesthetic and the strange, real-time pace that somehow manages to make every scene feel like a pointless, high-stakes detour.

Last Looks: Date with an Angel

Double Dragon LIVE! (HDTGM Matinee)

Date with an Angel LIVE!

Disclosure w/ Nick Kroll & Emily Altman (HDTGM Matinee)

Last Looks: Return to Oz

Hard Target LIVE! (HDTGM Matinee)