The “How Did This Get Made?” movie list is essentially a curated collection of films deemed so perplexing, bizarre, or outright terrible that they beg the question of their very existence. It represents a cinematic graveyard where ambition crashed and burned, where good intentions paved the road to unintentional hilarity, and where studio executives clearly took a long lunch. The films on this list are not just bad; they’re fascinatingly, inexplicably bad, prompting endless speculation and comedic analysis.
The Allure of Awfulness: Why We Can’t Look Away
The enduring appeal of the “How Did This Get Made?” movie list and, indeed, the podcast itself, stems from a fundamental human fascination with failure, particularly when it’s spectacularly public. While Hollywood glorifies success, there’s a certain schadenfreude involved in witnessing a high-budget train wreck. But it’s more than just malicious enjoyment. These movies often represent a unique confluence of factors: misguided creativity, studio interference, poor casting, and sheer bad luck. Analyzing them provides a glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood’s often chaotic and unpredictable production process.
Beyond the Bad: The Art of the “So Bad It’s Good”
Furthermore, many of the films on the list transcend mere badness to achieve a sort of perverse entertainment value. They enter the realm of “so bad it’s good,” offering unintentional humor, quotable lines, and a sense of communal viewing experience. The podcast, “How Did This Get Made?,” expertly capitalizes on this, providing a platform for comedians to dissect these cinematic disasters with wit and insightful commentary. It turns the act of watching bad movies into a celebration of absurdity and the power of shared laughter.
Diving Deeper: Core Themes and Recurring Patterns
Analyzing the “How Did This Get Made?” movie list reveals several recurring themes. One is the prevalence of vanity projects, where actors or directors use their clout to push through films that lack any discernible artistic merit. Another is the tendency for studios to chase trends, resulting in poorly executed imitations of successful films. The list also features films plagued by production woes, such as budget overruns, cast changes, and script rewrites, which often contribute to their overall awfulness. Finally, a significant portion of the list consists of films that are simply tone-deaf, misjudging their target audience and failing to deliver on their promises.
FAQs: Your Guide to Understanding the “How Did This Get Made?” Phenomenon
Here are frequently asked questions about the “How Did This Get Made?” movie list and its significance:
What types of movies typically make the “How Did This Get Made?” list?
Movies on the list are often characterized by:
- Incoherent Plot: Stories that make little to no sense.
- Awkward Performances: Actors delivering bizarre or wooden performances.
- Terrible Special Effects: Visual effects that are unintentionally comical.
- Over-the-Top Acting: Campy and exaggerated acting styles.
- Unexplained Plot Holes: Numerous inconsistencies in the narrative.
- Baffling Directorial Choices: Strange decisions made by the director.
Is there a definitive “official” list of “How Did This Get Made?” movies?
While the podcast hosts, Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, regularly discuss and dissect films, there isn’t one single, formally declared list. The films covered on the podcast are generally considered to be part of the “How Did This Get Made?” canon. Fans often maintain their own lists based on podcast episodes and similar films they discover.
How does “How Did This Get Made?” differ from other movie review shows?
Unlike traditional review shows that focus on critique and analysis, “How Did This Get Made?” is primarily a comedy podcast that uses bad movies as a springboard for improvisational humor. While they do point out flaws, the emphasis is on the absurdity and entertainment value of the films. They rarely offer serious critical judgment.
What is the “bonkers meter” and how is it used on the podcast?
The “bonkers meter” is a fictional measurement of how crazy or outlandish a film is. It’s often invoked to quantify the level of absurdity and is typically discussed near the end of each episode. The hosts subjectively determine how far “off the charts” a particular film goes.
What are some of the most frequently discussed movies on “How Did This Get Made?”?
Some of the most frequently referenced and beloved films on the podcast include:
- The Room
- Face/Off
- Sleepaway Camp
- Birdemic: Shock and Terror
- Gymkata
- Miami Connection
Do the hosts ever defend any of the movies they discuss?
While the podcast is predicated on dissecting bad movies, the hosts occasionally find moments of genuine appreciation or amusement in the films they review. They may even acknowledge that a film, despite its flaws, is somehow enjoyable or has a certain nostalgic appeal.
How has “How Did This Get Made?” influenced the way people watch and discuss movies?
The podcast has fostered a greater appreciation for “so bad it’s good” cinema and encouraged viewers to engage with films in a more lighthearted and humorous way. It’s popularized the idea of watching bad movies with friends and dissecting their flaws, creating a shared cultural experience.
Can any movie be considered for the “How Did This Get Made?” list? What are the criteria?
Not just any bad movie qualifies. Films typically need to possess a certain level of ambition, have some level of studio backing, and be remarkably flawed in an entertaining way. Movies that are simply boring or competently made but uninspired are less likely to be considered. The key ingredient is unintentional comedy.
What is the appeal of watching “bad” movies?
There are several reasons why people enjoy watching bad movies:
- Schadenfreude: Enjoyment of others’ misfortune.
- Camp Value: Appreciation for over-the-top acting and ridiculous scenarios.
- Nostalgia: Fond memories of watching these films in the past.
- Humor: The unintentional comedy found in bad acting, writing, and special effects.
- Community: Sharing the experience of watching bad movies with friends.
Has the podcast ever directly impacted the filmmakers of the movies they discuss?
In some cases, the podcast has brought renewed attention to obscure or forgotten films, leading to increased viewership and even distribution deals. Some filmmakers have even embraced the podcast’s attention, acknowledging the film’s flaws and participating in Q&A sessions or interviews.
How does the podcast balance humor with respect for the people involved in making the movies?
The hosts generally avoid personal attacks and focus on the creative decisions and technical aspects of the films. While they make fun of the movies, they often acknowledge the effort and hard work that went into them, even if the final product was disastrous. They aim for humorous critique, not mean-spirited mockery.
Is there a “How Did This Get Made?” equivalent for other forms of media, such as TV shows or video games?
While “How Did This Get Made?” is specifically focused on movies, there are other podcasts and online communities that explore similar themes in other media, such as TV shows, video games, and even music. They often follow the same format of dissecting poorly made or inexplicably popular content with humor and insightful commentary.