Digest

This podcast episode humorously dissects the 1998 film "The Avengers," a critically panned adaptation of the British TV series. The hosts, along with guest Tom Sharpling, delve into the movie's absurd plot, which involves a villain controlling the weather, and its numerous inconsistencies, such as questionable character motivations, nonsensical costumes, and confusing identity reveals for Uma Thurman's character. They critique the film's poor editing, pacing, and dialogue, comparing the viewing experience to being excluded from inside jokes. The discussion also touches upon the original casting ideas, the film's visual style, and audience questions that further highlight the movie's flaws. The episode concludes with a review analysis segment, noting misplaced five-star reviews from Marvel fans and a discussion of negative critiques, ultimately reinforcing the film's status as a cinematic misfire.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Initial Impressions

The podcast kicks off with a humorous analogy and introductions, setting a tone of confusion and absurdity. The hosts introduce themselves and the unique "Cast for Podcast" lounge.

00:05:05

Guest Introduction and Movie Premise Clarification

Guest Tom Sharpling is welcomed, and the hosts clarify that they are discussing the 1998 film "The Avengers," a remake of a British TV show, not the Marvel movie. They touch upon the film's defiance of expectations regarding plot and characters.

00:06:02

Dissecting "The Avengers" (1998) Plot and Villain

The hosts begin dissecting the 1998 film, focusing on its confusing narrative about stolen weather and the villain's motive to control it for financial gain. They critique the late reveal of the plan and nonsensical visual elements.

00:13:45

Inconsistencies in UN Meeting, Costumes, and Character Interactions

The discussion questions the portrayal of the UN meeting, varied costumes, and Sean Connery's costume choice. It shifts to problematic character interactions, aggressive behavior, lack of chemistry, and height disparities.

00:18:13

Original Casting, Director Choices, and Editing Issues

The hosts discuss original casting ideas and potential directors, humorously imagining different approaches. They reveal significant cuts led to plot holes and incoherence, with characters appearing or disappearing inexplicably.

00:20:43

The Clone/Robot Mystery and Exposition Dumps

Confusion surrounding Uma Thurman's character, initially a clone then possibly a robot, is explored. The hosts criticize the movie's reliance on exposition and the characters' lack of realistic reactions.

00:22:37

Flawed Logic, Clues, and the "Weather Store"

The hosts point out the Secret Service's illogical recruitment of Uma Thurman and question the logic of finding clues and heading to a "weather store." They also critique the UN meeting's lack of reaction to displayed power.

00:24:58

Movie as an Inside Joke and Bizarre Scenes

Watching the movie is compared to being excluded from inside jokes. The final kiss scene's purpose and logic are questioned, along with a bizarre fight scene on a hot-air balloon and a disturbing boot scene.

00:29:54

Auditory Issues, Dialogue, and Fight Scenes

The hosts find dialogue difficult to hear and question its realism. A sword fight scene and Uma Thurman's character background are discussed, along with the absurdity of bear costumes worn by security guards.

00:34:24

Playfulness, Intimidation, and Time Period Ambiguity

The debate on whether playful elements like bear costumes are effective versus the villain's intimidation is explored. The film's ambiguous time period and surprising future setting are discussed.

00:35:55

Opening Sequence, Obstacle Course, and Lack of Extras

The opening sequence is praised as an obstacle course, but the rest of the visual presentation is criticized. The striking absence of background characters and empty cityscapes is questioned.

00:38:57

Dystopian London, Villain's Motivation, and Identity Confusion

The empty London is interpreted as dystopian, reflecting the villain's hatred. Confusion surrounding Tuma Thurman's character identity persists, and the potential sexuality of a robot character is debated.

00:42:00

Original Plot, Flashbacks, and Missed Opportunities

The original plot involving breaking into a base and flashbacks is discussed. The hosts suggest the movie could have been more engaging with explorations of multiple personalities or alternative plotlines.

00:43:13

Lackluster Fight Sequences and Mysterious Orb

Fight choreography is criticized as sloppy and unconvincing. The importance and function of a mysterious orb with poorly secured cables are questioned, along with Sean Connery's fate after being struck by lightning.

00:45:05

Limited Roles and Villain's Weak Henchmen

The limited roles of Eddie Izzard and Sean Ryder are noted, along with the villain's weak henchmen and the lack of servants in the mansion.

00:46:22

Audience Questions: Billing, Avenging, and Visuals

Audience questions address "Invisible Jones'" billing, the meaning of "avenging," and a suggestive interpretation of a flower. The hosts humorously criticize the movie and British people for its creation.

00:50:45

Tea References and Accent Criticisms

The excessive number of tea-related moments is highlighted. An audience member comments on the poor accents, particularly Uma Thurman's.

00:51:56

Audience Questions: Cocaine, Blindness, and Sauna Scene

Lines of cocaine on a table are pointed out, leading to a discussion of drug themes. Suggestions about characters being Daredevil or blind are made, and Sean Connery's sauna scene is questioned.

00:57:27

Audience Questions: Wasps, Impressions, and Cat Suits

Questions arise about Sean Connery using wasps, a successful Sean Connery impression, and how Uma Thurman ends up in a cat suit.

01:01:23

Final Audience Question, Proposal, and Wrap-up

A recurring audience member proposes to his girlfriend, leading to surprise and congratulations. The hosts wrap up the show, promoting articles and encouraging listener questions.

01:04:41

Listener Voicemails and "Fuck, Marry, Kill"

A listener voicemail segment features a "Fuck, Marry, Kill" game involving movie characters, followed by a discussion of the choices.

01:07:01

Second Opinion Segment and Movie Review Analysis

The "Second Opinion" segment is introduced with a song and prop. The discussion focuses on the limited, often five-star reviews, many mistakenly attributed to Marvel's Avengers.

01:09:05

Analyzing Negative Reviews and One-Star Opinions

Negative reviews ("third opinions") are delved into, with one reviewer quitting halfway through. A one-star review questions the movie's release date relative to similar films.

01:10:41

Rare Fourth Opinion and Post-Credit Scene

A rare four-star review is introduced, with the reviewer admitting they haven't watched the movie. The post-credit scene featuring Grace Jones is discussed.

01:11:56

Criticisms of Spycraft and Plot Elements

Reviewers criticize illogical spy elements, such as characters splitting up or being distracted. The use of mazes and a hot air balloon for escape is questioned.

01:14:04

Character Tropes and Visual Gags

A recurring trope about an Istanbul trick is highlighted. Visual gags related to Sean Connery's character and Jim Broadbent's appearance are noted.

01:14:53

Podcast and Show Promotions

This segment features plugs for various podcasts and TV shows, including "The Best Show," "Grace and Frankie," and "Lady Dynamite."

Keywords

Q&A

• What is "The Avengers" (1998) movie about?

  "The Avengers" (1998) is a poorly received film adaptation of the British TV series about secret agents John Steed and Emma Peel stopping a villain who plans to control the world's weather for profit.

• Why is the 1998 film "The Avengers" considered a bad movie?

  The film is criticized for its convoluted plot, lack of character development, poor acting, nonsensical special effects, and overall failure to be coherent or entertaining.

• Who were the main actors in "The Avengers" (1998)?

  Ralph Fiennes as John Steed, Uma Thurman as Emma Peel, and Sean Connery as Sir August de Winter were the main actors in "The Avengers" (1998).

• What was the villain's plan in "The Avengers" (1998)?

  The villain, Sir August de Winter, planned to control the world's weather and sell it, aiming for immense power and financial gain.

• Was the 1998 "The Avengers" movie based on the Marvel comics?

  No, the 1998 film "The Avengers" is an adaptation of the British television series of the same name, not related to Marvel comics.

• What are some of the most criticized aspects of "The Avengers" (1998)?

  Critics point to the confusing plot, lack of chemistry, Sean Connery's bizarre performance, nonsensical special effects, and failure to capture the spirit of the original TV series.

• Did Uma Thurman play multiple roles in "The Avengers" (1998)?

  Yes, Uma Thurman played both Emma Peel and a clone/robot character named Tuma, adding to the film's confusion.

• Why were many five-star reviews for this movie attributed to Marvel's Avengers?

  Many reviewers were Marvel fans who mistakenly believed they were reviewing a Marvel's Avengers movie due to the franchise name.

• What were some of the main criticisms of the movie's plot and characters?

  Critics found characters' decisions illogical, such as splitting up in a maze, and deemed the use of mazes and hot air balloons for escape impractical for a spy film.

• What is "Third Opinions" in the context of this podcast?

  "Third Opinions" is a podcast segment where hosts read and discuss negative reviews of the movie, offering a critical perspective.

Show Notes