Summary
Overview
Paul, June, and Jason break down John Woo's 1993 action spectacle Hard Target in New Orleans, celebrating Jean-Claude Van Damme's legendary mullet, Lance Henriksen's scene-stealing villain performance, and the absurdity of rich people hunting homeless veterans through the French Quarter. The hosts are genuinely impressed by this bunless JCVD movie filled with slow-motion gunfights, motorcycle stunts, snake punches, and an unexpected appearance by Wilford Brimley with an incomprehensible Cajun accent.
The Mullet of All Mullets
The hosts immediately dive into what may be JCVD's crowning achievement: his magnificent wet-looking mullet that dominates every frame. They marvel at John Woo's fetishistic slow-motion worship of Van Damme's hair and physique, though they note this is surprisingly the first Van Damme film without his trademark butt shots. The opening introduces us to Van Damme's restrained performance, helped by the fact that he has minimal dialogue and seems to struggle with basic English words like 'dad,' constantly referring to Natalie's deceased 'daddy.'
- This is John Woo's first English-language film and the first JCVD movie without butt shots
- Van Damme's mullet is introduced with loving close-ups before revealing his full character
- JCVD constantly says 'daddy' instead of 'dad' or 'father,' making it uncomfortable
- His performance is restrained, partly because his grasp on English seems limited
" Jean-Claude Van Damme's work in this movie is, like you said, Jason, the best work he's ever done. There's nothing better. "
" If mullets were asses, we see a lot of ass. "
Live Show Chaos and Audience Interaction
Recording live in New Orleans at the Fillmore, the show features great audience moments including people leaving mid-show (with loving goodbyes), a gun expert explaining Lance's weapon, debates about snake biology, and discussions about New Orleans geography affecting the opening chase scene. The hosts embrace the chaos of live performance, including technical difficulties and balcony monsters who've been 'living on frozen daiquiris for a year.'
- The show is recorded live at the Fillmore in New Orleans with a raucous crowd
- Multiple people leave mid-show, with one saying 'I love you' to the hosts
- An audience member explains that the opening victim had to cross the river to get from French Quarter to West Bank
- The balcony section is particularly rowdy, described as 'topless' and running on daiquiris
" Hello people of New Orleans! We are live and we are back on the road. "
" This city is sloppy. I don't mind saying it. Look at this woman in the front row, she's like yes, we're so sloppy. "
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