S16 Ep859: City of Angels (1998)

The We Hate Movies podcast delivers a blistering, humor-laden critique of the 1998 film *City of Angels*, dissecting its failed attempt to translate the poetic, existential depth of Wim Wenders' *Wings of Desire* into a glossy Hollywood remake. Hosts Andrew Jupin, Steven Sadak, Eric Siska, Paul, and Chris Cabin launch into a scathing takedown of the film’s tonal whiplash, clichéd romance, and absurd logic—particularly the contrived death of Meg Ryan’s character and the illogical rules governing angelic behavior. They mock Nick Cage’s over-the-top performance, which veers between eerie intensity and unintentional comedy, and highlight the film’s cringey moments, from awkward human experiences to the surreal scene of an angel reading minds during a woman’s self-pleasure. Despite the relentless mockery, the hosts acknowledge fleeting artistic moments—especially the music by Paula Cole and Goo Goo Dolls, and the visually striking beach scenes—though they lament how these are overshadowed by the film’s soulless spectacle and lack of emotional resonance. The discussion extends into cultural commentary, reflecting on the late '90s obsession with celebrity, emotional commodification, and the decline of subtlety in mainstream cinema. The episode culminates in a strong recommendation to watch the original *Wings of Desire* and its sequel *Far Away So Close* instead, framing *City of Angels* as a cautionary tale of artistic compromise. In the final segment, the hosts shift to positive, forward-looking content, announcing exclusive Patreon perks like the monthly 'We Love Movies' episodes and live AMAs on WHM After Dark. They praise the 2017 DuckTales reboot for its sharp writing and standout voice performances by David Tennant and Bobby Moynihan, while dismissing the 2014 RoboCop remake as one of the worst franchise revivals. Upcoming episodes include a deep dive into *The Nexus* Star Trek recap and the next installment of 'Scaredy Cats' on *The Pope’s Exorcist*. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection from Schmidt on the value of craftsmanship and creating authentic, meaningful work—offering a poignant counterpoint to the earlier satire and underscoring the podcast’s broader mission of thoughtful, passionate film criticism.