Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns, Harry Hogge, and Buddy Bretherton are nominated for best character name. — Bill Simmons
Rowdy Burns wins because the name immediately conveys a fiery, unruly personality.

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47:01

Dr. Claire Lewicki Award for Worst Character Name

Dr. Claire Lewicki

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 00:47:01Read transcript

Dr. Claire Lewicki is selected as the worst character name, which the participants find ill-matched to the Australian character. — Bill Simmons
Dr. Claire Sanders is offered as an alternative after casting Nicole Kidman.
A phone-book name choice is jokingly suggested as an explanation. — Kyle Brandt
Cole Trickle and Russ Wheeler are praised as stronger names by comparison. — Kyle Brandt
A hypothetical wedding announcement and Lewicki-Trickle surname extend the joke.

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48:24

Most Rewatchable Scene

Wheelchair race; Give Me Some Lovin montage; Rowdy meets Cole

In the discussion (12)

Approx. transcript time · 00:48:24Read transcript

Cole's motorcycle entrance, test-drive challenge, and status contest with Rowdy are proposed.
Cole's disastrous first races and the Give Me Some Lovin montage are proposed. — Bill Simmons
Cole's first win, Harry's tire deception, and the low-side pass are proposed.
The staged police stop and its sexual joke are proposed, alongside questions about what happens after the scene.
Cole mistaking Dr. Lewicki for another stripper and the hospital wheelchair race are proposed.
The beach rental-car race and valet exchange are proposed. — Bill Simmons
Cole ruining Russ Wheeler's victory lap is proposed. — Bill Simmons
Cole and Harry's confrontation over driving Rowdy's car is praised as the principal acting scene, with objections to the abruptly revived backstory.
Cole's Daytona comeback through the smoke and the final high-versus-low pass are proposed. — Bill Simmons
The wheelchair race is a final selection for one participant. — Kyle Brandt
The Give Me Some Lovin montage is a separate final selection.
Rowdy's first encounter with Cole is a separate final selection. — Bill Simmons

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1:01:17

The most 1990 thing

David Coverdale sings the theme at Tom Cruise’s request

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:17Read transcript

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman falling in love during the production is proposed. — Bill Simmons
The Tide, Snickers, Skoal, Exxon, and Mello Yello sponsorships are proposed. — Bill Simmons
Russ Wheeler's girlfriend, her hair, and her boxy blazer are proposed as distinctly 1990.
The winning choice is Tom Cruise requesting Whitesnake singer David Coverdale for the film's theme song. — Bill Simmons

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1:03:42

What’s Aged the Best?

Robert Duvall, craft, cast, and racing lessons

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:42Read transcript

Robert Duvall's committed crew-chief performance is praised and argued to hold the movie together. — Bill Simmons
Tom Cruise's hair and Nicole Kidman's curly hair are praised. — Bill Simmons
Nicole Kidman and Robert Duvall sharing serious scenes is praised in light of their later careers. — Bill Simmons
John C. Reilly's Bucky is praised as an early version of Reed Rothchild. — Kyle Brandt
Cary Elwes is praised for reliably playing an antagonist.
Tom Cruise's unconvincing drunk acting is enjoyed as comedy. — Chris Ryan
The movie's racing lessons about crew-chief trust, tires, team ownership, and driver temperament are praised. — Bill Simmons
The wheelchair race is praised as more entertaining than the car races, including Rowdy batting away a nurse’s assistance. — Kyle Brandt

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1:12:19

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Two Sweet’N Low packets

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:12:19Read transcript

Mello Yello sponsorship and the dinner crudités are proposed.
The two Sweet’N Low packets placed on Claire’s thigh win.

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1:13:14

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Daytona cars beneath rising balloons

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:14Read transcript

A low-angle Daytona shot of the cars passing as balloons rise is selected for its color and scale. — Chris Ryan
The physical-exam two-shot revealing the height difference between Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise is an alternate comic choice.

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1:14:24

The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job?

Rowdy's wife as house designer

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:24Read transcript

Rowdy's plan to let his wife design an expensive house despite no stated architecture or project-management experience is the selection. — Chris Ryan

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1:14:48

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The post-crash middle section

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:14:48Read transcript

Rowdy never receiving a full-intensity Michael Rooker scene is identified as a small weakness. — Kyle Brandt
Too much talking and too little racing in the second half is the principal weakness. — Kyle Brandt
The crash is argued to occur too early, leaving too little of Cole racing at his peak.
Rowdy's injury subplot and Cole and Claire's conflict are criticized; killing Rowdy or giving Harry an illness subplot are proposed alternatives. — Bill Simmons

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1:17:16

The Teddy KGB Award for the Actor in a Completely Different Movie

Nicole Kidman as an elite neurosurgeon

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:16Read transcript

A visibly young Nicole Kidman playing an elite neurosurgeon is selected as implausible casting.

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1:18:37

What’s Aged the Worst?

Video game, overloaded subplots, rushed win, courtship, and sex scenes

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:18:37Read transcript

The Days of Thunder video game is criticized as unusually poor for a film suited to an arcade adaptation. — Bill Simmons
The film is criticized for carrying too many underdeveloped backstories, including Bucky's father. — Chris Ryan
Cole's muted reaction to winning Daytona is criticized as rushed and insufficiently celebratory. — Bill Simmons
Cole's pursuit of Claire is criticized as intrusive from the exam-room contact through the parking-lot wait and apartment flowers. — Kyle Brandt
Harry's rapid car-building montage is criticized for skipping potentially interesting craft detail. — Bill Simmons
Tim Daland's generic name and the unclear financing of the two-car team are questioned.
Cole's bedroom scene with Claire is criticized as another awkward, ambiguous Tom Cruise love scene. — Bill Simmons

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1:26:54

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Tom Cruise in the car; Robert Duvall laughing

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:54Read transcript

Tom Cruise's car outbursts are proposed for overacting. — Bill Simmons
Robert Duvall's delighted laugh after provoking Cole is a separate proposal. — Chris Ryan

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1:27:45

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Old Tom Cruise teeth; Cocktail 2

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:27:45Read transcript

The production indirectly enabled Eyes Wide Shut because Dr. Jerry Punch recommended Nicole Kidman after Dead Calm. — Chris Ryan
Days of Thunder is tested and rejected as better than Top Gun. — Kyle Brandt
Tom Cruise's original teeth are preferred to his later straightened teeth. — Kyle Brandt
Michael Rooker should have become a much bigger star, though a lack of comic range or conventional leading-man looks is offered as an explanation. — Bill Simmons
The film would be better as Cocktail 2, with Brian Flanagan leaving the bar business for racing. — Bill Simmons

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1:32:26

Casting What-Ifs

Kurt Russell, Robin Wright, Tom Sizemore, Dale Earnhardt, Paul Newman

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:32:26Read transcript

Kurt Russell is discussed as the initial Rowdy Burns choice before Backdraft. — Bill Simmons
Robin Wright as Claire Lewicki, Tom Sizemore as Tim Daland, Dale Earnhardt as Rowdy, and Paul Newman as Harry are proposed or reported alternatives. — Bill Simmons
Dale Earnhardt's refusal to play a perceived villain is questioned because Rowdy is not ultimately the villain. — Bill Simmons
Don Simpson's self-casting as Aldo Bennedetti and the cutting of most of his performance are discussed. — Bill Simmons

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1:34:50

The Danny McBride Award for Playing Yourself

NASCAR figures and Dr. Jerry Punch

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:34:50Read transcript

Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace, Neil Bonnett, Harry Gant, and Dr. Jerry Punch are listed as playing themselves. — Bill Simmons

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1:35:06

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

J. C. Quinn

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:35:06Read transcript

J. C. Quinn is selected for his recognizable roles in Maximum Overdrive, Vision Quest, and The Program.
Nick Searcy is an alternate for his law-enforcement roles in The Fugitive and Justified and his appearance in Cast Away. — Kyle Brandt
Margo Martindale is noted as having graduated beyond That Guy status. — Bill Simmons

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1:36:17

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Leilani Sarelle

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:36:17Read transcript

Fred Dalton Thompson is runner-up for his brief, commanding and racially dated team-owner scenes. — Bill Simmons
Leilani Sarelle wins for the staged police officer, linked to her later role as Roxy in Basic Instinct. — Bill Simmons

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1:37:53

Recasting Couch

Val Kilmer as Russ Wheeler

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:37:53Read transcript

Val Kilmer is proposed as Russ Wheeler, potentially carrying his Jim Morrison styling into the role. — Bill Simmons

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1:38:21

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

No replacement beats Days of Thunder

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:38:21Read transcript

Daytona, Trickle, Dropping the Hammer, and Checkered Flag are considered as alternatives. — Bill Simmons
The panel remains dissatisfied with the title but does not find a clearly better replacement. — Bill Simmons

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1:39:13

Half-Assed Internet Research

Cars, birds, relationships, speeding, and role preparation

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:13Read transcript

Hendrick Motorsports supplied the main cars, which were entered in real races for footage. — Bill Simmons
Birdseed used for the rental-car beach scene reportedly led to birds being struck during filming. — Bill Simmons
Donna Scott appeared in the police-stop scene, later dated Tony Scott, and married him. — Bill Simmons
Tom Cruise reportedly received a speeding ticket in North Carolina during production. — Bill Simmons
Nicole Kidman reportedly wanted to study neurosurgery, but producers discouraged it.

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1:40:23

Apex Mountain

Mello Yello and car-racing movies; several near-apex cases

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:23Read transcript

Tom Cruise is placed near, but not definitively at, his apex. — Bill Simmons
Robert Duvall and Nicole Kidman are rejected as being at their apex; Cruise's hair and teeth are accepted. — Bill Simmons
NASCAR and Don Simpson production stories are proposed as apex cases. — Bill Simmons
Michael Rooker is assigned Cliffhanger; Cary Elwes is assigned The Princess Bride. — Bill Simmons
Hans Zimmer and Simpson–Bruckheimer are rejected as apex cases. — Bill Simmons
Car-racing movies are debated against Talladega Nights. — Bill Simmons
Mello Yello is accepted as an apex case. — Bill Simmons
Cruise is accepted in the Cruise-or-Hanks comparison. — Bill Simmons

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1:42:25

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Martin Scorsese

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:42:25Read transcript

Martin Scorsese is selected for the imagined version because of the panel’s affection for The Color of Money and the prospect of a darker production story. — Bill Simmons

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1:42:51

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Russ Wheeler, Harry Hogge, Bucky, or Big John

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:42:51Read transcript

Philip Seymour Hoffman is proposed as an older Harry Hogge or younger Bucky.
Russ Wheeler is favored as a cocky antagonist, with Big John as another scene-stealing possibility.

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1:43:49

Best Movie-Related Fantasy Football Team Name From This Movie

Cole Tricklers; Japanese Inspection

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:43:49Read transcript

Cole Trickle and Cole Tricklers are proposed as team names. — Bill Simmons
Japanese Inspection is proposed as a punk-band name. — Bill Simmons

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1:44:02

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

I'm more afraid of being nothing than I am of being hurt

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:44:02Read transcript

I'm more afraid of being nothing than I am of being hurt is proposed. — Chris Ryan
You can't hide from your bad luck is proposed. — Chris Ryan
Rowdy's reflection that he hated farming until racing made him want a farm is proposed. — Chris Ryan

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1:45:00

Picking Nits

Origins, romance, safety, car knowledge, and repetitive passing

In the discussion (9)

Approx. transcript time · 01:45:00Read transcript

Cole's background as an Eagle Rock NASCAR driver is questioned. — Bill Simmons
Claire falling for Cole almost immediately despite his conduct is questioned. — Bill Simmons
Claire having no boyfriend and claiming to work around the clock are questioned. — Bill Simmons
Claire's condemnation of racing danger is contrasted with riding a motorcycle without a helmet. — Kyle Brandt
The trope of a passenger threatening to jump from a moving car is questioned. — Bill Simmons
Cole's open-wheel experience is inconsistent with his claimed ignorance of cars. — Chris Ryan
His rapid shift to technical car expertise is questioned. — Chris Ryan
The racing action relies too heavily on high-side passes. — Chris Ryan
Cole being a fast learner is offered as a counterexplanation for his rapid acquisition of car expertise. — Chris Ryan

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1:47:23

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A sequel with Tom Cruise

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:47:23Read transcript

A Days of Thunder sequel is discussed, with skepticism that Tom Cruise would yield the central driving role to a younger character.
Cole's minor eye injury is criticized as inadequate for the severity of the crash. — Chris Ryan

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1:48:45

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wilford Brimley in The Firm

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:48:45Read transcript

A Wayne Jenkins-style riff imagines pressure on Cole to pass Russ. — Chris Ryan
Wilford Brimley's character from The Firm wins with a blackmail scenario involving the staged police-stop photographs. — Kyle Brandt
Tony Romo-style racing commentary is an alternate. — Bill Simmons

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1:50:34

Just One Oscar

Hans Zimmer

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:50:34Read transcript

Hans Zimmer is selected for the film’s one Oscar. — Bill Simmons
Robert Towne and the sound work are mentioned and rejected as alternatives. — Bill Simmons

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1:50:51

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Daytona odds, pace car, Cruise–Kidman timing, and alternate Harry

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:50:51Read transcript

Cole's Daytona odds after his crash and in another driver's car are estimated at 100-to-1 or longer. — Bill Simmons
The panel doubts it would be good at driving a pace car because of the banking and attention. — Kyle Brandt
The timing of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman beginning their relationship is debated as either casting or after the hallway kiss. — Kyle Brandt
Jack Nicholson is proposed as Harry if Robert Duvall had made The Godfather Part III instead. — Bill Simmons
That substitution is recognized as potentially changing A Few Good Men. — Bill Simmons

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1:53:06

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Mello Yello racing suit

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:53:06Read transcript

A Superflo hat is proposed.
Cole Trickle's embroidered Mello Yello racing suit wins as a possible child Halloween costume. — Bill Simmons

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1:53:31

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Cole and Claire break up

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:53:31Read transcript

The panel agrees Cole and Claire are unlikely to remain together.
Claire's racing objections and improbable availability to attend races are cited as sources of incompatibility.

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1:54:29

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Rubbing is racing

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:54:29Read transcript

I'm more afraid of being nothing than being hurt is selected as a life lesson.
Rubbing is racing is selected as an alternate lesson applicable beyond the track. — Kyle Brandt

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1:54:44

Best Double Feature

Days of Thunder, Far and Away, and Eyes Wide Shut

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:54:44Read transcript

A rule-breaking triple feature traces the Tom Cruise–Nicole Kidman relationship through Days of Thunder, Far and Away, and Eyes Wide Shut. — Kyle Brandt

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1:55:05

Who Won the Movie?

No consensus: Roxy (Leilani Sarelle), Tom Cruise, Tony Scott, or Robert Duvall

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:55:05Read transcript

Roxy, played by Leilani Sarelle, is one winner choice. — Bill Simmons
Tom Cruise is a separate winner choice because Cole Trickle remains the focus. — Chris Ryan
Tony Scott is a separate winner choice because his direction makes the racing and crowd footage rewatchable. — Chris Ryan
Robert Duvall is selected over Tony Scott by another participant because his performance keeps the film from collapsing.

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1:56:23

Producer review

Positive

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:56:23Read transcript

The producer praises the film’s American spectacle, music, and presentation after watching it for the first time. — Chris Ryan
The producer argues the movie should be longer because character setup and crash aftermath feel abruptly cut. — Chris Ryan
The final freeze-frame race between Harry and Cole is praised.
Cole's unpunished post-race collision with Russ is flagged as an extreme rules violation. — Chris Ryan
The absence of contemporary ESPN or SportsCenter coverage is identified as a missed opportunity. — Bill Simmons
The film is praised as an ideal movie to have playing in a bar. — Bill Simmons
The producer says younger viewers may have missed Cruise's early work and prefers the young Cruise persona. — Chris Ryan

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Mentions across The Rewatchables

Recorded movie reference

Top Gun

The Rewatchables · aired July 23, 2019

Days of Thunder is listed in the sourced research for this episode. The precise discussion has not been linked yet.

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