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The Rewatchables · August 22, 2024

Rudy

host Bill Simmons host Kyle Brandt

What aged best: Goldsmith score
Casting what-if: Matt Damon as Rudy
Weakest link: The real Rudy’s post-film public persona

All 34 categories

Who won the movie Jerry Goldsmith
Roger Ebert
Just one Oscar Jerry Goldsmith
Cruise or Hanks Tom Cruise

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:08:10

Frank was right

Kyle Brandt: Frank is argued to have been right: following the dream costs Rudy relationships, money and physical health for a brief appearance, while an ordinary working life could have been happier.

Bill Simmons: If historical invention is acceptable, a deliberately exaggerated version could have Rudy mentor Montana, invent the playoff or NIL, and suggest ESPN or betting businesses.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:07:49

Chase your dreams

Bill Simmons: The same dream quotation is also the life-lesson choice.

The film

Rudy (1993)

Directed by David Anspaugh · Sports

112 minutes

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Sean Astin Rudy

Ned Beatty Daniel

Charles S. Dutton Fortune

Jason Miller Ara Parseghian

Lili Taylor Sherry

Robert Prosky Father Cavanaugh

Greta Lind Mary

Jon Favreau D-Bob

Chelcie Ross Dan Devine

Ron Dean Coach Yonto

Scott Benjaminson Frank

Mary Ann Thebus Betty

Christopher Reed Pete

John Beasley Coach Warren

Vince Vaughn Jamie

Kevin White Roland

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

29:14

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:29:14Read transcript

The podcast explicitly states that Ebert awarded three and a half stars. — Bill Simmons
Ebert’s three-and-a-half-star rating is judged half a star generous; his review praises Astin’s self-effacing focus and the powerful finale. — Bill Simmons
Siskel reportedly called the film better than Hoosiers in the television review. — Kyle Brandt

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30:22

Most Rewatchable Scene

Final game, tunnel entrance and celebration

In the discussion (19)

Approx. transcript time · 00:30:22Read transcript

Pete fighting Frank in the bar and the subsequent fatal mill accident are honorable mentions, including Rudy’s slow-motion reach. — Bill Simmons
Rudy seeing the stadium for the first time is an honorable mention, enhanced by the score and Dutton’s entrance. — Bill Simmons
Rudy reciting Rockne’s speech in the locker room and Fortune’s emotional reaction are nominated. — Bill Simmons
Admission to Notre Dame is called the first truly rewatchable scene, though Astin’s crying is criticized as forced compared with Toy Soldiers. — Kyle Brandt
Astin reportedly described struggling to cry until the director asked what he feared, unlocking tears on the final take. — Kyle Brandt
The assistant coach’s harsh tryout speech, the practice montage and Dean confirming Rudy made the team begin an especially strong stretch. — Bill Simmons
Football practice montages are praised for violence, music and repeated hits; The Program, Wildcats, Friday Night Lights and Remember the Titans provide comparisons. — Bill Simmons
Fortune promising to attend if Rudy dresses is a small favored moment. — Bill Simmons
The tackle demolishing Rudy, then easing up, leads to the parking-lot understanding and Jamie calling him a showboat. — Bill Simmons
Rudy asking to dress for one game is nominated, with skepticism about his entitlement and a joke that a departing coach can promise anything. — Bill Simmons
Fortune confronting Rudy after he quits is praised for acting, writing and the unexpected revelation that Fortune played at Notre Dame and regretted quitting amid perceived racial discrimination. — Kyle Brandt
A hypothetical earlier scene revealing Fortune’s history might improve the first hour without losing the final motivational speech; no additional Dutton appears in the deleted scenes. — Bill Simmons
The jersey-drop scene is initially the top choice, with Ross’s restrained emotion particularly praised. — Bill Simmons
The jersey protest is reported as invented; Devine supposedly supported playing Rudy and objected to his villainous portrayal, while Montana also denied he would surrender a jersey. — Kyle Brandt
The jersey scene remains emotionally effective despite its implausibility, while Steele surrendering his final home-game tunnel entrance is considered even harder to believe. — Kyle Brandt
The pregame speech, tunnel entrance, final opportunity, sack, reaction shots and shoulder carry build the finale’s emotional force. — Bill Simmons
The halfback touchdown pass is criticized as invented and an unearned attempt to redeem Jamie after his hostility, though the score still makes the sports ending work. — Kyle Brandt
Montana reportedly described the shoulder carry as a joke by the team’s pranksters; that interview damaged the film’s reputation in the social-media era. — Kyle Brandt
Both final scene choices settle on the ending, especially Beatty and Dutton’s reactions; the jersey scene remains a favorite and Frank’s restrained response is amusing. — Kyle Brandt

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31:11

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Jamie’s position; Rudy’s jacket, work ethic, love life and isolation

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 00:31:11Read transcript

The mill accident raises a question of Rudy’s negligence or possible manslaughter because his task was maintaining water flow; the mill itself looks dangerously unsafe. — Kyle Brandt
Jamie’s lack of success is answered by miscasting his physique at tailback. — Bill Simmons
The jacket’s long use in all weather raises hygiene questions. — Bill Simmons
Jason Miller might prefer another encounter with The Exorcist’s Regan to another interruption from Rudy. — Bill Simmons
Rudy’s late commitment raises the question why he did not work harder in high school, with dyslexia offered as context. — Bill Simmons
Mary’s relationship with Rudy prompts speculation about an eventual kiss, with his team membership increasing his chances but her abstinence and rule-following limiting opportunities. — Kyle Brandt
Rudy’s isolation, lack of entertainment, athletic energy and unsuccessful pursuit of women inspire a joking claim about exceptional masturbation frequency. — Kyle Brandt

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41:33

What’s Aged the Best?

Goldsmith score; rejection montages; Astin’s athleticism; blunt parental realism; supporting cast; Devine speech; spo...

Goldsmith score; rejection montages; Astin’s athleticism; blunt parental realism; supporting cast; Devine speech; sports-movie character types

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 00:41:33Read transcript

The montage of Rudy repeatedly failing to make the dress list is praised as an effective disappointed-hope sequence with strong music. — Bill Simmons
The score, loose true-story disclaimer, rejection-letter montage and fathers asking children’s friends whether they have their own home are affirmative selections. — Bill Simmons
Astin’s athletic running and tackling look convincing, with Toy Soldiers and Seagal’s running providing comparisons. — Kyle Brandt
Adults discouraging unrealistic childhood dreams is praised as a refreshing contrast with universal encouragement, including the bus-stop story about the failed cattle business. — Kyle Brandt
Jamie’s disappointing blue-chip-recruit persona and sports villains who complain that the hero makes them look bad are enjoyable familiar types. — Bill Simmons
Devine’s nobody-pushes-us-around speech has a lasting arena-jumbotron afterlife. — Bill Simmons
Seeing early Vaughn after Swingers and Old School adds comic expectations to his exchanges with Rudy. — Bill Simmons
Some Notre Dame fans’ vehement dislike of the movie is itself an amusing positive. — Bill Simmons
Tryouts reportedly appears in at least twelve other film trailers, demonstrating the score’s power to sell unrelated movies. — Bill Simmons
Ross’s Major League, Hoosiers and Rudy trifecta establishes his sports-movie supporting-player stature, with Trouble with the Curve, The Express and possibly The Last Boy Scout also cited. — Bill Simmons

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44:12

The most GIFable moment

Fortune’s triple clap

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:44:12Read transcript

A proposed Fortune-from-Rudy GIF award uses his three claps as the example because the reaction frequently accompanies online accomplishments. — Kyle Brandt

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58:49

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Rudy in the stadium corner; crane shot above the stadium

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:58:49Read transcript

The camera behind Rudy as he takes in the stadium is a favored shot. — Bill Simmons
The crane shot rises above the stadium during a real game and reportedly catches a touchdown, despite visible anachronistic cars. — Kyle Brandt

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59:19

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Notre Dame Stadium

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:19Read transcript

The stadium receives the location award with agreement. — Bill Simmons

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59:19

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Goldsmith score at the final game

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:19Read transcript

Several Goldsmith cues qualify, with the louder music beginning the final game singled out. — Bill Simmons

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59:34

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

Birthday cupcake; pub beers

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:34Read transcript

The birthday Hostess cupcake with a match is offered, while a competing personal choice favors beers in classic pub mugs. — Kyle Brandt

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59:55

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

The real Rudy’s post-film public persona

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:55Read transcript

The real Rudy’s later motivational-speaking persona, self-promotion and reported securities-fraud settlement are argued to overshadow the film. — Bill Simmons
An ESPN profile is cited for an abrasive personality and many efforts to monetize the story, including a stage show, chicken promotion and documentary. — Bill Simmons
Manti Te’o reportedly described an awkward first meeting when Rudy told him to know his history; a better subsequent relationship does not erase that first impression. — Kyle Brandt

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1:02:34

What’s Aged the Worst?

D-Bob’s dating arrangement; staged interception; invented events and characters; historical omissions

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:34Read transcript

Rudy’s role finding women for D-Bob is criticized as implausible and creepy, compounded by his repeatedly worn secondhand jacket and uncertain hygiene. — Bill Simmons
Steele’s interception touchdown looks staged because the quarterback throws directly at him; realistic interception choreography is difficult, but the result resembles deliberate point shaving. — Bill Simmons
The jersey protest and villainous Devine portrayal are reported as inaccurate; Devine’s later condemnation and Montana’s account of no chanting and a prank shoulder carry are cited. — Bill Simmons
Frank is reportedly invented from several hometown doubters, while Fortune combines several people rather than representing one actual janitor. — Bill Simmons
The movie omits four Navy years, reportedly invents sleeping in the stadium and dramatizes admission that actually required four good Holy Cross semesters. — Bill Simmons
The real Rudy is described as a strong five-foot-six,185-pound practice player, and the Penn State game is called an anachronism used because that opponent was present during filming. — Bill Simmons
The discussion is uncertain whether Pete’s death happened as shown, but rejects blaming the real Rudy for the accident. — Bill Simmons
Rockne’s famous speech is judged overrated and dated in performance. — Kyle Brandt

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1:06:45

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Ned Beatty breaking up the bar fight

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:45Read transcript

Beatty briefly overdoes the anger while breaking up Pete and Frank’s fight. — Bill Simmons

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1:07:01

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

The Stalking Irish; Take Us Out

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:01Read transcript

The Stalking Irish is preferred to the competing Take Us Out suggestion; Rudy is nevertheless acknowledged as effective in streaming thumbnails. — Bill Simmons

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1:07:32

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

“Having dreams is what makes life tolerable.”

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:32Read transcript

Pete’s line about dreams making life tolerable is the memorable quote, corrected from an initial extra more. — Bill Simmons

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1:07:49

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Chase your dreams; a friend’s death as a dark motivator

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:49Read transcript

The same dream quotation is also the life-lesson choice. — Bill Simmons
A dark final lesson says a best friend’s violent death motivates following one’s dreams. — Kyle Brandt

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1:08:10

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Frank was right; exaggerate the invented history further

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:08:10Read transcript

Frank is argued to have been right: following the dream costs Rudy relationships, money and physical health for a brief appearance, while an ordinary working life could have been happier. — Kyle Brandt
If historical invention is acceptable, a deliberately exaggerated version could have Rudy mentor Montana, invent the playoff or NIL, and suggest ESPN or betting businesses. — Bill Simmons

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1:11:07

Casting What-Ifs

Matt Damon as Rudy

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:11:07Read transcript

A casting-director interview reportedly reveals Damon was an early preference, but his height and slight build worked against him while Astin was better known and ultimately right for the part. — Bill Simmons
Damon’s audition is inferred to have impressed strongly; his greater conventional charisma would change Rudy’s interactions with women, prompting Good Will Hunting and Rounders impressions. — Bill Simmons

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1:13:10

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Christopher Reed; Scott Benjaminson (preferred)

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:10Read transcript

Pete and Frank’s performers are nominated as unfamiliar supporting actors; Frank is favored for the dismissive baseball-card line. — Bill Simmons

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1:15:06

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Vince Vaughn; equipment manager (personal choice)

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:06Read transcript

Nominees include Pete, Prosky, Vaughn, the equipment manager, both assistant coaches, Steele and Astin’s stunt double. — Bill Simmons
The equipment manager is a deliberately minor personal choice for his stiff single line, while Vaughn is judged the likely winner from two contrasting scenes. — Bill Simmons

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1:16:15

Recasting Couch

Wil Wheaton as Frank

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:15Read transcript

Wheaton as Frank would reunite the Toy Soldiers actors and give him another awkward fight; either side of the bar fight is considered possible. — Bill Simmons

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1:17:01

What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?

Gus Johnson; Pat McAfee

In the discussion (2)

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

Johnson is chosen for an enthusiastic call of the final play and a joke acknowledging fictional events. — Kyle Brandt
McAfee is another choice, imagined repeatedly emphasizing Rudy’s lack of size but competitive spirit and nearby Indiana connection. — Bill Simmons

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1:18:09

Half-Assed Internet Research

Development, Notre Dame access and NFL Films footage

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:18:09Read transcript

After Columbia’s chairman left, the project reportedly entered turnaround before TriStar approved it on a compressed script and Notre Dame permission schedule. — Bill Simmons
The shoulder carry used a real Notre Dame–Boston College crowd, the stands footage used the1992 Penn State game, and NFL Films reportedly handled football scenes. — Bill Simmons

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1:19:21

Apex Mountain

Sean Astin; Charles S. Dutton; modern-era Notre Dame football; Ron Dean; Vincent Vaughn billing; all-time centers

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:19:21Read transcript

Astin’s signature role is judged Rudy despite personal Toy Soldiers preferences and the scale of Lord of the Rings; the suggestion Encino Man followed it is a podcast chronology claim, not verified metadata. — Kyle Brandt
Notre Dame initially receives a no, then its modern football era receives support for1988–94 and the1993 season; Dutton receives clear support alongside Roc. — Kyle Brandt
Ross’s peak is placed at Major League, while Vaughn receives a joking yes specifically for his full Vincent screen billing rather than his later Vince career. — Bill Simmons
Dean’s simultaneous Rudy and The Fugitive appearances make a persuasive career-peak case. — Bill Simmons
All-time centers in informal football receive a yes, with the position’s limited appeal mocked. — Bill Simmons
Vaughn/Favreau collaborations peak at Swingers; Rockne speeches are assigned an alternative in The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training and criticized as overrated here. — Bill Simmons
Astin’s crying is preferred in Toy Soldiers despite anticipated Return of the King objections. — Kyle Brandt
Unsupportive sports-family members peak with Paulie, including the later loss of Rocky’s money; Rocky’s unpaid Drago fight also deserves blame. — Bill Simmons

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1:24:39

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Cruise

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:24:39Read transcript

Cruise is the lead-role choice through All the Right Moves and Risky Business comparisons; Hanks might fit D-Bob or a coach, but those are not lead-role answers. — Bill Simmons
Cruise’s short stature might discourage taking Rudy, while an alternative casts his aggressive Taps persona as Frank. — Bill Simmons

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1:26:05

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

Stalking Irish; Roland Steele

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:05Read transcript

Stalking Irish is one choice; Roland Steele is chosen for a wrestler and likened to a porn-star name. — Kyle Brandt
The surrounding players are said to have fictional identities, making the writers’ conspicuous Roland Steele choice particularly amusing. — Kyle Brandt

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1:26:50

Picking Nits

Funeral exit; Jamie’s football performance; invented support; player physiques

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:50Read transcript

Rudy leaving Pete’s funeral early is selfish, with a callback joking he should instead be arrested over the mill accident. — Bill Simmons
Jamie tiptoeing before Rudy tackles him looks absurd and prompts joking charitable-run labels. — Bill Simmons
The tackle’s chant and Jamie’s sudden support feel unearned, and a Notre Dame obsessive should have known Fortune played there. — Bill Simmons
The unauthorized halfback pass in a blowout is an implausible violation that should get the participants disciplined. — Kyle Brandt
Vaughn’s six-foot-five build is implausible for a1970s tailback, while his impressive pass suggests quarterback; receiver or tight end would also fit better. — Kyle Brandt
Notre Dame’s bulky starting tailback looks like an anachronistic250-pound player rather than a mid-1970s back. — Kyle Brandt
The family’s reaction to the improbable sack should be stunned disbelief rather than routine cheering. — Bill Simmons

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1:31:46

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

Post-film Rudy black comedy; displaced player’s dark sequel; family at the mill

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:31:46Read transcript

A King of Comedy-style sequel could follow the real Rudy’s later self-promotion; another follows the player displaced from the dress list into a serial-killer story. — Bill Simmons
A return to the mill could explore Rudy’s brother taking up with his longtime girlfriend soon after he leaves. — Kyle Brandt

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1:32:39

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

Rudy discovering his girlfriend and brother together

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:32:39Read transcript

A proposed scene would have Rudy walk in on his girlfriend with his brother, or discover them in a car, emphasizing her grievance at his departure. — Kyle Brandt

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1:33:10

Is This Movie Better With…?

Philip Baker Hall as the priest; Samuel L. Jackson as Fortune

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:33:10Read transcript

Hall is proposed for Prosky’s priest role with imagined sexually inappropriate dialogue. — Bill Simmons
Jackson as Fortune would turn Rudy’s quitting into a Pulp Fiction-style confrontation, and the suggestion receives agreement. — Kyle Brandt

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1:34:29

Just One Oscar

Jerry Goldsmith

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:34:29Read transcript

Goldsmith is the immediate Oscar choice with agreement. — Bill Simmons

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1:40:10

Best Double Feature

Hoosiers

Hoosiers

Toy Soldiers

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:10Read transcript

Hoosiers and Toy Soldiers are offered; Hoosiers is selected for two Goldsmith scores and a basketball-football pairing. — Bill Simmons

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1:40:26

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

Rudy endlessly retelling and monetizing the sack

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:26Read transcript

Rudy is imagined repeatedly asking about his sack, selling photos and, in a modern equivalent, making a podcast with everyone involved. — Bill Simmons

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1:40:56

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Fortune’s corduroy jacket and outfit

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:40:56Read transcript

Candidates include Rudy’s repeatedly worn jacket, his game jersey, Jamie’s or Steele’s jerseys, and Devine’s named jacket. — Bill Simmons
Fortune’s stylish final corduroy jacket, scarf and hat are the explicit personal choice. — Kyle Brandt

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1:41:47

Who Won the Movie?

Jerry Goldsmith

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:41:47Read transcript

Notre Dame is initially chosen for the film’s affectionate, almost fetishistic presentation of the university. — Bill Simmons
The counterargument says Notre Dame declined after this peak, whereas Goldsmith’s music retains its power; the discussion ends with agreement on Goldsmith. — Bill Simmons

Podcast choices

Bill Simmons: Jerry Goldsmith

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More from the conversation

The movie divides into a slow college-admission story and a powerful football finale, making it unusually polarizing despite affection for its ending.

Approx. transcript time · 00:03:04Read transcript

Notre Dame fandom and a father’s attendance inform a childhood dream of playing there; an unsuccessful recruiting visit leads to Princeton football instead.

Approx. transcript time · 00:04:44Read transcript

The ending still produces tears, while the first hour invites ridicule; Rocky II is a parallel whose finale overcomes earlier flaws.

Approx. transcript time · 00:05:42Read transcript

Rudy’s dream is criticized as obsession and self-punishing endurance rather than strength training or football study, with potentially disastrous physical consequences.

Approx. transcript time · 00:06:42Read transcript

Based on a true story and inspired by real events are treated as loose promises; Notre Dame resentment compounds viewers’ anger at invented events.

Approx. transcript time · 00:08:08Read transcript

Rudy abandoning the funeral and girlfriend, wearing the same clothes, sneaking into the stadium and helping D-Bob meet women illustrate a narcissistic pursuit of admission.

Approx. transcript time · 00:09:40Read transcript

The real sack footage is criticized as a shared sack with a probable neutral-zone alignment violation, a slow start and a poor running-back block.

Approx. transcript time · 00:10:38Read transcript

A joking stalking-film list includes Cape Fear, Fatal Attraction, Sleeping with the Enemy, Fear, One Hour Photo and Rudy; Single White Female is added because Rudy stalks Notre Dame.

Approx. transcript time · 00:11:51Read transcript

Rocky, The Natural, The Karate Kid, Hoosiers and Rudy define an old-fashioned underdog-sports tradition; later phases include Bull Durham’s era, He Got Game, Any Given Sunday and Disney’s Remember the Titans and The Rookie.

Approx. transcript time · 00:12:47Read transcript

The period setting makes the film feel timeless, though a young child is bored by its first half; its appeal to current young football players remains uncertain.

Approx. transcript time · 00:14:05Read transcript

Everything after Rudy makes the team is defended, including the shuffleboard return home.

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:09Read transcript

The 1988–94 sports-film pyramid puts Bull Durham first; Field of Dreams, A League of Their Own, White Men Can’t Jump, Bloodsport and Major League above Rudy, which sits with The Sandlot, Searching for Bobby Fischer and Above the Rim.

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:26Read transcript

Frank serves as the skeptical viewer’s mouthpiece. Rudy’s size is the main reason for disbelief, followed by his annoying behavior, with family jealousy and grades also considered.

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:58Read transcript

Sean Astin, young Jon Favreau and Ned Beatty anchor an eclectic cast; Vaughn’s Vincent billing, Dutton’s magical-janitor role and Miller’s surprising casting after The Exorcist are highlighted.

Approx. transcript time · 00:17:43Read transcript

Chelcie Ross is praised as a sports-film regular, Lili Taylor’s Say Anything connection is recalled, and Robert Prosky exemplifies a recognizable supporting actor.

Approx. transcript time · 00:19:08Read transcript

Ron Dean is celebrated as Chicago-screen royalty through The Breakfast Club, The Fugitive, Seagal films and The Dark Knight; jokingly awarded the movie before the formal categories.

Approx. transcript time · 00:19:26Read transcript

Goldsmith’s Hoosiers and Rudy scores establish his sports-film stature alongside Rocky; eighteen Oscar nominations, The Omen win and memorable genre scores are cited.

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:18Read transcript

The score inspires playing Rudy music around the house and before recording. It is argued to carry the movie more than even celebrated scores for already-great films such as Jaws or Star Wars.

Approx. transcript time · 00:22:27Read transcript

An instrumental sports-score list starts with Rocky’s Gonna Fly Now, Rudy’s Tryouts, Hoosiers, The Natural and Chariots of Fire; Rocky IV training music is added despite reluctance to include two Rocky films.

Approx. transcript time · 00:23:50Read transcript

The podcast reports no Goldsmith nomination and criticizes purported competing nominations for Interview with the Vampire and Little Women while accepting The Lion King, Shawshank and Forrest Gump; these are the podcast’s claims, not externally verified award chronology.

Approx. transcript time · 00:25:13Read transcript

A wedding string quartet played the Shawshank score as the bride walked down the aisle, prompting prison-film jokes.

Approx. transcript time · 00:25:50Read transcript

Rudy reportedly spent a decade pursuing the film, recruited the Hoosiers writer, and obtained a script in six months; a reported thirteen-million-dollar budget and twenty-two-million gross precede a strong cable and rental afterlife.

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:34Read transcript

Rudy and The Program arrived weeks apart, with The Program reportedly the bigger hit. Rights and uniforms may impede college-football movies, whereas Necessary Roughness uses fictional teams.

Approx. transcript time · 00:27:33Read transcript

Chris Hogan reportedly watched Rudy before every high-school football game and before his first Patriots Super Bowl, illustrating the movie’s lasting athlete appeal despite internet criticism.

Approx. transcript time · 00:28:12Read transcript

The longer Amazon version reportedly includes more Vaughn, a gym scene with Rudy using a fake ID and a sequence in which Mary accepts Jamie’s attention. A Swingers catchphrase is an impression, explicitly corrected as the vibe rather than actual dialogue.

Approx. transcript time · 00:39:08Read transcript

The slow clap prompts an Apex question and a promised list, deferred until later in the episode.

Approx. transcript time · 00:44:59Read transcript

The conversation jokes about confusion between Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Star Wars; unshared family interest prevented watching the fantasy franchises.

Approx. transcript time · 01:23:37Read transcript

A joking movie-character masturbation list names Miggs, McConaughey in The Wolf of Wall Street, DiCaprio in The Basketball Diaries, Gary in Parenthood and a speculative Andy Dufresne; Midnight Express and Weird Science’s Wyatt and Gary are added.

Approx. transcript time · 01:37:19Read transcript

The earnest slow-clap list comprises Brubaker, Lucas, Hoosiers, Can’t Buy Me Love and Rudy, excluding parody examples such as Not Another Teen Movie; Lucas is the explicit favorite.

Approx. transcript time · 01:39:06Read transcript

The outro anticipates a possible future in-person recording; it does not establish this episode as live.

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