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The Rewatchables ·

About Last Night

year 1986decade 80sdirector Edward Zwickgenre Comedygenre Romancegenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Mallory Rubinproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 37 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:21:34

Bring back relationship-centered rom-coms

Chris Ryan: Modern romantic comedies are criticized for relying on high concepts instead of simply showing a relationship.

Bill Simmons: Demi Moore’s willingness to commit physically to the role is proposed as a model later romantic comedies did not follow.

The film

About Last Night (1986)

Directed by Edward Zwick · Comedy

113 minutes

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Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Rob Lowe Danny Martin
Demi Moore Debbie Sullivan
Jim Belushi Bernie Litko
Elizabeth Perkins Joan Gunther
George DiCenzo Mr. Favio
Michael Alldredge Mother Malone
Robin Thomas Steve Carlson
Rosanna DeSoto Mrs. Lyons
Sachi Parker Carrie
Joe Greco Gus
Ada Maris Carmen
Catherine Keener cocktail waitress

Everything from the episode

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

33:29

Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:33:29Read transcript
  • The review gives the movie four stars and calls it rare for dealing fearlessly with real people rather than special effects. — Bill Simmons
  • The review says the film gives its two leads their best acting opportunities and that both make the most of them. — Bill Simmons
  • The review calls it a warm-hearted, intelligent love story and one of the year’s best movies. — Mallory Rubin
  • The review criticizes Top Gun for avoiding a real relationship in favor of airplanes. — Bill Simmons
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36:50

Most Rewatchable Scene

New Year’s Eve; the breakup; Thanksgiving and the bathroom fight; opening monologue.

New Year’s Eve; the breakup; Thanksgiving and the bathroom fight; opening monologue.

In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:50Read transcript
  • The opening conversation is proposed for its vulgar rhythm and immediate setup of the friendship and hard-R tone. — Bill Simmons
  • The softball game and first bar sequence are grouped as a rewatchable run. — Bill Simmons
  • The first Mothers sequence is praised for the flirting, jokes, and sense of a crowded dating scene.
  • The double date is praised for the exchanges between Bernie and Joan. — Bill Simmons
  • The falling-in-love date montage is proposed.
  • The move-in sequence and its transition into another montage are proposed.
  • The post-fight montage, fitted-sheet beat, and ensuing sex sequence are proposed.
  • Thanksgiving dinner and the bathroom fight are proposed as a gripping relationship-collapse sequence. — Bill Simmons
  • The kindergarten scene and Christmas-party confrontation are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • New Year’s Eve is a final choice.
  • The breakup is a final choice and is praised for feeling like a real breakup. — Bill Simmons
  • The post-breakup diner, one-night stand, Mothers, and rainy confrontation are proposed as a rewatchable aftermath run. — Bill Simmons
  • The final softball game is proposed as a strong ending. — Bill Simmons
  • The opening is a final choice because its monologue catches attention before the images begin. — Mallory Rubin
  • Thanksgiving and the bathroom fight are a final choice because the relationship deterioration is gripping. — Mallory Rubin
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53:46

The most 1986 thing

Workplace affairs; period names and technology; Air Jordans and the Wrigley shirt.

Workplace affairs; period names and technology; Air Jordans and the Wrigley shirt.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:46Read transcript
  • Workplace affairs involving both leads’ bosses are proposed as especially 1986.
  • The names Debbie, Joan, and Pat are proposed as period-specific.
  • Double headphones, the stereo system, and indoor smoking are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Danny’s Air Jordans and the no-lights Wrigley Field shirt place the movie in a narrow mid-1980s window. — Mallory Rubin
  • A lithium joke, a Blade Runner reference, and looking someone up in the phone book are proposed as period markers. — Chris Ryan
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55:58

Gandolfini Butter on My Ass So It Pops in My Mouth Award

Themed dinner nights; 1980s Chicago movies; softball scenes.

Themed dinner nights; 1980s Chicago movies; softball scenes.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:58Read transcript
  • Themed dinner nights, especially sandwich night, are enjoyed as a dependable shared ritual. — Mallory Rubin
  • Chicago movies set in the 1980s are proposed. — Mallory Rubin
  • Softball scenes in movies and television are proposed, with several examples discussed. — Bill Simmons
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58:53

What’s Aged the Best?

Title use; structure; Chicago; friendships; montages; meeting people in person.

Title use; structure; Chicago; friendships; montages; meeting people in person.

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:53Read transcript
  • Repeated use of the movie title is praised because it works each time. — Bill Simmons
  • The rom-com structure, Chicago setting, and best-friend relationships are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • Megan Mullally’s brief performance is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Bernie’s worried reaction when Danny unravels is praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The first self-cooked Thanksgiving and the relationship montages are praised. — Chris Ryan
  • Meeting romantic partners in person before dating apps is proposed as nostalgic and enduring.
  • Small costume and prop details make Bernie feel lived-in. — Mallory Rubin
  • Several of Bernie’s lines are proposed for their lasting comedy. — Bill Simmons
  • The breakup improvisation story is introduced with “not positive this is true,” and the reaction is described as possibly genuine. — Bill Simmons
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1:04:42

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Rooftop pan to Wrigley; rubber duck in the black bathtub.

Rooftop pan to Wrigley; rubber duck in the black bathtub.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:42Read transcript
  • The rooftop pan toward Wrigley Field is selected. — Bill Simmons
  • The bathtub shot focused on a yellow rubber duck against the black tub is selected. — Mallory Rubin
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1:05:13

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

New Year’s Eve shots; Joan’s dinner; Thanksgiving turkey.

New Year’s Eve shots; Joan’s dinner; Thanksgiving turkey.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:13Read transcript
  • The double shots and boilermakers on New Year’s Eve are proposed.
  • Joan eating dinner slowly is proposed. — Mallory Rubin
  • Debbie handling the Thanksgiving turkey in the sink is proposed. — Mallory Rubin
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1:06:06

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Bernie Licko; Swallow if establishments qualify.

Bernie Licko; Swallow if establishments qualify.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:06Read transcript
  • Bernie Licko is selected as best character name. — Mallory Rubin
  • Swallow is proposed if establishments are eligible, including its double meaning. — Mallory Rubin
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1:06:21

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Mothers

Mothers

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:21Read transcript
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1:06:45

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

The bounty-on-her-head exchange.

The bounty-on-her-head exchange.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:45Read transcript
  • The exchange saying there would be a bounty on the character’s head is selected. — Bill Simmons
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1:06:45

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

Living Inside My Heart; So Far, So Good.

Living Inside My Heart; So Far, So Good.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:45Read transcript
  • Five montage songs are offered as candidates. — Bill Simmons
  • Living Inside My Heart is selected by one voice and receives agreement. — Bill Simmons
  • So Far, So Good is another preference because it accompanies the fitted-sheet and pasta montage.
  • The songs are praised for describing each stage of the relationship. — Bill Simmons
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1:07:59

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Rob Lowe in the breakup scene.

Rob Lowe in the breakup scene.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:59Read transcript
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1:08:24

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

Joan’s affair with Gary; the Swallow City Diner subplot.

Joan’s affair with Gary; the Swallow City Diner subplot.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:24Read transcript
  • Joan’s affair with the married Gary is proposed because his New Year’s Eve behavior is implausible.
  • The Swallow City Diner subplot is proposed as thin machinery for Danny’s redemption and future.
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1:10:03

What’s Aged the Worst?

Danny’s stalking; the clothes.

Danny’s stalking; the clothes.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:03Read transcript
  • Danny’s stalking phase is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Debbie’s clothes are proposed as badly dated. — Bill Simmons
  • The men’s fashion is proposed as especially dated. — Mallory Rubin
  • Debbie’s overalls in the final scene receive a divided response. — Bill Simmons
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1:11:37

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Danny’s boss; Gus.

Danny’s boss; Gus.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:37Read transcript
  • Danny’s boss is proposed for his exaggerated bird reaction. — Mallory Rubin
  • Gus at the diner is also proposed. — Mallory Rubin
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1:11:54

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

Oral sex; masturbation beats; Bernie and Joan at Mothers.

Oral sex; masturbation beats; Bernie and Joan at Mothers.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:54Read transcript
  • More explicit oral sex is proposed because the question recurs in the movie but remains unanswered. — Mallory Rubin
  • A Bernie masturbation beat during the move is proposed based on the stack of magazines. — Mallory Rubin
  • A Debbie masturbation scene is proposed around the bed-sheet and perfume montage. — Mallory Rubin
  • A Bernie-and-Joan sex scene at Mothers is the principal proposed addition. — Mallory Rubin
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1:15:51

Steven Seagal Hard to Kill Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Intimacy Coordinator?

Yes.

Yes.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:51Read transcript
  • A close-up visible detail during a bed scene prompts a yes vote for better intimacy coordination. — Mallory Rubin
  • The discussion mentions wearing a cock sock and then says yes to an intimacy coordinator.
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1:19:50

Steven Seagal shitting on himself award for most unbelievable anecdote from the actual film shoot

Rob Lowe reportedly injured his knee during a sex-scene take.

Rob Lowe reportedly injured his knee during a sex-scene take.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:50Read transcript
  • A cited production memoir reports that filming the sex scenes was lengthy, technical, and uncomfortable for the crew. — Bill Simmons
  • The memoir reports that Rob Lowe injured his knee during an athletic take and continued until the director called cut. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel initially misreads the setup as a different kind of mishap, then recognizes the knee injury as the anecdote’s punch line. — Bill Simmons
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1:21:34

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Bring back relationship-centered rom-coms; do not root for Danny and Debbie.

Bring back relationship-centered rom-coms; do not root for Danny and Debbie.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:34Read transcript
  • Modern romantic comedies are criticized for relying on high concepts instead of simply showing a relationship. — Chris Ryan
  • Demi Moore’s willingness to commit physically to the role is proposed as a model later romantic comedies did not follow. — Bill Simmons
  • One take rejects rooting for Danny and Debbie or wanting them together at the end. — Mallory Rubin
  • The objection is that Danny is attractive but otherwise has few visible qualities or interests that explain Debbie’s attachment.
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1:24:27

Casting What-Ifs

Bill Murray and Nick Nolte; alternate director and Debbie contenders.

Bill Murray and Nick Nolte; alternate director and Debbie contenders.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:27Read transcript
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1:25:44

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Robin Thomas

Robin Thomas

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:44Read transcript
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1:26:01

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Megan Mullally.

Megan Mullally.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:01Read transcript
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1:26:15

Recasting Couch

Keep the director, city, and principal cast.

Keep the director, city, and principal cast.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:15Read transcript
  • The released director, city, and principal cast are left unchanged. — Bill Simmons
  • A suggestion to give Debbie another friend is raised but not adopted. — Bill Simmons
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1:30:14

Half-Assed Internet Research

Demi Moore and Rob Lowe’s uncertain dating history.

Demi Moore and Rob Lowe’s uncertain dating history.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:14Read transcript
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1:30:26

Apex Mountain

Rob Lowe near this period; several subject-specific debates.

Rob Lowe near this period; several subject-specific debates.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:26Read transcript
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1:32:31

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:31Read transcript
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1:32:41

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Keep About Last Night.

Keep About Last Night.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:41Read transcript
  • About Last Night is preferred because Sexual Perversity in Chicago overstates the film’s perversity.
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1:32:51

Mila Kunis Forgetting Sarah Marshall Award: Is This the Hottest This Person Has Ever Been in a Movie?

Rob Lowe: later West Wing or Parks and Recreation era; Demi Moore: Indecent Proposal leads a divided field.

Rob Lowe: later West Wing or Parks and Recreation era; Demi Moore: Indecent Proposal leads a divided field.

Flex pick · Bill Simmons

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:51Read transcript
  • For Rob Lowe, this movie is rejected because of the 1980s hair; older appearances in The West Wing or Parks and Recreation are preferred. — Bill Simmons
  • For Demi Moore, G.I. Jane, The Substance, and Indecent Proposal are proposed. — Mallory Rubin
  • Indecent Proposal receives the strongest support. — Bill Simmons
  • Disclosure is added as another Demi Moore candidate. — Bill Simmons
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1:34:27

Picking Nits

Pat friendship; apartment painting; light continuity; diner financing; character ages.

Pat friendship; apartment painting; light continuity; diner financing; character ages.

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:27Read transcript
  • Debbie continuing to socialize with Pat after Pat pursues Danny is challenged.
  • Danny’s hostile reaction to Debbie painting the apartment is challenged. — Chris Ryan
  • The breakup scene’s light continuity is challenged. — Bill Simmons
  • Danny’s ability to finance and open the diner is challenged.
  • Danny’s claim to have spent his life in restaurant-supply sales is challenged because he is about 24. — Mallory Rubin
  • A sentimental cloth left on the kitchen table is criticized as an implausible place for an item that must stay clean. — Mallory Rubin
  • Danny’s wardrobe and narrow Chicago-sports interests are questioned.
  • The omitted basketball game is identified as a missing chance to establish Danny and Bernie’s playing roles. — Bill Simmons
  • Debbie’s boss pursuing her so openly is challenged as inconsistent with her response.
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1:38:35

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

A later-life reunion

A later-life reunion

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:35Read transcript
  • The category acknowledges that an all-Black remake was released in 2014. — Bill Simmons
  • Past efforts to reunite Danny and Debbie are reported, followed by a proposed divorced-coparents story.
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1:39:19

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Did Bernie see the Cubs win? Were his stories true? Where are the four leads from?

Did Bernie see the Cubs win? Were his stories true? Where are the four leads from?

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:19Read transcript
  • The panel asks whether Bernie lived to see the Cubs win the 2016 World Series and concludes he likely did not.
  • The panel asks whether Bernie’s stories were real and answers no. — Chris Ryan
  • The panel asks whether all four central characters came from Chicago or nearby.
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1:41:07

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

The diner fails or Danny’s former partner calls with consequences.

The diner fails or Danny’s former partner calls with consequences.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:07Read transcript
  • The diner failing and its former owner retaliating are proposed.
  • Danny’s former partner calling with a pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection is proposed.
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1:42:57

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Mothers softball jersey; original Air Jordans.

Mothers softball jersey; original Air Jordans.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:57Read transcript
  • A Mothers softball jersey or other Mothers item is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • Danny’s original Air Jordans are proposed as the most valuable choice. — Mallory Rubin
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1:43:57

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.

Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:57Read transcript
  • Do not lose your sense of humor is selected as the best lesson. — Bill Simmons
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1:43:57

Best Double Feature

St. Elmo’s Fire.
About Last Night
St. Elmo's Fire
St. Elmo's Fire
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:57Read transcript
  • St. Elmo’s Fire is selected by two voices because it also features Demi Moore and Rob Lowe and was released close in time.
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1:44:15

Who Won the Movie?

Jim Belushi; a possible Demi Moore choice remains unclear.

Jim Belushi; a possible Demi Moore choice remains unclear.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:15Read transcript
  • Two machine-transcript choices select Jim Belushi. — Mallory Rubin
  • The answer following “Who won the movie?” is unclear in the machine transcript; possible candidate Demi Moore is not counted.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Jim Belushi
Speaker not identified
Jim Belushi
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1:44:51

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

The sex montage begins.

The sex montage begins.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:51Read transcript
  • The start of the sex montage is proposed as the moment the movie goes up a notch. — Craig Horlbeck
  • The intense lovemaking is defended as helping the story because the pair love having sex. — Craig Horlbeck
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More from the conversation

Chicago and Mothers are repeatedly treated as central to the film’s lived-in setting.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:13Read transcript
The discussion maps the relationship cycle from attraction through cohabitation, conflict, breakup, and reconciliation.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:17Read transcript