‹ All movies

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

IMDb Find on JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
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.

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
Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers
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
Share this discussion More The most "year the movie came out" thing answers
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
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers
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
Share this discussion More The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot answers
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.
Share this discussion More The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film answers
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
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers
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
Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers
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.
Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers
1:25:44

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Robin Thomas

Robin Thomas

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:44Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
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
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
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
Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers
1:32:31

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:31Read transcript
Share this discussion More Cruise or Hanks? answers
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.
Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers
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.
Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers
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
Share this discussion More What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? answers
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
Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers
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
Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers