The rating is reported as one and a half stars; no scale is stated.
Ebert’s review is quoted praising Lauren Ambrose as Denise as the interesting, funny exception in the cast.
The response to the review is the dismissive phrase “Crap on this.”

Reported alternatives include Meyer as Kenny, Embry as William, Marsden as Mike and Witt/Witherspoon/Ricci as Denise.

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 00:49:31Read transcript

Kenny was reportedly written for Breckin Meyer, unavailable due to54; he took the band role. Embry was wanted for William but insisted on Preston.
James Marsden was reportedly closely considered for Mike; Facinelli’s danger won the role. Marsden is endorsed.
Alicia Witt was wanted for Denise, a choice praised as similar to her Sybil persona.
William was initially cast with the Little Man Tate actor transcribed Adam Handbird; the speakers say he looked too young and was replaced. Exact name remains unresolved.
Reese Witherspoon and Christina Ricci are also reported Denise alternatives; one participant doubts Witherspoon’s plausibility because of her existing profile.

Freddie Prinze Jr., James Marsden or Jason Segel as Preston.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:56:45Read transcript

Freddie Prinze Jr. is proposed for a sensitive rather than popular-jock role.
Marsden is proposed as Preston, with altered hair to nerd him up; his extreme attractiveness is a possible objection.
Swapping Siegel and Embry is proposed and accepted, with Siegel’s later Freaks and Geeks work supporting the idea.

Tom Everett Scott as Preston and an older Mark Wahlberg as Mike.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:24Read transcript

Tom Everett Scott’s nerdy sweetness is proposed, with uncertainty about passing as a teenager.
Fear-era Wahlberg is tested as a menacing Mike, acknowledged to be about six years too old.

Reported production anecdotes concern Hart’s schedule, set destruction and Meyer/Kaplan.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:00:37Read transcript

Melissa Joan Hart reportedly took B12 while juggling Sabrina and overnight filming.
The cast reportedly destroyed the interior set for a final scene; this is distinguished from the real exterior house.
Breckin Meyer and Deborah Kaplan are reported to have married and had two children.

Breckin Meyer and Justin Long are additional Preston possibilities.

In the discussion (2)

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

Meyer is suggested, with his Clueless stoner persona noted.
Justin Long is tested but considered too young-looking despite being Embry’s age; Embry’s apparent age is criticized.

Amanda’s thin characterization, bathroom logistics and rushed intimacy are questioned.

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:11Read transcript

One participant initially calls the film perfect with no nits.
Police would shut down the party quickly; Amanda’s lack of friends, identity and agency is criticized.
Nobody trying the upstairs bathroom during a crowded party is implausible.
Amanda not knowing Preston prompts debate about narrow social circles; Say Anything’s sheltered heroine is considered better motivated.
Kenny and Denise having sex so quickly after reconnecting is questioned; her prior experience and his love kit are counterpoints.

Why was a five-year reunion sequel not made?

In the discussion (2)

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

A raunchier2003 reunion is described as a missed opportunity once the film had gained cult status; a30-year version is considered less certain.
Another participant sees appeal in revisiting the cast decades later and jokes Amanda might finally have a personality.

Superbad and Sixteen Candles expand into a generational mini-marathon.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:13:20Read transcript

Superbad is one pick and Sixteen Candles another.
The sequence expands to Sixteen Candles, the current film, Superbad, Booksmart and optionally Say Anything.

Craig’s first viewing is mostly negative, with William and Tripp McNeely exceptions.

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:21Read transcript

Introduced as producer Craig, the first-time viewer finds the earnest romance dated, the archetypes and casting weak, and the film caught between Say Anything and American Pie.
He likes William getting drunk and especially Jerry O'Connell’s warning about peaking in high school, likened to Mike seeing his future.
He wants a college follow-up with Mike and Tripp.
He concludes that the apparent archetype satire instead feels sloppy.
The other speakers call this a time capsule and a movie where you had to be there.
The others defend the film’s modest ambitions, cheap production, young cast and humorous execution as characteristic of the era.