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The Rewatchables ·

Running Scared

year 1986decade 80sdirector Peter Hyamsgenre Comedygenre Action
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 37 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 59:54

Lethal Weapon franchise potential

Bill Simmons: A planned sequel called Still Running failed because Crystal and Hines rejected the scripts, which the hosts call an enormous missed business opportunity.

Chris Ryan: The main take argues this chemistry and premise could have become the Lethal Weapon franchise in a friendlier release window.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:27:43

Move to your Key West and stay

Bill Simmons: The first lesson says a former cop is an impossible transition to a dentist spouse.

The film

Running Scared (1986)

Directed by Peter Hyams · Comedy

107 minutes

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Gregory Hines Ray Hughes
Billy Crystal Danny Costanzo
Steven Bauer Frank
Darlanne Fluegel Anna Costanzo
Dan Hedaya Captain Logan
Jimmy Smits Julio Gonzales
Tracy Reed Maryann Thomas

Everything from the episode

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

12:52

Casting What-Ifs

Gene Hackman; Paul Newman; Tom Selleck; John Travolta

Gene Hackman; Paul Newman; Tom Selleck; John Travolta

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:52Read transcript
  • The script was allegedly imagined for older New York cops with Hackman and Newman in mind, though it was never brought to them. — Bill Simmons
  • Tom Selleck and John Travolta were reportedly considered; Selleck had Magnum and Travolta’s agent advised against it. — Bill Simmons
  • Peter Hyams reportedly liked Darlane Flugel in To Live and Die in L.A. — Chris Ryan
  • Hyams’s earlier Busting and later 2010, Capricorn One, and Sudden Death establish his action craftsmanship. — Chris Ryan
  • Gregory Hines is described as having replaced Richard Pryor in History of the World Part I and as having dropped out of 48 hours for The Cotton Club. — Bill Simmons
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18:47

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Key West; State of Illinois Building

Key West; State of Illinois Building

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:47Read transcript
  • Key West is named during the rapid sweep of categories for the sequence. — Bill Simmons
  • The sunset, scooters, boat, roller skating, women, and potential bar make the location feel like a complete second movie. — Bill Simmons
  • The scene’s power makes the return to Chicago feel like leaving the life the characters should choose. — Bill Simmons
  • The State of Illinois Building is offered as the location-category alternative before the exchange agrees with Key West. — Bill Simmons
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32:25

Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:25Read transcript
  • The episode states “Roger Ebert, three stars” and says he liked the film. — Bill Simmons
  • The quoted review calls the premise another street-smart buddy-cop story and initially complains the genre is overpopulated. — Bill Simmons
  • Ebert nevertheless says Running Scared transcends its dreary roots and becomes fun because of Hines and Crystal. — Bill Simmons
  • The Times critic transcribed as Vincent Camby is described as making a similar point more negatively and steering audiences toward television police shows. — Bill Simmons
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34:13

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening basketball and Snake chase; lineup; Key West; apartment shootout; stairway and airport chases; train tracks a...

Opening basketball and Snake chase; lineup; Key West; apartment shootout; stairway and airport chases; train tracks and lifted cab; double-elevator ending

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:13Read transcript
  • The opening combines outdoor basketball, punches, and a chase before establishing the partners’ comic rhythm. — Bill Simmons
  • Snake’s pursuit is praised for the detectives announcing his cash to the neighborhood instead of simply arresting him. — Chris Ryan
  • Snake’s police lineup is nominated, then his violent death is described as the moment the film’s R rating becomes apparent. — Bill Simmons
  • The Key West section sweeps several categories and compresses an aspirational new life into a few minutes. — Bill Simmons
  • The apartment-building shootout supplies several escalating mock-Miranda lines. — Chris Ryan
  • The stairway, airport, train-track, lifted-cab, and double-elevator chases keep the second half moving through set pieces. — Bill Simmons
  • The double-elevator ending receives immediate praise, followed by the statement that the scene round needs no further negotiation; the undiarized transition does not identify Key West alone as the winner. — Bill Simmons
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36:08

Apex Mountain

Chicago — tentative

Chicago — tentative

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:08Read transcript
  • The panel calls the period a possible Chicago apex because movies were filming across the city as Michael Jordan was about to become a rocket ship and the leads promoted the White Sox and Cubs. — Bill Simmons
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37:07

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

Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom”

Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom”

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:07Read transcript
  • The Key West sequence is immediately assigned the Best Needle Drop category. — Bill Simmons
  • Sweet Freedom is treated as the sequence’s defining music and as strong enough to challenge the category’s current name. — Bill Simmons
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37:25

The most GIFable moment

Matching novelty T-shirts

Matching novelty T-shirts

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:25Read transcript
  • The matching shirts are nominated directly for the “most Giffable moment.” — Bill Simmons
  • Quick cuts change the women riding behind the detectives on scooters. — Bill Simmons
  • The sequence also includes roller skates, a bank exit, and the bar decision. — Bill Simmons
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37:25

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Key West sunset

Key West sunset

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:25Read transcript
  • The sunset is the immediate Great Shot Gordo answer. — Bill Simmons
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38:16

What’s Aged the Best?

Gregory Hines’s romantic and sexual agency

Gregory Hines’s romantic and sexual agency

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:16Read transcript
  • Gregory Hines having sex and being shown with multiple women is praised as an Aged Best element because films were often more restrictive about such roles. — Bill Simmons
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41:41

The most 1986 thing

Honda Elite scooters

Honda Elite scooters

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:41Read transcript
  • Jimmy Smits as the villain and Sweet Freedom shoehorned into the movie open the 1986 list. — Bill Simmons
  • Walter Payton gear, the 1985 Bears, Michael Jordan, and a 1983 White Sox cap make Chicago sports central to the answer. — Bill Simmons
  • Darlane Flugel, Joey Pants with hair, and roller skating are further period markers. — Bill Simmons
  • The Honda Elite scooters win because of their era-specific ad campaign and disappearance. — Bill Simmons
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43:48

What’s Aged the Best?

Cop names; angry lieutenants; rival buddy cops; Steven Bauer’s look; uncontainable villains; unannounced visits; dead...

Cop names; angry lieutenants; rival buddy cops; Steven Bauer’s look; uncontainable villains; unannounced visits; dead-body escalator; friendship; poster; company cars; croissant mockery; Chicago bars

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:43:48Read transcript
  • Ray Hughes and Danny Costanzo are praised as archetypal cop names. — Bill Simmons
  • Dan Hadea preserves the angry-lieutenant tradition and prompts a long Inspector Todd riff. — Bill Simmons
  • A buddy-cop movie with rival buddy cops is admired even though the “young” rivals are the same age as Hines. — Bill Simmons
  • Stephen Bauer’s layered clothes, beard, and unwashed energy are described as peak mid-1980s texture. — Bill Simmons
  • A villain committing murder and immediately returning to the street is defended as an essential action-movie staple. — Bill Simmons
  • Unannounced visits are remembered as common before cellphones; a recent personal doorstep visit shows the habit has not entirely vanished. — Bill Simmons
  • A dead bad guy descending an escalator, “you are the detectives, go and detect,” and the poster are preserved as memorable images. — Bill Simmons
  • Company cars, including the detectives’ unmarked car, prompt nostalgia for shared workplace vehicles. — Chris Ryan
  • The period’s derision toward croissants is treated as a comic cultural marker. — Chris Ryan
  • Chicago bars look unusually good on film and function as the characters’ living rooms. — Bill Simmons
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46:28

What’s Aged the Worst?

Reused title; uncontainable villains; Uzis; police abuse; scarf flourish; interrupted sex; repetitive final hour; sou...

Reused title; uncontainable villains; Uzis; police abuse; scarf flourish; interrupted sex; repetitive final hour; soundtrack beyond Sweet Freedom; fake snow; underused R rating

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:28Read transcript
  • The unrelated 2006 Running Scared creates title confusion on cable, streaming, search, and the episode title. — Bill Simmons
  • Uzis are described as a once-common film prop that seems to have fallen out of fashion; the speakers remain unsure whether they still appear in newer action films. — Chris Ryan
  • Constant police brutality and rule-breaking are identified as another dated genre convention. — Chris Ryan
  • Crystal’s repeated scarf flip feels more like a performer bit than Danny Costanzo behavior. — Chris Ryan
  • Walking into a friend’s bedroom during sex is described as something films rarely show now, while Hines’s character seems completely comfortable with the interruption. — Chris Ryan
  • The last hour repeats confrontations with Julio and could lose roughly seven minutes, especially from the airport chase. — Bill Simmons
  • Sweet Freedom carries an otherwise weak, loud, synth-heavy soundtrack. — Bill Simmons
  • Some artificial Chicago snow looks cheap. — Bill Simmons
  • The movie is rated R, but the hosts ask why it did not “earn the R” with the adult material it repeatedly approaches. — Bill Simmons
  • A murderer being released immediately after an obvious public killing is offered as Aged Worst before the same trope is defended separately as Aged Best. — Bill Simmons
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50:35

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

Boat lunch with margaritas

Boat lunch with margaritas

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:35Read transcript
  • Birthday cake and the bar’s draft pilsner are the first candidates. — Bill Simmons
  • Fresh seafood is imagined as an appealing Key West option; the women’s boat lunch with margaritas receives the explicit final food choice. — Bill Simmons
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52:10

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

Danny–Anna chemistry; Crystal’s Italian Chicago-cop identity

Danny–Anna chemistry; Crystal’s Italian Chicago-cop identity

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:10Read transcript
  • Anna’s willingness to leave her dentist fiancé for Danny feels unsupported because the breakup and lingering attraction are barely explained. — Bill Simmons
  • The film offers only the idea that Danny values police work more than their relationship before his Florida plan brings Anna back. — Bill Simmons
  • The competing answer questions casting Billy Crystal as Danny Costanzo without acknowledging a Jewish or mixed family identity. — Bill Simmons
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59:10

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

Fuller Hines scene; apartment-raid or Key West nudity

Fuller Hines scene; apartment-raid or Key West nudity

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:10Read transcript
  • The episode says it might have had Heinz step in for about 30 seconds. — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts ask for more sex happening in the apartments the detectives bust into. — Bill Simmons
  • The film repeatedly flirts with nudity in bedrooms and Key West but stops short. — Chris Ryan
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59:54

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Lethal Weapon franchise potential; aspirational Key West location

Lethal Weapon franchise potential; aspirational Key West location

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:54Read transcript
  • A planned sequel called Still Running failed because Crystal and Hines rejected the scripts, which the hosts call an enormous missed business opportunity. — Bill Simmons
  • The main take argues this chemistry and premise could have become the Lethal Weapon franchise in a friendlier release window. — Chris Ryan
  • The hosts sketch sequels that finish one last Chicago job and then defend a Key West bar from a past enemy. — Bill Simmons
  • A separate take places Key West beside Cocktail’s Jamaica and Hardbodies’ Santa Monica and Malibu as childhood escape fantasies. — Bill Simmons
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1:03:53

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:53Read transcript
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1:04:13

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Unresolved: Danny and Ray; One Last Job; Short Time; Chicago Heat; joking alternatives

Unresolved: Danny and Ray; One Last Job; Short Time; Chicago Heat; joking alternatives

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:13Read transcript
  • The hosts ask who is running scared and find the title disconnected from the movie. — Chris Ryan
  • Danny and Ray, One Last Job, Short Time, and Chicago Heat are proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The title discussion adds joking possibilities such as Bisexual Buddies and Homoerotic Chicago Cops without settling on a replacement. — Bill Simmons
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1:05:00

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

“You have the right to a coroner”

“You have the right to a coroner”

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:00Read transcript
  • “You have the right to a coroner” is selected as the strongest quote. — Bill Simmons
  • The Noise Busters question about a Menudo concert is the alternative. — Bill Simmons
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1:09:19

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Joey Pants

Joey Pants

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:19Read transcript
  • Joey Pants wins automatically, with Dan Hadea as an obvious alternative. — Bill Simmons
  • Larry Hankin qualifies because one host did not know his name despite recognizing his work. — Chris Ryan
  • Don Calpha is recognized from Weekend at Bernice.
  • Jonathan Grease is identified through Napoleon Dynamite, White Lotus, and 90210.
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1:10:42

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Steven Bauer

Steven Bauer

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:42Read transcript
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1:10:57

Recasting Couch

Unresolved contemporary cast

Unresolved contemporary cast

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:57Read transcript
  • The hosts struggle to find contemporary marketable actors around the characters’ stated age. — Bill Simmons
  • Driver and the actor transcribed as Shalamee are proposed, but age and box-office concerns complicate the pairing. — Chris Ryan
  • Donald Glover is considered because he has not made this kind of buddy-cop movie. — Bill Simmons
  • LeBron is proposed as stunt casting for the Hines role. — Bill Simmons
  • Marcelo Hernandez and Shane Gillis are comic possibilities, but no pairing is finalized. — Bill Simmons
  • Glen Powell is named as an obvious contemporary possibility, although no pairing is finalized. — Bill Simmons
  • Andrew Dismukes is floated as another contemporary casting possibility. — Bill Simmons
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1:12:59

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

Basketball-commentary impressions; voice identity unclear in transcript

Basketball-commentary impressions; voice identity unclear in transcript

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:59Read transcript
  • The imitation says Gonzalez has been arrested, accused, bailed, jailed, and paroled while bringing in kilos. — Bill Simmons
  • “Ablo Smith and Wesson” triggers the imagined reaction that the joke is unbelievable. — Bill Simmons
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1:14:11

Half-Assed Internet Research

Crystal’s prop-pistol injury; his memory of Hines; State of Illinois Center finale

Crystal’s prop-pistol injury; his memory of Hines; State of Illinois Center finale

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:11Read transcript
  • A 1986 book says its author accidentally hit his head with a pistol, split his nose, and needed plastic surgery. — Bill Simmons
  • A 2021 quote says the movie is sometimes watched as a way to visit the late Gregory Hines. — Bill Simmons
  • The finale was filmed inside the new State of Illinois Center, now reportedly sold to Google. — Chris Ryan
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1:15:33

Apex Mountain

Gregory Hines; Key West disputed; Dan Hedaya; Michael McDonald music videos

Gregory Hines; Key West disputed; Dan Hedaya; Michael McDonald music videos

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:33Read transcript
  • Crystal is rejected because City Slickers and his Oscars period are later. — Bill Simmons
  • Hines receives a plausible apex here because “now he’s a real movie guy” and the role leads toward Tap. — Bill Simmons
  • Key West is debated between this movie, Hemingway, and a Real World season. — Bill Simmons
  • Jack Walsh is selected among Chicago movie cops because he had to leave the force after refusing a Serrano buyout. — Bill Simmons
  • Jimmy Smits is rejected here and tentatively placed nearer NYPD Blue. — Bill Simmons
  • Dan Hadea is placed around Blood Simple and his Cheers role. — Bill Simmons
  • Michael McDonald music videos receive an apex while Yacht Rock is said to end here. — Bill Simmons
  • Chicago movie bars are tested for Apex, especially the bar in About Last Night and the bar in Thief that the transcript says Conn blows up. — Bill Simmons
  • Joey Pants is rejected for Apex. — Bill Simmons
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1:19:22

Cruise or Hanks?

Hanks

Hanks

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:22Read transcript
  • Hanks wins this episode and is considered a natural Danny. The separately mentioned 18–14 score is the series running tally, not an episode vote count. — Bill Simmons
  • Michael Keaton after Night Shift is proposed as a strong third path for Danny. — Chris Ryan
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1:19:55

Best Movie-Related Fantasy Football Team Name From This Movie

Sweet Freedom; Julio’s Coke; Where’s My Coke?

Sweet Freedom; Julio’s Coke; Where’s My Coke?

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:55Read transcript
  • Sweet Freedom is the first team-name answer. — Chris Ryan
  • Julio’s Coke and “Where’s My Coke” are the other answers. — Chris Ryan
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1:20:16

Picking Nits

Ray kissing Anna; Julio’s repeated release; rail-track driving; reckless gunfire; remaining cops; friendly fire; clos...

Ray kissing Anna; Julio’s repeated release; rail-track driving; reckless gunfire; remaining cops; friendly fire; close-range finale

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:16Read transcript
  • Ray kisses Anna fully enough to suggest unexplained sexual tension among the three leads. — Bill Simmons
  • Gonzalez is described as running amok with “just no laws” even though the police keep catching him. — Bill Simmons
  • Cars staying aligned on train tracks during a chase feels mechanically implausible. — Chris Ryan
  • Police firing aimlessly at escaping vehicles is questioned. — Chris Ryan
  • After both detectives are shot and Anna jumps between elevators, choosing to remain cops contradicts the Key West plan. — Bill Simmons
  • Danny is shot in the chest by another officer without meaningful accountability. — Chris Ryan
  • The finale has people firing past one another at implausibly close range. — Bill Simmons
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1:22:55

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

Three sequels

Three sequels

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:55Read transcript
  • The sequel prompt receives the immediate answer that there should have been three sequels. — Bill Simmons
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1:23:08

Is This Movie Better With…?

Danny Trejo; Sam Jackson; Ramon Raymond; Longlegs

Danny Trejo; Sam Jackson; Ramon Raymond; Longlegs

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:08Read transcript
  • The category cycles through the recurring actor pool without a clear initial answer. — Bill Simmons
  • Ramon Raymond is proposed for one of Julio’s lieutenants or Bauer’s partner. — Chris Ryan
  • Sam Jackson could replace Joey Pants as Snake or fit elsewhere in the movie. — Bill Simmons
  • Danny Treo is the favored addition as Jimmy Smits's lead henchman. — Bill Simmons
  • Longlegs as Julio is a comic alternate version rather than the final answer. — Bill Simmons
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1:24:11

Just One Oscar

Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom” — Best Song

Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom” — Best Song

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:11Read transcript
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1:24:41

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Move to Key West; bar loan; Danny–Anna relationship

Move to Key West; bar loan; Danny–Anna relationship

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:41Read transcript
  • The absent sequel leaves it unknown whether the pair ever moved to Key West. — Bill Simmons
  • A reported 10.19 percent 1986 mortgage rate makes the unused bar lease financially dangerous. — Chris Ryan
  • Anna’s renewed interest appears tied to Danny leaving Chicago, so his reversal may send her back to the dentist. — Chris Ryan
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1:26:13

Best Double Feature

Stakeout
Running Scared
Stakeout
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:13Read transcript
  • Stakeout is proposed and immediately praised as a strong pairing. — Bill Simmons
  • Busting is the director-based alternative. — Bill Simmons
  • Stakeout receiving a sequel while Running Scared did not is part of the final rationale. — Bill Simmons
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1:26:38

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

White Sox cap; novelty T-shirts; Honda Elite scooters

White Sox cap; novelty T-shirts; Honda Elite scooters

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:38Read transcript
  • The White Sox cap is the immediate memorabilia choice. — Bill Simmons
  • The movie-worn matching shirts are considered but judged impractical outside a costume. — Chris Ryan
  • The Honda Elite scooters would be desirable movie-used objects despite the host’s prior crash. — Bill Simmons
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1:27:43

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Move to your Key West and stay; no cop-to-dentist marriage switch

Move to your Key West and stay; no cop-to-dentist marriage switch

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:43Read transcript
  • The first lesson says a former cop is an impossible transition to a dentist spouse. — Bill Simmons
  • Another life lesson is to act on the desire to move to Key West and remain there instead of returning to Chicago. — Chris Ryan
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1:28:17

Who Won the Movie?

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:17Read transcript
  • Crystal is the first answer and the undiarized exchange explicitly agrees. — Bill Simmons
  • The case argues Running Scared proved Crystal could work as a movie lead despite second billing on the poster. — Bill Simmons
Podcast choices
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1:28:57

Producer review

Liked the chemistry; a relaxed watch below the best buddy-cop films

Liked the chemistry; a relaxed watch below the best buddy-cop films

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:57Read transcript
  • The first-time viewer praises the Crystal–Hines chemistry but places the film below Lethal Weapon, Midnight Run and Beverly Hills Cop. — Craig Horlbeck
  • The easy cable-watch quality is described as both flatter than its peers and central to its appeal. — Chris Ryan
  • Hines is praised as an underused movie talent whose broader cultural stature came through dance. — Bill Simmons
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More from the conversation

The episode treats Sweet Freedom and the Key West montage as the moment Yacht Rock gives way to a different mid-1980s leisure style.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:39Read transcript
Running Scared is framed as an unusually affectionate buddy-cop movie because the detectives begin as best friends instead of becoming friends through the case.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:47Read transcript
The buddy-cop discussion proposes personal Mount Rushmore selections without assigning numbered ranks; category boundaries and the treatment of Midnight Run remain debated.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:47Read transcript
Miami Vice is considered but challenged because the category is expected to include comedy; Midnight Run is substituted, with ex-cop eligibility debated.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:21Read transcript
One personal quartet is 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon 2, Running Scared and Bad Boys.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:22Read transcript
Another proposed quartet is 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon 2, Training Day and The Nice Guys.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:41Read transcript
A later recap names 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon 2, The Nice Guys, Running Scared and Midnight Run, then treats Midnight Run as an optional sixth-man addition; 48 Hrs. and Lethal Weapon 2 are considered essential.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:11Read transcript
Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal are read as meeting at a rare career intersection where both can sell physical action and fast comedy.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:34Read transcript
The screenplay was reportedly written for older New York cops before the production made the characters younger, leaving room for the leads’ lived-in improvisational chemistry.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:40Read transcript
The bar dream asks why the partners keep risking their lives for police work when Key West offers a concrete exit.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:47Read transcript
Chicago’s mid-1980s film boom and elevated trains, civic buildings, winter streets, and neighborhood bars make the city a playground for the action.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:37Read transcript
Joey Pants, Darlanne Fluegel, and the Sweet Freedom music video anchor a discussion of the cast’s period careers and movie marketing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:28Read transcript
The film reportedly earned $38.5 million and ranked 26th for 1986 in a crowded theatrical weekend.
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:03Read transcript
The film’s final decision to stay in Chicago is treated as a thematic failure because it abandons the alternative life established in Key West.
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:13Read transcript

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