Roger Ebert’s two-star rating is reported. — Bill Simmons
Ebert praises Burns’s command of scenes and human detail but calls the film a larger-budget reworking of Brothers McMullen. — Bill Simmons
The movie is defended as funnier because Mike McGlone plays a broader, more compromised character. — Sean Fennessey

1:47:24

Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Heather Graham, Amanda Peet, Anne Heche, Lauryn Hill, and Jennifer Garner auditioned;...

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:47:24Read transcript

Burns reports auditioning Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Heather Graham, Amanda Peet, Anne Heche, Lauryn Hill, and Jennifer Garner for the two lead roles. — Bill Simmons
Jennifer Lopez as Heather is considered intriguing. — Bill Simmons
Amanda Peet reportedly arrived in character with teased hair, gum, and a Long Island accent despite her Columbia background. — Bill Simmons
The filmmakers reportedly sought the Wallflowers’ 6th Avenue Heartache before using Tom Petty. — Bill Simmons
Burns’s early assumption that Hollywood success would always feel this easy is reported and treated as poignant.
Burns learning from Saving Private Ryan is raised and answered from his book. — Bill Simmons

1:52:04

Talia Shire as the sisters’ mother; Leslie Mann in Maxine’s role.

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:52:04Read transcript

Leslie Mann taking Maxine’s role is proposed. — Bill Simmons
Susan Sarandon is proposed and rejected as too prominent immediately after her Oscar.
Kathleen Turner and Diane Keaton are proposed and questioned.
Talia Shire is proposed and receives the strongest interest.

1:57:38

Whether Burns needed to star; when Francis began sleeping with Heather; whether Burns is a good actor; whether the mo...

Whether Burns needed to star; when Francis began sleeping with Heather; whether Burns is a good actor; whether the movie loves women.

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 01:57:38Read transcript

Whether Edward Burns needed to star in his own films is questioned.
Writing parts for other movie stars is proposed as an alternate career route.
When Francis began sleeping with Heather is questioned, and making it the final act is proposed. — Bill Simmons
Whether Edward Burns is a good actor is debated; his screen presence is praised while his self-direction is said to limit his flaws.
Working more often with other directors is proposed as a test of his range. — Wesley Morris
Whether Burns erred by not continuing with McGlone is questioned.
Whether the movie loves or hates women is kept open because it grants agency while using a male viewpoint.
The title’s failure to identify who “the one” is becomes part of the uncertainty.

2:00:19

The 24-hour marriage; Heather’s limited choices and possibly false marriage; the mother’s affair; Mickey’s apartment.

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 02:00:19Read transcript

A drifting cab driver marrying after 24 hours and then considering Paris is criticized as underexplored.
The marriage is defended as a plot device that moves Mickey into the other relationships.
Heather having only an older wealthy man or a married man as choices is criticized. — Bill Simmons
The panel says it needs to see the older wealthy man before judging the choice. — Bill Simmons
The hardware-store owner winning the mother is questioned. — Wesley Morris
His affection and attention are offered as the reason the mother chose him.
Heather’s claim that she married that morning is questioned because she may be lying. — Sean Fennessey
Ebert’s plot-logic questions are cited as broader support for the nitpicks. — Sean Fennessey
Heather preferring a long drive despite holding a plane ticket is questioned. — Bill Simmons
Mickey’s ability to afford his apartment is questioned. — Bill Simmons

2:10:04

The Brothers McMullen; Crimes and Misdemeanors; Walking and Talking.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 02:10:04Read transcript

The Brothers McMullen is selected. — Bill Simmons
Crimes and Misdemeanors is proposed as the successful blend of drama and comedy this film reaches for. — Wesley Morris
Walking and Talking is proposed as a same-era relationship film. — Wesley Morris