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The Rewatchables ·

The Legend of Billie Jean

year 1985decade 80sdirector Matthew Robbinsgenre Actiongenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryan
All 34 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 56:09

Freeze mass media at this era

Chris Ryan: Mass media is imagined stopping at early cable, radio and scarce personal video cameras; the speaker accepts a record-store career in that world and recalls the music of 1984–85.

Chris Ryan: Everybody probably thinks their childhood moment of games or cable TV was perfect.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:20:24

Fair is fair.

Chris Ryan: Fair is fair is the Coach Finstock answer after the award was forgotten.

The film

The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)

Directed by Matthew Robbins · Action

96 minutes

Find on IMDb Find on JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Helen Slater Billie Jean Davy
Keith Gordon Lloyd Muldaur
Christian Slater Binx Davy
Richard Bradford Mr. Pyatt
Peter Coyote Lieutenant Larry Ringwald
Martha Gehman Ophelia Jacks
Yeardley Smith Putter Jacks
Barry Tubb Hubie Pyatt
Dean Stockwell Mr. Muldaur

Everything from the episode

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

16:27

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

Modern celebrity speculation is followed by imagined futures for Lloyd, Binks, Hubie and Billie Jean.

Modern celebrity speculation is followed by imagined futures for Lloyd, Binks, Hubie and Billie Jean.

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:27Read transcript
  • In 2025 she might appear on the Hawk Tua podcast, join the Unwell network and release music; in 1985 she might return to Corpus Christi and become a schoolteacher. — Chris Ryan
  • Lloyd is imagined entering VHS pornography with equipment, capital and experience of crime. — Bill Simmons
  • Binks is imagined moving to Burlington, working at Ben & Jerry’s and getting beaten up after selling bad acid at a Dead show. — Chris Ryan
  • Lloyd’s father is imagined with a minor role in the David Koresh standoff; Hubie becomes lieutenant governor, and Billie Jean faces lengthy copyright litigation. — Chris Ryan
  • Hubie’s governorship and Binks becoming Doug McCray’s father in The Town are additional jokes. — Bill Simmons
  • Hubie using the Billie Jean episode to claim he learned his lessons and launch a Texas political career is endorsed. — Bill Simmons
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20:26

Apex Mountain

Five personal teenage-crush favorites are discussed, with additions and eligibility exclusions.

Five personal teenage-crush favorites are discussed, with additions and eligibility exclusions.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:26Read transcript
  • The retrospective list is framed around the speaker’s own high-school years and five favorite high-school movie characters. — Bill Simmons
  • The five named favorites are Kelly Preston in Secret Admirer and Mischief, Helen Slater in Billie Jean, Joyce [transcribed Heiser] in Just One of the Guys, an garbled Karate Kid actress, and Mia Sarah in Ferris Bueller. — Bill Simmons
  • Jennifer Gray in Ferris Bueller is added. — Bill Simmons
  • Rebecca D. Moray in Risky Business is excluded because her character is not in high school; Molly Ringwald was not a favorite, and Sean Young in Stripes is excluded as an adult. — Bill Simmons
  • Winona Rader in Lucas and Amanda Peterson in Can't Buy Me Love are additional examples. — Bill Simmons
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28:57

Most Rewatchable Scene

The Invincible exchange montage and the first videotaped haircut reveal receive distinct favorite selections.

The Invincible exchange montage and the first videotaped haircut reveal receive distinct favorite selections.

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:57Read transcript
  • The opening credits with Boys in Town are nominated for immediately establishing the Texas setting. — Bill Simmons
  • The harassment, escape and accidental shooting at the souvenir store are discussed; the apparent shoulder wound prompts questions about injury realism. — Bill Simmons
  • The mall exchange with Rebel Yell and marbles is nominated; more time in the mall and more stores are desired. — Bill Simmons
  • The two mustached cops suggest an unmade buddy-cop film, and Hubie emerging from plants is enjoyed. — Bill Simmons
  • The Joan of Arc viewing, haircut reveal and rich house are discussed, including the dark rooms, security cameras and bedroom-to-pool slide. — Bill Simmons
  • Lloyd’s horror masks are compared to Rick Baker; his confident rapport and suit conflict with the impression of a solitary horror enthusiast. — Bill Simmons
  • The Fair Is Fair tape playing at the police station and the child copying the gesture are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The reward-seeking couple shooting at Billie Jean is enjoyed for its absurdity, while another response reserves it for the aged-worst category. — Bill Simmons
  • The five-minute Invincible montage of Billie Jean being exchanged across Texas is selected as a favorite; the communication network without phones or internet is questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • The motorcycle ride and crowd appearance are compared jokingly to a live podcast and meet-and-greet. — Bill Simmons
  • The burning store, discarded merchandise and third use of Invincible close the candidate rundown. — Bill Simmons
  • The first tape after the haircut is another final scene preference; the accompanying you-look-famous line is singled out. — Chris Ryan
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36:30

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

Invincible during the exchange montage

Invincible during the exchange montage

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:30Read transcript
  • The Invincible montage is also nominated for best needle drop. — Bill Simmons
  • The song accompanies the decision to travel without the others and the series of 1980s cars. — Bill Simmons
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39:02

The most 1985 thing

The beta camera, local radio and haircut stand out among the 1985 details.

The beta camera, local radio and haircut stand out among the 1985 details.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:02Read transcript
  • The music by Pat Benatar, Divinyls and Billy Idol, plus the Honda Elite scooter, are nominees. — Bill Simmons
  • Panama Jack sun products and gas priced at $1.05 are period details. — Bill Simmons
  • Watching a wall of televisions for major news is nominated; the beta movie camera is called the winner. — Bill Simmons
  • Hubie’s patterned jams shorts evoke wearing swim trunks all day. — Bill Simmons
  • Jimmy J. Judge on C-101 is a major omission from the initial list; all Corpus Christi characters seem to listen to the same station. — Chris Ryan
  • Craig’s addressed response picks the haircut. — Chris Ryan
  • Favorite movie-radio-DJ comparisons include Play Misty for Me, Reservoir Dogs, The Warriors, The Fan and The Fog. — Chris Ryan
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42:21

What’s Aged the Best?

The villain, mall exchanges, young cast, music and assorted 1980s conventions

The villain, mall exchanges, young cast, music and assorted 1980s conventions

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:21Read transcript
  • Mr. Piat is praised as a disgusting, well-drawn villain whose souvenir business fits his rapid merchandising. — Bill Simmons
  • Mall exchanges gone wrong work well with hiding places, chases and escalators. — Bill Simmons
  • Young Christian Slater, the haircut phenomenon and the TV interviewer dismissing a woman’s perspective are highlighted. — Chris Ryan
  • Shoplifting with IOU notes and the unrelated Slaters looking like siblings are enjoyed. — Bill Simmons
  • Hiding in an empty suburban mansion is a favored device, compared with Beverly Hills Cop II. — Bill Simmons
  • Cruel teenage villains such as Hubie’s crew, Pretty in Pink bullies and Johnny Lawrence are recalled, with their late realizations. — Bill Simmons
  • Characters offended by a low ransom value are enjoyed, including Lloyd’s reaction to $10,000. — Bill Simmons
  • The money-lets-you-get-away-with-anything line and Lloyd’s hostage plan as a ploy to stay near Billie Jean are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • Mark [transcribed Saffin] is credited with score work and the golf-course song; Win in the End from Teen Wolf is recalled. — Bill Simmons
  • Stranger Things is suspected of drawing on this film, E.T., Goonies and The Karate Kid, including the haircut and music. — Bill Simmons
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47:07

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

A milkshake dumped on a bully and Putter’s junk-food cart are favorites.

A milkshake dumped on a bully and Putter’s junk-food cart are favorites.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:07Read transcript
  • Dumping a milkshake on a movie bully wins immediate affection. — Bill Simmons
  • The shopping cart full of junk food, including Butterfingers, is another selection; drinking milkshakes in the heat is questioned. — Chris Ryan
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47:46

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The wide lake shot and the haircut reveal are admired.

The wide lake shot and the haircut reveal are admired.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:46Read transcript
  • The quiet wide shot of the pair lying on the wooden structure in the lake is admired. — Bill Simmons
  • The haircut reveal beginning at the pool is praised; Jeffrey Kimball is reported to have also shot Top Gun. — Bill Simmons
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48:06

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Hubie Pyatt

Hubie Pyatt

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:06Read transcript
  • Billie Jean Davy and Binks are liked, but Hubie [transcribed Hubey] Piat is called the winner. — Bill Simmons
  • Binks is assumed to be a nickname; Bradley and Bobby are only guesses. — Bill Simmons
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50:25

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

The abused-child rescue and bounty-seeking couple sequences are nominated.

The abused-child rescue and bounty-seeking couple sequences are nominated.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:25Read transcript
  • The Kenny rescue or couple shooting for the reward are offered, with a qualification that the latter is enjoyable despite taking the movie sideways. — Bill Simmons
  • Yeardley Smith is reported to have questioned Putter’s first-period subplot. — Bill Simmons
  • Saving Kenny while on the run strains the story, and the grandmother placement prompts a dark joke that she could be worse. — Bill Simmons
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51:23

What’s Aged the Worst?

Vermont fantasies, shooting near children, unstable cars, music repetition, adult behavior and the reshoot wig

Vermont fantasies, shooting near children, unstable cars, music repetition, adult behavior and the reshoot wig

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:23Read transcript
  • Binks’s Vermont fantasy rests on a poster and heat avoidance; Hot Dog…The Movie is offered as an imagined influence. — Bill Simmons
  • Shooting at Billie Jean amid children for a house down payment is condemned; station wagons fishtailing reflect worse car handling, though it improved chases. — Chris Ryan
  • Invincible is jokingly proposed for fewer or many more repetitions, and an acoustic version for a love scene is imagined. — Bill Simmons
  • The report that Pat Benatar disliked the film is questioned despite her performing the song; a settle-down response is proposed. — Bill Simmons
  • The way adults speak to Billie Jean is recalled as an earlier criticism. — Chris Ryan
  • A reported reshoot wig is criticized for obvious hair discontinuity, especially given the earlier concern over her haircut. — Bill Simmons
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53:24

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Keep The Legend of Billie Jean; Fair Is Fair might have sold better initially

Keep The Legend of Billie Jean; Fair Is Fair might have sold better initially

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:24Read transcript
  • Fair Is Fair is reported as the original title. — Chris Ryan
  • The alternative title might sell better initially, but the released title is thought to help its later cult identity. — Bill Simmons
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55:48

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Putter’s mother and Kenny’s father

Putter’s mother and Kenny’s father

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:48Read transcript
  • Putter’s mother is suggested before Kenny’s father is offered. — Chris Ryan
  • Kenny’s father is jokingly imagined living in the trailer to prepare for his small role. — Chris Ryan
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56:09

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Freeze mass media at this era; Keith Gordon’s performances vary wildly.

Freeze mass media at this era; Keith Gordon’s performances vary wildly.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:09Read transcript
  • Mass media is imagined stopping at early cable, radio and scarce personal video cameras; the speaker accepts a record-store career in that world and recalls the music of 1984–85. — Chris Ryan
  • Everybody probably thinks their childhood moment of games or cable TV was perfect. — Chris Ryan
  • Keith Gordon is proposed as having extreme performance variation: praised here and in Dressed to Kill, criticized in Back to School, with a mixed reconsideration of Christine and a positive Jaws 2 mention. — Bill Simmons
  • Gordon is praised as a director, particularly A Midnight Clear; The Chocolate War credit is uncertain, and his acting persona is compared to a darker off-brand Matthew Broderick. — Chris Ryan
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58:33

Casting What-Ifs

None

None

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:33Read transcript
  • Both responses say no casting what-ifs were found. — Chris Ryan
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58:50

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Richard Bradford

Richard Bradford

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:50Read transcript
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59:19

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Putter and Dean Stockwell retain separate preferences.

Putter and Dean Stockwell retain separate preferences.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:19Read transcript
  • The mustached undercover cops are ruled out and Putter is suggested. — Bill Simmons
  • Dean Stockwell is forcefully advocated for the early scene with Peter Coyote and the district-attorney role; Paris, Texas is mentioned. — Chris Ryan
  • A final reply still picks Putter for being funny. — Chris Ryan
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59:58

Recasting Couch

James Spader or John Cusack as Lloyd; alternate songs for action scenes.

James Spader or John Cusack as Lloyd; alternate songs for action scenes.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:58Read transcript
  • Young James Spader is proposed for Lloyd while retaining Texas; Lloyd’s lack of accent is rationalized with private school. — Bill Simmons
  • Young John Cusack is proposed for Lloyd and warmly endorsed. — Bill Simmons
  • R.E.M.’s Pretty Persuasion would replace the golf-course chase song for more energy. — Bill Simmons
  • Til Tuesday’s Voices Carry is proposed for the escape sequence with Billie Jean lookalikes, emphasizing a female artist and empowerment. — Chris Ryan
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1:01:11

Picking Nits

Billie Jean may not need a love interest; a love-triangle revision is suggested.

Billie Jean may not need a love interest; a love-triangle revision is suggested.

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:11Read transcript
  • Craig’s addressed contribution questions immediate romance with the first man she meets as weakening empowerment and preventing an exploration of fame’s loneliness. — Chris Ryan
  • A revision gives Billie Jean prior history with Hubie and a triangle with Lloyd; his souvenir-store inheritance is mocked. — Bill Simmons
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1:02:20

Half-Assed Internet Research

A real slap, concealed hair, vanished locations and uncertain Benatar/haircut stories

A real slap, concealed hair, vanished locations and uncertain Benatar/haircut stories

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:20Read transcript
  • Putter’s mother reportedly slapped Yeardley Smith for real, leaving her face numb; Smith reportedly refused a haircut and used a concealed ponytail. — Bill Simmons
  • Smith’s comic timing is praised; City Slickers and an uncertain sitcom memory are discussed. — Bill Simmons
  • The miniature golf course is reported replaced by the Texas State Aquarium, and an abandoned-mall video is mentioned. — Chris Ryan
  • The claim that Benatar called this the worst movie ever made is repeated with explicit doubt and a settle-down response. — Bill Simmons
  • Fast-Rewind accepts visitor-submitted anecdotes, so stories about Helen Slater’s haircut opinions are treated as unverified. — Chris Ryan
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1:05:11

Apex Mountain

Honda Elite scooters and self-haircuts: yes

Honda Elite scooters and self-haircuts: yes

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:11Read transcript
  • Helen Slater prompts debate among this film, Supergirl and The Secret of My Success, with box-office failures weighed against the Michael J. Fox opportunity. — Bill Simmons
  • City Slickers is counteroffered; expectations for Slater are compared to Elizabeth Shoe and Kelly Preston, with a hypothetical Working Girl role. — Bill Simmons
  • Christian Slater is rejected. — Bill Simmons
  • Honda Elite scooters are endorsed and Lou Reed’s 1985 advertisement is recalled. — Bill Simmons
  • Billie Jean’s self-haircut is called unmatched and immediately iconic, leading to COVID haircut memories. — Chris Ryan
  • Peter Coyote is weighed against Ken Burns narration and E.T.; E.T. is preferred. — Bill Simmons
  • Billie Jeans prompt comparison of the film, song and tennis player, with uncertainty about the filmmakers’ reaction to the shared name and a Billy the Kid interpretation. — Bill Simmons
  • Fair being fair and short-haired women are proposed; specific haircut memories remain uncertain. — Chris Ryan
  • Sturby Beach and Corpus Christi movies are endorsed; Yeardley Smith’s apex is The Simpsons, Barry Tubb’s Top Gun, and Keith Gordon’s Christine; Joan of Arc has other peaks. — Bill Simmons
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1:10:33

Cruise or Hanks?

Young Tom Cruise could play Binks or a sympathetic gang member.

Young Tom Cruise could play Binks or a sympathetic gang member.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:33Read transcript
  • An All the Right Moves-era Tom Cruise is proposed as Binks. — Bill Simmons
  • His Collateral hair is recalled, and a nice member of Hubie’s gang is another possible role. — Bill Simmons
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1:11:00

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Scorsese

Scorsese

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:00Read transcript
  • Scorsese is chosen with Mr. Piat imagined running a large cocaine operation above the shop. — Bill Simmons
  • Lloyd is imagined as a solitary Paul Schrader-style journal writer. — Chris Ryan
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1:11:18

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Hubie

Hubie

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:18Read transcript
  • Hubie is selected as the hypothetical Hoffman role. — Chris Ryan
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1:11:28

Picking Nits

Police response, escape logistics, money, the hostage plan and anonymity strain belief.

Police response, escape logistics, money, the hostage plan and anonymity strain belief.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:28Read transcript
  • Too many detectives pursue a shoulder shooting, and Hubie repeatedly interferes without an obstruction charge. — Chris Ryan
  • The children should be caught quickly because they stay in Corpus Christi and revisit the same places. — Bill Simmons
  • An expensive unlocked scooter in a trailer park is questioned, though the purchase itself is supported. — Bill Simmons
  • Breaking into the district attorney’s house by chance, his absence and the private shopper stretch belief. — Bill Simmons
  • Remaining safely at Lloyd’s house or borrowing gas money seems easier than the hostage plan, with returning the sisters home offered as an explanation. — Bill Simmons
  • Rally sharpshooters apparently obeying the district attorney and the final Binks hostage plan are called absurd. — Bill Simmons
  • Billie Jean leaving without charges is questioned; Piat’s wrongdoing and falsely attributed simultaneous robberies are possible explanations. — Bill Simmons
  • Cutting her hair after recording the tape would better protect anonymity; driving a plated station wagon among repeated destinations strains the chase. — Chris Ryan
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1:15:23

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

A Brad Ingelsby prestige version and Lloyd’s adult-film sequel are imagined.

A Brad Ingelsby prestige version and Lloyd’s adult-film sequel are imagined.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:23Read transcript
  • A Corpus Christi prestige version would make Piat a major drug dealer behind a shop front and put Binks into a fentanyl storyline; Billie Jean is proposed as its title. — Bill Simmons
  • A sequel would turn Lloyd into a Jack Horner-style VHS pornography producer. — Bill Simmons
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1:16:04

Is This Movie Better With…?

Peter Schrager is added to the impersonation roster; Mad Dog questions the rally sharpshooters.

Peter Schrager is added to the impersonation roster; Mad Dog questions the rally sharpshooters.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:04Read transcript
  • The existing imitation roster is recited, then Peter Schrager is explicitly added with affection. — Chris Ryan
  • The Schrager imitation treats Billie Jean’s commitment to fairness and response to radio coverage like an athlete’s comeback. — Chris Ryan
  • The Mad Dog Russo imitation protests sharpshooters targeting Billie Jean at the beach rally. — Bill Simmons
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1:17:05

Just One Oscar

Pat Benatar’s Invincible and Jeffrey Kimball’s cinematography are considered.

Pat Benatar’s Invincible and Jeffrey Kimball’s cinematography are considered.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:05Read transcript
  • Pat Benatar is suggested, but whether Invincible was written for the movie is explicitly uncertain. — Bill Simmons
  • Jeffrey Kimball’s cinematography is called the best part of the movie, although an Oscar is difficult to justify. — Bill Simmons
  • Say You, Say Me is recalled as the original-song winner over Power of Love; Invincible is thought a possible nominee rather than established as eligible. — Bill Simmons
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1:18:17

Probably Unanswerable Questions

An accidental killing rewrite, Cowboys allegiance and Pyatt’s politics are considered.

An accidental killing rewrite, Cowboys allegiance and Pyatt’s politics are considered.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:17Read transcript
  • Would the film improve if Binks accidentally killed Piat, prompting a Pulp Fiction comparison and a visit from the Wolf? — Bill Simmons
  • Which side of the Danny White/Gary Hogaboon quarterback dispute did Piat favor, and did he own Mavs tickets? — Chris Ryan
  • Piat is imagined as a future Trump-aligned merchandise seller whose rhetoric about unruly youth anticipates MAGA. — Bill Simmons
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1:19:29

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Lloyd’s audiovisual setup and the Honda Elite scooter

Lloyd’s audiovisual setup and the Honda Elite scooter

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:29Read transcript
  • Lloyd’s audiovisual setup and home theater are desired. — Bill Simmons
  • The Honda Elite scooter is selected, prompting memories of owning and crashing the same type. — Bill Simmons
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1:20:05

Best Double Feature

The Terminator, The Last Starfighter and RAD are offered.
The Legend of Billie Jean
The Terminator
The Last Starfighter
RAD
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:05Read transcript
  • The Terminator is paired for mid-1980s female empowerment; The Last Starfighter or RAD are alternatives as cult VHS favorites. — Bill Simmons
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1:20:24

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Fair is fair.

Fair is fair.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:24Read transcript
  • Fair is fair is the Coach Finstock answer after the award was forgotten. — Chris Ryan
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1:20:24

Who Won the Movie?

Helen Slater

Helen Slater

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:24Read transcript
Podcast choices
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1:20:39

Producer review

Craig enjoyed a fun 95 minutes and its entertaining plot.

Craig enjoyed a fun 95 minutes and its entertaining plot.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:39Read transcript
  • The addressed first-time viewer had not heard of it and reports Matt Belloni also did not recognize it; he enjoyed the film. — Chris Ryan
  • The response praises an entertaining, smart plot and accepts a blend of genuine and ironic affection for these 1980s films. — Chris Ryan
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More from the conversation

Introduction: 400th episode American Gangster last week; football-week one-for-us selection and Tubi repeat viewing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:13Read transcript
VHS/cable nostalgia: Last Starfighter, Maximum Overdrive, Explorers, Big Trouble in Little China, RAD; Karate Kid and Teen Wolf added. Helen Slater attraction and film cable ubiquity.
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:44Read transcript
Craig is asked about his camera angle and his first viewing; he expected a tennis movie. Full identity is unresolved in this passage.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:08Read transcript
Female empowerment and viral fame viewed through 2025 eyes; casual misogyny, sexual assault and child abuse; Billie Jean develops from shy teen to capable protagonist.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:32Read transcript
Pat Benatar, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper as cultural counterparts; Invincible played three times and used in score; Top Gun and Vision Quest music comparisons.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:11Read transcript
Playful created-the-internet comparison to Pump Up the Volume; merchandising/viral fame; TV obsession and teenagers taking control of narrative with cameras.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:20Read transcript
Camera prices and technical limitations recalled; high-school film and home editing anecdotes; exceptional home surveillance/theater setup.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:43Read transcript
A quotation attributed to director Matthew Robbins describes young powerless characters and notoriety confused with fame; The Sugarland Express is compared.
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:39Read transcript
1980s kids-versus-adults theme contrasted with present wealth conflict and adults retaining childhood culture.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:19Read transcript
Helen Slater film career run and school return; Christian debut and subsequent films; hosts correct misconception that Slaters were siblings; reported crush during filming.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:13Read transcript
July 1985 theatrical popularity list: Back to the Future is explicitly first and Cocoon second, followed by Pale Rider, Rambo First Blood Part II, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, St. Elmo’s Fire, E.T., Goonies, European Vacation, Emerald Forest, Silverado, Prizzi’s Honor, Fletch, Explorers, Beverly Hills Cop, A View to a Kill, Brewster’s Millions, Red Sonja, Day of the Dead and Legend of Billie Jean. Vision Quest and Just One of the Guys are added as other 1985 releases. No ordinal positions beyond the first two are inferred.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:29Read transcript
Theatrical film volume in 1985 is contrasted with event releases and fewer choices in 2025.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:22Read transcript
Jon Peters and Peter [ASR Gruber] are discussed as film producers, with later Sony troubles; Robbins reportedly said Peters was preoccupied with Helen Slater’s haircut. These are film credits, not podcast producers.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:56Read transcript
No budget is reported; $3.1 million gross is discussed alongside Pump Up the Volume and Kicking and Screaming as low-grossing Rewatchables selections.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:50Read transcript
Binks’s unrealistic Vermont expectations lead to a tangent about bedroom posters and their replacement by phones.
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:48Read transcript
A joke about buying a mall for Ringer offices leads to a recollection of investigating the Boogie Nights house; its commute made the plan impractical.
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:22Read transcript
COVID home haircuts and a non-video Cast Away solo podcast are recalled.
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:14Read transcript
The beach teenagers evoke a Life magazine image of period youth culture; The Summer I Turned Pretty is floated as a possible future time capsule.
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:26Read transcript
The core four characters and setting are a good hang, compared with early Jaws 2; Out of Bounds and Cloak & Dagger are related kids-on-the-run premises.
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:03Read transcript
Closing thanks include ASR Gahau, Ronick, Eduardo and Good Worldbeck for producing. These unresolved spellings are retained privately and do not establish unambiguous full credited identities.
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:55Read transcript