After correcting the death year to2013, the participants joke about asking ChatGPT to invent an Ebert response. Three and three-and-a-half stars are guesses, not a critic’s rating.
They imagine Ebert appreciating Gosling and the goofy genre approach.

Recasting Couch

Andie MacDowell is the enthusiastically received Basinger replacement.

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:47:55Read transcript

A performer with comic energy is wanted; Hunter and McDormand receive support, while Lane and an earlier Stone are considered.
Moore is considered but her fit with comedy is questioned.
MacDowell is greeted as an excellent idea, with the real mother/daughter connection noted and Qualley’s possible career preferences left speculative.
Basinger’s straight approach is contrasted with other actors recognizing the film as funny; shooting-order explanations are guesses.

Casting What-Ifs

No additional casting what-ifs

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:59:11Read transcript

The only recalled production story is the leads agreeing conditionally on each other; Basinger’s hypothetical replacements were discussed separately.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Sequel wishes, Holly’s book and Gosling’s comedy influences.

In the discussion (2)

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

Crowe reportedly told Howard Stern he wanted sequels to this and LA Confidential; Holly’s book is identified as A Cat Among the Pigeons.
Gosling reportedly discovered Abbott and Costello through library movies because his parents would not pay for Blockbuster rentals.

Picking Nits

Driving, evidence handling and detective luck

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:42Read transcript

A thirteen-year-old steering a heavy car seems difficult even for1977.
Amelia’s fall is explained by a fire escape, but her long barefoot running and pristine dress remain questionable.
The accessible crime-scene evidence and police failure to detain the protagonists despite many bodies are questioned.
The inability-to-smell backstory is questioned and compared with a bizarre tragic anecdote in Gremlins; the speakers do not establish medical or gas-safety facts.
The convoluted plot and suit-based deduction strain belief, though repeated lucky breaks and failure to save Amelia are appreciated as antiheroic choices.

Picking Nits

Wet cigarettes should not light after the pool fall.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:09:16Read transcript

The shocking shooting does not cut away: the murder is shown in cold blood, making the child’s presence feel more dangerous.
March’s pack would be soaked after falling in the pool. The mermaid-tank example is challenged because he wore only boxers there; the pool example stands.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

How long does the agency last?

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:56Read transcript

Healy’s possible early death and March losing custody are speculative threats to the agency’s future.

Best Double Feature

Poster unavailable

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In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:20:25Read transcript

No Sudden Move is chosen for its Detroit crime connection.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang feels obvious; Michael Clayton or The Pelican Brief would pair corporate-conspiracy drama with comedy.
Another choice is this film followed by The Other Guys for a Guys Night.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Why communicate the conspiracy through a porn film?

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:22:36Read transcript

Taking evidence to a journalist seems more effective; the stated fear of controlled media is challenged.
Stoned logic makes the porn movie seem the only mechanism to solve the problem; the message is not even in the beginning, so the audience must watch for it.