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The Rewatchables ·

Two for the Money

year 2005decade 00sdirector D. J. Carusogenre Sportsgenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Cousin Sal
All 36 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:07:04

Historical remake

Bill Simmons: The hottest take proposes a period remake that explicitly treats the old gambling culture as history, ideally using recognizable licensed sports footage.

A period remake could explain the wild-west sales culture instead of assuming audience familiarity.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:40:52

Modesty can be a vice

Bill Simmons: Life lessons include modesty as a possible vice, streaks reversing and the gamblers’ meeting lemons speech.

The film

Two for the Money (2005)

Directed by D. J. Caruso · Sports

122 minutes

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Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Al Pacino Walter
Rene Russo Toni
Jeremy Piven Jerry

Everything from the episode

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

21:05

The Devil Wears Prada Award: Perfect for What It Is Trying to Do

Perfect for its modest aims

Perfect for its modest aims

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:05Read transcript
  • The movie is proposed as perfect for its modest aims, with the leads’ contrasting energies allowing both to play broadly without overwhelming each other.
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26:26

Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:26Read transcript
  • Roger Ebert’s review is explicitly three and a half out of four, praising the visible pleasure of the performances; the reported box office did not match the enthusiasm.
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30:40

Most Rewatchable Scene

First Sports Advisors broadcast (two choices); Gamblers Anonymous meeting (one choice)

First Sports Advisors broadcast (two choices); Gamblers Anonymous meeting (one choice)

In the discussion (22)
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:40Read transcript
  • The college-quarterback opening with long hair is a scene candidate. — Chris Ryan
  • Movie quarterbacks repeatedly scramble, spin and absorb multiple hits; the move seems more likely to cause injury in reality. — Bill Simmons
  • The hero must carry the ball rather than let a receiver take the glory; a desperate sideline throw is offered as a more realistic current alternative. — Bill Simmons
  • Every Sports Advisors show scene is praised, with a wish for more of them. — Chris Ryan
  • The gambling-rehab speech argues gamblers lose to feel alive. — Cousin Sal
  • Two responses reject wanting to lose and prefer winning their bets.
  • The gamblers’ meeting is a shared favorite scene. — Bill Simmons
  • The televised psych-system pitch is enjoyed and compared with contemporary proprietary betting models.
  • The John Anthony direct-camera pitch shifts from an exaggerated persona to intimate conversation and could run longer. — Bill Simmons
  • The psych-system presenter is preferred for picks over the overly attractive potential snake-oil salesman. — Bill Simmons
  • Breaking from the scripted pitch works, and Walter tells the director to let it continue.
  • The argument about dysfunctional childhoods is a scene candidate, including an outrageous paternal description that may have been improvised. — Bill Simmons
  • The Gamblers Anonymous intrusion is another final scene choice, especially calling the attendees lemons and then handing out a business card. — Bill Simmons
  • The first Sports Advisors broadcast is chosen, and the initial gambling-again voter explicitly switches to that choice. — Bill Simmons
  • Walter’s first hard sell to Brandon is a scene candidate. — Bill Simmons
  • Brandon developing his John Anthony voice is a scene candidate. — Bill Simmons
  • The shirtless workout is treated as an obligatory star showcase rather than realistic boiler-room behavior.
  • The wealthy client’s introduction and impressive house are a scene candidate. — Bill Simmons
  • John Anthony winning a million-dollar over thanks to an intern is a scene candidate. — Chris Ryan
  • Brandon’s abrupt losing streak follows his request for a larger share; the extreme all-or-nothing records are questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • The declaration of gambling again is the initial personal scene choice.
  • The final Hail Mary bad beat is another praised scene.
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37:33

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Chuck Adler

Chuck Adler

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:33Read transcript
  • Chuck Adler’s explosive contribution is singled out in advance for overacting; speculation about his hometown is explicitly a guess. — Bill Simmons
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39:31

Picking Nits

Betting logic; business costs; pricing; offseason; football details; car; streaks; credit; omitted scam; bruschetta

Betting logic; business costs; pricing; offseason; football details; car; streaks; credit; omitted scam; bruschetta

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:31Read transcript
  • The story appears to cover one football season, with an implausibly perfect early winning streak.
  • The low Super Bowl total and a thin trend spanning many years are nitpicked, though earlier real totals are acknowledged. — Bill Simmons
  • Walter spends implausibly on surveillance, sex workers and gifts despite apparent financial trouble. — Cousin Sal
  • The huge price for a single pick makes little sense if cheaper customers receive the same information. — Cousin Sal
  • The absence of other sports and off-season business is questioned, alongside a joking proliferation of game-of-the-year labels.
  • An uncalled block in the opening and simplistic football reasoning are nitpicked, including treating the coach’s former team as an obscure insight.
  • Not wagering on his own extraordinary picks is the central logic problem; the family setup also seems to lack a later payoff. — Bill Simmons
  • The fancy New York car, empty roads and perfect picking streak are implausible. — Bill Simmons
  • Amir’s abrupt wealth, enormous losses and access to credit strain plausibility; the story does not show earlier winnings cushioning later losses.
  • Brandon is interpreted as temporarily lucky rather than truly gifted. — Bill Simmons
  • The omitted split-list sales scam could have explained the business and given the hero something to resist.
  • A final nit argues the hero’s original bruschetta pronunciation was correct and the correction was wrong.
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48:07

The most 2005 thing

Fax machines; premium-phone touts; dot-com plans; gambling restrictions; television arrays; headsets

Fax machines; premium-phone touts; dot-com plans; gambling restrictions; television arrays; headsets

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:07Read transcript
  • Fax machines and the old Sports Advisors television format mark the period. — Bill Simmons
  • A Scud/Desert Storm line and a casual Trump hair joke mark the period; a connection to USFL rights is only speculation. — Bill Simmons
  • Sports betting remains illegal in most states, and watching multiple games requires separate televisions. — Cousin Sal
  • Oversized telemarketer headsets mark the period. — Chris Ryan
  • The NFL reportedly barred movie advertisements during its games for the first week. — Chris Ryan
  • Walter’s plan to build a dot-com business around John Anthony marks the period.
  • Brandon’s initial job is interpreted as recording content for a multipurpose premium-phone service, including celebrity trivia. — Bill Simmons
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52:51

What’s Aged the Best?

Stu Feiner inspiration; New York arrival; dialogue; physique; Russo casting; petty rival; slicked-back hair; Southie

Stu Feiner inspiration; New York arrival; dialogue; physique; Russo casting; petty rival; slicked-back hair; Southie

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:51Read transcript
  • The character’s reported basis in Stu Feiner is an aged-best choice, with the real personality’s continuing visibility noted. — Chris Ryan
  • A newcomer’s arrival in New York has a Wizard of Oz quality; the toilet-mouth insult, family-dysfunction dialogue and Winged Foot difficulty are praised. — Chris Ryan
  • McConaughey’s physique is an aged-best choice. — Bill Simmons
  • Piven’s pettiness and Pacino’s pep talks hold up. — Bill Simmons
  • Russo is believably Walter’s partner while also a possible match for the younger lead.
  • Russo’s husband is corrected from director to screenwriter; the director’s style is considered appropriate.
  • The three leads’ struggling hairlines are enjoyed, and Jerry Sykes resembles Ari Gold working for a phone hotline. — Chris Ryan
  • Piven seems to have retained his Entourage character; Ari Gold would suit a money-related tout name. — Cousin Sal
  • More Ari-style film appearances would be welcome, even at the expense of showing acting range. — Bill Simmons
  • Slicked-back hair as a shorthand for a changed identity is praised through a Miami Vice comparison. — Bill Simmons
  • Kevin Chapman and the character name Southie are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • A green-screen Las Vegas location or mathematics laboratory for the psych-system presenter is a missed comic opportunity. — Bill Simmons
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56:55

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

Thousand-dollar wine; Walter’s dessert; restaurant references

Thousand-dollar wine; Walter’s dessert; restaurant references

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:55Read transcript
  • Food choices include the thousand-dollar wine, restaurant references and Walter’s dessert. — Bill Simmons
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57:40

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Walter’s cigarette hand; the steps kiss under observation

Walter’s cigarette hand; the steps kiss under observation

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:40Read transcript
  • The cigarette-bearing hand outside the window is a great-shot choice, foreshadowing Walter’s surveillance and control. — Bill Simmons
  • The steps kiss under Walter’s observation is another cinematic-shot choice. — Bill Simmons
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58:19

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

Monday Night Football theme

Monday Night Football theme

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:19Read transcript
  • Pusherman and It’s Not Unusual are liked, but the Monday Night Football theme is the needle-drop winner.
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59:30

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

John Anthony

John Anthony

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:30Read transcript
  • John Anthony receives agreement as best character name. — Bill Simmons
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59:35

The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking

Al Pacino

Al Pacino

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:35Read transcript
  • An explicitly invited flex awards onscreen smoking to Pacino, especially smoking through heart problems. — Cousin Sal
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59:49

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

Novian’s unresolved threat; Sykes’s underused role; intercut ending

Novian’s unresolved threat; Sykes’s underused role; intercut ending

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:49Read transcript
  • Novian is a weak-link choice because the threat and assault never receive a satisfying follow-up; a darker revenge ending is imagined.
  • After a joke targeting the child, the rival’s underused character is criticized; sabotage or betting against the hero would give him more purpose, while a short shooting schedule is only speculation.
  • The ending’s marital reconciliation distracts from the gambling comeback and is another weak-link choice.
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1:03:12

What’s Aged the Worst?

Instant cardiac recovery; vanished betting culture; inflated business; unrecognized quarterback

Instant cardiac recovery; vanished betting culture; inflated business; unrecognized quarterback

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:12Read transcript
  • Instant recovery from cardiac symptoms after taking a pill is an aged-worst choice. — Bill Simmons
  • The vanished premium-phone betting culture and exaggerated cash flow have aged poorly; an alternative reading treats the business claims as Walter’s lies.
  • Failure to recognize the former quarterback is questioned, and the film’s name is distinguished from the real inspiration; the claimed true story is treated skeptically. — Bill Simmons
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1:06:14

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Chasing the Vig; Hot Streak; Laying Wood; Money Line; Being John Anthony

Chasing the Vig; Hot Streak; Laying Wood; Money Line; Being John Anthony

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:14Read transcript
  • The title’s meaning is debated as two men in business or a familiar counting rhyme. Suggested alternatives include Chasing the Vig, Hot Streak, Laying Wood, Money Line and Being John Anthony; additional rapid-fire money/parlay suggestions are indistinct in the transcript.
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1:07:04

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Historical remake; James Baby Doll Dixon; a hero who only wins

Historical remake; James Baby Doll Dixon; a hero who only wins

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:04Read transcript
  • The hottest take proposes a period remake that explicitly treats the old gambling culture as history, ideally using recognizable licensed sports footage. — Bill Simmons
  • A period remake could explain the wild-west sales culture instead of assuming audience familiarity.
  • James Baby Doll Dixon is proposed as Walter in a remake, with Vince Vaughn another casting thought.
  • Another hottest take wants pure wish fulfillment: a protagonist who keeps winning until the credits without the conventional collapse. — Cousin Sal
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1:11:00

Casting What-Ifs

Role written for Rene Russo

Role written for Rene Russo

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:00Read transcript
  • Little casting research is available beyond the writer creating the role for his wife. — Bill Simmons
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1:11:11

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Brandon’s father; Ralph Garman

Brandon’s father; Ralph Garman

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:11Read transcript
  • Brandon’s father is recognized as the Road House character fired after the closet encounter. — Bill Simmons
  • Gedde Watanabe is considered but explicitly ruled out as already recognizable from Sixteen Candles and Gung Ho. — Bill Simmons
  • Ralph Garman is a That Guy candidate, with his KROQ voices and the excitement around his film appearance recalled. — Bill Simmons
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1:12:09

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Chuck Adler

Chuck Adler

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:09Read transcript
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1:12:50

Recasting Couch

Edward Norton; Michael Douglas; Paul Verhoeven; Tracy Morgan

Edward Norton; Michael Douglas; Paul Verhoeven; Tracy Morgan

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:50Read transcript
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1:13:55

The most GIFable moment

I’m gambling again

I’m gambling again

Flex pick · Bill Simmons

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:55Read transcript
  • The gambling-again declaration is proposed as an underused Pacino GIF or meme, alongside his established memorable screen moments. — Bill Simmons
  • The choice is confirmed as Most GIFable Moment; Best Line is floated as another possible home for it. — Bill Simmons
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1:16:19

Nico Harrison Award for Worst Decision

Not betting on his own picks; abandoning the psych system

Not betting on his own picks; abandoning the psych system

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:19Read transcript
  • The proposed Nico Harrison worst-decision category first considers letting the intern choose, but that pick worked. — Bill Simmons
  • Brandon not betting on his own picks receives affirmative agreement.
  • Abandoning Jerry Sykes’s psych system after a few bad weeks is another explicit choice. — Chris Ryan
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1:17:46

Half-Assed Internet Research

Real USFL footage; real advice-service number

Real USFL footage; real advice-service number

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:46Read transcript
  • Research identifies actual USFL footage and a real advice-service phone number used in the film. — Bill Simmons
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1:18:14

Apex Mountain

Jeremy Piven; USFL footage (qualified)

Jeremy Piven; USFL footage (qualified)

In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:14Read transcript
  • No Apex for the three stars; Jaime King is tentatively considered. — Bill Simmons
  • The Gambler remains ahead among sports-gambling movies; White Chicks and Pearl Harbor challenge the Jaime King suggestion. — Bill Simmons
  • Central Park humiliation and premium-phone lines are raised without a clear affirmative decision. — Bill Simmons
  • Ghost is rejected as a 900-number example; Reality Bites is offered and this film’s heavy use considered. — Bill Simmons
  • Childhood premium calls included wrestling, immediate sports scores and other less-admirable numbers. — Chris Ryan
  • A junior newspaper job included answering callers seeking sports scores. — Cousin Sal
  • Delayed newspaper box scores left fantasy matchups unsettled until Wednesday; phone calls filled the gap, with trades but no waivers recalled. — Bill Simmons
  • A fantasy-advice business and blind fantasy without instant statistics are proposed.
  • Immediate fantasy-score checking and unwanted alerts reduce enjoyment; an analog return appeals.
  • Swingers remains the peak use of You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You. — Chris Ryan
  • Piven may be at his career peak between Entourage’s first two seasons as his profile rises. — Bill Simmons
  • The film may be the leading use of USFL footage. — Chris Ryan
  • Heat remains ahead in the joking category of Pacino characters whose partners see other men.
  • An added Apex question compares injury-derailed fictional football players, beginning with Jason Street and Johnny Utah. — Bill Simmons
  • The injured-player comparison adds Joe Pendleton, Jimmy Dix and Paul Crewe but focuses on Johnny Utah’s proven college status versus Jason Street’s high-school promise, without a clear shared winner. — Chris Ryan
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1:25:24

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise

Cruise

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:24Read transcript
  • Cruise is the star choice, with several imagined opportunities for running.
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1:26:01

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Scorsese

Scorsese

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:01Read transcript
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1:26:08

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Novian; Walter

Novian; Walter

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:08Read transcript
  • Hoffman could play Novian or Walter. — Chris Ryan
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1:33:10

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

Historical prestige series; Brandon’s coaching career

Historical prestige series; Brandon’s coaching career

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:10Read transcript
  • A historical prestige series is preferred, with a sequel following Brandon’s coaching career also proposed. — Chris Ryan
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1:33:31

Is This Movie Better With…?

Mad Dog Russo; Buffalo Bill

Mad Dog Russo; Buffalo Bill

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:31Read transcript
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1:34:24

Just One Oscar

Al Pacino, supporting actor

Al Pacino, supporting actor

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:24Read transcript
  • Pacino in supporting actor receives agreement as the single Oscar choice. — Bill Simmons
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1:34:31

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Monday-night chasing; ideal anxious-husband actor; earnings; Walter’s motives

Monday-night chasing; ideal anxious-husband actor; earnings; Walter’s motives

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:31Read transcript
  • The claim that Monday-night popularity comes from chasing losses is questioned; Sunday night is offered as the more natural chase before Monday settlement.
  • Pacino is proposed as the top casting choice for a sexually displaced husband. — Bill Simmons
  • Other possible actors for the sexually anxious husband include Hackman, Douglas and Gere, without a settled ranking. — Cousin Sal
  • Indoor Oakley wraparound sunglasses are admired.
  • Brandon’s total earnings remain unclear; percentages and a $100,000 payment on a $2million win are discussed. — Bill Simmons
  • Employer-funded housing and perks may explain apparent wealth without large cash compensation. — Bill Simmons
  • The staged kiss and surveillance support a reading of Walter gambling on his marriage by trying to replace himself with Brandon.
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1:40:18

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Piven’s hair; psych-system material; football jersey; townhouse

Piven’s hair; psych-system material; football jersey; townhouse

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:18Read transcript
  • Piven’s hair and the psych-system material are memorabilia choices; the unused car is considered then passed over. — Chris Ryan
  • The opening football jersey, possibly with hair extensions, is another memorabilia choice. — Chris Ryan
  • The townhouse is a late additional memorabilia choice. — Cousin Sal
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1:40:52

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Modesty can be a vice; streaks reverse; the lemons speech

Modesty can be a vice; streaks reverse; the lemons speech

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:52Read transcript
  • Life lessons include modesty as a possible vice, streaks reversing and the gamblers’ meeting lemons speech. — Bill Simmons
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1:41:10

Best Double Feature

Rounders; The Devil’s Advocate
Two for the Money
Rounders

Picked by Chris Ryan

The Devil’s Advocate
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:10Read transcript
  • Rounders is a double-feature choice, linked by voiceover and structure. — Cousin Sal
  • The Devil’s Advocate is another pairing, to be watched first. — Cousin Sal
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1:41:33

Who Won the Movie?

Al Pacino (two choices); Matthew McConaughey (two choices)

Al Pacino (two choices); Matthew McConaughey (two choices)

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:33Read transcript
  • Pacino receives the first winner choice. — Bill Simmons
  • McConaughey receives the second winner choice. — Bill Simmons
  • McConaughey receives another choice, though the claim that this immediately changed his career is challenged; Pacino’s balance of broad comedy and a substantial character is praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The invited producer chooses Pacino and says the performance turns an initially modest reaction into greater enjoyment on revisiting clips. — Chris Ryan
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Al Pacino
Speaker not identified
Matthew McConaughey
Speaker not identified
Matthew McConaughey
Speaker not identified
Al Pacino
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1:41:56

Producer review

Improves on rewatch; Pacino makes it entertaining

Improves on rewatch; Pacino makes it entertaining

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:56Read transcript
  • The invited producer chooses Pacino and says the performance turns an initially modest reaction into greater enjoyment on revisiting clips. — Chris Ryan
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More from the conversation

A recent football rivalry precedes the returning guest’s introduction and the long-requested film choice.
Approx. transcript time · 00:00:53Read transcript
The release weekend is questioned within a broader post-Rounders wave of sports entertainment.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:43Read transcript
The limited office setting and generic sports footage are discussed as compromises of sports licensing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:07Read transcript
The specific culture of selling picks is considered both the film’s strongest period detail and a dated subject; old television and radio tout shows are recalled.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:01Read transcript
A college acquaintance reportedly paid for a losing pick after successive free winners; the anecdote explains how splitting predictions across a customer list creates misleading winning streaks.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:34Read transcript
The advice business is described as an unregulated-feeling gray area akin to other premium-phone services; the film may have arrived years after the peak.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:50Read transcript
A parody version of the old tout format is imagined, while modern paid sports advice is compared with its predecessor.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:07Read transcript
The mentor-and-protégé structure is compared with Wall Street, Training Day, Donnie Brasco and Midnight Cowboy.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:00Read transcript
The recreation of the televised picks show is praised as accurate to its bombastic entertainment value.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:09Read transcript
The absence of genuine inside information, statistical explanation or a reason to sell truly valuable picks weakens the gambling premise; the split-list scam would be more credible.
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:15Read transcript
The lead actor’s mid-2000s run is reconsidered as enjoyable cable fare despite contemporary disappointment after his early prestige roles.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:47Read transcript
Magic Mike and a willingness to accept smaller roles with strong directors are proposed as turning points in the later career revival.
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:36Read transcript
An interview recollection says the actor had personal connections to touting through his brother and believed in situational gambling intangibles.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:05Read transcript
Keanu Reeves, early-1990s Cruise, Vince Vaughn and Brad Pitt are considered alternate leads, but the existing actor is judged especially suited to the charisma and former-athlete role.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:09Read transcript
The actor’s recurring coverage and late-career ability to combine familiar performance modes are praised.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:04Read transcript
A darker reading sees Walter projecting sexual desires through the younger man, suggesting a more serious film about addiction and anxiety.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:14Read transcript
Several aphorisms about certainty, modesty and anticipation of a drug’s high are praised as characteristic dialogue.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:05Read transcript
An invited response enjoys even the heart-pill business as a charismatic screen gesture.
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:27Read transcript
The makeover is cited as cable-viewing bait, with amusement that the already attractive lead needs only hair and clothes changes.
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:48Read transcript
An invited producer response contrasts the subtle early performances with the loud late-career persona familiar to younger viewers.
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:29Read transcript
The model discussion becomes a tangent about gambling-show personas, unverifiable systems and violating personal betting rules.
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:10Read transcript
A recalled SportsCenter winning streak reached eighteen wins, no losses and two pushes, but the network hesitated to promote gambling; another participant recalls chasing a perfect playoff run.
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:49Read transcript
Whether a modern pick seller could become famous is debated through saturated media, tight betting margins, personality and contrarian choices.
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:14Read transcript
The film is situated before widespread analytics, with sixty percent treated as a more believable modern success rate than its extreme streaks.
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:58Read transcript
A wedding entrance to the Fox football theme is recalled as a personal analogue.
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:44Read transcript
An earlier football-show picking streak is recalled, distinguished from betting against the spread.
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:59Read transcript
A joke about adapting the hosts’ losing records leads to renewed criticism of the intern’s pick and Walter’s attraction to losing.
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:12Read transcript
Possible later careers for Sykes range from sports television to analytics and unsuccessful networking at Sloan.
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:06Read transcript
A friend’s account of joining the Navy after a crushing gambling loss is retold with uncertain game details and exaggerated comic flourishes.
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:37Read transcript
The film’s reputation improves with familiarity, and the leads’ old-versus-young chemistry prompts a possible McConaughey-and-Glen-Powell remake.
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:35Read transcript
The outrageous luck-based premise works, but a betting syndicate or larger, more extravagant milieu might have broadened appeal.
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:05Read transcript
A spring release is proposed as a better fit for a football-focused audience, followed by a Blood Diamond viewing anecdote.
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:05Read transcript
Closing thanks use only first or unclear names for production contributors.
Approx. transcript time · 01:45:01Read transcript