Founder and Managing Director, The Ringer
Bill Simmons
Founder of The Ringer and a regular voice on The Rewatchables. Appears in all ten episodes selected for this pilot.
Also referred to as Bill, Simmons
Stats
- Episodes credited in this archive
- 437
- Movies in this archive
- 419
- Attributed podcast choices
- 99
Across the table
Appearing on these Rewatchables episodes
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982 film
Bill Simmons · Chris Ryan · Sean Fennessey · Mallory Rubin
Aired May 17, 2022
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997 film
Bill Simmons · Chris Ryan · Sean Fennessey
Aired May 3, 2022
Mentioned in discussions
Picking Nits
Traffic; bank access; money weight; old food; running; hypocrisy
In the discussion (13)
- Nitpick: Scottish Gerard Butler as a South Torrance football star is questioned, though his accent concealment and Bill Romanowski-like presence are defended. — Chris Ryan
- The fourteen-mile Hawthorne-to-Wilmington ride raises a Los Angeles traffic and distance objection. — Chris Ryan
- Donnie's failure to request a lawyer after waking in the hotel is questioned; One participant compares real interrogation videos in which suspects similarly fail to ask for counsel.
- Merrimen’s access to so much Federal Reserve information is questioned.
- The Chinese-food courier’s freedom to enter the Fed and roam the cafeteria is questioned; a front-desk handoff would make more sense. — Bill Simmons
- One participant objects to Donnie silently accepting Nick's insult about his penis size, proposing embarrassed or defensive replies rather than allowing the conversation to move on. — Van Lathan
- The hosts calculate the weight of thirty million dollars in hundred-dollar bills at roughly 661.5 pounds and question Donnie moving it so quickly in small bags; this is their cited internet calculation. — Chris Ryan
- Donnie reconstructing ventilation plans from bar information requires accepting his exceptional intelligence.
- A defense imagines far more accumulated conversations and incidental information over time than the brief scenes show; no duration in years is specified.
- The Chinese food stored above the bathroom for days prompts questions about spoilage, temperature, smell, and what dishes the women could plausibly accept. — Chris Ryan
- Merrimen's running looks too slow for his football reputation to one participant; others propose past injuries, military wounds, and heavy protective gear as possible explanations. — Chris Ryan
- The long escape route and traffic are questioned; a closed lane is defended as quintessential Los Angeles, and the robbers expected to leave undetected. — Chris Ryan
- Merrimen's objection to Nick's behavior is called hypocritical because he sends his girlfriend to sleep with Nick as a distraction. — Bill Simmons
In the discussion (4)
- Benihana is allowed to win its own namesake location award, using the Bill Russell award as an analogy. — Chris Ryan
- Ziggy’s Hofbrau is a runner-up. — Bill Simmons
- The menswear store is another runner-up. — Bill Simmons
- The donut shop is another runner-up. — Bill Simmons
What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?
Bill Belichick; basketball impression
In the discussion (2)
- An impression praises Lamar’s midrange game while noticing the suspicious point spread. — Bill Simmons
- Bill Belichick is selected, followed by an impression advising Bennett against endlessly stacking bets. — Bill Simmons
What’s Aged the Worst?
Old Ebert/Bill reviews; Gary Glitter; Michael Jace; coaches’ suits
In the discussion (8)
- Ebert’s criticism of Madden and Summerall is rejected as an aged-worst take. — Bill Simmons
- The earlier review calling Favreau’s performance career-ending is retracted; his later success and this performance are now appreciated. — Bill Simmons
- The Gary Glitter song is an aged-worst choice because of the performer’s history. — Bill Simmons
- The hosts discuss Michael Jace’s murder conviction as a disturbing contrast with his character’s fear of returning to prison. — Van Lathan
- A host recalls recognizing Jace while he was serving as an usher at an Oasis church on Wilshire. — Van Lathan
- Thick as Thieves is recommended in a tangent recalling Alec Baldwin, Michael Jai White, Janeane Garofalo, and Andre Braugher; some character details are tentative. — Van Lathan
- The host recalls having spoken with Jace and then learning of his arrest while working at TMZ. The segment’s proposed fun-fact title is rejected as inappropriate to its subject. — Van Lathan
- Coaches wearing suits is added as an aged-worst observation, with Mike Nolan's unsuccessful revival blamed for ending the look. — Van Lathan
Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake
The property already has a sequel, prequel, and two television series; the panel notes the absence of a Miggs or Buffalo Bill prequel.
This discussion recalls a choice from an earlier episode.
In the discussion (2)
- Hannibal, Red Dragon/Hannibal Rising, Hannibal, and Clarice are treated as filling the standard franchise options. — Bill Simmons
- A Miggs or Buffalo Bill origin story is jokingly identified as the remaining gap. — Bill Simmons
In the discussion (1)
- The panel lists a deep field of memorable limited appearances but calls Buffalo Bill the obvious winner. — Bill Simmons
The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location
Buffalo Bill’s multi-room dungeon
In the discussion (1)
- The dungeon is selected after the earlier room-by-room discussion of its frightening layout. — Bill Simmons
What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?
Bill Belichick; Scott Van Pelt alternative
In the discussion (2)
- Bill Belichick is chosen and imagined critiquing the map and rock-pile mistakes. — Bill Simmons
- Scott Van Pelt is suggested and briefly imitated as another option. — Bill Simmons
Half-Assed Internet Research
Stallone’s critique and fee; budget; injury; ending reconciliation; Wetton recording; casting; mansion; Razzies; Zumwalt; real tournament
In the discussion (13)
- Stallone later distanced himself, saying he would use an urban setting, omit pop music and make the Vegas finale more ominous. — Bill Simmons
- Stallone reportedly accepted a record $12 million after his agent’s attempted rejection of a $10 million offer backfired into a higher bid. — Bill Simmons
- The reported budget is about $25 million including Stallone’s fee, against $16 million earned; Mannequin beat it on opening weekend. — Bill Simmons
- The elbow injury reportedly occurred unexpectedly to a real German champion during tournament filming; his transcript name is uncertain. — Bill Simmons
- Loggia can be seen in the distant final shot, suggesting reconciliation despite little explanatory dialogue. — Bill Simmons
- John Wetton reportedly originally recorded Winner Takes It All before Hagar replaced him to provide more aggression. — Bill Simmons
- Zumwalt reportedly received $10,000 to shave his head and kept the look. — Bill Simmons
- The grandfather’s mansion reportedly also served as the Clampett home in The Beverly Hillbillies. — Bill Simmons
- Mendenhall won Razzies for supporting actor and new star; Stallone lost worst actor to Bill Cosby in Leonard Part 6. — Bill Simmons
- Zumwalt reportedly achieved sobriety, helped people with substance problems and died of a heart attack in 2003. — Bill Simmons
- A real international tournament was staged for the film, culminating in an 18-hour Vegas competition; Stallone filmed his material afterward. — Bill Simmons
- Randy Raney played Mad Dog Madison and later fought Stallone in Rambo III. — Bill Simmons
- The real truckers-class champion won a truck and trailer worth roughly $250,000 and reportedly inspired Lincoln; the transcript’s name is uncertain. — Bill Simmons
What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?
Bill Belichick on Manningcast
In the discussion (2)
- The initial commentary impression responds to the sledgehammer scene; the speaker is not explicitly named in the response. — Bill Simmons
- Bill Belichick on the Manningcast is proposed for the nightclub sequence, emphasizing headshots and technique. — Bill Simmons
Apex Mountain
Samuel L. Jackson; Quentin Tarantino; diners;1964 Chevelle Malibu; Ving Rhames; souped-up Acuras; Christopher Walken monologues;1974 Chevy Nova; cinematic coffee; UC Santa Cruz merchandise; Monster Joe’s Truck and Tow
In the discussion (27)
- Jackson is affirmed, including the nomination and subsequent Die Hard 3 role.
- Tarantino is affirmed for the clout and opportunities following the film, while later films remain artistic alternatives.
- Amsterdam is proposed without a resolved answer.
- MacGuffins lose to the Ark of the Covenant.
- Travolta is rejected in favor of Saturday Night Fever’s greater historical fame. — Bill Simmons
- Diners are probably affirmed for the phenomenon despite the film Diner and personal diner habits predating Pulp Fiction.
- Uma Thurman loses to Kill Bill.
- Milkshakes face 1957 and There Will Be Blood alternatives without a settled affirmative choice.
- The 1964 Chevelle Malibu is affirmed. — Bill Simmons
- Bruce Willis is rejected. — Bill Simmons
- Ving Rhames is affirmed for the career transition leading toward Mission: Impossible and Don King. — Bill Simmons
- Tarantino’s three-count gestures are proposed without a settled Apex choice. — Bill Simmons
- Mexican standoffs lose to Reservoir Dogs after an initial True Romance answer is corrected.
- The Twist loses to Chubby Checker.
- Miramax loses to Shakespeare in Love.
- Souped-up Acuras are affirmed.
- Walken monologues are affirmed; Poolhall Junkies, Annie Hall and The Comfort of Strangers are alternatives.
- Modesty Blaise loses to the Monica Vitti film.
- Keitel is rejected, with Taxi Driver, The Piano and Bad Lieutenant discussed.
- The 1974 Chevy Nova is affirmed.
- Jimmie’s coffee and cinematic coffee are affirmed, prompting a joking broader coffee argument.
- UC Santa Cruz merchandise is called elite in an approving response to its Apex nomination. — Chris Ryan
- Monster Joe’s Truck and Tow is affirmed.
- A reported Joe Dante namesake is discussed; a Reservoir Dogs Joe connection is wondered about without resolution. — Sean Fennessey
- Conversations about pigs remain unresolved amid Animal Farm and Babe alternatives.
- The assault scene loses to Deliverance.
- The Ezekiel passage prompts biblical-literacy and misquotation discussion without an affirmative apex conclusion. — Chris Ryan
Most Rewatchable Scene
Mia’s revival; final diner confrontation; Craig includes Jack Rabbit Slim’s
In the discussion (53)
- The most-rewatchable-scene discussion proposes eight selections and suggests almost the entire film qualifies except roughly twenty minutes. — Bill Simmons
- The opening diner robbery and transition into the credits are praised. The discussion considers the switch between two songs and debates whether the typography still feels timeless; younger viewers may associate it with Stranger Things.
- Misirlou prompts an association with the Black Eyed Peas song Pump It for a younger listener. — Craig Horlbeck
- Vincent and Jules discussing Amsterdam and the Royale with Cheese is praised as exceptionally influential screenwriting. The conversation connects its everyday observations to the film's recurring contrasts between Europe and America.
- The foot-massage argument, Mia's television pilot, and Antoine Tony Rocky Horror story are praised for combining casual conversation with the unexplained armed approach to an apartment. Vincent catches Jules with the offer to give him a foot massage. — Craig Horlbeck
- The request to take a boss's wife out is questioned and compared with a story about Ryan O'Neal, Lee Majors, and Farrah Fawcett. — Bill Simmons
- The foot-massage debate leads to agreement that the gesture is intimate; professional massage is distinguished from a personal offer.
- The apartment confrontation is introduced as another scene contender, with Samuel L. Jackson's performance prompting an early Rick Dalton Award mention. The Big Kahuna Burger and tasty-beverage dialogue, Frank Whaley's frightened performance, and the big-brain-on-Brett line receive praise.
- Jackson's interaction with Burr Steers on the couch is singled out, while Travolta's quieter background performance also draws attention. — Chris Ryan
- Travolta's relaxed background behavior contrasts with Jackson's commanding, repeatedly quotable performance in the apartment.
- Jackson's extended biblical monologue is praised as an extraordinary sustained performance, prompting curiosity about how many takes the scene required. — Bill Simmons
- Low angles, close-ups, and a camera move following Jackson's head turn establish him as a movie star, shifting attention away from Travolta. — Chris Ryan
- The burger and the film's food generally are praised for looking appetizing.
- Marsellus lecturing Butch about pride and his declining prime is selected as another scene; its advice is compared with Pacino's speech to DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. — Bill Simmons
- The speech's warning about aging inspires contemporary jokes about Joe Biden and Paul George's late-career contract.
- Butch's confrontation with Vincent is discussed as the possible trigger for keying his car and deciding to betray Marsellus; a reported Tarantino answer supports the decision forming during that encounter.
- Obscuring Marsellus's face during his speech is praised for building anticipation and making the crime boss seem mythical, with Mia's delayed reveal cited as a parallel.
- Vincent buying heroin from Lance is selected for its elaborate product descriptions and sales pitch, including the more expensive Choco. — Chris Ryan
- Lance remaining visible in a mirror is singled out as an easily missed visual detail. Mirrors and reflections recur with Mia, Fabienne, and Vincent. — Bill Simmons
- Vincent confusing Trudi with Jody and describing the piercings on Jody's face is praised as an enduringly funny exchange; Stoltz's robe, sandals, and hair contribute to the performance.
- The drug purchase captures obligatory small talk, with Lance echoing Vincent's complaints about his keyed car and using a salesman's suggestion that stock might run out. — Chris Ryan
- Stoltz's appeal across different kinds of films is discussed. A festival encounter and his enthusiasm for Reservoir Dogs are offered as the background to his casting, alongside his other connections to Tarantino and Roger Avary. — Sean Fennessey
- The discussion corrects Kicking and Screaming to 1995 and describes Stoltz's early-1990s mixture of indie leading roles and smaller appearances. — Bill Simmons
- Vincent and Mia's date at Jack Rabbit Slim's is selected, including his arrival at her house. The restaurant's immersive design and automobile booths are praised; conflicting construction-budget recollections are discussed.
- A reported Disney proposal to reproduce Jack Rabbit Slim's in a park was declined; the restaurant is compared with an unnamed real Los Angeles establishment. — Sean Fennessey
- Characters repeatedly expressing pleasure in their food is suggested as part of why the meals look so appealing. Steve Buscemi's Buddy Holly waiter is highlighted. — Sean Fennessey
- Fox Force Five's detailed character lineup inspires enthusiasm for an actual pilot and a comparison with Kill Bill; whether Tarantino wrote such a pilot is speculation.
- The five-dollar milkshake exchange and its specific menu terminology are singled out as memorable date dialogue.
- The date resolves the foot-massage rumor while Travolta's bashful, low-key delivery contrasts with Thurman's more animated cocaine-influenced behavior.
- The twist contest and Chuck Berry song are praised. The discussion wonders how the dance would look to sober observers and reports that Travolta introduced additional period dances instead of only performing the twist.
- A first-time viewer expects Vincent and Mia to have sex and face Marsellus's anger; the overdose instead provides an effective narrative swerve. The baggie rather than a balloon helps explain Mia mistaking heroin for cocaine. — Bill Simmons
- Mia abandoning her lip-sync routine midway through the song is praised as a behavioral detail. Lance's quiet evening with cartoons, cereal, and a recliner makes Vincent's emergency arrival especially funny. — Chris Ryan
- The injection effect reportedly used a needle pulled away from Thurman's chest with the footage reversed, after a fake chest was rejected. — Bill Simmons
- Vincent pressuring Lance by explaining that Mia belongs to Marsellus adds another comic threat to the rescue; the rough handling of Mia on the lawn is noticed. — Chris Ryan
- Thurman's ability to look glamorous and convincingly devastated, especially on the drive home, is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Christopher Walken's watch monologue is selected as another scene. Its placement immediately after the overdose supplies another escalating surprise when a quieter flashback seems likely.
- Walken's uninterrupted watch speech is praised, and the watch's Knoxville origin is connected to Butch's destination and Tarantino's biography.
- Butch returning for the watch and killing Vincent is selected. One objection says Butch seems insufficiently frightened; the long approach through backyards is defended as an effective real-time buildup. Stopping for a toaster pastry is questioned.
- Vincent's abrupt death is compared with Psycho's shocking removal of its apparent lead. Whether earlier politeness toward Butch would have saved him is raised, with survival offered as the reason Butch would shoot regardless.
- The pawnshop basement and Gimp reveal are selected for their shocking narrative turn. Deliverance is a comparison, while the setting is read as a surreal personal hell for a powerful crime boss.
- The Gimp emerging from the trunk is called a top-five shocking movie moment, without an enumerated ranking. The discussion debates deliberate provocation versus making the basement as strange as possible. — Bill Simmons
- The Gimp laughing at Butch is compared to premature athletic taunting; the offscreen sounds prompt jokes about recording the scene.
- The discussion debates returning to rescue an enemy versus escaping. Butch staying with Fabienne after she forgot the watch is also questioned.
- The scene illustrates how Tarantino strategically withholds the sight of violence despite its strong effect. — Sean Fennessey
- Vincent accidentally shooting Marvin and the ensuing trip to Jimmy's house are selected, highlighting Vincent's casual admission and the argument over whether a bump caused the gun to fire. — Craig Horlbeck
- Jules and Vincent washing their hands and arguing about soap is praised, as is Vincent's impatient expectation that an apology should settle the accidental killing. — Bill Simmons
- The Wolf's rapid arrival, appreciation of Jimmy's coffee, response to Vincent requesting politeness, and refusal to celebrate prematurely are highlighted alongside the argument over cleaning Marvin's remains. — Bill Simmons
- The final breakfast and robbery confrontation is selected for Jules's transformation and the film's deepest thematic statement. Jackson's apartment performance remains a competing personal favorite.
- The final diner confrontation is selected as the current favorite scene. — Sean Fennessey
- Mia’s overdose through the injection and revival is selected as the most rewatchable scene.
- The stretch from Marvin’s shooting through the Wolf leaving for the diner is separately identified as a favorite chapter.
- The opening chapter is defended because it contains both the hitmen and Vincent’s date with Mia.
- Jack Rabbit Slim’s through Mia’s revival is selected as an expanded scene choice. — Craig Horlbeck
Flex picks
Did This Movie Need a Random Sports Scene?
Nick's Saturday-morning basketball game with an exploding ball
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (2)
- Nick's Saturday-morning basketball game with legal colleagues, where the ball explodes on a layup after Nick passes it. — Bill Simmons
- Tennis and softball are considered, but basketball is best; Nick insisting on his hoops game amid the bombings fits the character. — Bill Simmons
Jesse Eisenberg “That’s good. You should be proud of that right there. Don’t worry if you don’t make it any further” Award for Best Line Reading
A bomb that does not explode is a cheap gold watch
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (2)
- A second flex picker chooses Hopper’s gold-watch line — Sean Fennessey
- The picker links it to Chris’s earlier quote choice but their own identity is not explicit in this text — Sean Fennessey
Mila Kunis Forgetting Sarah Marshall Award: Is This the Hottest This Person Has Ever Been in a Movie?
Rob Lowe: later West Wing or Parks and Recreation era; Demi Moore: Indecent Proposal leads a divided field.
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (4)
- For Rob Lowe, this movie is rejected because of the 1980s hair; older appearances in The West Wing or Parks and Recreation are preferred. — Bill Simmons
- For Demi Moore, G.I. Jane, The Substance, and Indecent Proposal are proposed. — Mallory Rubin
- Indecent Proposal receives the strongest support. — Bill Simmons
- Disclosure is added as another Demi Moore candidate. — Bill Simmons
The Bam Out of Bayo 83 Point
The restaurant scene’s convincing romantic chemistry is the83-point surprise.
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (2)
- The flex selection praises the dinner scene’s real romantic chemistry and imagines Reitman being delighted by unexpectedly strong acting. — Kyle Brandt
- The selection receives agreement and a proud reaction. — Kyle Brandt
The Amanda Dobbins Award for Best Piece of Real Estate
Lynn’s Hancock Park house
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (3)
- Lynn’s Hancock Park house is favored; a personal open-house visit and later reported $7.5 million sale are discussed.
- A flex selector chooses Patchett’s house, identified as the Lovell house by Neutra; another participant wanted a larger interior. — Bill Simmons
- Bob’s Market in Echo Park is additionally mentioned as a recognizable Fast and Furious location.
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (1)
- Gosling is explicitly selected for the brought-my-own-pack award. — Bill Simmons
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
The clean-air-protest question is the flex quote choice.
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (1)
- The clean air protest question about which one drew the cock and balls is chosen as best quote, with jokes about saying it in the Ringer bullpen. — Chris Ryan
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
“I’m getting too old for this”
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (1)
- An explicit flex selects the line “I’m getting too old for this,” noting that it predates Lethal Weapon. — Bill Simmons
Most Memorable Death by a Security Guard or Other Bystander
The state trooper
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (2)
- The state trooper is the bystander-award choice, with the parking attendant and two witnesses also considered. No needle drop is offered. — Chris Ryan
- Stormare is reaffirmed for smoking. The trooper is credited for noticing the tags and bribe.
I Used to Fuck Guys Like You in Prison Award for Craziest Quote
“Time to meet God”; “Just lay back and let it happen, baby”
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (1)
- An additional craziest-quote flex selects Time to meet God, with Just lay back and let it happen, baby as another candidate. A pre-recording joke about the first line is recalled.
The Rick Dalton Award for the Greatest Fucking Acting I’ve Ever Seen
Robert Downey Jr.’s houseboat performance
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (3)
- Downey’s delivery of “somebody should write a book” is singled out.
- His physical acting on the houseboat is praised.
- The scene’s exposed, disheveled presentation strengthens the performance.
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
“Just after my dad died, this friend of my mom’s, I think she wanted to cheer me up. And she did.”
Flex pick · Bill Simmons
In the discussion (2)
- A flex quote nomination singles out the exchange about the mother’s friend cheering Rick up after his father died, followed immediately by a change of subject. — Bill Simmons
- The best-quote flex is recalled as the exchange about sex with the mother’s friend. — Bill Simmons