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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
Rachel Getting Married
2008 film
Bill Simmons · Amanda Dobbins · Wesley Morris
Aired February 8, 2022
Displaying episodes 241 - 252 of 437 in total
Mentioned in discussions
The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award
Harrison Ford’s interrogation performance — disputed
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:57Read transcript
Most Rewatchable Scene
Dam chase versus the opening 24 minutes
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:50Read transcript
- Opening interrogation
- Bus fight and bus/train crash
- Marshals taking over the investigation
- Dam pursuit and jump
- Copeland’s capture
- St. Patrick’s Day chase
- Kimble calling Gerard from Sykes’s apartment
- Subway fight
- Cardiology-conference confrontation
- Final Kimble/Gerard exchange
- Mallory favors the dam chase
- Chris favors the opening 24 minutes and 20 seconds
- Bill favors the opening crash material; the definition of a single scene is debated
Probably Unanswerable Questions
November 18, 1992 Sixers–Magic game; Dr. J’s script awareness
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:43Read transcript
- Unanswerable answered: Bill identifies the filmed Sixers–Magic game as November 18, 1992 by Tim Perry, Greg Kite’s appearances and the halftime scoreboard. Barkley-trade and team-history tangents support his detective work; Wheeler’s enthusiasm for a weak Sixers team remains puzzling. — Bill Simmons
- Next day: Joe may become a major Philadelphia lawyer or represent Dr.J. The cameo raises an unanswerable question about whether Erving understood he was seated with villains; Rendell is another local cameo. — Bill Simmons
Apex Mountain
Jonathan Demme; direct-to-camera dialogue; Springsteen in film; evil Robards
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:46Read transcript
- Most Rewatchable Scene: the opening Philadelphia montage and Springsteen song, with documentary-like camera interaction. Chris calls it a possible opening-credits Apex; Bill ranks the song among Springsteen’s best, and Wesley compares the montage to local Action News.
- The opening direct-to-camera Hanks–Washington confrontation is recalled as a scene nominee. — Wesley Morris
- Apex: Denzel rejected; Hanks’s adjacent early 1990s plateau is discussed with Forrest Gump preferred. Demme is affirmed after comparison with Silence of the Lambs; Banderas’s earlier Spanish/art-house career is preferred.
- Apex affirms direct-to-camera dialogue, Springsteen’s use in film and evil Robards. Gay 1990s films and Philadelphia films are rejected; cartoon homophobia faces a Talented Mr. Ripley alternative, and the fictional Stallion Showcase prompts a joke rather than a clear award.
The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot
Opera scene’s overhead red lighting, disputed
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:44Read transcript
Most Rewatchable Scene
Joe’s family conversation; Andy’s promotion; Dr. J cameo
In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:46Read transcript
- Most Rewatchable Scene: the opening Philadelphia montage and Springsteen song, with documentary-like camera interaction. Chris calls it a possible opening-credits Apex; Bill ranks the song among Springsteen’s best, and Wesley compares the montage to local Action News.
- The opening direct-to-camera Hanks–Washington confrontation is recalled as a scene nominee. — Wesley Morris
- Andy’s brief call to his mother is praised for efficiently revealing illness, severity, openness and her suppressed grief. — Chris Ryan
- The senior-associate promotion scene contrasts the old-boys celebration with scrutiny of Andy’s forehead lesion. — Bill Simmons
- Andy asking Joe to represent him is praised for Joe’s fearful reaction and attention to touched objects, the firing flashback, and Andy’s devastated stillness after rejection. One host calls it his favorite. — Bill Simmons
- The library discrimination scene, with Tracey Walter’s librarian and Joe joining Andy’s legal research, is nominated. — Bill Simmons
- Dr.J’s cameo and the partners’ subsequent villainous strategy conversation are nominated; Robards’s full commitment is admired despite caricature.
- Opening arguments and the courtroom material are praised, especially Steenburgen’s repeated fact formulation and Denzel’s speech. — Bill Simmons
- The Maria Callas opera scene is nominated and initially awarded Great Shot Gordo for the overhead camera and red lighting. Wesley objects to red’s association with hell for a gay character; Bill reads passion for life instead.
- Andy’s testimony about excellent lawyering and justice, the flashback to office jokes, and the attack on his sexual history build to the lesion reveal. — Bill Simmons
- The lesion scene is considered manipulative but effective: Wesley weighs its audience and warning function, while Chris sees a strong courtroom tactic. Wheeler’s testimony is another nominee. — Wesley Morris
- The hospital farewell, the oxygen-mask gesture, individual family goodbyes and Neil Young ending are praised as exceptionally sad final minutes. — Bill Simmons
- Wesley chooses Joe’s private conversation with his wife about gay acquaintances. His confident tirade, apron, bottle and food feel lived-in, and learning his attractive aunt is lesbian punctures his certainty.
- Chris chooses Andy’s promotion scene for Demme’s unsettling head-on framing and authentic wood-paneled club culture, compared with Trading Places’ banquet sequence. — Chris Ryan
- Bill chooses Dr.J’s cameo, with Andy asking Joe to take the case as runner-up. — Bill Simmons
Most Rewatchable Scene
Fred confronts the teacher
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:54Read transcript
- Josh initially avoids beating his father until encouraged, illustrating tenderness rather than lack of skill. — Bill Simmons
- Josh beating Shalhoub’s player and offering candy is a favorite one-scene appearance. — Bill Simmons
- Parents banished from the tournament rely on child messengers; their willingness to be confined reveals how much the competition matters to them.
- The teacher confrontation and Fred’s defense of his son’s gift are called an easy winner and perhaps Mantegna’s greatest acting. Whether his fury is justified versus embarrassing is disputed; modern spectators would record it.
- After Josh loses in seven moves, his request that his father stand closer resolves the rain scene through vulnerability. The child actor’s quiet, perceptive sadness and ability to hold his own with major actors make it work.
- Bruce revealing the certificates are meaningless shatters Josh, and the mother expels him. The scene suggests Bruce’s unresolved trauma; a Black household is imagined intervening sooner, while the child’s love of stickers is questioned then defended by his age.
- The parents’ argument defends Josh’s decency and threatens separation if competitive pressure destroys it. — Bill Simmons
- Fred offers to let Josh quit, but the boy insists it is more than a game; restoring the trophies and taking him back to Vinnie completes the reconciliation. — Bill Simmons
- Vinnie’s park lesson restores instinct and risk-taking, urging Josh to play the opponent rather than merely protect the board. — Van Lathan
- Bruce warns Fred how damaging a fall can be, and Fred replies that he understands; Bruce’s vulnerability shows. — Bill Simmons
- Bruce’s framed certificate and declaration of pride before the final match supply an emotional reconciliation. — Bill Simmons
- The final match combines psychological pressure, the queen motif, board visualization and the offered draw. Josh wins by integrating rather than suppressing his personality.
- Van and Bill choose the teacher confrontation, while Charles chooses the reunion with Vinnie.
Half-Assed Internet Research
Hughes/Chechik careers; disputed light-display influence; budget/gross; casting and production anecdotes
In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:42Read transcript
- Hughes’s productive run and Chechik’s divergent later directing career are reviewed. Bill recalls The Bronx Is Burning’s compressed production schedule. — Bill Simmons
- A claim that the movie popularized extravagant house lights is relayed but explicitly doubted. — Bill Simmons
- Pre-film memories of neighborhood light displays challenge the claim that this movie originated the trend; amplification remains possible but unproved.
- A 25.5 million budget and 73.3 million gross are cited. — Bill Simmons
- Ruby Sue’s performer previously played the child in Fatal Attraction. — Bill Simmons
- Scorsese is said not to be related to Martin; a photograph links her with a young Sean Penn, without fuller career findings. — Sean Fennessey
- Randolph’s blacklist period, refusal to testify and comeback in Frankenheimer’s Seconds are recounted. — Sean Fennessey
- The opening pickup reportedly also appeared in Overboard and They Live; Chase allegedly broke a finger punching Santa and continued by kicking props. — Bill Simmons
- Eddie’s shoes recall the original Vacation gift; Holiday Road is absent, a limited unofficial soundtrack exists, Mavis Staples sings the theme and Badalamenti scored the film. — Bill Simmons
- D’Angelo reportedly improvised grabbing Chase during the SWAT raid; the hosts joke that she wanted more adult material. — Bill Simmons
Who Won the Movie?
No consensus: Scott, Levy, and the Weitz brothers; Affleck also advocated
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:30Read transcript
- Casey Affleck preference defended for brief sushi cameo; MILFs worldwide joking collective suggestion.
- White’s brothers proposed based on subsequent career; Hannigan / Leon career praise but Bill explicitly rejects Leon winner/performance.
- Scott short-term and Levy long-term proposed, Levy and White’s brothers another combined formulation; Biggs newly bankable visibility considered. — Bill Simmons
- Final Scott short-term / Levy long-term reiterated with agreement, another sticks with White’s brothers; no single unanimous winner. — Bill Simmons
Apex Mountain
Nancy Travis; Scotland; early-1990s San Francisco; haggis (probable); Weekly World News; beat poetry
In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:49Read transcript
- Myers is rejected as being at his peak here. — Bill Simmons
- Travis is accepted for this film alongside The Vanishing, before her television career. — Bill Simmons
- Scotland is accepted for a 1990s run including Teenage Fanclub, the Euros, this film, Braveheart and Trainspotting. — Bill Simmons
- Pre-Silicon Valley San Francisco is accepted. — Bill Simmons
- Charlie’s maroon Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is admired, with its year and possible Kill Bill connection unresolved. — Bill Simmons
- Haggis receives a probable yes; a participant says this is where they learned about it.
- Weekly World News is accepted for its use in the plot. — Bill Simmons
- LaPaglia’s television show is preferred as his peak. — Bill Simmons
- McEwan’s Export beer is raised, with uncertainty about whether it is real.
- Scottish weddings are left uncertain; McEwan’s is corrected to a real beer.
- Beat poetry in movies is accepted.
Half-Assed Internet Research
Santini house; Michigan football; studio rejections; Nasatir; deleted Costner scene; hostile retrospective
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:39Read transcript
- The Great Santini house in Beaufort, South Carolina, was reused for this movie. — Bill Simmons
- A reunion documentary recounts a sound technician recording what the crew treated as a ghost. — Bill Simmons
- The Michigan footage came from a 27–23 win over Michigan State in 1980. — Bill Simmons
- The account says studios rejected the screenplay through seventeen pitches despite the writer’s hot career. — Bill Simmons
- Marcia Nasatir backed the screenplay and is described as an early powerful female studio executive. — Bill Simmons
- The reported deleted flashback recreated 1968 and showed Alex as a scruffy James Dean, but it did not work. — Bill Simmons
- A 1998 Entertainment Weekly retrospective blamed the film for soundtrack albums, 30-something, boomer smugness, and Bill Clinton. — Bill Simmons
- The hosts insist Kasdan’s self-critical view of the characters already anticipates that complaint.
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
Mrs. Nick reassurance; Alice’s dream; marriage requires deception; Ziegler’s explanation; Alice’s patient taunts
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:30Read transcript
- Ziegler’s reassurance that Nick is safely home and probably having sex with Mrs. Nick is a favorite.
- Alice’s dream description remains a preferred quote.
- Sandor’s claim that marriage makes deception necessary for both parties is praised as unusually poetic dialogue. — Mallory Rubin
- Ziegler’s blunt explanation dismissing the apparent sacrifice is nominated as a moment that makes events seem real.
- Alice’s taunting questions about Bill’s female patients and their possible fantasies are nominated for their delivery. — Mallory Rubin
Displaying discussions 49 - 60 of 143 in total
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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:06Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:13Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:51Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:34Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:42Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:53Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:25Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:11Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:32Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:41Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 02:01:21Read transcript
- 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)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:47Read transcript
- 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
Displaying flex picks 1 - 12 of 22 in total