America Online's prominent name, email sound and video communication are most 1999 candidates, though the video technology looks surprisingly capable. — Bill Simmons
Myers's comedy-genius status and Starbucks expansion are most 1999 candidates; the Starbucks investment joke is nevertheless considered still effective. — Bill Simmons
Jerry Maguire catchphrases and Springer are further dated references. — Sean Fennessey
America Online is the agreed most 1999 choice, prompting discussion of continuing to use an AOL address. — Sean Fennessey
Whether MacDowell deserves additional credit for having an actress daughter becomes a joking extension of the comparison. — Bill Simmons
The disappearance of strong Washington political thrillers is questioned; filming expense is a tentative explanation and House of Cards a recent example. — Chris Ryan
The ballroom evacuation is jokingly compared with the Eagles’ tush-push play. — Chris Ryan
One voice would only 'probably' put Stand By Me as the apex for vandalism, such as mailbox baseball and low-grade 1950s gang activity (hedged, so not in the result); teen smoking is then offered and affirmed 'Yeah. Definitely'; burying pennies is floated without an answer. — Chris Ryan
The case for Reiner, as the hosts put it: after this film he starts Castle Rock Entertainment, which syndicates Seinfeld; his apex is the early 90s with A Few Good Men, and Castle Rock is the town in this movie. — Bill Simmons
Jerry O'Connell; young Kiefer; leeches; the game of chicken; the busboys quote; kids smoking; the narration; childhood urban legends; timelessness; Jack Nitzsche score
Fat Jerry O'Connell ages well, given he later married Rebecca Romijn Stamos and played Cush; his nuanced part is the sneaky best of the four on repeat viewings. — Bill Simmons
Young Kiefer ages well given his later career: engaged to Julia Roberts, winning the Dion Waiters Award for A Few Good Men as Kendrick, and Jack Bauer; this role is his Lost Boys villain without the vampire. — Bill Simmons
Leeches always work and make viewers squirm; a Little League groin injury anecdote follows. — Bill Simmons
The old-school game of chicken; one participant admits to drag races in high school. — Bill Simmons
The narrator's line that friends come in and out of your life like busboys. — Bill Simmons
Kids smoking: they embrace smoking's nuances, the pack rolled in the white tee, and Zippo work; smoking then is likened to video games for today's kids. — Bill Simmons
The story-within-a-story nesting and Richard Dreyfuss's narration as older Gordy, such as Vern's pennies; narration usually signals a flaw, but Stand By Me, Shawshank and Goodfellas do it best. — Chris Ryan
Childhood urban legends and mythology, with stories mutating among 12-year-olds and jinxes, which the internet has changed. — Chris Ryan
The movie is timeless: set in 1959 with distance, it captures the era, down to the clothes and the radio DJ. — Bill Simmons
The score and the classical version of the title song are added; 'Good call.' — Chris Ryan
