What’s Aged the Worst?
Homophobia; internet humiliation; Mrs. Caldwell; Sebastian’s redemption; diminished stunt-casting impact
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:31Read transcript
- Sebastian’s reprehensible behavior and nevertheless effective redemption make the audience’s sympathy uncomfortable; the antihero-origin claim is repeated as a provocative joke. — Bill Simmons
- Mrs. Caldwell’s obliviousness is criticized, particularly accepting Cecile’s shopping explanation despite her disheveled appearance and the early hour. — Bill Simmons
- The homophobia and Joshua Jackson’s Gregory characterization are emphatic choices; his reported defense of the role as stereotype-challenging is rejected.
- Sebastian’s opening public internet humiliation of Tara Reid’s character is judged especially troubling and is discussed as behavior that would end a contemporary remake almost immediately. — Bill Simmons
- Casting Buffy’s Gellar as a brunette villain no longer carries its original shock, although her actual performance is strongly defended. — Bill Simmons