The Rewatchables

‘Just One of the Guys’ With Bill Simmons, Kyle Brandt, and Joanna Robinson

January 20, 2026

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  • The 1985 teen comedy ‘Just One of the Guys’ is considered a beloved, yet highly dated, 80s movie whose premise would likely not be made today, largely due to its reliance on shock value involving nudity. 
  • Billy Jayne (referred to as Billy Jacoby/William Jane) is highlighted as a comedic genius in the film, with the hosts comparing his performance to a 14-year-old Bill Murray, despite his subsequent career fading after 2010. 
  • Joyce Hyser's performance as Terry Griffith is recognized for its surprising cultural significance, particularly for the gay and transgender communities, even as the hosts primarily recall the film for its shocking PG-rated moments. 
  • The discussion highlights the surprising and often bizarre behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the making of *Just One of the Guys*, particularly the alleged five-day visit from James Brown to choreograph the prom dance. 
  • The hosts debate the film's handling of Rick's reaction to the reveal, noting his relatively cool acceptance of Terry's identity compared to the confusion over attraction in Shakespeare's *Twelfth Night*. 
  • The episode identifies several elements that strongly date the film to the 1980s, including fashion choices like sleeveless denim jackets, the aspiration of high school journalism, and the casual acceptance of older men dating high schoolers. 
  • The cast members, particularly Billy Jayne (referred to as Billy Jacoby), had interesting post-movie anecdotes, including a sequel idea and residual checks, while Clayton Rohner was reportedly upset about a stunt double being used. 
  • The discussion included a debate over which actors could have plausibly played the lead role, with Sandra Bullock and Demi Moore being mentioned as possibilities, and a segment ranking the funniest teenage boy characters in 1980s movies, where the lead character was argued to be funnier than Ferris Bueller. 
  • The hosts identified several nitpicks regarding the film's premise, such as the ease of Terry transferring high schools unnoticed and the implausibility of her high school peers not noticing her two-week absence, and ultimately deemed the movie 'Untouchable' in their ranking system. 

Segments

Podcast Sponsorships and Intro
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode opens with ads for ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ and ‘Slack,’ setting the stage for the discussion.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce the episode, mentioning an ad for the film ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ and an ad for Slack. They briefly discuss the appeal of true-story movies like ‘Zodiac’ before introducing the main topic.
Introducing the Hosts
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(00:01:29)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts, Joanna Robinson and Kyle Brandt, are formally introduced, with mentions of their other Ringer content.
  • Summary: The Ringer Podcast Network is mentioned. Joanna Robinson is noted for her work on ‘House of R.’ Kyle Brandt is acknowledged, and the hosts note this is only the second in-person recording and the first three-person group recording.
Corocco Shirt and Movie Fascination
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(00:02:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Kyle Brandt gifted Bill Simmons a shirt from the production company Corocco, sparking a brief discussion about the company’s history.
  • Summary: Kyle discusses a Corocco shirt he brought as a gift, noting many Rewatchables movies are from that company, including ‘Over the Top.’ They briefly discuss the mysterious nature of Corocco as a production company.
Confirming ‘Just One of the Guys’
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(00:02:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts confirm that ‘Just One of the Guys’ was a long-desired movie for the podcast.
  • Summary: Bill mentions circling this movie for years and asking Joanna for her top 10 list, confirming the film’s inclusion. They transition to the movie itself.
Initial Thoughts on the Movie
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(00:03:27)
  • Key Takeaway: ‘Just One of the Guys’ (1985) is recognized as a beloved, classic 80s movie that likely wouldn’t be made today.
  • Summary: The hosts identify the movie as ‘Just One of the Guys, 1985,’ noting its long run on HBO and its status as a family favorite for Kyle. They discuss how the premise might not fly in a modern context.
Why the Movie Works: The Hang
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(00:04:11)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie succeeds because it features young, funny people focused on sex, with very few adults present.
  • Summary: Kyle explains that the ‘hang’ is fun because it’s populated by young, attractive people focused on sexual pursuits, with minimal adult supervision.
Shocking PG Moment
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(00:04:44)
  • Key Takeaway: A specific, shocking moment involving nudity in a PG-rated high school movie resonated strongly with viewers.
  • Summary: Kyle mentions a shocking two-second moment that resonates with him, noting its impact given the film’s PG rating and the typical content of high school movies at the time.
80s Comedy Nudity Tropes
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(00:05:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The appearance of unexpected nudity was a common trope in 80s comedies, contrasting with John Hughes films.
  • Summary: The discussion pivots to surprise nudity in 80s comedies, contrasting it with John Hughes films like ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘16 Candles.’ They mention Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Trading Places’ as an example.
Shakespearean Connection and Workplace Issues
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(00:10:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie is based on Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night,’ adding a layer of sophistication beyond its surface-level comedy.
  • Summary: The hosts note the film is based on Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night.’ They then discuss the workplace dynamics, noting that in 1985, the teacher’s comments about Terry’s appearance would have been acceptable, whereas today they would lead to termination.
Joyce Hyser’s Performance
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(00:11:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Joyce Hyser’s performance as Terry is praised, with a specific note that she was styled to resemble Ralph Macchio.
  • Summary: Joanna praises Joyce Hyser’s performance, noting it’s convincing. They mention research indicating she was styled to look like Ralph Macchio from ‘The Karate Kid,’ which was filming concurrently.
Billy Jacoby’s Comedic Genius
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(00:12:56)
  • Key Takeaway: Billy Jacoby (Buddy) is hailed as one of the greatest comedic geniuses of the 80s, comparable to Bill Murray.
  • Summary: The hosts unanimously praise Billy Jacoby’s performance as Buddy, with Bill Simmons recalling previously calling him funnier than Eddie Murphy or Bill Murray. They highlight his opening scene involving pizza, Coke, and a ‘sideways Playboy.’
Product Placement and Coca-Cola Ownership
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(00:14:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Coca-Cola owned Columbia Pictures during the film’s production, explaining the prevalence of Coke branding.
  • Summary: The discussion touches on the high budget for Playboy magazines in the film and the fact that Coca-Cola owned Columbia Pictures, leading to many visible Coke cans while beer cans were generic.
Billy Jacoby’s Career Trajectory
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(00:16:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Despite his incredible performance, Billy Jacoby’s acting career largely stalled after the 80s, ending with a reality show appearance.
  • Summary: They review Jacoby’s career, noting ‘Parker Lewis Can’t Lose’ as another credit, but his acting stopped in 2010, with his last credit being the 2023 reality show ‘MILF Manor.’
Craig’s Dislike and Jacoby’s Energy
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(00:17:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig (the unseen third host) disliked the movie, but the energy of Billy Jacoby is undeniable.
  • Summary: Craig’s negative opinion is noted, but the hosts focus on Jacoby’s high-energy performance, comparing it to Chevy Chase in ‘Fletch.’ They highlight the scene where Jacoby explains how to scratch one’s balls.
Joyce Hyser’s Dating History
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(00:19:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Joyce Hyser had a notable dating history with major figures like Bruce Springsteen and Warren Beatty.
  • Summary: Kyle shares research detailing Hyser’s relationships with Bruce Springsteen (who visited the set), Jack Nicholson, and Warren Beatty, noting Springsteen posters in the movie set.
Hyser’s Near Misses on Major Roles
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(00:20:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Joyce Hyser auditioned for major roles that went to other actresses, including Dr. Melfi on ‘The Sopranos.’
  • Summary: Hyser tested for ‘Volunteers’ (losing to Rita Wilson), turned down ‘Eddie and the Cruisers,’ and tested for Dr. Melfi against Lorraine Bracco on ‘The Sopranos,’ ultimately losing out.
Billy Zabka’s Bully Trilogy
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(00:23:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Billy Zabka played a similar bully role in ‘The Karate Kid’ and then repeated the energy in ‘Just One of the Guys’ before dialing it back in ‘Back to School.’
  • Summary: They discuss Zabka’s role as the bully, noting his first post-‘Karate Kid’ movie was this one, where he fights on the beach similarly. They lament that he didn’t pivot away from the bully archetype sooner.
Appeal of 80s High School Movies
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(00:24:26)
  • Key Takeaway: High school movies in the mid-80s felt new and exciting because they normalized teen sexuality and drug use, unlike 70s films.
  • Summary: The hosts debate why high school settings were so popular, noting the normalization of sex and drinking (like in ‘Porky’s’ and ‘Revenge of the Nerds’). They also note the prevalence of music posters in teen bedrooms, like U2 and The Edge.
Movie Ranking and Remakes
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(00:25:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie was ranked too low (48th) on an Entertainment Weekly list, and ‘She’s the Man’ is noted as a direct, but inferior, remake.
  • Summary: Bill expresses offense at the movie’s low ranking on an EW list. They discuss ‘She’s the Man’ as a remake, with Kyle refusing to watch it, preferring the original.
Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan Talent
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(00:27:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan were both seen as incredibly talented young actresses whose careers faced difficulties.
  • Summary: The conversation shifts to Amanda Bynes’s talent, particularly in drag in ‘She’s the Man,’ and Dennis Quaid’s high praise for Lindsay Lohan’s talent in ‘The Parent Trap.’
Budget and Box Office
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(00:29:28)
  • Key Takeaway: The film was made on a low budget ($5 million) and grossed only $11.5 million, relying on home video/cable for success.
  • Summary: The budget is cited as $5 million, looking much cheaper on screen. The box office was modest ($11.5 million), confirming its success came from later viewings.
Favorite Scenes and Yearbook Quotes
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(00:35:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Buddy Griffith’s line, ‘Corny will kick embarrassment’s ass anytime,’ is highlighted as a top rewatchable moment and potential yearbook quote.
  • Summary: Kyle shares his favorite scene involving Buddy’s sexual philosophy. They discuss Rick’s line about his ‘jab game’ and the scene where Rick fights Greg.
Filming Location Confusion
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(00:38:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie was filmed in Arizona, yet features a beach prom, highlighting the geographical ambiguity common in 80s films.
  • Summary: The hosts note the Arizona license plates contrasted with the beach prom scene, a common feature of 80s movies where location was often ignored for convenience.
The Bully’s Weakness and Gloves
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(00:39:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The bully, Greg, is surprisingly easy to defeat, especially considering he wears special ‘bullying gloves.’
  • Summary: They discuss Greg’s weak lifting routine and how easily Rick defeats him with one punch, comparing it to the Buster Douglas fight. The fingerless ‘bullying gloves’ are called out as a fun, creative flourish.
Cindy Lauper Pronunciation Flub
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(00:43:19)
  • Key Takeaway: A major error in the film is Rick mispronouncing singer Cindy Lauper as ‘Lauper,’ which the actor was reportedly embarrassed by.
  • Summary: The hosts focus on Rick butchering the pronunciation of Cindy Lauper. They note that given his character’s supposed love of music, this error was glaring and uncorrected.
Rick’s Reaction to the Reveal
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(00:44:49)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts debate whether Rick’s reaction—being upset that Terry was a woman after bonding as male friends—is understandable.
  • Summary: They discuss the implications of Rick’s reaction to finding out Terry is a woman after two weeks of platonic male bonding, contrasting it with the Shakespeare source material where attraction exists immediately.
Reaction to Rick’s Attraction
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(00:45:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Debate over whether Rick could recover and date Terry after discovering her true identity.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the plausibility of Rick recovering from the shock of finding out his platonic male friend is a woman, and whether he could then date her, contrasting it with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Comparing to ‘Fast Break’
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(00:45:48)
  • Key Takeaway: The film avoids addressing the confusion of attraction that other gender-bending films explored.
  • Summary: The discussion compares Just One of the Guys to the movie Fast Break, noting how Fast Break dealt with a character believing he was becoming gay after falling for a disguised woman, whereas Just One of the Guys skips over Rick’s initial confused attraction.
Rick’s Reaction to Terry’s Gender
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(00:46:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Rick’s reaction to Terry being a woman, specifically his ’no-homo’ moment, is seen as surprisingly cool for the 80s.
  • Summary: The hosts analyze Rick’s reaction upon learning Terry is a woman, noting his acceptance and how this contrasts with modern critiques of the film’s realism regarding 80s attitudes toward homosexuality.
Bizarre Ending with Buddy
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(00:47:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The ending, featuring Buddy riding off on a motorcycle with a 40-year-old woman, is baffling and feels like an 80s trope.
  • Summary: The hosts critique the movie’s final scene where Buddy leaves on a motorcycle with an older woman, questioning the logic and noting that this type of sudden romantic resolution was common in 80s films.
Rick’s Traumatic Deflowering Story
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(00:47:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Rick’s casual revelation that his mom’s friend slept with him after his dad died is shocking and unexplained.
  • Summary: The discussion focuses on Rick’s offhand comment about losing his virginity to his mother’s friend following his father’s death, and how the film immediately drops the subject.
Most 1985 Thing: Fashion and Ads
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(00:48:55)
  • Key Takeaway: The fashion choices (tube socks, sleeveless jackets) and outdated cigarette advertising define the film’s 80s aesthetic.
  • Summary: The hosts list elements that scream 1985, including teaching how to dress like a dude (tube socks down jeans), Kevin’s short shorts, and an advertisement for low-tar Carlton cigarettes.
Deborah Foreman’s Madonna Outfit
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(00:51:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Deborah Foreman’s yellow outfit, resembling early Madonna, is cited as a fashion moment that aged terribly.
  • Summary: The hosts single out one specific outfit worn by the prom queen, Deborah Foreman, as being so distinctly 80s Madonna-inspired that it’s unwearable even ironically today.
Adolescent Thrill of Older Siblings’ Friends
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(00:52:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The experience of being a younger sibling or friend around older, attractive teenagers is a universal adolescent memory.
  • Summary: The discussion shifts to the relatable experience of being a young teen around older siblings’ friends, describing the intense, almost ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ feeling of that proximity.
Outdoor High School Setting
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(00:53:45)
  • Key Takeaway: The prevalence of outdoor lockers and beach proms in the movie is noted as a California/movie staple unfamiliar to Midwest viewers.
  • Summary: A host from the Midwest expresses amazement at the film’s outdoor high school setting and the elaborate beach prom, contrasting it with their own indoor prom experiences.
Aged Well: Women-Directed Sex Comedies
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(00:54:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The film, like others directed by women (Martha Coolidge, Amy Heckerling), ages better than typical 80s male-centric sex comedies.
  • Summary: The hosts argue that Just One of the Guys, along with films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Valley Girl, holds up better than films like Revenge of the Nerds because they were directed by women.
Aged Worst: Parents Gone for Weeks
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(00:55:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The plot device of parents being gone for two weeks during the school year is completely unrealistic in the age of constant communication.
  • Summary: The lack of parental supervision, specifically parents being gone for two weeks, is highlighted as an element that has aged poorly due to modern technology like Life360 and FaceTime.
The Douchey Rich College Boyfriend Trope
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(00:57:46)
  • Key Takeaway: The recurring 80s trope of the older, douchey college boyfriend with a convertible is recognized as a staple.
  • Summary: The hosts identify the character of Kevin, the rich college boyfriend, as a standard 80s movie archetype: older, arrogant, blow-dried, and dating a high schooler.
The Topless Scene Research
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(00:59:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Joyce Hyser initially resisted the topless scene, but was persuaded, and later expressed regret over worrying about it.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the extensive background on Joyce Hyser’s reluctance to film the topless scene, including advice from Rosanna Arquette about the long-term impact of nudity in cinema.
Unbelievable Anecdote: James Brown on Set
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(01:02:21)
  • Key Takeaway: The persistent, inexplicable story that James Brown spent days on set choreographing the prom dance is the most unbelievable anecdote.
  • Summary: The discussion centers on the claim that James Brown spent multiple days coaching Clayton Rohner (Rick) on his dance moves for the prom scene, which the hosts find incredible but widely reported.
Billy Jacoby’s On-Set Behavior
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(01:03:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Billy Jacoby (Terry) was reportedly a ladies’ man on set, despite being underage, and his chaperone sister didn’t care.
  • Summary: Clayton Rohner’s anecdote reveals that Billy Jacoby, who was under 18, was actively pursuing girls on set, suggesting he was a ‘method guy’ in his pursuit of romance.
Hottest Take: PTA Ripped Off This Movie
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(01:22:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Paul Thomas Anderson allegedly stole the final reveal structure for Boogie Nights from Just One of the Guys.
  • Summary: The hottest take suggests that PTA copied the structure of a shocking, hidden-identity reveal in the final scene of Just One of the Guys for Dirk Diggler’s reveal in Boogie Nights.
Casting Hypotheticals: Sandra Bullock
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(01:30:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts debate if Sandra Bullock could have passed as a guy in the film.
  • Summary: Discussion about Sandra Bullock’s suitability for the role, referencing her ’tomboy nature’ and features pre-nose job.
Casting Hypotheticals: Demi Moore
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(01:30:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Demi Moore is suggested as a potential candidate for the lead role.
  • Summary: The hosts consider Demi Moore, noting her short haircut and age at the time (22).
Movie Trivia: Original Title
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(01:30:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The original title of the movie was ‘I Was a Teenage Boy’.
  • Summary: The hosts reveal the original title, which was based on an award-winning article.
Trivia: Clayton Roener’s Stunt Double
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(01:31:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Actor Clayton Roener was upset his stunt double was used for the fence jump.
  • Summary: Details about Roener’s dissatisfaction with the production choice for his stunt work and his residual checks.
Billy Jacoby’s Sequel Pitch
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(01:31:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Billy Jacoby pitched a sequel idea involving Terry going undercover at a newspaper.
  • Summary: Recounting a quote where Jacoby, after drinking, outlined a plot for a sequel, concluding with the self-deprecating line, ‘I have three ex-wives.’
Apex Mountain: Funniest 80s Teen Boy
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(01:33:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Debate over whether Jacoby’s character is funnier than Ferris Bueller.
  • Summary: The hosts compare Jacoby’s character’s comedic impact against Ferris Bueller, with some arguing Jacoby is funnier but less cool.
Jacoby Rankings: Dave Jacoby Chosen
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(01:34:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Dave Jacoby is selected for the ‘Jacoby’ category based on his passionate rants.
  • Summary: The hosts list various famous people named Jacoby before settling on Dave Jacoby due to his intense feedback on TV shows.
Director Choice: Scorsese Over Spielberg
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(01:35:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Scorsese is chosen to direct because Spielberg would sanitize the movie’s sexual content.
  • Summary: The hosts argue Scorsese would embrace the film’s raunchiness, whereas Spielberg would make Buddy obsessed with dinosaurs instead of boobs.
Best/Worst Hang: Terry’s Boyfriend Kevin
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(01:36:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Kevin, Terry’s college boyfriend, is named the worst hang for drinking wine with her underage brother.
  • Summary: Discussion of Terry’s terrible boyfriend, Kevin, and the actor Lee McCloskey’s extensive soap opera career.
Nitpick: Terry’s Hemingway Poster
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(01:41:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The giant poster of Ernest Hemingway on Terry’s wall is deemed an unrealistic detail for a high school senior.
  • Summary: The hosts critique the poster choice, suggesting Woodward and Bernstein or Duran Duran would be more fitting for her character.
Trivia: Direct-to-Video Corey Haim Film
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(01:43:32)
  • Key Takeaway: A direct-to-video film called ‘Just One of the Girls’ (renamed ‘Anything for Love’) exists with Corey Haim and Nicole Eggert.
  • Summary: The hosts discover a similar-themed 1993 movie, leading to a discussion about the ‘queen of direct-to-video’ Nicole Eggert.
Life Lesson: Horny Will’s Lesson
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(01:49:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The gym coach is the ‘store-brand Coach Finstock,’ and the best lesson is ‘All balls itch.’
  • Summary: Comparing the gym coach to Coach Finstock and settling on a crude but memorable life lesson.
Future Choice: C. Thomas Howell’s Soul Man
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(01:50:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Soul Man is chosen as the Double Future Choice due to its problematic race-swapping premise.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the deeply problematic nature of the film, which C. Thomas Howell reportedly tried to bury.
Generational Divide on Movie Quality
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(01:56:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts acknowledge that younger viewers might side with Kyle and Bill in liking the movie, while Joanna and Craig dislike it.
  • Summary: Bill Simmons suggests that anyone under 35 would likely enjoy the film more due to generational blinders.
Reveal Scene Impact
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(01:57:02)
  • Key Takeaway: The reveal scene’s impact was dependent on the lead character showing her chest.
  • Summary: Joanna and Liz were surprised by the reveal, noting the movie would be irrelevant without that specific moment.