about last night...


Many people in my lifetime have asked me what my favorite movie is. When you're young, you say something out of ignorance. As you get older you realize that it's a really tough question, especially if you have seen hundreds upon hundreds of movies. Well up until last night, I didn't have a favorite and I told anyone who asked me that it was just way too hard to decide. But then I started to think about a moment in my life from a few years ago. My life was very chaotic at that time and full of high ups and the lowest of downs. I was packing my things together to move out and I made my way upstairs to my old room where I came across lots of old vhs tapes. I started going through them one by one. Mostly I just fast-forwarded through them and either took them or put them back. Then I popped in this un-marked vhs tape and started to watch. Soon I heard the voice of Jim Belushi and Rob Lowe in some obviously old movie. This was the summer of 2002 and I had no idea what movie this was. My fascination got the better of me and I kept myself at bay instead of speeding through to see what else was on the tape. I was hooked from the very beginning. I didn't even pay attention to the credits of who was in the freaking movie. I just bit (hook, line, and sinker) right away.

The more I watched, the more I realized it was an 80s movie. I was born in 1980 and the 80s have and will always continue to have a really special place in my heart. Jim Belushi's character immediately connected with a side of my personality which i keep hidden from a lot of people. He's unbelievably confident and has a racey sense of humor. His love of women, sex, and jokes in this movie was pulled off very well. He became extremely likeable in this movie to me. He epitomized to me what is and what will always be the TRUE definition of " a guy ". And then right next to him was another part of my personality in Rob Lowe. Rob was more sensitive but still shared the same love for sex, drinking, and jokes that Belushi did. This lead to their great chemistry. Belushi needs to talk about life and Lowe is the guy that he needs to talk about life to. Then in came Elizabeth Perkins and Demi Moore. I had fallen in love with Perkins in the movie " Big ". Her character in " Big " also touched a lot of my personality so I was excited to enjoy her presence once again. I wasn't really into her hair-style in this movie but her acting more than makes up for it. She's the anti-guy b!tch that guys absolutely hate to come across and would rather shoot themselves than try to talk to. She pulls it off so well and I was enthralled with her portrayal of this character. She, like Belushi and Lowe up to this point, MADE me believe that she really was the anti-guy b!tchy best friend. Her quick wit was essential for this movie. If she's going to be the know-it-all, then she has to be quick with a comment or comeback (which she was all throughout the movie). Man, then there's Demi. You know, I hate the fact that Ashton is with her (possibly married to her by now). It makes me insanely jealous. Even though she doesn't look anything close to her appearance in this movie, it still makes me mad.

There have been women I have seen in movies throughout my life that I have had some pretty big crushes on. There was Kim Catrall in the 80s. Perkins in the aforementioned " Big ". Monica Bellucci in the last 5 years. Alyssa Milano in the mid to late 90s. Right now I've got a thing for Jessica Alba, she's just absolutely perfect to me right now. But Demi Moore in " About Last Night " does it for me more than any woman I've ever seen or met. People often like to say that the book is better than the movie. I've heard that crap all the time. I know this was adapted from a screenplay but still, no book ever written could give me what Rob Lowe and Demi Moore gave me here. These two had to be dating in real life around the time this movie was made. The chemistry just kills me every single time I see it. The way they look at each other. You can just feel the emotion coming right through the screen on to you. From the moment they catch eyes at the bar right up until the scene on the baseball field at the end. I don't know of any time in either Demi Moore or Rob Lowe's life that they ever looked better than in this movie. I found myself thinking that I wanted to be Rob Lowe's character. I wanted to be him in love with Demi's character. I wanted to be him, at that time, that year, in that city. It was so weird, I almost can't put it into words.

This movie just made me feel so much. The fact that Demi, Rob, and Perkins were all in their early to mid 20s made it that much more believable for me. The way that Demi and Rob look at each other is the essence of love. No words, just the purest of emotions. The feeling of wanting to always be with that other person no matter what. Their sex scenes were how I want my sex life to be. Nothing too crazy and never boring. They had such physical passion for each other. They both loved sex and they both loved having sex with each other. This movie was done at a time when they were allowed to get away with these kinds of scenes without being chastized too much. But the sex scenes were never filthy or sleazy. They came across as real and extremely passionate. It was essential for the movie. You had to know how much they felt for each other. Plus the music that played during some of their love scenes made the passion and love that much more evident.

I love all the music in this movie. From Sheena Easton to John Waite, the music fits in perfectly. For 1986 and for this movie, no one alive could have picked better music. As I was watching Rob run after Demi in the park at the end and John Waite's " If Anybody Had A Heart " was playing I just broke down and cried. I couldn't help it. I didn't ball or weep like a baby, but I broke down. I just wished it was me so bad. Everything just came together at the end there. Belushi and Lowe reconciled and found a way for their friendship to work as did Demi and Perkins. The way that Rob puts aside his pride and his "guy" side and just comes out with his true emotions. That's how I want to be like. I want to be exactly like him in this movie. He's got his guy-side, but he's learning how to become a man. I'm 25, only a few years older than Rob was when he starred in this. And man, I sure as hell hope that I can find a woman like Demi's character in this movie. Everything about the actors, the acting, the story, and the music is real to me. I've never seen a movie that hit on so many levels inside of me. So about last night, I finally figured out what my favorite movie is.

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[deleted]

Nice review. My favorite too. I wish there was something I could add. You already said it all.

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At age 25, you are very close in age to what I was when the movie was released in 1986 (and went back to see four more times). I felt every passion you described. You stated it beautifully. The opening game of the 1986 NFL season for my Cleveland Browns was at Chicago, and the Bears were coming off of their Super Bowl season. My final theater viewing of "About Last Night" was on the eve of that game. I closed my eyes and imagined Danny and Debbie and Bernie sitting at Mother's Bar, looking forward to the next day's game. I wished I was there with them, even though I wasn't a Bears fan. The Bears won 41-31, which would have made everyone at Mother's happy.

Incidentally, after I got married five years later, certain scenes meant more to me than they did at age 25. For example, Danny unthinkingly using Debbie's valued cloth to clean up a mess...those things really do happen!

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[deleted]

This has been one of my all time favorite movies for quite a while. The humor and characters a great and I pretty much agree with the original poster's take on them.

The thing that really grabbed me about the movie, though, is that it just nails human nature and the way relationships start and often stop in this modern world. We rush into things in the throes of passion and forget to take the time to really get to know each other or to let the other see our real selves.

I'm married now but I spent a lot of years single and have had a handful of serious relationshps over the years. I made every potential girlfriend watch the movie and if she didn't "get it" I knew we probably would "get" each other, either.

By the way, am I the only one who thinks that Demi Moore was so much hotter back in the days before she got the hard body and implants?

The movie stands the test of time because human nature doesn't really change that much, though the 80's fashions are thankfully long gone.

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Parrotdead you are so right. Many people miss the human nature aspect of this film. What makes it so good is how real it is. There's a reason that the sayings "The grass is always greener on the other side", and "You don't know what you've got until it's gone exist". This movie did the perfect job of putting that into perspective. But at the same time is has tons of classic lines for the guys too.

About Last Night and Bull Durham are my two favorite movies of all time.

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Wow. That has to be the greatest, most heartfelt review I've ever read about a film. (Or any piece of art for that matter) Quite simply, impossible to add to that in any way. You (tmock-1) have exactly described my feelings for this film. I adore this flick. I was Rob Lowe in this, and I still manage to arse up relationships, due to me thinking I want to be single, and then seeing the 'ex' and realising what a berk I've been.

Great film, massively under-rated, and a benchmark for romantic/funny/sexy films, that tickle the heartstrings without hitting you over the head with a schmalz mallet.


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Hey Tmock and everyone,

i just have to say tmock that was the most heart felt review of the movie.
Everything you said was perfect. i think every guy or girl for that matter has the same feelings in regards to the situations in the film.

Everything in the film did interwine awesomely.
The music was first class for the scenes. the dvd is my sisters and i have it downstairs in the dvd room with the rest of my dvds.
i just adore the movie.

And yes tmock i am sure everyone has feelings for Jessica alba and A Milano. hot hot hot. i also think every guy would want a chic like demi moore. she was class.

you say your 25. i am 23 so i guess i know what your going through? well not exactly but the same age. haha. :))

so what is happening with the girls now champ?? any demi moores in your life??

I agree with some other peoples comments on here, i am def going to make the chics i date watch this. its a great movie. for me james belishu makes the movie.

Before i go i want to say TMOCK we all feel your sincere nature dude and can appreciate your feelings.

Keep smiling everyone!!!!

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You know, I didn't think I would get replies like this to my original post. I mean, you take a look at a lot of the posts on any topic on IMDB and well you can understand why I figured most people would just say something classless and negatvie. It brings a smile to my face to read what all of you typed. I put a lot of heart into that review and it brought back a lot of emotions as I was typing it. I wanted to say thankyou to everyone that replied and what they said.
Unfortunately "chrismorkos", there haven't been any Demi Moores in my life. She did look unbelievably beautiful in this movie, better than anything else she's been in since. I respect her wanting to tone and muscle up nowadays, but I'm not a fan of the fake ta-tas.
I don't hear many other people talk about this movie nowadays, but there is this radio station here in Phoenix (101.5 FM) that has "The Tom Leykis Show". He's basically a "guy therapist" for people to call in and talk about their problems. He thinks women are only good for sex, a guy should never spend more than $40 on a date, and that most people shouldn't get married. He even has a bit every Thursday that he calls "Leykis 101" where he reads emails and schools people on what to do. During the intro to this bit, he plays quotes from different movies with guys talking about how to treat girls. One of the audio clips he plays is from "About Last Night" when Bernie tells Danny that he should never call a broad more than once a week. Bernie would have loved this guy.

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[deleted]

I totally agree that this is an excellent movie. Moore and Lowe do a great job with their characters and are far better here than they were in "St. Elmos Fire".

This movie does a good job showing the peer pressure people can get from their friends when they find that special someone. All of the sudden, they no longer hang out like they did. I don't know if it's jealousy or missing their friendship, put friends can put a strain on a couple's relationship. As the film shows, some people even try to break them up or say things to cast doubt that they have in fact found the right person.

The ending in particular is perfect. You seen the feelings between them are still there and that they do love each other. I love how Dan chases after Debbie on her bicyle. If you watch closely, he catches up to her as they stop moving in the distance. To me, they got back together again.

Again, a great film that many people can identify with.

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[deleted]

Wow! You really did more justice to an already wonderful movie. I've seen this movie at least 15 times and I have all of the feelings you mention with each viewing.

I'd have to say that everytime I watch it, I fall in love with Demi all over again. She was one of the more "naturally" beautiful women I've ever laid eyes on, right along side of Jennifer Connelly.

It's funny when people ask me what my favorite movies are, I immediately say, Scarface; The Godfather; Colors; Southern Comfort and all of the other macho movies. Don't get me wrong. I truly love all of these. But I'd have to say, About last night just may be number one on my list. I just can't tell the fellas this.

I remember seeing it at the theater and thinking DAMN! I want to be in relationship with Demi Moore. I just sat there till the end of the credits thinking they might pull a Ferris Bueller and show more footage at the end.

Thanks for the GREAT review. I think I'm going to watch it again.....right NOW!

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What's up, Tmock? Great post. Try watching the movie "My Secret Admirer". I felt exactly the same way you feel watching that movie. You just want to jump right through your TV set and into the movie.

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What's up danser1? Thanks for the compliment. Are you referring to the movie "Secret Admirer" (1985) with C. Thomas Howell and Lori Loughlin? If you are, I did like that movie. An 80s movie with some romance and comedy. It felt awkward at the end though when Toni and Michael kiss. Reminded me of "Overboard" but with less chemistry and passion, that particular scene anyway.

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Hey danser1, you never got back to me on that movie you were talking about.

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