Episode Summary: "It's Complicated" with Bill Simmons, Amanda Dobbins, and Mina Kimes

In this engaging episode of The Rewatchables, host Bill Simmons is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Mina Kimes to delve deep into Nancy Meyers' acclaimed romantic comedy, It's Complicated. Released in 2009, this film has long been a favorite for rewatching, and the trio explores its enduring appeal, dissecting various aspects that make it a quintessential rewatchable movie.

Nancy Meyers: The Quintessential Auteur

Amanda Dobbins kickstarts the conversation by praising Nancy Meyers as a definitive auteur in the realm of romantic comedies. She articulates, “If we're going to call Michael Bay an auteur... then Nancy Meyer is 1000%” ([03:27]). Amanda highlights Meyers' distinctive visual style—characterized by open floor plans, high ceilings, and meticulously designed interiors—as well as her knack for crafting well-rounded, complex adult characters. Mina Kimes adds, “Every single one of her movies is a rewatchable to me” ([04:36]), underscoring the consistency and quality of Meyers' filmography.

Deep Dive into "It's Complicated"

The heart of the episode revolves around It's Complicated, where the hosts dissect the film's narrative, characters, and cinematic elements. They commend the film's ability to balance humor with emotional depth, making it relatable yet entertaining. Bill Simmons remarks, “It's a really smart movie” ([31:05]), appreciating how Nancy Meyers introduces characters and plot points efficiently within the first six minutes.

Visual and Setting Analysis:
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the movie's setting in Santa Barbara, California. The trio debates the film's portrayal of the locale, noting its almost utopian depiction versus the often foggy reality of Santa Barbara. Bill points out, “She makes California seem like the best version of California in all her movies” ([10:09]), while Amanda shares a personal anecdote about visiting the actual location, finding discrepancies between the film and real life.

Character Dynamics and Performances:
Meryl Streep's portrayal of Jane, a divorced baker, is lauded for its complexity and charm. Amanda states, “Charming” ([23:08]) in reference to Alec Baldwin's character, who she believes steals the show with his charismatic and humorous performance. Mina Kimes echoes this sentiment, saying, “He is incredible” ([24:14]), highlighting the chemistry between Streep and Baldwin as a cornerstone of the film's success.

Favorite Scenes and Memorable Moments

The hosts share their favorite moments from the movie, each bringing unique perspectives:

• Amanda Dobbins: "Probably the croissants are the single most... [28:19]" praises the film's culinary elements, particularly the iconic croque monsieur scene.

• Bill Simmons: Highlights the opening anniversary party, noting, “She does a good job of introducing all the characters in like six minutes” ([31:07]).

• Mina Kimes: Enjoys the dinner at the bar leading into the affair scene, appreciating the blend of humor and emotional tension ([35:08]).

Critiques and Nitpicks

While the film is celebrated, the hosts don’t shy away from pointing out its flaws:

• Unrealistic Elements: They critique the portrayal of divorced children who seem overly mature and unaffected, which Mina Kimes finds “confusing” ([56:06]).

• Recasting Discussions: Amanda and Mina engage in a lively debate about potential recasting for Alec Baldwin's role, pondering whether stars like Sam Shepard or Michael Douglas could have brought different dynamics to the character ([52:22]).

• Set Design Realism: Bill Simmons questions the film's depiction of the kitchen's functionality, noting, “How do you keep the dust off?” when it comes to open shelves in Nancy Meyers' aesthetic ([14:37]).

Life Lessons and Categories

Transitioning into their unique podcast tradition, the hosts create categories inspired by the movie:

• Best Use of Food: Amanda awards the croque monsieur scene for its delectable portrayal of food that enhances the narrative ([45:43]).

• Best Character Name: They humorously consider names like Pedro and Agnes Adler, reflecting on how names contribute to character development ([48:50]).

• Best Life Lesson: A poignant discussion emerges around the ethics of having an affair with an ex-spouse, concluding that such actions can be acceptable under specific circumstances, aligning with the film's themes ([100:43]).

Conclusion: Enduring Appeal and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, the trio reflects on why It's Complicated remains a beloved film. They attribute its rewatchability to Meyers' masterful blend of aesthetics, character development, and relatable storytelling. Bill Simmons muses, “This movie hits the most age ranges of all the Nancy Meyers other than Father of the Bride” ([56:06]), emphasizing its broad appeal across different demographics.

Mina Kimes encapsulates the essence by stating, “Nancy Meyer's movies in general, but this movie being an example, are proof that old people should be in more stuff” ([65:28]), advocating for more films that center around older protagonists.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Dobbins: “If we're going to call Michael Bay an auteur... then Nancy Meyer is 1000%.” ([03:27])

• Bill Simmons: “She makes California seem like the best version of California in all her movies.” ([10:09])

• Mina Kimes: “Every single one of her movies is a rewatchable to me.” ([04:36])

• Amanda Dobbins: “Probably the croissants are the single most...” ([28:19])

• Bill Simmons: “This movie hits the most age ranges of all the Nancy Meyers other than Father of the Bride.” ([56:06])

This episode offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of It's Complicated, making it a valuable listen for both fans of Nancy Meyers and those interested in the nuances that make a film truly rewatchable.