The Rewatchables: Episode Summary – ‘Out for Justice’ With Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt

Released on June 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Rewatchables, hosts Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt dive deep into Steven Seagal's action film "Out for Justice." As part of their ongoing exploration of rewatchable movies, the duo dissects the film’s standout moments, character dynamics, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, providing both critical analysis and humorous commentary.

Choosing "Out for Justice"

Bill Simmons opens the conversation by expressing enthusiasm for discussing "Out for Justice," highlighting it as part of their trio of Seagal movies. Kyle Brandt emphasizes his long-standing passion for the film, contrasting it with Seagal's other works like "Hard to Kill" and "Under Siege." Brandt notes,

“Because we've done Hard to Kill, which we love, but it's idiotic and we make fun of it. We've done Under Siege, but Seagal is not the star of Under Siege. The set pieces are. And then Tommy Lee Jones steals it at the end. Seagal has no ponytail. He's kind of understated. And then we get to this 'Out for Justice,' and it's just, give me an unmarked and a shotgun. And it is full off the leash Seagal. And it's so fun to watch.”
[03:36]

Character and Plot Analysis

The hosts delve into the protagonist Gino Foligno (Seagal) and the antagonist Richie Forsyth (John Leguizamo). They commend Forsyth's portrayal, describing him as the best part of the movie despite causing tension with Seagal on set.

Bill Simmons reflects on Gino’s character arc:

“So, Gino decides to rescue a dog. He names him Coraggio. Great name for a dog. But it leads to the next rewatchable scene where he has a chase. He's adopted this dog. He's had this dog for 10 minutes. This dog... the dog seems like, all right, I'm a little rattled.”
[41:28]

Meanwhile, Kyle Brandt emphasizes the unpredictability and menace of Richie:

“He's a crack cocaine homicidal maniac. When he kills that lady who's just trying to make a right, that's clearly... that's clearly... I'll do an award now. That's clearly... that's the okay.”
[15:24]

Iconic Scenes and Rewatchable Moments

Pool Hall Fight Scene

One of the most celebrated scenes discussed is the pool hall fight, where Seagal’s character unleashes a brutal assault on multiple opponents using improvised weapons.

Kyle Brandt lauds the scene:

“It's my most rewatchable scene in the history of cinema. It's my favorite scene ever.”
[44:11]

Bill Simmons adds:

“It just goes completely wrong. And we let it happen.”
[104:13]

This scene exemplifies Seagal's unyielding action style, with meticulous attention to fight choreography, such as wrapping a cue ball in a towel to create makeshift weapons.

Baseball Catch Scene

The baseball catch scene is another highlight, albeit with its share of humorous critiques regarding authenticity.

Bill Simmons points out:

“He just comes off like a huge douchebag. Like, you're the star of the movie. You sure you want to do this?”
[28:05]

Kyle Brandt complements:

“It's a great one. It's a great one.”
[25:44]

Despite the comedic elements, the scene underscores Seagal's character’s strict demeanor and lack of emotional expressiveness.

Seagal's Acting and Off-Screen Persona

The hosts explore Steven Seagal's unique acting style, characterized by his stoicism and never taking a punch, mirroring his on-screen invincibility.

Bill Simmons observes:

“He never lands on what the accent should be. But the first 15 minutes where he, he's basically singing his dialogue is there. Kyle Brand. Who the fuck are you? Why are you doing this?”
[11:16]

They discuss Seagal's alleged off-screen incidents, including a controversial story where Seagal chokes a stunt coordinator, potentially leading to the stuntman losing control of bodily functions. While Seagal denies the incident, the hosts find it hard to dismiss, contemplating its authenticity.

“This, that's less. You know, this isn't some bullshit marked for death, isn't that hard to kill. This is out for justice and we're breaking the rules here. That's why this movie is amazing. It's gritty as shit.”
[16:21]

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

Bill Simmons shares insights about Seagal's behavior on set, noting his lack of self-awareness and domineering presence, which often overshadowed other actors. Kyle Brandt adds humorously:

“He thinks that was the next version of those films... It just feels like... No, it's not.”
[88:56]

They discuss director John Flynn’s vision, originally intending a more nuanced gangster tale, which shifted to Seagal-centric action, leading to creative compromises like montage scenes to keep the movie under 90 minutes.

Invented Categories and Awards

Throughout the episode, Simmons and Brandt invent humorous categories to critique aspects of the movie:

• Vinnie Chase Award: For the most inept mobsters.
• Butcher's Girlfriend Award: For the weakest link in the film.
• Steven Seagal on Himself Award: For Seagal’s unbelievable anecdotes.
• Hottest Take Award: For unconventional and bold opinions.

These categories add a playful structure to their analysis, allowing them to highlight both strengths and flaws in "Out for Justice."

Memorabilia and Nostalgia

The hosts discuss what memorabilia from the movie they’d want, focusing on iconic props like Seagal’s baseball glove and the beret. They envision owning authentic pieces, such as the cue ball and towel used in the pool hall fight.

“It's part and parcel, coach. How about the towel with the cue ball?”
[99:18]

Casting ‘What Ifs’ and Alternate Scenarios

Exploring alternate casting scenarios, Bill and Kyle speculate on how different actors could have transformed the film:

• Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini): Kyle suggests Seagal would have been a perfect, albeit unconventional, fit for Tony Soprano.
• Paul Sorvino: Recommended for the mob boss role, given his gravitas from films like "Goodfellas."

These discussions highlight how casting could have significantly altered the film’s reception and depth.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In wrapping up, the hosts express a mix of admiration and critique for "Out for Justice." They appreciate the film's action sequences and Forsyth's performance while acknowledging its shortcomings in narrative and character development. Their playful banter and inventive categories encapsulate a balanced view, celebrating the movie's cult status while poking fun at its flaws.

Bill Simmons concludes:

“It's Seagal. And now we're going to bring in producer Craig, and I think we have a feeling that he enjoys not only this movie, but this entire genre that we've introduced to him and brought into his life.”
[100:47]

Kyle Brandt adds:

“That's what I want to see more than anything.”
[102:27]

Notable Quotes

• Kyle Brandt: “Richie's the baddest guy in Brooklyn, is wearing a top button silk shirt from Structure in the mall that never becomes untucked.”
  [78:26]

• Bill Simmons: “The key to this movie is he's trying to find Richie and he wants to know if anyone's seen him.”
  [55:30]

• Kyle Brandt: “I really love my Forsythe. He has great scenes in the Rock and the interrogation room with Sean Connery when he throws him the quarter.”
  [33:46]

• Bill Simmons: “He's doing one scene in Spanish that just doesn't make sense in the context. He never lands the accent.”
  [11:16]

Conclusion

This episode of The Rewatchables offers a thorough and entertaining examination of Steven Seagal's "Out for Justice," blending critical analysis with humor and nostalgic appreciation. Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt provide listeners with insightful observations, memorable quotes, and creative frameworks to revisit and enjoy this action classic anew.

For more episodes and detailed analyses of rewatchable films, visit The Ringer Movies YouTube Channel or the Rewatchables page on The Ringer.