Debbie (Demi Moore) is a successful, young professional in the Chicago area. She and her friends like to hit the neighborhood bar and ogle the men. These women consider themselves "modern", that is, they are not looking for a lasting relationship, just a hot night with Mr. Good Looking. One evening, after a softball game, Debbie meets Dan (Rob Lowe). They are instantly smitten with each other, both being very attractive and very hormonal, and they spend the night together. Debbie tells him thanks for the "slice of heaven" and goes on her way. Yet, a day later, they end up calling one another on the phone, at the same moment. They set up a second date, which ends in another lusty evening. Fairly soon, they move in together but set up guidelines. None of this acting like a married duo, although they take turns cooking and shopping. Yet, is it possible for them to treat each other like roommates only and never let their hearts be touched? And, how long will their relationship last? This is truly a very romantic movie with many assets. Lowe and Moore are absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous human beings and lovely to look upon. The movie also has an intelligent, humorous, truthful and very touching script. Then, too, the costumes, Chicago setting, and cinematography are very worthy, indeed. However, if you like your movies without a lot of sexual encounters, this is not the film for you. This story is an exploration of the nature of modern existence, where sex and birth control are both readily available. As such, it has many eyebrow raising scenes of romantic tete-a-tetes. Therefore, if you prefer good, clean romance movies, try Return to Me or Only You instead. But, if you are willing to look past some fast and loose scenes in exchange for a truly touching and romantic film, get this one tonight.
96 Reviews
It was fun
deickos1 March 2017
This is a romance based on a David Mamet play but Mr. Kazurinski and his companion produced the adaptation that we see in the movie. Fortunately I'd say, for not so many people would like the bitterness of the original. Instead, we have much of the sarcasm but with a not so expected happy ending. Personally I find the story very simple, real and humane. It is from the simple things than we are able to look higher.
21 years later and this story remains true as ever
Smells_Like_Cheese6 December 2007
I just bought a DVD with About Last Night and St. Elmo's Fire, I figured since it was 5 dollars to give it a look. I watched About Last Night first, I have to say that this movie despite it's dated look and music, is still vital to today's world of love and sex. It's amazing how we still haven't changed that much, huh? But anyways, onto the movie, over all acting and the way that About Last Night was shot, I'd say this was a decent movie. It's still somewhat of a classic to this day, it starred a couple of the famous members of the brat pack, Demi Moore and Rob Lowe who had absolutely amazing chemistry on screen and really brought the relationship to life. While I admit, that this is very dated, it's all good, most of our movies will one day be dated, it's kinda fun to see what life was like then. I was only 1 years old when this movie came out, so those shoulder pads would've weighed me down, lol. Despite the dated look, the story is as true as it ever was today.
Debbie and Danny, first off, how corny are these names put together? OK, back onto the story, they meet at their favorite bar and hook up, it seems like the most common one night stand. But they can't help but think of each other, so they continue on with their sexual relationship. But they are getting more and more serious with seeing each other, so they move in together, as just room mates as first. But eventually they decide to try a relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend. But things get very difficult with their two best friends who are just rooting for their relationship to crumble to pieces. Then they must confront the difficult part, is there anything they have past than just the physical attraction? You'll have to see for yourself.
About Last Night is a good movie, the acting and over all film is average, it's watchable. It has a little comedy to it as well, so it's not all drama. It's got some steamy moments between Demi and Rob, I have to say that it was beautifully shot in the scene where they first say I love you to each other. But this movie really did get to me because I could totally relate to Demi's character on every level, I think that's another plus is that it is written very realistically and doesn't just have them be all happy again after all their problems, it's very realistic to what trials a relationship goes through. I would recommend About Last Night, it's a good film and a fun time capsule.
6/10
Debbie and Danny, first off, how corny are these names put together? OK, back onto the story, they meet at their favorite bar and hook up, it seems like the most common one night stand. But they can't help but think of each other, so they continue on with their sexual relationship. But they are getting more and more serious with seeing each other, so they move in together, as just room mates as first. But eventually they decide to try a relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend. But things get very difficult with their two best friends who are just rooting for their relationship to crumble to pieces. Then they must confront the difficult part, is there anything they have past than just the physical attraction? You'll have to see for yourself.
About Last Night is a good movie, the acting and over all film is average, it's watchable. It has a little comedy to it as well, so it's not all drama. It's got some steamy moments between Demi and Rob, I have to say that it was beautifully shot in the scene where they first say I love you to each other. But this movie really did get to me because I could totally relate to Demi's character on every level, I think that's another plus is that it is written very realistically and doesn't just have them be all happy again after all their problems, it's very realistic to what trials a relationship goes through. I would recommend About Last Night, it's a good film and a fun time capsule.
6/10
one of the best movies on being in love
khouston8615 February 2003
This movie is extremely entertaining and moving. Neither Demi Moore nor Rob Lowe has ever looked better (and you get to see plenty of them). The last scene never fails to get me, and the whole movie rings incredibly true on being in love. Hell, Demi Moore even looks and acts like a girlfriend I had when I was a little bit younger. This is a funny, smart movie that stays with you forever, and I will pay it the ultimate compliment: We are lucky it was made. Vastly underrated on this site, About Last Night is a ten.
Underrated relationship comedy
alirezasho20 October 2019
Underrated relationship comedy from the 80s, from the play "Sexual perversity in Chicago" from late 70s. The dilemmas,insecurity,tension,friends etc rings true even today
didn't like the remake since I think Kevin Hart is annoying
The original can still be enjoyed and laughed at, Bernie and Joan balance of with some tension& drama and bring comedy
Love, Life, And Wrigley Field In Chicago
bkoganbing9 January 2010
About Last Night casts Rob Lowe and Demi Moore as a pair of 20 somethings living and working on the north side of Chicago. Rob is a salesperson for restaurant supplies and a pretty good one. But he lacks a college education and is reluctant to go back to school. He's also deathly afraid of commitment which means marriage and all that brings.
But after he and Demi after a night's kanoodling which they agree is the best they each ever had, she moves in with him. The sex is fabulous, but can they learn to both like and tolerate each other?
Each has a best friend that is working for mixed motives to sabotage the relationship. Lowe's best friend is Jim Belushi who's a cheerful hedonist and just doesn't want to lose his best friend and co-worker as a partner in debauchery. Demi's best friend is Elizabeth Perkins who just thinks Lowe is too good and too good looking to be true. She's been through the mill and does break up with a man during the film. She's concerned about Moore, but I think Perkins is a little jealous as well.
About Last Night is taken from an off Broadway play by David Mamet who had more of a serious examination of human relations in mind than this brat pack film. Still as a brat pack film, it's pretty good and the location shooting in Chicago certainly helps. We even get to see some of the rooftop locations where one can see a ballgame in that most famous of north side landmarks, Wrigley Field.
It might not be David Mamet's vision, but About Last Night is an all right film comedy from the Eighties. And no film that has Wrigley Field can ever be bad.
But after he and Demi after a night's kanoodling which they agree is the best they each ever had, she moves in with him. The sex is fabulous, but can they learn to both like and tolerate each other?
Each has a best friend that is working for mixed motives to sabotage the relationship. Lowe's best friend is Jim Belushi who's a cheerful hedonist and just doesn't want to lose his best friend and co-worker as a partner in debauchery. Demi's best friend is Elizabeth Perkins who just thinks Lowe is too good and too good looking to be true. She's been through the mill and does break up with a man during the film. She's concerned about Moore, but I think Perkins is a little jealous as well.
About Last Night is taken from an off Broadway play by David Mamet who had more of a serious examination of human relations in mind than this brat pack film. Still as a brat pack film, it's pretty good and the location shooting in Chicago certainly helps. We even get to see some of the rooftop locations where one can see a ballgame in that most famous of north side landmarks, Wrigley Field.
It might not be David Mamet's vision, but About Last Night is an all right film comedy from the Eighties. And no film that has Wrigley Field can ever be bad.
Oh, if the course of true love was only so simple.
mark.waltz11 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
But wait! There's more! More one night stands, more awkward goodbyes, more hem and hawing phone conversations. That is until a seeming one night stand between young Chicago eternal single hopefuls Demi Moore and Rob Lowe turns into a second...and third...and look, they are living together! It's glorious playing house at first with their growing gooey love seeming like it will never turn sour. But love is indeed like a pickle. It is refreshing like the cucumber it comes from at first, but the vinegar and dill and garlic and other spices makes it impossible to bear, that is until that pickle is completely ready, and completely delectable. Lowe and Moore suffer through their first holiday with friends from both sides who hate each other (Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins), and Moore spends a tearful night away. Breaking up maybe hard to do, but making up is so much fun!
This was Lowe and Moore at the height of their beauty and energy and likeability, long before serious svandal, and it is easy to see why they were so popular during the mid-1980"s. The issue with their love is based on the interference of their friends, and it takes their waking up to what they really want as well as their maturing. Relationships haven't changed much outside of technology, and with many other films that deal with the same subject, this could easily be considered predictable and even dated. But real detail goes into the creation of all of the characters, and even the bad guy friends aren't really all so bad, just misguided.
I did not expect much going into this, so getting to know these characters in a period of two hours made me root for them. You can empathize with each of them, even as they come together, break up, become depressed and find themselves in the process. Both more and low reeked of vulnerability, and even when they do something wrong in the relationship, it is like looking in a mirror of the lives of everybody we have known who was gone through similar situations. That makes this a truly touching drama with many funny moments and all-around good performances. A very funny scene with Perkins as a school teacher has her trying to explain the purpose of sex. Even though this has a very 80"s feel to it, it is not dated in the least, and that makes it a modern classic.
This was Lowe and Moore at the height of their beauty and energy and likeability, long before serious svandal, and it is easy to see why they were so popular during the mid-1980"s. The issue with their love is based on the interference of their friends, and it takes their waking up to what they really want as well as their maturing. Relationships haven't changed much outside of technology, and with many other films that deal with the same subject, this could easily be considered predictable and even dated. But real detail goes into the creation of all of the characters, and even the bad guy friends aren't really all so bad, just misguided.
I did not expect much going into this, so getting to know these characters in a period of two hours made me root for them. You can empathize with each of them, even as they come together, break up, become depressed and find themselves in the process. Both more and low reeked of vulnerability, and even when they do something wrong in the relationship, it is like looking in a mirror of the lives of everybody we have known who was gone through similar situations. That makes this a truly touching drama with many funny moments and all-around good performances. A very funny scene with Perkins as a school teacher has her trying to explain the purpose of sex. Even though this has a very 80"s feel to it, it is not dated in the least, and that makes it a modern classic.
Grating on one's nerves
rdesveau13 December 2003
Although It could be worse, this movie may have done it's job Too well. Especially James Belushi playing a "jerk-friend." It feels like he has a lot of practice playing this role (know what I mean?). But Demi Moore's friend isn't much better. On the plus side, Rob Lowe's acting is very good & Moore's (such an underrated actress!) is excellent. Maybe a good movie showing young people not to rush into anything, but be warned: the medicine isn't especially good tasting.
Sex vs. love, a great movie to watch
dmaz0516 March 2006
I know I know you look at the cast and say "Geez, another a brat pack movie from the 80's". However, this movie is really good. The scariest part is how accurate the movie is in portraying the challenge to find true love among young twenty something's in the eighties. All of which still applies today. Did David Mamet know something thirty years ago that we didn't? Even the four main characters and the different personalities they have are easy to relate too and understand because they are all people that we know or once used to know!!!!! Danny (Rob Lowe), a restaurant supply salesman, and Debbie (Demi Moore), an art director at an advertising agency, meet at a baseball game and later link up at a singles bar in Chicago. He's a handsome guy used to one-night stands; she's having an affair with her boss but is looking for something more romantic and less sleazy.
After a one-night stand at Danny's apartment, Debbie tells him, "It's been a slice of heaven." She returns to her place where she lives with Joan (Elizabeth Perkins), a kindergarten teacher whose smart ass tongue discourages most men. Meanwhile at work, Danny's buddy Bernie, a Neanderthal barbaric like fellow (played beautifully by Jim Belushi) who sees himself as a lady killer, queries his friend about his date with Debbie.
The affair continues, and Debbie decides to move in with Danny. Living together proves to be a difficult experience for them. They try out plenty of new positions for sex, but find that coping with each other's habits, quirks, and expectations is far more challenging. Danny's passivity and inability to open up bother Debbie. At one point, he discovers her looking through his private possessions for clues to his past life.
Debbie, of course, wants them to be a couple, while Danny, hiding behind the myth of the independent male, doesn't want to tie himself down and so ends up treating Debbie as nothing more than a live-in sexual object. And if there isn't enough tension between them, Bernie and Joan are constantly trying to sabotage their relationship. Thus the beginning of the end starts when Danny and Debbie use the "L" word after a steamy night of passion. Danny's frustrations with his career spill over into his relationship with Debbie. More frustrations come about with his best friend Bernie giving him a hard time about being with Debbie, losing touch with his own free spirit partier identity and a lack of communication with Debbie. This ultimately leads to a gut wrenching break up scene followed by Danny's painful attempts to get Debbie back after he finally realizes that what he had was special and now wants back what he has lost.
As I was watching this movie I found myself squirming in my seat while these characters struggle to relate to each other. It wasn't very difficult for me to remember that I had gone through the same heartbreaking downfall of a good relationship in my early twenties due to my lack of communication and inexperience regarding matters of the heart like Danny in the movie. And how difficult it can be to move on. My only peace of mind comes at the end when Danny and Debbie decide to start courting again. This time with the realization that they were both unrealistic and naive and that they will be better to each other because of the painful lessons learned. The voices inside Danny, Debbie, Bernie, and Joan speak volumes about the loneliness, anger, self-hate, and fear of men and women who remain perplexed about themselves and the opposite sex. About Last Night is a provocative portrait of young adults. A very underrated movie and a must see.
After a one-night stand at Danny's apartment, Debbie tells him, "It's been a slice of heaven." She returns to her place where she lives with Joan (Elizabeth Perkins), a kindergarten teacher whose smart ass tongue discourages most men. Meanwhile at work, Danny's buddy Bernie, a Neanderthal barbaric like fellow (played beautifully by Jim Belushi) who sees himself as a lady killer, queries his friend about his date with Debbie.
The affair continues, and Debbie decides to move in with Danny. Living together proves to be a difficult experience for them. They try out plenty of new positions for sex, but find that coping with each other's habits, quirks, and expectations is far more challenging. Danny's passivity and inability to open up bother Debbie. At one point, he discovers her looking through his private possessions for clues to his past life.
Debbie, of course, wants them to be a couple, while Danny, hiding behind the myth of the independent male, doesn't want to tie himself down and so ends up treating Debbie as nothing more than a live-in sexual object. And if there isn't enough tension between them, Bernie and Joan are constantly trying to sabotage their relationship. Thus the beginning of the end starts when Danny and Debbie use the "L" word after a steamy night of passion. Danny's frustrations with his career spill over into his relationship with Debbie. More frustrations come about with his best friend Bernie giving him a hard time about being with Debbie, losing touch with his own free spirit partier identity and a lack of communication with Debbie. This ultimately leads to a gut wrenching break up scene followed by Danny's painful attempts to get Debbie back after he finally realizes that what he had was special and now wants back what he has lost.
As I was watching this movie I found myself squirming in my seat while these characters struggle to relate to each other. It wasn't very difficult for me to remember that I had gone through the same heartbreaking downfall of a good relationship in my early twenties due to my lack of communication and inexperience regarding matters of the heart like Danny in the movie. And how difficult it can be to move on. My only peace of mind comes at the end when Danny and Debbie decide to start courting again. This time with the realization that they were both unrealistic and naive and that they will be better to each other because of the painful lessons learned. The voices inside Danny, Debbie, Bernie, and Joan speak volumes about the loneliness, anger, self-hate, and fear of men and women who remain perplexed about themselves and the opposite sex. About Last Night is a provocative portrait of young adults. A very underrated movie and a must see.
Demi's one of the best
chandsiddharth11 February 2019
Demi Moore did a pretty good.This movie is among the initial highlights of her carrier.Movie is pretty much about two lovers and their twisted love life after they moved in together.It showcases the commitment issues and cowardness of men while dealing with love life.Apart from her acting we got to see her perfect body.Its really sad that later in life she did all types of surgery,people need to embrace aging ,its natural process just like child's birth.
Sappier than a maple in Oct
Lowteck-234-7189926 September 2020
Watching this again 30 years later it's really shows it's age. Predictable, sappy, with the worst soundtrack in the history of movies. A third of the movie is just quick cuts between sex scenes and everything else scenes over edited with a musical background. A very forgettable movie perhaps better In 1986 but it has not aged well at all.
One of the Best Movies about Sex, Love and Immature Relationship
claudio_carvalho13 June 2012
In Chicago, the salesmen of restaurant supplies Danny Martin (Rob Lowe) and Bernie Litgo (James Belushi) are best friends and womanizers. One night, the handsome Danny meets Deborah 'Debbie' Sullivan (Demi Moore) in a bar and they have one night stand. Debbie works in an advertisement agency and lives with her roommate and best friend, the kindergarten teacher Joan Gunther (Elizabeth Perkins), and falls in love with Danny.
The infatuated Debbie moves to Danny's apartment and they have great sex but very few conversation. Their closest friends Joan and Bernie frequently try to sabotage their relationship. Five months later, Danny breaks with her and the brokenhearted Debbie returns to Joan's apartment. Meanwhile Danny grows up and misses Debbie, but maybe it might be too late for reconciliation.
"About Last Night " is one of the best movies about love, sex and immature relationship from the 80's and one of my favorite films ever. The charming lead characters are wonderfully performed by Demi Moore and Rob Lowe that show a magnificent chemistry.
The story is realistic and shows the difficulties of a young couple to live together, with four young central characters of twenty and something years old: Debbie is a young woman that has an affair with her boss and has a crush on Danny and wants a steady relationship. Danny is an insecure man frustrated with his work that does not want to have a commitment with Debbie. Bernie is chauvinist pig that sees women as sexual objects. And Joan is a frustrated woman that is constantly dumped by her boyfriends.
"About Last Night " is a cult for people from my generation that certainly will find identification with the lead characters and their relationships. Last but not the least, Demi Moore is delightful to be seen in the 80's ("No Small Affair"; "St. Elmo's Fire" and "About Last Night"). My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Sobre Ontem a Noite " ("About Last Night...")
The infatuated Debbie moves to Danny's apartment and they have great sex but very few conversation. Their closest friends Joan and Bernie frequently try to sabotage their relationship. Five months later, Danny breaks with her and the brokenhearted Debbie returns to Joan's apartment. Meanwhile Danny grows up and misses Debbie, but maybe it might be too late for reconciliation.
"About Last Night " is one of the best movies about love, sex and immature relationship from the 80's and one of my favorite films ever. The charming lead characters are wonderfully performed by Demi Moore and Rob Lowe that show a magnificent chemistry.
The story is realistic and shows the difficulties of a young couple to live together, with four young central characters of twenty and something years old: Debbie is a young woman that has an affair with her boss and has a crush on Danny and wants a steady relationship. Danny is an insecure man frustrated with his work that does not want to have a commitment with Debbie. Bernie is chauvinist pig that sees women as sexual objects. And Joan is a frustrated woman that is constantly dumped by her boyfriends.
"About Last Night " is a cult for people from my generation that certainly will find identification with the lead characters and their relationships. Last but not the least, Demi Moore is delightful to be seen in the 80's ("No Small Affair"; "St. Elmo's Fire" and "About Last Night"). My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Sobre Ontem a Noite " ("About Last Night...")
Probably watered down from play,but still a legit watch
KUAlum2626 June 2010
A warm,summer afternoon at the softball park between two workplace rival companies becomes the make-cute meeting for Debbie(Demi Moore,who,while hardly the greatest actress in the world,can still fit roles and is a perfect fit here),an advertising design artist and Danny(Rob Lowe,as '80s air-fluffed and perfect as ever),a condiments and insundries salesman feel an attraction,first there,then at the usual watering hole haunt. This being still the height of STDs being a "non-topic"(i.e. the mid-'80s,right on top of AIDS becoming a household topic),the attraction is a no-brainer for a one-night stand. But something happens: they find out they like each other and decide to pursue this relationship,much to either the dismay and/or astonishment of their best friends:Debbie's dour,cynical pal Joan(Elizabeth Perkins,one-note here but an EFFECTIVE one note)and Danny's bombastic buddy Bernie(Jim Belushi,having a good ol' time). From there,the course of almost an entire calendar year follows the events play out.
Adapted from David Mamet's "Sexual Perversity in Chicago",it's pretty easy to notice(particularly to anyone with familiarity of Mr.Mamet's work) that this script is a far more palatable treatment for the screen than what you might've(I have yet to actually see this put to stage off original script)seen on original draft and/or performance. While this movie might turn off theater snobs(and possibly people with a low tolerance for '80s kitsch),anyone with an interest in seeing pretty actors(Lowe and Moore)playing for emotional range(and not doing too badly,IMHO)and solid,not quite looker actors(Belushi and Perkins,though Ms.Perkins HAS softened up over the years,becoming almost vampish looking herself)to sharpen up their acting fangs should be able to appreciate it. Directed by TV and film vet Edward Zwick(with a reworked title AND script from Second City and SNL vet Tim Kazurinsky,who has a cameo),this movie is deceptively advertised as a sex comedy,but actually has a softer,deeper,layered sense of itself. It's a good keeper of a film,worth at least a re-watch or two.
Adapted from David Mamet's "Sexual Perversity in Chicago",it's pretty easy to notice(particularly to anyone with familiarity of Mr.Mamet's work) that this script is a far more palatable treatment for the screen than what you might've(I have yet to actually see this put to stage off original script)seen on original draft and/or performance. While this movie might turn off theater snobs(and possibly people with a low tolerance for '80s kitsch),anyone with an interest in seeing pretty actors(Lowe and Moore)playing for emotional range(and not doing too badly,IMHO)and solid,not quite looker actors(Belushi and Perkins,though Ms.Perkins HAS softened up over the years,becoming almost vampish looking herself)to sharpen up their acting fangs should be able to appreciate it. Directed by TV and film vet Edward Zwick(with a reworked title AND script from Second City and SNL vet Tim Kazurinsky,who has a cameo),this movie is deceptively advertised as a sex comedy,but actually has a softer,deeper,layered sense of itself. It's a good keeper of a film,worth at least a re-watch or two.
About Last Night
Oliver-5028 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The original title of the film was going to be 'Sexual Perversity in Chicago' from David Mamet's stage play that this is based on, and the name change is understandable. Sexual Perversity is an intriguing name but it's also a bit too harsh. My biggest guess as to why the name was changed is because the film itself is nowhere near as intelligent or perceptive as a film with that risky a title should have.
About Last Night explores the meeting of 20-something's Demi Moore and Rob Lowe and their relationship that follows. Moore is an advertising executive just getting out of a relationship with her boss. Lowe is working in a warehouse that ships restaurant goods. They meet during a baseball game and then again at a bar. Lowe invited Moore back to her place and they have sex and fall for each other, blah blah blah. Lowe's best friend (James Belushi) doesn't like this 'broad' - a phrase spoken constantly throughout; and Moore's roommate (Elizabeth Perkins) - is a cold hearted, selfish, cry-baby.
Yes, that whole synopsis was mundane for a reason. About Last Night is not an interesting movie. We've seen how relationships form and progress and fall apart - so what does this film have to offer that's fresh and new? Well it's certainly not perspective. What we get are four young actors who whine, shout at each other, deliver bad one liners, and plain aggravate the audience.
Who cheers for these people? There is no intelligence to these characters as in a scene when Lowe starts yelling at Moore because she won't throw her tampons away which 1 minute later results in Moore storming out of the apartment. Who acts like this?! Granted, I'm sure there is an audience for this movie as it currently has a 5.8 rating. I myself found no redeeming qualities in the characters, their actions, or in the film itself.
I'm sure there are people out there in the world who act this petty and childish - but it's awfully hard to put up with these people for so long. The film itself clocks in just shy of two hours. There are not one, not two, but SIX montages. Including;
The 'We're falling in love!' montage.
The 'We're moving in together!' montage.
The 'Our relationship is becoming deep and meaningful and full of sex clips' montage.
The 'I'm Robe Lowe and where did I go wrong?' montage.
There are two more. But I don't want to give away too much, although I'm sure most of you will be able to pick up on every little thing that will happen plot-wise after the first twenty minutes.
And for those of you who have seen About Last Night there are many scenes that had me scratching my head saying "Why is THIS scene in the movie?"...The scene with Elizabeth Perkins reading to the children in her kindergarten class and then discussing sex briefly...That scene is just plain awful. Enough to make me see what other horrific moments this film would put me through. An excruciatingly annoying film filled with repellent characters. Lowe and Moore are pretty to look at, and if that does it for you, rent it. If not, avoid at all costs.
About Last Night explores the meeting of 20-something's Demi Moore and Rob Lowe and their relationship that follows. Moore is an advertising executive just getting out of a relationship with her boss. Lowe is working in a warehouse that ships restaurant goods. They meet during a baseball game and then again at a bar. Lowe invited Moore back to her place and they have sex and fall for each other, blah blah blah. Lowe's best friend (James Belushi) doesn't like this 'broad' - a phrase spoken constantly throughout; and Moore's roommate (Elizabeth Perkins) - is a cold hearted, selfish, cry-baby.
Yes, that whole synopsis was mundane for a reason. About Last Night is not an interesting movie. We've seen how relationships form and progress and fall apart - so what does this film have to offer that's fresh and new? Well it's certainly not perspective. What we get are four young actors who whine, shout at each other, deliver bad one liners, and plain aggravate the audience.
Who cheers for these people? There is no intelligence to these characters as in a scene when Lowe starts yelling at Moore because she won't throw her tampons away which 1 minute later results in Moore storming out of the apartment. Who acts like this?! Granted, I'm sure there is an audience for this movie as it currently has a 5.8 rating. I myself found no redeeming qualities in the characters, their actions, or in the film itself.
I'm sure there are people out there in the world who act this petty and childish - but it's awfully hard to put up with these people for so long. The film itself clocks in just shy of two hours. There are not one, not two, but SIX montages. Including;
The 'We're falling in love!' montage.
The 'We're moving in together!' montage.
The 'Our relationship is becoming deep and meaningful and full of sex clips' montage.
The 'I'm Robe Lowe and where did I go wrong?' montage.
There are two more. But I don't want to give away too much, although I'm sure most of you will be able to pick up on every little thing that will happen plot-wise after the first twenty minutes.
And for those of you who have seen About Last Night there are many scenes that had me scratching my head saying "Why is THIS scene in the movie?"...The scene with Elizabeth Perkins reading to the children in her kindergarten class and then discussing sex briefly...That scene is just plain awful. Enough to make me see what other horrific moments this film would put me through. An excruciatingly annoying film filled with repellent characters. Lowe and Moore are pretty to look at, and if that does it for you, rent it. If not, avoid at all costs.
Accurate Portrayal of a 1980s relationship - with interesting Best Friends!
J-265 November 2004
In 1980's Chicago two attractive young people develop a very 1980's relationship. After falling into bed together on their first meeting they progress through a tentative relationship to moving in together, moving out again, and then possibly to some sort of reconciliation.
The film was made contemporaneously with the period it is set in and is one of those films that evoke their particular time with well-observed accuracy. Demi Moore and Rob Lowe deliver strong performances as the articulate, successful and confused - central characters, with Moore in particular able to reflect on the developing crises with astute asides.
The film possibly has two structural problems. First, it is too long. Boy endlessly prostrating himself in front of Girl he has sent packing gets tedious, and the tension regarding what may happen starts to dissipate.
Secondly, the more-or-less mandatory Best Friend characters are almost too strong. Lowe's buddy James Belushi is a chauvinist slob, but also a bit of a charmer - and with some of the best lines. Moore's confidante Elizabeth Perkins may be something of a shrew, but a damned attractive one. These two take an intense dislike to each other from the start, and as the main romance stalls their relationship becomes by far the more interesting one with its vague possibility that such a sparky loathing just might lead to something more positive - if pretty combustible!
The film was made contemporaneously with the period it is set in and is one of those films that evoke their particular time with well-observed accuracy. Demi Moore and Rob Lowe deliver strong performances as the articulate, successful and confused - central characters, with Moore in particular able to reflect on the developing crises with astute asides.
The film possibly has two structural problems. First, it is too long. Boy endlessly prostrating himself in front of Girl he has sent packing gets tedious, and the tension regarding what may happen starts to dissipate.
Secondly, the more-or-less mandatory Best Friend characters are almost too strong. Lowe's buddy James Belushi is a chauvinist slob, but also a bit of a charmer - and with some of the best lines. Moore's confidante Elizabeth Perkins may be something of a shrew, but a damned attractive one. These two take an intense dislike to each other from the start, and as the main romance stalls their relationship becomes by far the more interesting one with its vague possibility that such a sparky loathing just might lead to something more positive - if pretty combustible!
Sex doesn't means exactly love.....get ready to see it !!!
elo-equipamentos27 October 2019
This romantic comedy made a huge success on the 80', Rob Lowe starting as promising actor, however didn't make, stayed on the way, Demi Moore was in same level and becomes a movie star properly speaking, this picture was really interesting, two young people looking for sex, decided living together sharing a small apartment, in the beginning all is wonderful, but all things are never too perfect, Danny (Lowe) fells stuck and wasn't happy, they break up, Debbie (Moore) suffer too much, trying overcame, in other hand Danny goes back to his old pal Bernie (Belushi) a playful spirit, easy life, drunkard and always been sarcastic with women, in fact the best character on movie together with the insure Joan (Perkins) a roommate of the Debbie, how the things settle on final is too magic, fine picture!!
Resume:
First watch: 1994 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5
Resume:
First watch: 1994 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5
its all right
quincy_sucks26 January 2017
wouldn't go out of my way to see this movie but if its free or shown on TV why not. While this movie does not capture complexities of relationships, you do end up feeling sorry For the male character (ROb low) who is often irritated by the female which is just like real life where girl friends and wife's constantly push the button and get the man irritated!!! Best thing about this movie : you get to see young Demi More nude which is always bonus! And as bad of actor James Bluechi is he did play role of friend and jerk very well. Beyond that there is not much else, perhaps nice scenes of the city or good cinema photography. The bar itself seems to be nice and always full of action and people by the way where is this bar real or fictional personally I like to go there.
Sexual Stupidity in Chicago
Jay-9020 October 1998
This film, based on Mamet's _Sexual Perversity in Chicago_, fails to capture the dramatic intensity and profound character study of the original one-act play. Lowe, as usual, appears as a slimy, womanizing bachelor--can we say "typecast?" Moore's acting is placid and contrived. While the chemistry between Moore and Lowe is lukewarm, they fail to portray the complexities of their relationship, which Mamet's original drama demands. They just appear to be doing what "comes naturally" without any awareness of what exactly the story is about, an examination of sexual mores (related to the yuppie sub-culture, in particular) in the late '70s and early '80s.
Belushi and Perkins turn in well-acted supporting performances, but they can't make up for Lowe's and Moore's routine schtick. They do add a zest to the film with their unabashedly self-righteous comments to their friends. Clearly, the "Battle of the Sexes" is one aspect of this film that works.
I gave this film 6 out of 10 stars. While the script was flawed, it did provide some truly funny moments. Good supporting performances by Belushi and Perkins can't salvage the lackluster acting by the two main performers, Lowe and Moore.
Belushi and Perkins turn in well-acted supporting performances, but they can't make up for Lowe's and Moore's routine schtick. They do add a zest to the film with their unabashedly self-righteous comments to their friends. Clearly, the "Battle of the Sexes" is one aspect of this film that works.
I gave this film 6 out of 10 stars. While the script was flawed, it did provide some truly funny moments. Good supporting performances by Belushi and Perkins can't salvage the lackluster acting by the two main performers, Lowe and Moore.
There was a time when I really liked this movie!
moviedude128 June 2003
I grew up in this era, and it was a time when "living together" was a recently accepted practice, socially speaking, in even the smaller cities across the country. I had even lived in a rooming house where members of the opposite sex weren't even allowed outside of the common areas!
Demi Moore is cute as the female lead, and I think Rob Lowe plays more off of her instead of the other way around. The plot is great for it's times, but, 20 years later, it dates itself. If nothing else, it reminds me what it feels like when you just get into that first long-term relationship.
The really big thing that dates this movie is the roles played by Belushi & Perkins. Although played very well, friends like that don't act like that (for the most part) because of the strain they know they put on Lowe & Moore.
Demi Moore is cute as the female lead, and I think Rob Lowe plays more off of her instead of the other way around. The plot is great for it's times, but, 20 years later, it dates itself. If nothing else, it reminds me what it feels like when you just get into that first long-term relationship.
The really big thing that dates this movie is the roles played by Belushi & Perkins. Although played very well, friends like that don't act like that (for the most part) because of the strain they know they put on Lowe & Moore.
Nice slice-of-life with attractive stars
RNMorton16 October 1999
Film gets ripped by most, but I like it. Rob Lowe & Demi Moore find each other and enter on-again, off-again relationship. Demi has never looked better, and Jim Belushi is outstanding as Lowe's well-meaning but crude best friend. More realistic about relationships than most Hollywood productions.
I wanted to talk to you about last night....
hitchcockthelegend20 May 2012
About Last Night is directed by Edward Zwick and adapted to screenplay by Tim Kazurinsky & Denise DeClue from David Mamet's play, Sexual Perversity. It stars Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins.
Youngsters have one night stand and tentatively start a relationship that neither of them is equipped for.....
At this point we don't know.
It's a funny thing, or maybe it's not? But Edward Zwick's About Last Night is a far better film now than it was when I saw it as a 20 year old. Viewing with wiser adult eyes it resonates more, proving to be more than the Brat Pack pulp it seemed to be back then. Picture is a mature observation on the young relationship of Danny (Lowe) & Debbie (Moore), one that is clearly taking on too much, too soon. Film dared to show 80s audiences that you have to work at relationships, use your brain instead of what is in your underwear. A big part of the piece is the sex, and its importance to the narrative, the steamy love making scenes underpin their passion whilst making sure we remember the fact that these two have been driven by their sexual urges. They know next to nothing about one and other, which surely is a recipe for disaster?
Naive Nudes!
On the edges of the frame are two slightly older but cynical best friends of the couple, Bernie played by Belushi is loud, brash, aloof and lives in the local bar, and Joan played by Perkins is bitter and in danger of being left on the shelf, these two actors are the best things in the film. However, there should have been more made of the characters, for although Danny & Debbie are the core of the tale, Bernie and Joan's issues needed fleshing out for some further dramatic impact. Things aren't helped by Lowe and Moore being two of the prettiest actors around at the time, a blip because the dialogue and situation has realism in abundance, but the two "pretties" make it hard to fully believe and care about them.
Uneven for sure, but the mature eye cast over proceedings makes this better than many other "young adult" romance pictures of the 80s. 7/10
Youngsters have one night stand and tentatively start a relationship that neither of them is equipped for.....
At this point we don't know.
It's a funny thing, or maybe it's not? But Edward Zwick's About Last Night is a far better film now than it was when I saw it as a 20 year old. Viewing with wiser adult eyes it resonates more, proving to be more than the Brat Pack pulp it seemed to be back then. Picture is a mature observation on the young relationship of Danny (Lowe) & Debbie (Moore), one that is clearly taking on too much, too soon. Film dared to show 80s audiences that you have to work at relationships, use your brain instead of what is in your underwear. A big part of the piece is the sex, and its importance to the narrative, the steamy love making scenes underpin their passion whilst making sure we remember the fact that these two have been driven by their sexual urges. They know next to nothing about one and other, which surely is a recipe for disaster?
Naive Nudes!
On the edges of the frame are two slightly older but cynical best friends of the couple, Bernie played by Belushi is loud, brash, aloof and lives in the local bar, and Joan played by Perkins is bitter and in danger of being left on the shelf, these two actors are the best things in the film. However, there should have been more made of the characters, for although Danny & Debbie are the core of the tale, Bernie and Joan's issues needed fleshing out for some further dramatic impact. Things aren't helped by Lowe and Moore being two of the prettiest actors around at the time, a blip because the dialogue and situation has realism in abundance, but the two "pretties" make it hard to fully believe and care about them.
Uneven for sure, but the mature eye cast over proceedings makes this better than many other "young adult" romance pictures of the 80s. 7/10
About a bad movie...
Mickey Knox7 July 2002
This movie is bad. One of the worst romantic comedies i have seen lately. The plot is simple - a guy and a girl fall in love, move in together, start fighting, try to save their relationship. About Last Night doesn't bring anything new to the genre. Same predictable so-called comedy - believe me, there is nothing in this movie that comes even close to the word "funny", same stupid lines, and same bad acting. There are many scenes that just don't seem real. Many moments in which Zwick wants to get somewhere with the plot and just doesn't know how to do that. So come up some really bad scenes, that just don't work at all. And then there's the acting. Rob Lowe is not a great actor at all. His role is simple and still he doesn't seem believeble at all. And Demi Moore... she's alright throughout most of the film. Except when she cries and really tries to express some feelings. In those moments she is really bad.
All in all, this movie doesn't bring anything new. It's just a waste of two hours. Vote: 3 out of 10.
All in all, this movie doesn't bring anything new. It's just a waste of two hours. Vote: 3 out of 10.
After 20 years, it's still watchable!
abdul_m-ismail23 August 2007
I was in my mid teens when this film first came out and I watched it for the first time a couple of years later when it was released on VHS. 20 years after its release, I still watch it because this is one of those rare films where the cast selection is superb and the acting is 10/10. Although the soundtrack is very 1980's, some of the music is timeless (for those who are interested, Mica Paris' version of "Words into Action" is just as good as Jermaine Jackson's original).
In my humble opinion, Rob Lowe (Danny) and Demi Moore (Debbie) have by far the best on-screen chemistry that I've seen. Their portrayal during the emotional scenes are amazing and so realistic that they leave a "lump in my throat" every time. James Belushi deserves so much credit as the comic sidekick as does Joan (Elizabeth Perkins), Debbie's cynical friend.
One thing though; I've always wanted to know what happened to their characters twenty years on. So, to Edward Zwick (Glory, Blood Diamond etc.): Do you fancy making a sequel; "About Last Decade"? Seriously, About Last Night is by far the vest romantic comedy from the past two decades and for that I give the film 10/10.
In my humble opinion, Rob Lowe (Danny) and Demi Moore (Debbie) have by far the best on-screen chemistry that I've seen. Their portrayal during the emotional scenes are amazing and so realistic that they leave a "lump in my throat" every time. James Belushi deserves so much credit as the comic sidekick as does Joan (Elizabeth Perkins), Debbie's cynical friend.
One thing though; I've always wanted to know what happened to their characters twenty years on. So, to Edward Zwick (Glory, Blood Diamond etc.): Do you fancy making a sequel; "About Last Decade"? Seriously, About Last Night is by far the vest romantic comedy from the past two decades and for that I give the film 10/10.
Some Good and Bad
pc9526 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Director Edward Zwick's "About Last Night" is a little bit more difficult to rate than your average movie. Despite for the most part, an annoying Jim Belushi character, the movie has quite a few good moments. The writing is good in spots as is the romance. There's a great scene at a diner "joint" that hits it right. Demi Moore and Rob Lowe indeed look fabulous physically - maybe the best I've ever seen each of them in any movie. One scene in particular of both of them standing on raised platform Chicago train station in snow and winter during the latter half of the movie is simply spectacular. However, they are little over-their- heads in the talent level needed to carry the movie. Both Lowe and Moore sometimes come off either not emotional enough or too emotional. They are decent actors, but not excellent. Elizabeth Perkins in for support may not look as beautiful as Moore, but she's clearly the better actress, and Belushi is again kind of annoying for the most part as the vulgar comic relief. The movie is certainly an 80s splash, with requisite MTV soundtracks and cussing - detractably so. But The drama is there and despite not hitting the stride, or sometimes mis-acted, it carries things. Mildly worth a watch; it's nice to catch a decent 80s drama that I haven't seen and like it overall. Recommended. 6.5/10
Not quite the Mamet play.
jane-4219 July 2001
That's not to say there's not something of worth in it, but someone here
claims that Mamet wrote this- the truth is, he SOLD it, and it became
'Hollywoodized', sanitized and beaten down from it's pure and shocking
form. On stage this was a howl, a rage against the inevitable- falling
in love. On film, it's a little gooey and sweet, not much bite there,
but a few interesting lines (usually all taken from Mamets play) that
hit home about the difficulty of sacrificing 'self' to become a
'couple'. Lowe and Moore are pretty, but it's the surrounding
characters that actually act and are interesting, and if you look hard
you can see some good actors in small roles, such as Megan Mullaly (Will
and Grace) Catherine Keener (Walking and Talking) and Ray Wohl
(Arli$$). This is definitely a film of and for it's time, although not
quite as painfully dated as St. Elmos Fire, you'll still laugh at some
of the hair styles and fashions and music. The director went on to
create "thirtysomething", which tells you right there that he didn't
have much in common with David Mamet. A curiosity, this film. .
claims that Mamet wrote this- the truth is, he SOLD it, and it became
'Hollywoodized', sanitized and beaten down from it's pure and shocking
form. On stage this was a howl, a rage against the inevitable- falling
in love. On film, it's a little gooey and sweet, not much bite there,
but a few interesting lines (usually all taken from Mamets play) that
hit home about the difficulty of sacrificing 'self' to become a
'couple'. Lowe and Moore are pretty, but it's the surrounding
characters that actually act and are interesting, and if you look hard
you can see some good actors in small roles, such as Megan Mullaly (Will
and Grace) Catherine Keener (Walking and Talking) and Ray Wohl
(Arli$$). This is definitely a film of and for it's time, although not
quite as painfully dated as St. Elmos Fire, you'll still laugh at some
of the hair styles and fashions and music. The director went on to
create "thirtysomething", which tells you right there that he didn't
have much in common with David Mamet. A curiosity, this film. .
See also
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