Home/Episodes/Pulp Fiction

‘Pulp Fiction’ (Part 2) With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

July 29, 2024 · Pulp Fiction (1994) · Crime · Drama · 2:47:58 · ▶ Listen on Spotify

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Most Rewatchable Scene

Bill SimmonsMultiple scenes including the opening diner robbery into credits, and especially the Vincent and Jules car conversation about Quarter Pounders in Paris and foot massages - calls it 'the most ripped off four and a half minutes of screenwriting in the past 30 years'▶ 3:30
Chris RyanAgrees with the Vincent and Jules scene, particularly noting the Europe-America cultural conversation theme throughout the movie and the 'let's get into character' moment▶ 8:48
Sean FennesseySupports the Vincent and Jules walk-and-talk sequence, noting how it draws viewers in with random conversation while building tension as they approach their mysterious mission▶ 8:34

Big Kahuna Burger Award

Bill SimmonsBig Kahuna Burger scene - Samuel L. Jackson's performance eating the burger and delivering lines▶ 11:07
Chris RyanAgrees with the Big Kahuna Burger scene, particularly praising Samuel Jackson's interactions and Frank Whaley's performance▶ 11:53
Sean FennesseySupports the Big Kahuna Burger scene, emphasizing how memorable and quotable Samuel Jackson's lines are▶ 12:50

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Bill SimmonsMultiple questions about the GIMP: What did he do all day? Was it full-time or part-time? Did he get benefits/W-2? Was he actually disabled? What happened to Russell? Did the GIMP survive?▶ 50:16
Chris RyanBelieves GIMP enjoyed the work as pastime rather than being imprisoned, provided backstory that GIMP was hitchhiker turned into sex slave, thinks GIMP died▶ 50:23
Sean FennesseyDiscussed whether GIMP work was side hustle vs full-time, explained GIMP term relates to outfit/work nature not disability, suggested treating surviving GIMP like rescue dog▶ 50:19

What's Aged the Best

Bill SimmonsThe Tarantino Mexican standoff, stealth joke about Butch's watches causing his dad to die of dysentery, Willis and Travolta staring each other down, Al Green, and Tarantino himself as a filmmaker▶ 1:06:24
Chris RyanSam Jackson's performance transcending its memeification (compared to Rolling Stones' 'Satisfaction'), and Quentin's shared universe concept predating Marvel/DC▶ 1:07:44
Sean FennesseyTime shifting storytelling technique, pop cultural references as character building crutch, and Tarantino's shared universe with interconnected characters across films▶ 1:08:33

Great Shot Gordo Award

Bill SimmonsMultiple shots including: looking up from the trunk of Vincent/Jules, land through the mirror selling heroin, the Jaws shot from Mia getting stoned, Marcellus with the donuts▶ 1:10:28
Chris RyanBruce Willis walking through North Hollywood, deep focus shot of Butch coming in as Marcellus is getting raped with Maynard's face, and shot of Fabian standing in the TV screen▶ 1:10:43
Sean FennesseyMia walking away from Vincent into the bathroom at Jackrabbit Slims and her head coming up in the bathroom mirror, plus Butch leaning against the wall as wounded Marcellus walks down the alleyway with a gun▶ 1:11:07

Den of Thieves Benihana Award

Bill SimmonsJackrabbit Slims▶ 1:11:51

Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Bill SimmonsZed - agreed with Sean's reasoning that he failed as a professional at his core job▶ 1:18:24
Chris RyanThe Wolf - questioned his reputation, arguing he just suggested basic cleanup and knew a junkyard guy, while driving recklessly▶ 1:16:09
Sean FennesseyZed - failed at his one job of capturing and raping the guys, took his eye off the ball and got killed▶ 1:15:25

Butch's Girlfriend Award

Bill Simmons12 straight minutes of Butch's Girlfriend - criticizes the character as poorly acted, unintelligent, and problematic▶ 1:21:10
Chris RyanThis is the worst part of the movie - the part he skipped when rewatching, though he defends Tarantino's intent▶ 1:23:19
Sean FennesseyAgrees it's the weakest part but blames the acting, not the writing - suggests recasting with Juliette Binoche, Salma Hayek, or Jennifer Beals would have fixed it▶ 1:23:25

Overacting Award

Bill SimmonsWill PattonDiscussed Will Patton as Scott Pritchard and the diner manager, seems to favor the diner manager▶ 1:34:37
Chris RyanAmanda PlummerAdvocated for Amanda Plummer, emphasizing she was incredible 'in the best way'▶ 1:34:10
Sean FennesseyAmanda PlummerSupported Amanda Plummer discussion, noting her multiple over-the-top lines like 'Why don't you execute him?' and 'Shoot him in the face'▶ 1:34:17

Is There a Better Title?

Dion Waiters Award

Bill SimmonsChristopher WalkenChristopher Walken (initially preferred The Wolf but agreed with others on Walken)▶ 1:49:28
Chris RyanChristopher WalkenChristopher Walken (because it adheres to the constitution of the award)▶ 1:49:03

Half-Assed Internet Research

Bill SimmonsExtensive trivia including: Stephen Hibbert (married to Julia Sweeney) played the gimp, Tarantino bought the cherry red Malibu with Natural Born Killers money, the Jerry Curl wig mix-up story, 50 ASA filmstock for 50s Technicolor look, filming locations throughout LA, dance scene written before Travolta was cast, Jules' wallet was Tarantino's, 265 uses of 'fuck', Tarantino's car was stolen and recovered 19 years later▶ 1:52:54
Chris RyanAdded details about John Lovitz recognizing the gimp in credits, Foster Freeze location where Marcellus gets hit, PTA scouting Jimmy and Bonnie's house in Studio City, and confirming various LA filming locations▶ 1:53:01
Sean FennesseyBrief commentary on the PA's wig mistake being a 'you had one job situation' and correcting the Jackrabbit Slims budget figure▶ 1:54:01

Apex Mountain

Bill SimmonsSamuel L. JacksonYes for Sam Jackson, yes for Tarantino, Saturday Night Fever for Travolta, yes for diners, yes for 1964 Chevelle Malibus, no for Bruce Willis, yes for Ving Rhames▶ 1:59:24
Chris RyanQuentin TarantinoDiscussed Tarantino having multiple peaks including Inglourious Basterds, uncertain about Amsterdam's greatest movie appearance▶ 2:00:01
Sean FennesseySamuel L. JacksonYes for Sam Jackson, yes for Tarantino, Kill Bill for Uma Thurman▶ 1:59:35

Sequel/Prequel/Limited Series/Remake

Bill SimmonsSupports Vincent Vega in Amsterdam sequel idea and exploring merging Pulp Fiction with Heat▶ 2:17:04
Chris RyanVincent in Europe/Amsterdam, Jules walking the earth, and Tony Rocky Horror as defensive coordinator at Long Beach Poly coaching Merriman (crossover with Den of Thieves)▶ 2:17:01

Is This Movie Better With

Bill SimmonsDanny TrejoLists multiple utility players including Wayne Jenkins, Danny Trejo, Sam Jackson, JT Walsh, Byron Mayo, Harley Mays, Evil Laughing, Raymond Hudson from Aliens, Philip Baker Hall, and 'No God Damn Jimmy'▶ 2:18:26
Chris RyanPerforms extended Jules Winnfield impression/quotes but doesn't clearly pick a specific utility player▶ 2:18:43
Sean FennesseySuggests Byron Mayo could 'get down with Jody and Trudy' but doesn't make a definitive selection▶ 2:19:14

Best Double Feature

Bill SimmonsOnce Upon a Time... in HollywoodOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood - because it represents the beginning and later career of Tarantino, both set in LA▶ 2:38:11
Chris RyanInglourious BasterdsInglourious Basterds - because of the structural similarity and short story aspect▶ 2:38:03
Sean FennesseyBlack SabbathMentioned Black Sabbath (Mario Bava horror movie) as an anthology pairing, and suggested Saturday Night Fever or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood▶ 2:37:49

Coach Finstock Life Lesson

Bill SimmonsJust because you're a character doesn't mean you have character▶ 2:41:16
Sean FennesseyDon't snort heroin▶ 2:41:04

Who Won the Movie

Chris RyanQuentin TarantinoAgrees with Tarantino choice and praises his authenticity, never selling out, and willingness to take years between projects▶ 2:41:34
Sean FennesseyQuentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantino - references the iconic 'written and directed by Quentin Tarantino' title card▶ 2:41:37

Movies Referenced (59)

Title (year)LinksMentionsMentioned byFirst
Reservoir Dogs (1992)IMDb ↗Lb ↗9Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons▶ 4:11
Jackie Brown (1997)IMDb ↗Lb ↗8Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey▶ 1:10:12
Forrest Gump (1994)IMDb ↗Lb ↗4Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey▶ 1:22:56
Philadelphia (1993)IMDb ↗Lb ↗4Chris Ryan, Bill Simmons▶ 1:49:48
Titanic (1997)IMDb ↗Lb ↗4Chris Ryan, Bill Simmons▶ 2:44:51
The Apartment (1960)IMDb ↗Lb ↗3Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons▶ 8:28
Casablanca (1942)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons▶ 2:44:58
Charlie's Angels (2000)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons▶ 26:38
Den of Thieves (2018)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan▶ 1:11:49
Die Hard (1988)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan▶ 1:59:28
Gone with the Wind (1939)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons▶ 2:45:10
Psycho (1960)IMDb ↗Lb ↗2Sean Fennessey▶ 40:17

Directors Referenced (7)

NameLinksMentionsMentioned byKnown ForFirst
Quentin TarantinoIMDb ↗Lb ↗48Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanReservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, From Dusk Till Dawn▶ 6:16
Joe DanteIMDb ↗Lb ↗5Sean Fennessey, Bill SimmonsGremlins▶ 1:09:37
James WisemanIMDb ↗Lb ↗4Bill Simmons▶ 1:04:16
Martin ScorseseIMDb ↗Lb ↗4Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanTaxi Driver, Killers of the Flower Moon, Mean Streets▶ 27:09
Lil PumpIMDb ↗Lb ↗2Bill Simmons, Chris RyanDeadpool 2▶ 4:44
Kevin CostnerIMDb ↗Lb ↗1Chris RyanDances with Wolves, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves▶ 1:42:41
Sofia CoppolaIMDb ↗Lb ↗1Bill SimmonsThe Godfather Part III, The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation▶ 1:23:54

Actors Referenced (96)

NameLinksMentionsMentioned byKnown ForFirst
Eric StoltzIMDb ↗Lb ↗20Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanPulp Fiction, The Butterfly Effect▶ 20:47
John TravoltaIMDb ↗Lb ↗20Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean FennesseyPulp Fiction, Get Shorty, Saturday Night Fever▶ 9:16
Bruce WillisIMDb ↗Lb ↗17Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean FennesseyDie Hard, Pulp Fiction▶ 17:27
ZedIMDb ↗Lb ↗17Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey▶ 47:06
Sean YoungIMDb ↗Lb ↗12Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean FennesseyBlade Runner 2049, Dune, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective▶ 4:58
Jim RossIMDb ↗Lb ↗11Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanMan on the Moon▶ 25:53
Tim RothIMDb ↗Lb ↗11Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons, Chris RyanThe Hateful Eight, Pulp Fiction▶ 6:34
Matt DillonIMDb ↗Lb ↗10Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanThere's Something About Mary, Crash▶ 1:39:52
Uma ThurmanIMDb ↗Lb ↗9Sean Fennessey, Bill Simmons, Chris RyanKill Bill: Vol. 1, Pulp Fiction▶ 21:01
Edith AtwaterIMDb ↗Lb ↗6Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanSweet Smell of Success▶ 35:47
Michael J. FoxIMDb ↗Lb ↗6Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris RyanBack to the Future, Back to the Future Part II▶ 2:55
Virginia MadsenIMDb ↗Lb ↗5Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean FennesseySideways▶ 1:38:39

Writers Referenced (4)

NameLinksMentionsMentioned byKnown ForFirst
Buddy HollyIMDb ↗Lb ↗4Bill Simmons, Chris RyanBig Fish, Almost Famous▶ 26:07
Harvey WeinsteinIMDb ↗Lb ↗3Bill SimmonsShakespeare in Love, The Hateful Eight▶ 1:26:03
Scott M. GimpleIMDb ↗Lb ↗1Bill Simmons▶ 49:04
Stephen HibbertIMDb ↗Lb ↗1Bill SimmonsPulp Fiction, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Cat in the Hat▶ 1:52:54

Cinematographers Referenced (1)

NameLinksMentionsMentioned byKnown ForFirst
Bet RourichIMDb ↗Lb ↗1Bill Simmons▶ 1:21:48