"Based on David Mamet's play "Sexual Perversity in Chicago" this movie, starring Rob Lowe and a young Demi Moore, is a particular favorite of mine. It's an involving and at times searing portrayal of the relationship between two people in 1980s Chicago and the interactions and problems that relationship causes them in their existing friendships.
First we have Rob Lowe as Danny, a salesman with dreams of one day owning his own restaurant and his best friend Bernie (played for almost comic relief by James Belushi). One night he meets in a bar the beautiful Debbie (played by Moore who has never looked more attractive) and her best friend and roommate Joan (played by Elizabeth Perkins).
After a rather shaky beginning Danny and Debbie are soon off on a whirlwind romance that eventually leads to Debbie moving into Danny's apartment and the two inadvertently ignoring their friends (much to the chagrin of both Bernie and Joan).
Of course trouble is soon brewing as Danny has to forsake his rather player lifestyle and Debbie wants more commitment than he is willing, or able to offer. The movie follows the ups and downs in the relationship and leaves the viewer really rooting for the two of them to work out their differences. It's hard to exactly figure out what it is that this movie does right. t seems to have a perfect blend of comedy, drama, passion and sorrow that makes for some compelling viewing. This movie would almost be required viewing for young adults as a precautionary tale if it were not for the gratuitous nudity (has Demi Moore ever had more topless scenes in any one picture?) and scenes of a drunk Danny spiraling down into despair.
This is a true gem of a movie and probably one of the best date movies ever. The DVD is a little thin on special features but at under $10 this is a must-own.
"
The Date Movie that Ruined my Relationship
Arsell Potasky | Oconto Falls, Wisconsin | 04/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was in law school when I saw this flick with my girlfriend at the time, Joanne. Jo and I had been going steady two years, and were getting pretty serious. We were even talking about getting married.
I thought that the film was a real hoot, great lines. I came out of the film in a bouyant mood. But on the way home Jo was quiet, brooding. She asked me to pull over because she had to tell me something.
She said that she always wanted a guy like Danny Martin (Rob Lowe ) but instead she got me, a guy who was way too much like Bernie Litko(Jim Belushi). She said she wasn't willing to settle for a Bernie Litko, and she told me it was over.
She wanted Rob Lowe, and that was that.
I admit that other of my friends told me that I reminded them of Bernie, and I have to say that I look vaguely like Jim Belushi, but still it hurt.
I married an Armenian who looks like a duskier version Demi Moore. Jo married a busdriver who looks like a somewhat mangled version of Rob Lowe.
It was a fateful evening.
Good flick, though.
"
... About This Film
Edward Lee | 11/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Arguably, ABOUT LAST NIGHT was not only one of the best date movies to come out of the 1980's but also it's simple story of boy-meets-girl in the modern age is one terrific romance. Rob Lowe (at the peak of his preeniness) and Demi Moore (at the birth of her true beauty) fall in and out and back in love, with Elizabeth Perkins and Jim Belushi along for the ride ... and they almost steal the film. One great shooting script of the play SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO and terrific locations, ABOUT LAST NIGHT is a film that I'll always cherish."
A great gift for your ex, if you still care!
Babushka | Long Beach, CA | 04/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you invite a date over for a movie, About Last Night is a great choice. Rob Lowe & Demi Moore just gave their dedication in this movie about love and understanding, relationships and commitments. Great body chemistry of the couple. Whewww! Some hot dish that Rob & Demi. The movie stirs so many emotions which makes it entertaining, not boring. When Rob & Demi are not making love, James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins, both good friends of the couple, fills in the gap with their sarcastic humor. Nonetheless, the movie is great for young couples to draw close with their partners. The DVD is great."
The Best date movie of the 80's...
C.C. | chicago, il | 05/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For me this is best and most truthful date film of the 80's. Being from Chicago everything just rings true. I always thought the film makers did a great job of adapting a David Mamet play into an 80's comerical date movie, while leaving in some of Mamet's complex wording in the dialogue.
Everytime I see this film it makes me miss my wild days in Chicago during the 80's. Ahhhh the memories...."