Some people loved the ‘80s comedic drama; some people hated it. I guess that all really
depends on if you are a Rob Lowe fan or not. The original movie came out in 1986 and had certainly left an impression, considering it was remade in 2014 with an incredible cast.
As opposed to adding special effects and the glamour of Hollywood, the movie is focused on the honest and real perspective of a first-time long-term relationship.
Exciting things happened during the making of the movie, in addition to its obscene and daring plotline.
It Wasn’t Really a Rom-Com
The movie is more centered around the complicated side of a relationship and some highly dubious sex scenes, which was pretty new to Hollywood in the ‘80s. Yeah, there is the occasional funny line here and there, such as Lowe’s friend in the movie yelling out inappropriate comments, but it certainly wasn’t a romantic comedy.
For the most part, we get a deep dive into a first-time serious relationship. The couple falls in love, and then there is a dramatic break-up scene. Lowe’s character yells, “Get Out!” and Demi Moore tries to keep it together, and all this happens on a day that is supposed to celebrate the new year.
Hot and Spicy Scenes
One of the biggest reasons audiences loved the movie was because of the outstanding amount of sex scenes. Even the producers realized the lengthy extent since they originally wanted to name the film “Sexual Perversity in Chicago.” That seemed to be a little problematic for promotional companies, however.
They felt the title was a little too risqué. The ‘80s Movies Rewind website shared, “the name of the movie was changed…prior to release when the major TV networks warned that they would never air a movie that had ‘perversity’ in the title.” So, the name was changed, leaving us curious about what happened last night.
Rob Lowe Shares His Experience Filming
“In those days, there was a sex scene in every movie…Every script I used to get, I would go to page 73 because that is always where the sex scene was!” said Lowe. The context of the movie, he recalled, didn’t influence the addition of the sex scenes. Films could have been made about nuns, and there would still be sex involved in the movie.
He also shared that portraying such scenes wasn’t as easy as they appeared to be. “They’re not fun…They’re very technical and usually very boring.” Lowe recalled that having to kiss someone for hours all throughout the day wasn’t the most thrilling experience.
At Least He Was with Demi
Moore and Lowe had just finished filming ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ together, so at least they felt comfortable with one another. “But I’m really, really glad it was Demi, and that other people made that decision,” said Lowe. One thing to note was that the film changed the industry in making nudity and love scenes more acceptable.
Back then, intimate scenes expressed a “rite of passage,” said the director, Edward Zwick. Things are very different today where the same scenes are taken for granted. Even the break-up scene in the movie was monumental because it portrayed the deep and real emotions behind a relationship and not an exaggerated break-up.
Moore Helped Lowe Sober Up
Lowe was thankful to Moore not only because she was his co-star but because she helped him overcome a difficult time in his life. He thanked her for giving him the inspiration to go get sober.
Moore also struggled in the past with substance abuse, as well as going through a challenging childhood and a series of marriages. Lowe shared, “If that girl can get sober, anybody can.” He felt like she was a great and personal example of someone who decided to turn their life around.
The Movie Ends on a Happy Note
The break-up scene was probably just as hard, if not harder, to film than the love scenes. The two actors’ sense of comfort with each other gave way for them to play the break-up scene with greater ease.
“I still shed a tear when I watch it! I still feel bad for Debbie and Danny, and I want them to be together,” recalled Lowe 35 years later, when reflecting on the movie. The movie does, however, have a happy ending which brought about a great sense of relief after the intense break-up.
Once a Real-Life Couple
Melissa Gilbert and Rob Lowe were dating at the time when casting decisions were being made. Gilbert happened to be up for the part of Debbie in “About Last Night.” Ultimately, she didn’t get it and shared the reasons why in her memoir.
At the time, Gilbert and Lowe had a lot going on in their careers, and “About Last Night” would have given them the opportunity to work together. Gilbert did the audition, and the casting directors felt her performance “was strong,” but Moore was better, and Gilbert ended up being okay with it.
Lowe Tried to Make Light of the Situation
Yeah, Gilbert understood why Moore had been picked over her, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t a little upset she didn’t get the part. To cheer her up, Lowe took her to a Bruce Springsteen show that just happened to be part of his last tour, ‘Born in the USA.’
“Rob soothed my sore feelings by taking me to see Bruce Springsteen,” said Gilbert. Props to Lowe for finding a fix that would have cheered anybody up. Gilbert did come to visit the set a few times but was quickly rushed to her next movie, “Choices.”
Whatever Happened Next Wasn’t as Fun
Interestingly enough, after Lowe finished filming “About Last Night,” Gilbert and Lowe went their separate ways. She shared that Lowe felt like he wanted to date other people once the new year started.
The couple was no longer in sync, and it was time for them to move on. Their busy careers contributed to the break-up as they realized they didn’t have enough time together. “I cried and wondered how I was going to get through it,” shared Gilbert. It was certainly a tough break-up.
31 Years in the Making
It has been quite a journey for Rob Lowe, who this year (2021) became 31 years sober. Lowe, who is now 57 years old, shared his sobriety via social media. “I want to give thanks to everyone walking this path with me and welcome anyone thinking about joining us.”
It was a monumental day for the actor, who publicly thanked his family for being there for him through the tough times. His son commented on the post displaying how much he recognized his dad’s longtime efforts.
He Inspired His Son
It looks like Lowe did good for himself and for his son, who is also currently three years sober. He shared that life, drug and alcohol-free, is much better than the way things were before.
The father and son celebrated his sobriety together, and they seem more content than ever before. Lowe also shared that Steven Tyler called him personally to share what he was thinking of as he was pursuing recovery. Lowe couldn’t believe Tyler had called him to share his support.
He Took Moore by Surprise
One of the most memorable scenes from the movie was the break-up that portrayed a full-blown fight. Part of the scene was improvised by Lowe, who shouted, “I don’t love you anymore.” Moore gasped, and her shocking reaction was non-scripted.
He surprised her because the two actors had dated in the past. They apparently had a short-lived relationship while starring together in the “Brat Pack.” Moore shared in the tell-all memoir that she slightly remembered “one ill-advised late-night together” with Lowe, so their relationship didn’t last.
The Director Had a Deep Connection with the Film
For Edward Zwick, the movie reflected significant memories in his life related to intimate relationships and how the content truly touched his heart. The director reflected that once rehearsing started, the script that came to life brought back a lot of memories.
“About Last Night” was also his feature film, and he remembered that “all the feelings of those years, the pain, the awkwardness, and the sexual excitement too, came rushing back.” For many people watching the film, memories would come flashing back of struggles they had with their personal relationships.
“About Last Night” Helped Make Moore a Star
Making the movie was a vital turning point in making Moore a star. After she did the movie, she landed her role in “Ghost,” which went on to be a classic. It was also the first movie that Elizabeth Perkins, who played her best friend, had done as she previously appeared in plays only.
It seems like other people recognized how well the movie ignited her career because even Lowe said making the movie was his favorite: “It’s the original When Harry Met Sally.”
What is the Original Cast Up To?
Demi Moore has probably had one of the most exciting careers, not to mention her continuous love from the press over the years. I mean, she has married numerous A-Listers over the years, including Ashton Kutcher and Bruce Willis, and has three daughters.
Other than celebrating his sobriety, Lowe has kept busy in the TV business on shows like Fox’s “9-1-1 Lone Star.” His good looks have held up over the years, and people have certainly taken notice as he was featured in Men’s Health magazine.
She Hasn’t Lost her Touch
Moore was spotted wearing a scandalous outfit that revealed she is still turning heads at 58 years old. She recently attended a WSJ magazine event wearing a gorgeous Fendi suit that was buttoned down all the way to her waist, revealing her lacy braw.
Rumors spread that she had undergone plastic surgery since her skin looked flawless, and her cheekbones were perfectly in place. She joined the maker of her non-stop talked-about outfit, Kim Jones, at the event.
Moore is Not Holding Back
Moore came out with a tell-all memoir called ‘Inside Out’ that reveals everything she experienced in her personal life and career. She shared that the memoir makes her vulnerable. Perhaps she felt it was time people saw all those years in the press through her eyes.
For Moore, writing the memoir was a much-needed step in rediscovering who she is. She shared that back in the day; she felt she needed to take on roles that utilized her sexuality to please people, including “About Last Night.”
Her Memoir is Not Just a Celebrity Spiel
In an interview, Moore shared that she didn’t write the memoir to simply promote herself. I’m sure she’s aware that she doesn’t need a book about her life for the press to take interest. She wrote it in the hopes of connecting with people and giving them insight into their own life.
At the end of the day, no matter how much glam and glory celebrities have, they are all holding their share of baggage. “I wanted it to be just human and about our humanity, and to be an opportunity to connect.”
Modeling with Her Daughters
Moore’s daughters (Tallulah, Scout, and Rumer) have followed in her mom’s footsteps over the years, also partaking in modeling and acting. She recently modeled with her daughters in matching bathing suits for an Andie Swim campaign, and the photoshoot makes her appear as if she is one of their sisters as opposed to their mom.
She was thrilled to work with her daughters, “celebrating togetherness and showing up for the people you love…” she shared. Bruce Willis’s current wife (Emma Heming) also praised the photoshoot, calling it “simply beautiful,” in addition to other celebrities’ positive comments.
Did She Get Plastic Surgery?
For some people, Moore looked almost a little too good during Paris Fashion Week. It created rumors that she had some work done. Her outfit at the Fendi show consisted of an all-black off-the-shoulder suite complemented by a pair of impressive earnings.
What made people question whether she had surgery or not was the fact that her cheekbones were extra-defined. In the past, she shared that surgery was never an option for her but that she does not judge those who choose to make alterations.
Why Did Moore and Willis Quarantine Together?
With COVID being far from over, many people were curious as to why the divorced couple decided to quarantine together? Scout Willis set the record straight by sharing that the most recent additions to her family were meant to join them.
Her stepmom got caught up waiting for health results she needed to receive back in LA. Bruce ended up coming early. Setting the comments aside, Moore and Willis have stayed on good terms since their split in 2000, so it was a nice experience for their daughters.
Loving the Sober Life
Recently, Lowe opened up about how sobriety has left him feeling better than ever. He also attributes the decade’s long-standing decision to portraying honesty which he references as an actor’s job.
It looks like keeping busy has kept him focused as he recently came out with a podcast called “Literally! With Rob Lowe” that Conan O’Brien produces. He also released his own memoirs, “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” and “Love Life.” Additionally, he has booked jobs in animated series doing voiceovers.
A World-Class Actor
Setting his good looks aside, he has been recognized as a “world-class actor” by Aaron Sorkin, who worked on “A Few Good Men” with the actor. Lowe also shared that he has been careful not to promote any specific rehabilitation facilities for publicity or endorsement.
The actor revealed that the stigma around getting help after drug and alcohol abuse is still an issue and is a major reason that most people struggling don’t get help. He recalled that back then, cocaine was an inevitable part of a successful person in the business he worked in.
Seeking Help a Year After a Scandal
Sobriety wasn’t the only thing that helped his reputation, as 1989 was a year that a massive scandal came about Lowe doing a sex tape with an underage minor. The family of the girl involved filed a lawsuit, and a year later, the tape was released, giving the press a field day.
That same year, he also decided to get help, and that was when his journey began. Although the scandal hurt his career, he was able to reignite it by hosting “Saturday Night Live” that same year.
Changing His Ways
Getting on the right path allowed Lowe to discover a more fulfilling life, not just in acting but in his personal life as well. He ended up getting married to makeup artist Sherly Berkoff and having two sons. He happily admitted that he was among the first guys in his circle to settle down and become a father.
Even Moore complimented his character, saying, “Rob has an ability to visualize himself doing the thing he wants to do – and then just does it.” He continues to gradually maintain his career in other shows, including “The West Wing.”
Elizabeth Perkin’s Take on the Movie
When Perkins was cast to play in “About Last Night,” she barely had any movie experience, if any at all. She shared that making the movie “set me on my way. I know a lot of really talented actors who never had that kind of break….”
Perkins recalled how lucky she was to take part in the film. 30 years later, she said how she would love to replay Joan again. Perkins shared her appreciation for the director Zwick in letting her have a lot of creative freedom with the character.
What is Perkins Working On?
Perkins recalled that she was really surprised she even got the part in “About Last Night.” She just kind of went with the opportunity even though she was completely clueless. Perkins had the realization that she didn’t want to reach the level of fame that Moore and Lowe had when filming the movie.
The actress hasn’t stepped away from the business and doesn’t look like she will anytime soon. She stares in the “The Moody’s” along with Denis Leary, portraying a parent’s reunion with their three all-grown-up children.
What Did Jim Belushi Think?
Belushi, who played Lowe’s best friend in the movie, praised the actor for his performance and even today gives him props for doing a good job. “They gave him such a hard time back then because he was so damned good-looking.”
He shared that he felt Lowe was under scrutiny because they couldn’t get past his looks to focus on his acting. He referred to Lowe as a “terrific actor” and said he was really good in the movie. He also said they worked well together to portray the needed dynamic.
Taking on a New Business
It seems like Belushi has moved into the industry following the death of his brother. Jim Belushi, who has had an incredible amount of success with his show, “According to Jim,” has taken the time to grow cannabis in farmland he owns in Oregon.
This came after much debate about what to grow. After weed was made legal in the state, it was a no-brainer for the actor. Driving around Medford, Oregon, you can smell weed everywhere you go. It’s part of the local aroma, and Belushi has proudly taken part.
The Remake is Full of Fun
You know the movie is going to be hilarious if Kevin Hart is playing in. The remake, however, took a life of its own. It was only slightly based on the original play ‘Sexual Perversity in Chicago” by David Mamet, unlike its predecessor. It hit theaters in 2014 and was well received by audiences.
Let’s not forget there is a killer cast including Regina Hall, Michael Ealy, and Joy Bryant. The added value to this movie, hands down, is credited to the incredible chemistry the on-screen couples had.
A Breath of Fresh Air
At its core, the remake does resemble some of the drama behind a couple’s love life, but it certainly took a life of its own. One of the major upgrades was that it cast four African American stars. This round, both couples are being played big Hollywood names as opposed to Perkins and Belushi.
The two couples also get an equal amount of attention as opposed to Moore and Lowe’s characters, who were the focus in the original. Kevin Hart was taking the movie scene by storm as his comedic popularity switched over to the big screen.
A Date Movie Worth Watching
There are certain scenes that are exaggerated, but that is expected when Hart is playing in the movie. The film does a good job of portraying all the dynamic aspects of an ongoing relationship. Hart and Hall display the turned-up, fiery, and sometimes hectic side of being a couple.
Ealy and Bryant’s portrayal removes the initial layers to show the deep connection a couple can reach. The comedic scenes are truly hilarious, and the more serious scenes display the necessary amount of drama.
A Contemporary Take
Even though the original did a good job of looking at the challenges of dating, it has been a long time since, and the remake gave an updated perspective on what it’s like being single nowadays. One of the best things about the movie is that it gives an additional perspective to the couple’s relationship.
This time, we see how the juicy gossip gets passed along between friends who set each other’s friends up, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary drama. This aspect was well displayed by the character’s reactions in the movie.
Kevin Hart Became a Hollywood Star
Kevin Hart’s career has been years in the making, coming from the humble beginnings of stand-up comedy. With movies such as ‘Think Like a Man,’ ‘Let Me Explain,’ and ‘About Last Night,’ he has taken his acting career to the next level.
It took a while for him to finally get respected by Hollywood. When asked about his experience working on the movie with his on-screen significant other, he said, “Oh man, our chemistry was amazing. I don’t think there’s a funnier female on the planet.”
Funny and Talented
It wasn’t the first time Hart and Hall worked together. It just happened to be their sixth film together, so being acquainted probably made the filming smooth sailing. Hart recalled that Hall was hilarious, and the last scene where he breaks down of laughter is real.
Hart also talked about he was able to make the sex scenes less awkward and funnier. “Personality! You gotta personality it up, man. When you add the silliness to the sexual moments, it breaks it up,” said Hart.
Hall Had Creative Freedom
When asked if she got the chance to improvise the script at all, Hall shared most of her character’s personality was in the script, but she did get a chance to tweak it around a little bit as she realized that was what the role demanded it.
She shared how Joan in the 2014 remake was a very different character than the ones she played in the past because of the character’s care-free relationship with her love life, “…Joan was an independent woman who lived life in the moment.”
The Chicken Mask Scene
When asked if this scene was in the original script, Hall replied with enthusiasm that it wasn’t. The actress had something else on when in the last second, she decided to put on the chicken mask. She also gave the mask a life of its own by adding some chicken sounds.
“It was one of those moments where once you had the prop, you can create from there,” said Hall. She felt comfortable being silly around Hart, considering they knew each other well, and Hart is a comedian himself.
Fan-Girling over Ealy
The credit isn’t given to Hall and Hart alone. They were certainly the funnier couple, but people were drawn in because of Danny (Michael Ealy.) His charming, good looks and suave tone of voice caught people’s attention.
He shared how working with Kevin Hart gave him a chance to improve his comedy while he helped him improve the dramatic aspect needed in the movie. His good looks weren’t enough for the movie; he had to get fit to play the role considering Danny was 40 playing a 28-year-old.
Owning Up to His Mistakes
Kevin has opened up about the cheating scandal that shed a poor light on Kevin Hart’s reputation, considering he is one of the most successful moviemakers in recent times. His then-wife, Eniko Parrish, was eight months pregnant when she received a DM of Kevin with another woman.
She recalled how she was publicly humiliated because everything was all over social media. She tried her best to keep it together, considering she had a baby coming. “I think that’s the only thing that really got me through,” said Parrish.
Owning Up to His Mistakes
At first, Hart denied the allegations but quickly fessed up and apologized to both Parrish and his kids. She forgave him because she said she believed in second chances but warned that it would be over if he ever cheated on her again.
Hart also openly spoke to Will Smith on ‘Red Table Talk’ about how difficult it was for his daughter to forgive him and the journey it took to try to mend the mistake he had made. “Until this day, my daughter is tough on me,” shared Hart.
The Oscar Awards Fiasco
When it comes to celebrities, social media can be their worse enemy. In Hart’s case, it dug up and portrayed a misconception of who Hart said he was. “…I started to realize how my fame has an impact on my household.”
Hart fessed up that he is acutely aware that he needs to pay more attention after discussing all the public’s backlash with his daughter. As a celebrity and someone constantly being judged by in the media, he realized that the things people find out about him affect his family.
Surviving a Fatal Accident
In 2019, Kevin Hart experienced one of the scariest accidents in his life. He was in a car crash that left him with extreme injuries leading to surgery, but he decided not to initially reveal how bad the incident was.
Hart shared how the accident affected him so badly that he was unable to do simple day-to-day tasks. Hart revealed that experience opened his eyes up to know what was important to him in life, “That’s when the care about what was important really changed…” he said.
Hall Deserves Some More Credit
As we are looking at what the stars of the hit remake are up to these days, it looks like no matter what Regina Hall does, she is constantly categorized as ‘underrated.’ However, she certainly doesn’t see it that way. “I feel like there is no greater due that someone can you than to continue to have you are working,” She said.
This past year she’s been acting in the hit TV show along with renowned actor Don Cheadle in ‘Black Monday.’ No matter what people are saying about her in the media, she has always proven herself, including recently opening up her own production company.
Patience is of the Essence
Hall was recently interviewed on the set of ‘Black Monday’ and asked about what she would advise to aspiring actors. She shared that the size of the role doesn’t matter when it comes to progressing in ones’ career, but just practicing the “craft” will lead to improvement.
“I know, we’re in an age where things do happen a little faster,” she shared, but at the same time, it is still important for those who aspire to make it in Hollywood to be patient and just keep practicing.
