A flawed but intriguing study of men standing on the edge of adulthood and trying very hard not to grow up. The dialogue is so natural that the film felt more like wandering into a real conversation between friends who've known each other for years. The chemistry between the cast is easily its greatest strength, and while I was warned about how hot Mickey Rourke is in this, my jaw still hit the floor. My biggest issue was how outdated the treatment of women is, and I do wish some of the character arcs had been explored more, particularly Fenwick, whose alcoholism and depression felt more significant than the film allowed them to be. Regardless, it was easy to see why Diner became such a hit. Learning afterwards that Barry Levinson based it on a real Baltimore diner he used to visit with his friends made it feel even more authentic.

A flawed but intriguing study of men standing on the edge of adulthood and trying very hard not to grow up. The dialogue is so natural that the film felt more like wandering into a real conversation between friends who've known each other for years. The chemistry between the cast is easily its greatest strength, and while I was warned about how hot Mickey Rourke is in this, my jaw still hit the floor. My biggest issue was how outdated the treatment of women is, and I do wish some of the character arcs had been explored more, particularly Fenwick, whose alcoholism and depression felt more significant than the film allowed them to be. Regardless, it was easy to see why Diner became such a hit. Learning afterwards that Barry Levinson based it on a real Baltimore diner he used to visit with his friends made it feel even more authentic.

Has good moments but wouldn’t watch it again.

Has good moments but wouldn’t watch it again.

It was an ultimate "boys will be boys" film until it wasn't. Where did that integrity come from? I don't buy that shit.

It was an ultimate "boys will be boys" film until it wasn't. Where did that integrity come from? I don't buy that shit.

Felt like I was watching something that might have been pretty influential in the 80's and 90's?

I mean, this came out before St. Elmo's Fire, The Breakfast Club, and The Big Chill. Before Pulp Fiction, Dazed and Confused, Kicking and Screaming, Seinfeld and Gilmore Girls. Heck, this even came out before The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. I feel like lots of film makers I enjoy had to have watched this movie at some point. Also, weird that this wasn't the Brat Pack. Why wasn't this the Brat Pack?

This movie has a lot of elements I like: start of adult life coming-of-age stories, diners, Paul Reiser, friendgroup hangout scenes, Oldies soundtrack. The one thing I really didn't love is the casual sexual assault "boys will be boys" stuff that showed up so often in movies from that time. It gives the movie a cringy "American Pie in the 50's" vibe in some scenes that holds it back from feeling like a timeless classic.

Also, what a legend Mickey Rourke was. What a sexy man, holy shit.

Felt like I was watching something that might have been pretty influential in the 80's and 90's?

I mean, this came out before St. Elmo's Fire, The Breakfast Club, and The Big Chill. Before Pulp Fiction, Dazed and Confused, Kicking and Screaming, Seinfeld and Gilmore Girls. Heck, this even came out before The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. I feel like lots of film makers I enjoy had to have watched this movie at some point. Also, weird that this wasn't the Brat Pack. Why wasn't this the Brat Pack?

This movie has a lot of elements I like: start of adult life coming-of-age stories, diners, Paul Reiser, friendgroup hangout scenes, Oldies soundtrack. The one thing I really didn't love is the casual sexual assault "boys will be boys" stuff that showed up so often in movies from that time. It gives the movie a cringy "American Pie in the 50's" vibe in some scenes that holds it back from feeling like a timeless classic.

Also, what a legend Mickey Rourke was. What a sexy man, holy shit.

Just some bros hanging out

Vibes are fun and some of the characters are dicks but that’s sort of the point but it doesn’t do it very well but it had some fun scenes (and some bad ones)

Just some bros hanging out

Vibes are fun and some of the characters are dicks but that’s sort of the point but it doesn’t do it very well but it had some fun scenes (and some bad ones)