Summary of "America's Birthday: The 30 Best Movies of the 21st Century" Episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Release Date: July 4, 2025

In this special Fourth of July episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a dynamic conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into the realm of cinema by discussing and critiquing a recent New York Times list of the "30 Best Movies of the 21st Century." The episode intertwines patriotic reflections with a spirited debate on Hollywood’s artistic directions, providing listeners with a blend of political insight and cultural commentary.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for a Patriotic Movie Debate

The episode kicks off with Ben Ferguson welcoming listeners to a festive Fourth of July weekend, highlighting the theme of families gathering to enjoy movies. He introduces Senator Ted Cruz as a guest and sets the tone for a fun yet critical discussion centered around a contentious movie list published by the New York Times.

[00:00] Ben Ferguson: "It is Verdict with Senator Ted Cruz... it's a show over it, which makes me laugh. I love this."

Critique of the New York Times' "30 Best Movies" List

Senator Cruz expresses strong dissatisfaction with the New York Times' selection, labeling it as "politicized, woke, effete, out of touch Hollywood types." He argues that the list fails to resonate with general audiences and overlooks popular, impactful films.

[02:58] Senator Ted Cruz: "This is the worst list I have ever seen. This is a list of a bunch of politicized, woke, effete, out of touch Hollywood types."

Cruz further critiques the list by highlighting that many movies included are obscure or not widely appreciated by the public, suggesting a disconnect between Hollywood elites and the moviegoers.

[02:58] Senator Ted Cruz: "Most of these movies, nobody's seen and the movies that people go to don't make the list."

Analyzing the New York Times' Selections

The discussion moves into a detailed examination of the films on the New York Times' list. Senator Cruz reads out the titles, revealing a mix of critically acclaimed but perhaps niche films:

• Lost in Translation
• Arrival
• The Dark Knight
• Adaptation
• Anatomy of a Fall
• ... (list continues up to) ...
• Parasite (ranked #1)

Ben Ferguson concurs with some selections but notes that many films are unfamiliar to him, underscoring the elitist nature of the list.

[02:58] Ben Ferguson: "I've seen maybe five. There's a couple like Inglourious Basterds that I've watched. But the majority I'd have to google."

Alternative Criteria for Evaluating Greatness in Films

Senator Cruz introduces his own approach to curating a list of great movies, emphasizing true stories, patriotic themes, and mainstream appeal. He begins by referencing Academy Award nominees as a foundation, highlighting omissions and inclusions that align with his values.

[05:31] Senator Ted Cruz: "Gladiator, one of the best movies ever made. It is in my top 10 all time, if not top 5."

He critiques the absence of universally beloved and inspiring films like Gladiator, The Patriot, and A Beautiful Mind from the New York Times' list, arguing that these omissions reflect a broader ideological bias.

Deep Dive into Specific Films and Their Cultural Impact

The conversation transitions to specific movies, where both hosts analyze why certain films deserve recognition based on storytelling, patriotism, and their impact on audiences.

1. Gladiator and The Patriot

Cruz praises these films for their uplifting narratives and strong patriotic themes, contrasting them with the more somber or politically charged selections on the New York Times' list.

[05:55] Senator Ted Cruz: "Gladiator was an extraordinary, a fantastic movie... It makes my top 10. They didn't put Gladiator on the list."

2. Saving Private Ryan

Discussing its realistic portrayal of war, Cruz shares a personal anecdote about meeting Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, highlighting the film's emotional depth and historical significance.

[13:30] Senator Ted Cruz: "The first 30 minutes of Saving Private Ryan... made me see in a way I never had before, was how utterly random it can be."

3. Fletch and Classic Comedies

Cruz humorously defends the comedy Fletch against Ferguson's unfamiliarity, advocating for its place in a well-rounded movie repertoire.

[16:38] Senator Ted Cruz: "So Fletch. Irwin Fletcher is an investigative reporter... It is one of the best comedies ever written."

4. Blockbusters vs. Critical Acclaim

The hosts compare critically acclaimed films with blockbuster hits, emphasizing that high-grossing movies often resonate more with general audiences than the elite-driven selections on the list.

[28:41] Senator Ted Cruz: "Avatar... The top two grossing films... They're on my list. They're fantastic."

Personal Anecdotes and Legislative Insights

Interspersed with the analysis, Senator Cruz shares personal stories and legislative actions inspired by films, adding depth to the conversation.

1. Hidden Figures

Cruz discusses how the film inspired him to honor African American women mathematicians through legislation, demonstrating the tangible impact of cinema on policy and recognition.

[24:25] Senator Ted Cruz: "In honor of this movie, I introduced legislation that resulted in the street where the NASA headquarters is in D.C. being changed to Hidden Figures."

2. Dallas Buyers Club

Reflecting on a conversation with Matthew McConaughey, Cruz underscores the film's conservative themes about government regulation and individual initiative in healthcare.

[22:38] Senator Ted Cruz: "It's a profoundly conservative movie... Government regulations, ridiculous regulations from Washington that made it illegal for people to get life saving medicines."

Final Thoughts: Disconnect Between Hollywood and Audience Preferences

As the episode draws to a close, Senator Cruz highlights the disparity between Hollywood's critical choices and the preferences of mainstream audiences, as evidenced by box office successes versus critical acclaim.

[28:37] Ben Ferguson: "None of the top 10 grossing films are on Hollywood's list. There's a real disconnect here."

He emphasizes the importance of storytelling that resonates with viewers, advocating for films that offer adventure, humor, and emotional connection over politically driven narratives.

[29:24] Senator Ted Cruz: "But I like a story. When I go to the movies, I want to tell me a story."

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Cinema Appreciation

The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about the personal impact of movies, reinforced by personal anecdotes that bridge the gap between policy, personal life, and cinematic appreciation. Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson collectively advocate for a more inclusive and audience-aligned approach to recognizing cinematic excellence.

[32:39] Ben Ferguson: "This is an iHeart podcast."

Listeners are left with a reflective take on the current state of Hollywood and the importance of valuing films that not only achieve critical success but also resonate deeply with the general public.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ben Ferguson [00:00]: "It's a show over it, which makes me laugh. I love this."
• Senator Ted Cruz [02:58]: "This is the worst list I have ever seen."
• Senator Ted Cruz [05:31]: "Gladiator... It is in my top 10 all time, if not top 5."
• Senator Ted Cruz [13:30]: "The first 30 minutes of Saving Private Ryan... how utterly random it can be."
• Senator Ted Cruz [16:38]: "Fletch is one of the best comedies ever written."
• Senator Ted Cruz [22:38]: "It's a profoundly conservative movie."
• Senator Ted Cruz [24:25]: "Hidden Figures... I introduced legislation... being changed to Hidden Figures."
• Senator Ted Cruz [28:37]: "There's a real disconnect when none of the top 10 grossing films are on Hollywood's list."

This episode offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between politics, culture, and cinema, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on what constitutes greatness in modern filmmaking.