Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – "The Tom Cruise Movie Draft"

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of The Big Picture, hosted by Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins from The Ringer, the panel dives deep into the illustrious career of Tom Cruise. Joined by returning guests Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons, they embark on an engaging and often humorous journey to draft Tom Cruise’s films across eight distinct categories. This episode blends insightful analysis with lighthearted banter, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners and readers alike.

1. Draft Setup and Categories

At the outset, Sean Fennessy outlines the unique drafting system they've devised for this episode, which departs from their usual format. Instead of the traditional five categories, they introduce eight tailored specifically to Tom Cruise’s diverse filmography:

• Blockbuster: Films that grossed at least $100 million.
• 80s Movies: Any Tom Cruise film released in the 1980s.
• 90s Movies: Films from the 1990s.
• 21st Century Movies: Movies released in the current century.
• Oscar Nominee: Films in which Tom Cruise was part of an Oscar-nominated project.
• Tom Cruise Does a Sports Thing: Movies showcasing Cruise’s athletic endeavors.
• Blockbuster Threshold: Reiterating the $100 million mark.
• Wild Card: Open category for personal favorites or unconventional picks.

Sean emphasizes the complexity of this draft, given Tom Cruise’s extensive filmography of 46 films.

Sean Fennessy [03:19]: "Tom Cruise has only made 46 films. So having said that, Bill, Van, Chris, you were bragging about no prep, you're sure?"

2. Draft Order and Initial Picks

The panel humorously navigates the draft order, with playful accusations of rigging and strategic overlaps.

• Sean Fennessy surprises by taking control early, opting to start with the 90s category, selecting "A Few Good Men" as his first pick.

Sean Fennessy [35:21]: "It's a movie. It's a five-star classic for me. It's a legendary movie on this show on the Rewatchables."

• Amanda Dobbins aims for "A Few Good Men" as well but ends up drafting "Top Gun: Maverick" to align with her personal favorites.

Amanda Dobbins [38:31]: "It's okay. It's pretty good."

• Bill Simmons strategically selects "Jerry Maguire" from the 90s, highlighting his preference for films where Cruise showcases his charismatic flair.

Bill Simmons [46:38]: "I'm gonna go Jerry Maguire for 90s. That's the right pick. Good Bill. Strong."

• Van Lathan picks "Collateral" from the 21st century, praising Cruise’s performance alongside Jamie Foxx.

Van Lathan [40:22]: "So I'm taking collateral."

• Chris Ryan gravitates towards franchise staples, selecting "Minority Report" for the 21st century category.

Chris Ryan [49:30]: "I'm going with my heart and I'm going with the map that I laid out yesterday."

3. In-Depth Discussions and Insights

Throughout the draft process, the panelists delve into broader discussions about Tom Cruise’s impact on cinema, his dedication to performing stunts, and his standing as a quintessential movie star.

• Tom Cruise’s Stunt Commitment:
  The conversation highlights Cruise’s unparalleled commitment to performing his own stunts, contrasting him with peers like Keanu Reeves.

  Bill Simmons [16:19]: "How many superstar actors have we had who would be totally happy if they died doing a stunt during the movie? He's the only one."

• Career Evolution and Genre Exploration:
  The panel discusses Cruise’s ability to traverse various genres, maintaining relevance across decades.

  Van Lathan [07:47]: "He's outlasted Tom Hanks as far as his marketability and his relatability to people and his relevance to people."

• Comparison with Other Actors:
  Comparisons are drawn between Cruise and actors like Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, debating marketability and versatility.

  Amanda Dobbins [12:32]: "He really courted this idea of I am the last movie star. I am the only person who can save movies..."

4. Notable Picks and Justifications

Each panelist elaborates on their picks, providing reasoning rooted in the film’s impact, Cruise’s performance, and personal affinity.

• Sean Fennessy:

  • "A Few Good Men" for the 90s: Praises its status as a classic and Cruise’s standout performance.

    Sean Fennessy [35:21]: "It's a legendary movie on this show on the Rewatchables."

  • "Born on the Fourth of July" as Oscar Nominee: Highlights its personal significance and Oliver Stone’s direction.

    Sean Fennessy [62:09]: "I would feel good about having Born on the fourth of July."

• Amanda Dobbins:

  • "Top Gun: Maverick" for Blockbuster: Emphasizes its emotional resonance and familial importance.

    Amanda Dobbins [38:31]: "It's great. Emotionally hot bedroom scenes we do often."

  • "Edge of Tomorrow" for 21st Century: Appreciates the revival of Cruise’s momentum post-pandemic.

    Amanda Dobbins [83:28]: "It's one of my favorite also."

• Bill Simmons:

  • "Jerry Maguire" for 90s: Commends Cruise’s charismatic role and the film’s lasting appeal.

    Bill Simmons [46:38]: "The firm is a legendary movie and is honored to have it here with the last pick of the third round."

  • "Taps" for 80s: Values the film’s ensemble cast and memorable themes.

    Bill Simmons [90:01]: "Taps is a really good movie. I like taps."

• Van Lathan:

  • "Collateral" for 21st Century: Lauds Cruise’s transformation into a more complex, badass character.

    Van Lathan [40:22]: "That's the coolest he's ever been in a movie."

  • "Legend" for Wild Card: Appreciates its fantastical elements and Tim Curry’s performance.

    Van Lathan [108:35]: "I like unicorns. And, like, it's a movie that I've watched a bunch of times."

• Chris Ryan:

  • "Minority Report" for 21st Century: Celebrates the fusion of action and thought-provoking themes.

    Chris Ryan [42:54]: "I'll take Minority Report. Just a fantastic performance by him."

  • "Mission Impossible 3" as 21st Century: Although controversial among some panelists, recognizes its role in the franchise.

    Chris Ryan [75:43]: "It's the JJ Abrams one. Philip Seymour Hoffman is the best villain in the history of this franchise."

5. Key Debates and Panel Dynamics

The episode is punctuated by spirited debates and playful ribbing among the panelists, reflecting their diverse perspectives on Tom Cruise’s body of work.

• Authenticity vs. Marketability:
  Discussions arise around whether Cruise’s dedication to stunts genuinely enhances his performances or serves primarily as a marketable trait.

  Sean Fennessy [12:32]: "He really unites the five people around this table."

• Favorite Performances:
  The panelists compare and contrast their favorite Tom Cruise performances, often referencing iconic scenes and character arcs.

  Bill Simmons [23:43]: "There's nobody else who could have been as good in that movie as him."

• Impact on Theatrical Experience:
  The group contemplates Cruise’s role in revitalizing movie-going experiences, especially post-pandemic.

  Sean Fennessy [15:30]: "I think he's really the avatar for this thing that we're always talking about."

6. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several memorable quotes encapsulate the panel’s sentiments:

• Bill Simmons [46:38]: "The firm is a legendary movie and is honored to have it here with the last pick of the third round."

• Sean Fennessy [12:32]: "He really unites the five people around this table."

• Van Lathan [40:22]: "That's the coolest he's ever been in a movie."

• Chris Ryan [42:54]: "I'll take Minority Report. Just a fantastic performance by him."

Conclusion

The Tom Cruise Movie Draft serves as both a tribute and a critical examination of Tom Cruise’s enduring legacy in Hollywood. Through laughter, debate, and deep analysis, the panelists showcase the multifaceted nature of Cruise’s career—from groundbreaking action films to heartfelt dramatic performances. This episode not only celebrates Cruise’s achievements but also invites listeners to reflect on what makes a movie star truly timeless.

Note: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.