The Rewatchables: ‘The Saint’ With Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt – Episode Summary

Introduction In this heartfelt episode of The Rewatchables, hosts Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt delve into the legacy of the late Val Kilmer, focusing particularly on Kilmer’s role in the 1997 action film The Saint. Released on April 5, 2025, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of Kilmer’s career, the nuances of The Saint, and the broader context of 1990s Hollywood film remakes.

Val Kilmer: A Legacy Remembered Timestamp: [02:14]

The episode opens with Bill Simmons expressing profound sadness over Val Kilmer’s passing, highlighting Kilmer’s impact beyond the typical leading men of Hollywood. “I think I'm a little surprised how upsetting it was because this is not Tom Cruise or Harrison Ford or Tom Hanks. It’s not one of these all-time leading men legends. It’s just someone who has shown up in our life for years and years and was always cool” ([03:28] Bill Simmons).

Kyle Brandt adds, reflecting on Kilmer’s versatility and unique presence in films: “Val Kilmer could vacillate. He could lead a movie and be on a poster. Right. He could be on Batman. He could be in The Saint, he could be in The Doors, but usually there was some sort of gimmick that came with it” ([04:16] Kyle Brandt). Both hosts lament Kilmer’s lack of major award recognition, contemplating the critical oversight despite his memorable performances.

Dissecting The Saint Timestamp: [04:16]

Bill and Kyle transition into a detailed analysis of The Saint, a film that they both hold in high regard despite its mixed reception. Kyle explains the complexity of the movie's plot, noting, “I watched it 15 times before I understood it. It’s what it is and why I like this so much. It’s a great hang” ([37:43] Kyle Brandt). Bill concurs, appreciating the film’s action sequences and Kilmer’s performance: “He’s got to cook. So I did a top five… My top five characters in this” ([17:53] Bill Simmons).

Character and Plot Analysis Timestamp: [35:41]

The hosts dive into the intricacies of the film’s narrative and character development. Kyle provides a comprehensive plot summary, emphasizing the convoluted nature of the storyline and the technological premise of cold fusion. “So he gets the real formula in. So when the President shows them how cold fusion is going to work, it works. And Tretiac, who’s been saying it’s not going to work. He basically becomes the Nico Harrison in this whole thing” ([37:43] Kyle Brandt).

Bill critiques the character arcs, particularly Simon Templar’s (Kilmer) portrayal when not in disguise: “When he’s not in costume, Simon’s not great. He’s not terribly charismatic. He’s underplaying it” ([64:04] Bill Simmons). They both discuss memorable scenes, such as the embassy chase and dinner seduction, highlighting the film’s strengths in action and chemistry between Kilmer and Elizabeth Shue.

Casting Choices and Unrealized Potential Timestamp: [66:16]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the casting decisions for The Saint and hypothetical alternatives. Kyle expresses frustration over the director’s choices, particularly criticizing Philip Noyce: “I think Noyce had Mel Gibson… but he didn’t work out. Ralph Fiennes was offered a million dollars to be in it and pass Schindler. Ralph Fiennes… he lost the Oscar. So Ralph Fiennes” ([73:36] Kyle Brandt). Bill supports the original casting, emphasizing Kilmer’s suitability for the role: “I want to see him play the fucking saint. I want to see him do all those parts” ([82:50] Bill Simmons).

1990s Hollywood and the Era of Remakes Timestamp: [13:57]

Bill and Kyle reflect on the trend of 1990s Hollywood remaking classic TV shows and films, such as The Saint, Charlie's Angels, and Lost in Space. Kyle criticizes the lack of originality, noting, “they were like, the Saint. Sure, let’s…it’s boring” ([22:32] Kyle Brandt). They discuss how these remakes often failed to capture the essence of the originals, leading to mediocre cinematic experiences despite substantial budgets.

Memorable Scenes and Gimmicks Timestamp: [41:22]

The conversation highlights several standout scenes and gimmicks in The Saint, including Simon’s multiple disguises and the film’s distinctive use of a cold fusion theme. Bill praises Kilmer’s ability to seamlessly switch between characters: “The coolest thing that The Saint does is the costumes” ([16:34] Bill Simmons). They also dissect the film’s soundtrack, with Kyle appreciating the integration of electronic music and iconic tracks like Orbital’s theme song.

Critical Reception and Legacy Timestamp: [40:47]

Bill addresses the film’s critical reception, referencing Roger Ebert’s review which critiqued Kilmer’s performance for being too realistic for a spy character: “He [Val Kilmer] almost plays it too straight” ([20:26] Kyle Brandt). However, both hosts defend the film’s charm and its status as a cult classic, appreciating its action-packed sequences and Kilmer’s charismatic performance.

Unanswered Questions and Final Thoughts Timestamp: [89:50]

As the episode wraps up, Bill and Kyle ponder the film’s unresolved plot points and the global implications of its fictional cold fusion technology. They humorously speculate on alternate outcomes and the potential for sequels, blending nostalgia with critique. Bill closes with a heartfelt tribute to Val Kilmer: “I miss you, Val” ([97:02] Bill Simmons).

Notable Quotes

• “It’s like we lost the coolest character actor of all time.” – Bill Simmons ([03:28])

• “Val Kilmer could vacillate. He could lead a movie and be on a poster.” – Kyle Brandt ([04:16])

• “If you want to live, you believe my side.” – Movie Quote ([02:16])

• “He could do everything. And yet you’re right. It wasn’t like the type of career that could go for 35 years.” – Bill Simmons ([05:45])

• “The workout with the mustache, the disguises, it’s so compelling.” – Bill Simmons ([16:34])

• “She gets up in front of students and she goes, I don’t really have anything to say. Do they have any questions?” – Quote on Emma Russell’s character ([45:07])

• “How long are these two lasting? She’s just solved cold fusion, keeps the President in charge.” – Kyle Brandt ([90:21])

Conclusion Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt’s episode on The Saint serves as both a tribute to Val Kilmer’s versatile acting career and a critical examination of a 1990s action film that, while flawed, holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. Through engaging dialogue, personal anecdotes, and sharp analysis, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at what makes The Saint a rewatchable classic.