The Rewatchables ‘Sneakers’ With Bill Simmons, Kyle Brandt, and Joanna Robinson
Oct 14, 2025
The hosts dive into why 'Sneakers' is an underrated gem from the 90s, reflecting on Robert Redford's influence and River Phoenix's memorable performance. They explore the film's unique blend of paranoia and post-Cold War themes, discussing its memorable characters and iconic scenes. The conversation highlights James Earl Jones's impactful cameo and debates Ben Kingsley's performance. They also touch on modern surveillance relevance and playful nitpicks, ultimately celebrating 'Sneakers' as a charming rewatchable classic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Underrated 1990s Caper
- Sneakers is an underrated, charming 1990s mashup of hacking, heist, comedy, and paranoia that rewards repeat viewings.
- Kyle Brandt and Joanna Robinson argue its niche fandom creates instant affinity among fans.
River Phoenix's Missed Spotlight
- Panelists praise River Phoenix's comic energy and lament limited screen time in Sneakers.
- They compare his unrealized trajectory to what Leonardo DiCaprio later achieved.
Data As The New Power
- Sneakers predicted the information-age power shift from weapons to data with uncanny clarity for 1992.
- The film frames control of bits and bytes as the new geopolitical leverage.