Van Lathan

Bill Simmons, a sports and pop culture analyst and founder of The Ringer; Van Lathan, a media personality and cultural commentator; and Chris Ryan, a film writer and podcaster, join for a lively Tom Cruise movie draft. They share personal stories and memories associated with Cruise's diverse filmography. The discussion explores his cinematic legacy, including hits like 'Top Gun' and 'Jerry Maguire', while humorously debating the merits of various roles. Expect witty banter as they navigate the highs and lows of Cruise's storied career.

Charles Holmes, a film contributor at The Ringer, joins Joanna Robinson, a pod princess known for her film insights, Grace Fennessey, a recent college graduate and avid movie fan, Van Lathan from Higher Learning, and critic Adam Nayman to discuss their favorite films of the year so far. They tackle notable box office hits, underlooked gems, and even a controversial choice that might spark debate. The discussion spans from artistic successes to the evolution of friendships in cinema, making it an engaging dive into contemporary film.

This week, cultural commentator Van Lathan joins writer-director Benny Safdie to discuss 'The Smashing Machine.' Benny shares insights into working with Dwayne Johnson, revealing how The Rock's performance transcends his usual persona and adds emotional depth. They delve into the film's unique blend of realism and documentary style, as well as tackle critiques of Emily Blunt’s underwhelming role. Additionally, Sean and Amanda kick off new Best Picture power rankings following the fall festival season, sparking a lively debate about this year’s contenders.