Cannonball with Wesley Morris

Sam Anderson, a writer for the New York Times Magazine and a longtime friend of Wesley Morris, joins for a nostalgic dive into the summer movie landscape of 1990. They reminisce about iconic films like 'Total Recall,' 'Ghost,' and 'Die Hard,' exploring how these classics shaped their youth. The discussion weaves through themes of identity, the cultural impact of memorable scenes, and the ethical dilemmas presented in action films. Their reflections reveal both a deep love for the genre and a bittersweet acknowledgment of today's cinematic landscape.

Vinson Cunningham, a critic from The New Yorker and co-host of Critics at Large, joins the discussion on Spike Lee's latest film, 'Highest to Lowest.' They dive into its cultural relevance and Lee’s evolving messages to young Black men. The conversation highlights the film's vibrant aesthetic and deeper themes of wealth and personal responsibility. Cunningham shares a humorous musical misadventure with his father, while also exploring the emotional complexities within Black artistry and mentorship in hip-hop, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining dialogue.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner, an insightful author known for her engaging profiles and essays, joins Wesley to discuss the emotional finale of the 'Sex and the City' reboot. They explore themes of nostalgia, middle-aged friendships, and the complexities of character development, especially focusing on Carrie’s obsession with Big. The conversation also touches on the show’s attempts at inclusivity and how evolving narratives shape personal identities. With humor and depth, they reflect on the series' significance in shaping cultural conversations around love and friendship.

Salamishah Tillet, a Times contributing critic and Beyoncé scholar who teaches a class dedicated to the artist, joins the conversation to explore the cultural significance of Beyoncé's performances. They discuss the communal joy found at concerts, where fans express their identities through fashion and music. The duo also examines the intertwining of motherhood and politics in Beyoncé's work, reflecting on her ability to inspire resilience amidst societal challenges, all while honoring her artistic evolution and impact on American identity.

Writer Rembert Browne joins to explore the intriguing connections between Ryan Coogler's vampire film "Sinners" and the ongoing Drake-Kendrick beef. They delve into the vampiric threats facing Black art and the cultural significance of music in storytelling. The conversation includes themes of representation, authenticity, and the need for original narratives in an industry dominated by reboots. Browne and his host reflect on the complexities of cultural appropriation and the importance of preserving Black creativity in both music and film.

Join Wesley Morris and Eric Hynes, a film curator with a rich background in cinematic programming, as they dive into the nostalgia of their days at Kim's Video. They passionately dissect the Times's 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, reflecting on the evolving impact of films like 'Parasite' and the critical importance of diverse storytelling. Their lively debate includes a look at Spielberg’s legacy and the emotional depth of 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence,' all while sharing personal favorites and insights from their shared cinematic journey.

Wesley Morris talks with Samin Nosrat, a chef and food writer, about her love-hate relationship with “The Bear,” a show that’s always racing against the clock. She says the best moments, in the show and in our own kitchens, happen when things slow down.Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In the new HBO documentary “Pee-wee as Himself,” Paul Reubens, the creator of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, comes out as gay. Reubens, who spent most of his career in the closet, had already come out years before but then returned to the closet during his time as the popular Saturday morning children’s show host.On today’s episode of “Cannonball,” Wesley Morris talks with the writer Mark Harris about Reubens’s relationship to being closeted, and they discuss what it means for artists to publicly come out. Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The conversation dives into the complexities of a high-profile trial involving Sean Combs, reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing a famous Black man face serious charges. There’s a critical look at race, identity, and public perception, addressing how these themes shape jury views and societal narratives. Personal feelings about the verdict reveal mixed emotions within the Black community, blending pride and disappointment. Ultimately, it examines how such trials affect public figures and their legacies, urging a deeper understanding of humanity amidst controversy.

Host Wesley Morris has a confession to make: He loves Bruno Mars. Nothing wrong with that, right? With the help of the culture writer Niela Orr, Wesley untangles his crush from his discomfort with the pop star’s cozy relationship to Blackness.Thoughts? Email us at cannonball@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@CannonballPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/cannonball Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.