In-Between Media

Back to school season means it's time for our favorite kind of video: a draft. We're picking the best school movies of all time, category by category, and this one got competitive fast. Comedy, romance, coming-of-age, we covered every corner of the genre before landing on our final boards.

We're breaking down why each pick earned its spot, the ones we fought hardest over, and the movies that almost made the cut but didn't. If you're a school movie fan, we think this list is going to spark some strong opinions.

Watch to see our full picks, then let us know in the comments what your draft would look like. We already know we're going to catch heat for a few of these, so bring it.

🔔 Subscribe for more drafts and movie rankings every week!

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The premiere episode of Popcorn and Rootbeer takes listeners behind the scenes of Rhythm or Smooth with director, writer, actor, and choreographer Breton Tyner-Bryan.

Host Steve Lawson sits down with Breton for an exclusive conversation about creating her feature directorial debut, the energy of New York City, and the high-stakes world of competitive ballroom dance. Breton shares how her background in professional ballet shaped her visual style, why rhythm and movement influence every frame of her filmmaking, and how New York becomes more than a backdrop in Rhythm or Smooth.

This episode also explores the challenges of independent filmmaking, from shooting on location without a massive budget to building authentic interiors, managing large-scale scenes, and finding the right chemistry across an ensemble cast. Breton also tells the story of how lead actress Kira Brooks landed her role through an open call, showing how New York hustle, talent, and opportunity helped bring the film to life.

Steve and Breton also discuss cinematic influences, superhero movies as a form of movement and choreography, the joy of storytelling, and what makes Rhythm or Smooth such a personal and energetic debut feature.

Topics include:

Rhythm or Smooth behind-the-scenes interview

Breton Tyner-Bryan’s feature directorial debut

New York City as a character in film

Independent filmmaking and shooting on location

Ballroom dance, ballet, and movement-based storytelling

Writing and directing an ensemble cast

Casting Kira Brooks through an open call

Cinematic rhythm, choreography, and visual storytelling

Superhero movies, genre filmmaking, and future projects

Follow Popcorn and Rootbeer for movie interviews, TV reactions, streaming conversations, pop culture talk, and entertainment discussion from Steve Lawson and FSAN personalities.

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