Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the 2008 historical thriller Valkyrie, and they’re joined by writer David Iserson (Mr. Robot, Mad Men, New Girl) to dig into one of the most unexpected and serious turns in Cruise’s 2000s filmography.

Directed by Bryan Singer, Valkyrie dramatizes the real-life plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, with Cruise portraying German officer Claus von Stauffenberg. Together, they unpack the film’s tonal tightrope, its ambitious historical scope, and the curious creative choices—like Cruise playing a German colonel with an American accent.

Is Valkyrie a misunderstood thriller or just a strange blip in Cruise’s action-packed decade? Tune in for a thoughtful—and fun—conversation that revisits this fascinating film.

Follow David Iserson:

• Instagram: @davidiserson
• Twitter: @davidiserson

#Valkyrie #TomCruise #PodcastLikeIts2000s #DavidIserson #BryanSinger #HistoricalThrillers #ClausVonStauffenberg #2000sCinema #FilmDiscussion #TomCruiseMiniSeries #PopCulturePodcast

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the wildest entries in his filmography—Ben Stiller’s 2008 Hollywood satire Tropic Thunder! Joining them for the ride are writer/producer Chuck Hayward (WandaVision, Ted Lasso) and screenwriter Kenny Neibart, who help break down the film’s razor-sharp commentary, outrageous performances, and Cruise’s unforgettable (and totally unhinged) turn as studio executive Les Grossman.

From method acting mayhem to behind-the-scenes chaos, the crew explores why Tropic Thunder remains one of the most daring (and controversial) comedies of the 2000s. How did Cruise steal the movie with just a few scenes? What still works—and what doesn’t—in 2024? And how did this film even get made in the first place?

Get ready for a no-holds-barred discussion on one of the most talked-about comedies of its time. 🎧🔥

#TropicThunder #TomCruise #PodcastLikeIts2000s #ChuckHayward #KennyNeibart #BenStiller #ComedyMovies #2000sCinema #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #LesGrossman #TomCruiseMiniSeries

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2007 political drama Lions for Lambs. 🎬🔥 Joining them is film critic and author Jason Bailey (Fun City Cinema), who brings his insightful perspective to this star-studded film featuring Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford.

Despite its powerhouse cast and timely themes, Lions for Lambs struggled to make a lasting impact. The trio explores the film's ambitious narrative structure, its commentary on the War on Terror, and how it fits into the broader context of 2000s political cinema. Was it a case of too much star power and not enough substance, or does it deserve a second look?

Tune in as they dissect the film's intentions, its reception, and Tom Cruise's performance as a charismatic senator. 🎧✨

Follow Jason Bailey:

• Bluesky: @jasondashbailey.bsky.social
• Letterboxd: @jasondashbailey

#LionsForLambs #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #MerylStreep #RobertRedford #JasonBailey #PoliticalDrama #2000sCinema #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #TomCruiseMiniSeries

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the adrenaline-fueled Mission: Impossible III! 💥🎭 Joining them are screenwriter Liz Hannah (The Post, Long Shot) and writer/producer Brian Millikin (Quantum Leap, Haven) to break down how J.J. Abrams' 2006 entry changed the M:I franchise forever.

From Philip Seymour Hoffman’s chilling villain to the emotional stakes that added new depth to Ethan Hunt, this film marked a turning point for Cruise as an action star. The group discusses Abrams’ signature storytelling style, the Alias influence, and how M:I-3 laid the groundwork for the franchise’s evolution into the Fallout era.

Was this the Mission: Impossible film that redefined the series? And does it hold up today? Tune in for a high-stakes discussion! 🎧✨

Follow our guests:

• Liz Hannah: @itslizhannah
• Brian Millikin: @BrianMillikin

#MissionImpossibleIII #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #JJAbrams #LizHannah #BrianMillikin #PhilipSeymourHoffman #ActionMovies #MI3 #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #TomCruiseMiniSeries

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the most intense blockbusters of the 2000s—Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds! 🌍👽 Joining them is journalist and critic Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times), who helps break down how this 2005 sci-fi thriller captured post-9/11 anxieties, redefined the alien invasion genre, and gave us one of Cruise’s most underrated performances.

From its jaw-dropping set pieces and terrifying alien designs to its intimate, boots-on-the-ground storytelling, the trio explores why War of the Worlds still hits hard nearly two decades later. Was it misunderstood at the time? Does it rank among Spielberg’s best? And how does it fit into Cruise’s evolution as an action star?

Buckle up—it’s time to run. 🎧✨

Follow Jamelle Bouie:

• IG: @jbouie

#WarOfTheWorlds #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #StevenSpielberg #JamelleBouie #SciFiMovies #2000sCinema #AlienInvasion #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #TomCruiseMiniSeries

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This week, Phil and Emily continue their journey through 2000s cinema with Nights in Rodanthe, the 2008 Nicholas Sparks adaptation that brought Richard Gere and Diane Lane back together for another romantic whirlwind. Joining them is filmmaker and writer Jessica Ellis, who helps unpack why this film leans into peak Sparks melodrama—complete with stormy nights, second chances, and plenty of emotional turmoil.

From its sweeping coastal setting to its tearjerker ending, we break down how Nights in Rodanthe fits into the Nicholas Sparks cinematic universe, what makes it stand out from (or get lost among) his other adaptations, and why the 2000s were such a golden era for sentimental romance.

Grab your tissues and join us for a deep dive into one of the decade’s most Nicholas Sparks-y movies. 🎧✨

Follow Jessica Ellis:

• Twitter: @baddestmamajama

#NightsInRodanthe #PodcastLikeIts2000s #JessicaEllis #NicholasSparks #RichardGere #DianeLane #2000sRomance #MovieTalk #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast

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In this riveting episode, hosts Phil and Emily sit down with Emmy Potter and Carrie Wittmer to explore the enigmatic cult classic Nothebook. Hailing from the 2000s, this film broke the mold with its innovative narrative, striking visuals, and offbeat humor that still resonates today.

Join us as our guests share fresh insights on how Nothebook challenged traditional storytelling and influenced a generation of filmmakers and audiences alike. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to deep dives into its thematic layers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a good cinematic mystery from the 2000s.

Tune in now to relive the magic of the decade and rediscover one of its most intriguing films!

#Nothebook #PodcastLikeIts2000s #2000sMovies #CultClassic #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #Nostalgia

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In this heartfelt episode, Phil and Emily dive into the tender world of A Walk to Remember, the 2002 teen romance that left a lasting imprint on early-2000s cinema. Joined by film critic Alissa Wilkinson from Vox, the trio explores the movie’s emotional journey—from its understated charm and iconic performances by Mandy Moore and Shane West to its poignant themes of love, loss, and transformation.

Together, they unpack how this beloved classic not only captured the spirit of a generation but also redefined what a teen romance could be. Whether you're reminiscing about your first love or discovering the film for the first time, join us for an intimate conversation that proves A Walk to Remember is truly timeless.

Follow Alissa Wilkinson on Twitter: @alissawilkinson

Tune in now and relive the magic of early-2000s romance!

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Michael Mann’s sleek and stylish Collateral! 🔥🚖 Joining them is the brilliant Roxana Hadadi (Vulture), who helps break down this electrifying 2004 thriller that saw Cruise take on one of his most chilling roles as the cold-blooded contract killer, Vincent.

From its stunning digital cinematography to the pulse-pounding tension between Cruise and Jamie Foxx, the trio explores what makes Collateral one of Mann’s finest films and one of the most unique entries in Cruise’s filmography. Is this his best villain role ever? And how does this neo-noir hold up 20 years later? Tune in for a deep dive into one of the defining thrillers of the 2000s!

#Collateral #TomCruise #JamieFoxx #MichaelMann #PodcastLikeIts2000s #RoxanaHadadi #TomCruiseMiniSeries #NeoNoir #2000sCinema #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion

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Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into Edward Zwick’s sweeping 2003 historical epic, The Last Samurai. Joined by esteemed film critic Bilge Ebiri (New York Magazine), they explore Tom Cruise’s transformation into a disillusioned American soldier who finds redemption and purpose within the samurai culture of 19th-century Japan.

From its breathtaking cinematography and stirring performances to its complex cultural themes and historical context, the trio unpacks why The Last Samurai remains a fascinating—and sometimes polarizing—entry in Cruise’s filmography. Is it a flawed epic, a cinematic triumph, or somewhere in between? Tune in to this thoughtful discussion to find out!

Follow Bilge Ebiri:

• Twitter: @BilgeEbiri

#TheLastSamurai #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #BilgeEbiri #EdwardZwick #HistoricalEpics #2000sCinema #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #TomCruiseMiniSeries

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