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What if one of Hollywood's biggest stars has never received the recognition he truly deserves? In this episode, we journey through Tom Cruise's remarkable career, starting with his humble beginnings and early struggles, including his battles with dyslexia and turbulent family life. We promise an in-depth look at his rise to stardom, his breakthrough roles in "Endless Love" and "Taps," and the pivotal moments that defined his path in the film industry. From tales of perseverance to his impressive filmography, this conversation unveils the man behind the movies.

During our discussion, we fondly remember our own home video parody of "Rain Man," a testament to our lifelong admiration for Cruise's work. We'll explore his collaborations with Hollywood legends like Scorsese and Spielberg, his ability to bring complex characters to life, and how films like "Top Gun," "The Color of Money," and "Rain Man" left an indelible mark on cinema. Our chat also takes a candid look at Cruise's public controversies, his unwavering dedication to film, and the high-stakes moments that shaped his career, including his intense commitment to the "Mission: Impossible" series.

Join us as we tackle the more controversial aspects of Tom Cruise's life, such as his outspoken views on mental health and his association with Scientology. We also discuss his highly publicized relationships and the infamous incidents with Matt Lauer and Oprah. Through all the highs and lows, we celebrate Cruise's enduring legacy, culminating in his recent triumph with "Top Gun: Maverick." This episode is a heartfelt tribute to a Hollywood icon and an invitation for you to share your thoughts on why Tom Cruise truly deserves an Oscar.

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What if the future of journalism lay in the heart of a dystopian war zone? In this gripping episode of the Oh Brother Podcast, Dan and Mike Smith dissect Alex Garland's latest cinematic marvel, "Civil War," a film that ventures into the chaos of a speculative civil conflict. With Kirsten Dunst leading a crew of intrepid photojournalists and Nick Offerman portraying a controversial president, Garland's direction plunges us directly into the turmoil without extensive exposition, sparking intense dialogue about our societal trajectory.

The discussion heats up as we explore the film's storytelling techniques and character portrayals. Kirsten Dunst delivers a compelling performance, while Wagner Moura and Jesse Plemons shine in their roles. Despite some mixed feelings about Offerman's casting and the film's conclusion, the brothers appreciate the unique decision to shoot scenes chronologically, which added depth to the actors' performances. The film's resonance with contemporary socio-political climates and its portrayal of journalistic integrity becomes a central theme of their conversation.

We also take a nostalgic detour through Bruce Springsteen's "Devils & Dust" tour, drawing parallels to the film's evocative cinematography and Garland's previous works like "Ex Machina." The brothers share their thoughts on Garland's signature style and their anticipation for his upcoming "28 Years Later" trilogy. Despite differing opinions on the film's narrative structure, Dan and Mike encourage listeners to experience "Civil War" and engage in this cinematic discussion. Share your thoughts; let's see where you stand in the heat of this cinematic civil war!

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Remember the excitement and controversy of 1989 when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman? We sure do, and in this episode, we're taking you back to that pivotal year in film history. From the uproar over Keaton's casting to the iconic trailer that won fans' hearts, we share personal memories of opening night and the cultural buzz that surrounded this groundbreaking film. You'll also hear about the evolution of movie marketing and how it has changed since then. Plus, we'll dive into the various home video releases, including a stunning 4K restoration, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tim Burton's visionary take on the Dark Knight.

Ever wondered how Michael Keaton managed in that cumbersome Batman costume or how Jack Nicholson negotiated an unprecedented financial deal for his role as the Joker? This episode reveals those behind-the-scenes stories and more. We talk about the casting changes involving Kim Basinger and Sean Young, and the humor that added a unique charm to the film without tipping into campiness. You'll also hear our take on the memorable performances, from Keaton to Nicholson, and even a comparison between Nicholson's Joker and Heath Ledger's darker portrayal. Danny Elfman's iconic score and the fascinating blend of his compositions with Prince's tracks get their fair share of attention too.

As we prepare to celebrate our fifth year of podcasting, we reflect on Batman 1989's lasting impact and its iconic scenes. From Jack Nicholson's unforgettable moments to Kim Basinger's grounding presence as Vicki Vale, we discuss why the film stood strong on its own without needing a sequel. Although we lament missed opportunities with characters like Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent, we fondly recall the film's release and its significance over the past 35 years. Join us for a trip down memory lane as we add this engaging discussion to the Oh Brother podcast vaults.

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