Key Takeaways
- Senator Ted Cruz shares his personal top movie selections and preferences.
- He highlights films he believes possess strong moral, patriotic, or historical significance.
- Cruz offers cultural commentary on Hollywood's perceived biases and storytelling.
- The episode includes personal anecdotes about Cruz's interactions with family and Senate staff regarding movies and musicals.
Deep Dive
- Senator Ted Cruz discusses his personal movie preferences, often enjoyed during holiday breaks.
- Co-host Ben Ferguson aims to present a "fun" side of Cruz, portraying him as a movie buff.
- Cruz shares he recently watched the series "Outer Banks" with his daughter.
- "The Princess Bride" is identified as Senator Cruz's all-time favorite movie, leading to a college drinking game.
- "The Godfather Saga," including its third installment, ranks as his second favorite film series.
- Cruz humorously suggests "The Godfather" trilogy as a team-building exercise for his Senate staff due to their unfamiliarity with its quotes.
- Senator Cruz lists "Scarface" as a favorite due to Al Pacino's performance and can quote many lines.
- He praises "Fletch," starring Chevy Chase, as a highly comedic film and recommends it as a must-watch.
- The film "Amazing Grace," chronicling William Wilberforce's 50-year fight to abolish the slave trade, is highlighted for its themes of redemption.
- Cruz recommends the Western film "Unforgiven," starring Clint Eastwood, calling it the best Western ever made for subverting traditional tropes.
- Senator Cruz discusses 'Team America: World Police,' a satirical puppet film recognized for its "equal-opportunity offense" and strong language.
- He recounts a personal anecdote of watching the film with his in-laws, highlighting its humor.
- Cruz praises the historical war film 'Patton,' highlighting George C. Scott's opening speech as inspirational and a personal ritual.
- 'The Sting,' starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, is highly recommended as a classic film about con men.
- Cruz discusses 'Awakenings,' commending Robin Williams' dramatic performance, and mentions 'Braveheart' and 'Gladiator' as inspiring films.
- Eddie Murphy's comedies, including "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Coming to America," are discussed, noting how the edgy humor of "Coming to America" might be perceived differently today.
- The film "Wall Street" and character Gordon Gekko's cynical views on wealth are discussed.
- "Hidden Figures" is highlighted for its portrayal of African-American female mathematicians' crucial contributions to the space race.
- Senator Cruz recounts introducing bipartisan legislation to rename the street in front of NASA headquarters "Hidden Figures Way," which was successfully passed.
- He also mentions 'Schindler's List' and 'Lone Survivor' as impactful but difficult films to watch now as a father.
- Senator Cruz met Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks at the 80th anniversary of D-Day, praising their work on films like 'Saving Private Ryan.'
- He recounts a conversation with Spielberg regarding 'Schindler's List,' connecting its themes of guilt to WWII heroes.
- Cruz expresses his affinity for Broadway musicals, listing 'My Fair Lady' and sharing an anecdote about his role as Bill Sikes in 'Oliver.'
- Senator Cruz discusses his appreciation for musicals like "Hamilton" and "Les Misérables," sharing how "Les Misérables" evokes strong emotions.
- He recounts flying his mother to New York in 1993 for her birthday to see "Camelot" and "Les Misérables."
- Cruz names "The Magnificent Seven" as a favorite Western and includes Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" and "Inglorious Basterds" among his top film selections.