Cage Fighting: Cruise Control

Cage Fighting

Here at the Cage Fighting podcast we're here to answer all the questions you may have wondered about the World of Film. Who is the best Hemsworth? Why is Director Zach Braff the voice of our generation? Nic Cage; Good or Bad? Is Tom Cruise the Saviour of Cinema? If you've ever pondered anything about film, then this is the podcast for you. Send your questions to cagefightingpod@gmail.com Join us on twitter @cagefightingpod

  1. 3h ago

    Heroes in Crisis? Kevin Smith's Miss, and Tom Cruise Saves Cinema

    Heroes are in crisis, video game adaptations are taking over, and somehow Tom Cruise is still hanging off buildings. This week Andy, Ash, Stu and Ed return for their annual Heroes in Crisis? review, taking stock of the last twelve months in superhero cinema and television. From DC's surprising resurgence with Lanterns and Clayface, to Marvel's Spider-Man-fuelled comeback, video game adaptations, billion-dollar box office stories, and the increasingly blurred line between blockbuster entertainment and intellectual property management, the lads ask whether the cape-and-cowl era is thriving, surviving, or simply mutating into something else. The Short Short Film Film Review takes a look at Mae Day: The Crumbling of a Documentary, Kevin Smith's unusual and often baffling mock-documentary experiment. Is it a forgotten curiosity from one of independent cinema's most distinctive voices, or a rare Smith misfire best left buried in the DVD extras section? Finally, the Cruise Cruise reaches Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011). Tom Cruise scales the Burj Khalifa, outruns a sandstorm, and effectively reinvents both Ethan Hunt and his own career in the process. Between Brad Bird's inspired direction, Simon Pegg's expanded role, unforgettable set pieces, and arguably the definitive modern Mission: Impossible film, the boys discuss whether this is the moment Cruise finally became the action movie industry all by himself. Of course, no look at 2011 Tom Cruise would be complete without another instalment of Scientology Watch. This week: The BBC Meltdown. Journalists, cult spokesmen, former insiders, public relations disasters, and the moment Scientology seemed to realise that attacking critics wasn't working quite as well as it used to. With the usual blend of superheroes, video games, impossible missions, cult weirdness, and blockbuster nonsense, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Heroes in Crisis? Kevin Smith's Miss, and Tom Cruise Saves Cinema

  2. Oct 26

    Bruce Willis’ Passion Project, Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz Reunite, and The Director Who Defected

    Bruce Willis got exactly what he always wanted. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz try to prove star-driven blockbusters still have a place in Hollywood. And Scientology loses one of its most successful believers. This week Andy, Ash, Stu and Ed dive into Hudson Hawk (1991), Bruce Willis' long-gestating passion project that somehow evolved from a Cold War caper into a cartoonish adventure involving Da Vinci, alchemy, singing thieves, CIA agents named after chocolate bars and one of the strangest leading-man performances of the 1990s. Was Hudson Hawk unfairly savaged by critics, or is it the ultimate example of a movie star being given far too much creative freedom? The Short Short Film Film Review tackles Biohazard (2026), the fan-made Resident Evil film directed by and starring Chandler Riggs. With creepy atmosphere, impressive practical effects and a clear love for the source material, the lads discuss whether this is simply a very good fan film or evidence that Riggs might have a future behind the camera. Finally, the Cruise Cruise reaches Knight and Day (2010). Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz reunite for a globe-trotting action-comedy packed with motorcycles, explosions, spy nonsense and enough charisma to power a small nation. Is this one of the last great movie-star vehicles, or proof that charm alone can't save a paper-thin plot? Of course, no discussion of 2010 Tom Cruise would be complete without another trip into Scientology Watch. This week it's The Hollywood Defector. Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis walks away from Scientology after more than thirty years inside the Church, lending credibility to allegations and criticisms former members had been making for years. As one of Scientology's biggest success stories turns critic, the lads examine why his departure proved so significant and why it helped permanently change the public conversation surrounding the Church. With the usual blend of cult classics, passion projects, fan films, impossible missions, celebrity cults and cinematic chaos, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. You can purchase David Hughes' The Unmaking of Hudson Hawk here.

    Bruce Willis’ Passion Project, Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz Reunite, and The Director Who Defected

  3. Oct 20

    Pootie Tang, Cannibal Politics, and Tom Cruise vs Hitler. Sa Da Tay!

    This week Andy, Ash, Stu and Ed dive into Pootie Tang (2001), the cult comedy so strange it barely seems real. Born from a sketch-show character and directed by a pre-fame Louis C.K., the film follows a hero so cool he speaks almost entirely in his own language. The lads discuss blaxploitation influences, corporate satire, Jennifer Coolidge, studio interference, and whether Pootie Tang is a forgotten comic masterpiece or simply eighty minutes of glorious nonsense. More importantly, can a film this ridiculous still be genuinely funny twenty-five years later? The Short Short Film Film Review tackles Long Pork (2025), a dark dystopian short starring Lena Headey. Set in a future where politics, morality and punishment collide in deeply uncomfortable ways, the film sparks discussion about its controversial themes, stunning performances, unsettling imagery, and whether its message overwhelms the story itself. Disturbing, provocative and unexpectedly gripping, it proves once again that some of the most memorable filmmaking is happening far away from Hollywood. Finally, the Cruise Cruise reaches Valkyrie (2008). Tom Cruise dons an eye patch and attempts to change the course of history as Claus von Stauffenberg, the German officer at the heart of the failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast and based on extraordinary real events, the film should have all the ingredients of a great historical thriller. So why did it leave the lads so cold? They discuss Bryan Singer's direction, the challenge of building suspense around a story everyone knows the ending to, and whether Cruise ever truly disappears into the role. Of course, no discussion of 2008 Tom Cruise would be complete without another trip into Scientology Watch. This week it's The Hole, the alleged Scientology punishment facility where senior executives reportedly found themselves sleeping on floors, enduring humiliation rituals, and, according to former insiders, competing in games of musical chairs to Bohemian Rhapsody. It's one of the strangest stories we've covered so far and the moment criticism of Scientology began coming from inside the organisation itself. With the usual blend of cult comedies, dystopian nightmares, failed assassinations, bizarre religions, movie star obsession, and Tom Cruise, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Pootie Tang, Cannibal Politics, and Tom Cruise vs Hitler. Sa Da Tay!

  4. Oct 13

    Dogma's Lost Legacy, Tropic Thunder Divides the Room, and Scientology vs The Internet

    Kevin Smith's controversial religious comedy returns to the spotlight as Andy, Ash, Stu and Ed dive into Dogma (1999). With fallen angels, Alan Rickman, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jay and Silent Bob, and one of the strangest studio stories of the 1990s, the lads discuss whether Dogma deserves its reputation as a cult classic, why it remains frustratingly difficult to find, and whether its debate about faith, belief and organised religion feels even more relevant today. The Short Short Film Film Review heads to France with Horatio⁠, a dark animated short that left the team scratching their heads, debating its meaning, and wondering exactly what happened after the credits rolled. Disturbing, thought-provoking and surprisingly memorable, it's another fascinating addition to the growing short film library. Finally, the Cruise Cruise reaches Tropic Thunder (2008). Ben Stiller directs a Hollywood satire packed with explosions, ego, movie stars and chaos, while Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of the most talked-about performances of his career. But for once, it's Tom Cruise who steals the spotlight. The lads discuss Les Grossman, giant prosthetic hands, studio executives, divisive comedy, and whether Tropic Thunder deserves its reputation as one of the defining comedies of the 2000s. Of course, no discussion of 2008 Tom Cruise would be complete without another trip into Scientology Watch. This week it's Tom Cruise, Anonymous, and the leaked Scientology video that accidentally triggered one of the first truly global internet protest movements. Guy Fawkes masks, viral videos, online chaos, and a confrontation between the Church of Scientology and an internet that had discovered it didn't like being told what it could and couldn't watch. With the usual blend of cult films, controversial comedies, internet rebellions, giant hands, fallen angels, and movie star madness, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPodUse the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Dogma's Lost Legacy, Tropic Thunder Divides the Room, and Scientology vs The Internet

  5. Oct 6

    Worst Animated Film Ever, The Scientologist's Wife, and Tom Cruise: Lion or Lamb?

    The Trick 'r Treat season begins, and Ash has brought a gift for the lads. Unfortunately, it's Foodfight!. Often described as one of the worst animated films ever made, the gang dive into a production that spent more than a decade in development hell before finally emerging as a baffling mix of product mascots, questionable humour, terrible animation, and decisions that somehow become more confusing the longer you think about them. Is this genuinely the worst animated film ever made, or has its legendary reputation finally eclipsed the reality? The Short Short Film Film Review takes a very different turn with Paper Ghosts, the micro-budget short from director Vivek Pranavamurthi. Running for less than two minutes, this tiny film about grief, love, loss and acceptance sparks a surprisingly heartfelt discussion about visual storytelling, restraint, and how a film made for less than the price of a night out can sometimes leave a bigger impact than a Hollywood blockbuster. Finally, the Cruise Cruise continues with Lions for Lambs (2007). Tom Cruise steps away from action heroics to sit opposite Meryl Streep and debate politics, war, responsibility and the state of modern America. The performances are strong, the cast is packed with talent, but does Robert Redford's political drama actually have anything to say beneath all the talking? Of course, no journey through 2000s Tom Cruise would be complete without another visit to Scientology Watch. This week we explore The Disappearance of Shelly Miscavige. Once a prominent figure within Scientology, the wife of church leader David Miscavige seemingly vanished from public life, creating one of the most enduring and unsettling mysteries surrounding the organisation. Is there a simple explanation, or is this one of the strangest stories we've covered so far? With the usual blend of terrible films, thoughtful shorts, political dramas, conspiracy theories, cult weirdness, and Tom Cruise, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Worst Animated Film Ever, The Scientologist's Wife, and Tom Cruise: Lion or Lamb?

  6. Sep 28

    Cruise with another Impossible Mission, South Park vs Scientology, and Winter is Coming

    The Summer of 2026 may be over, but Winter is Coming. This week Andy, Ash, Stu and Ed look ahead to the biggest films and TV shows arriving between October 2026 and January 2027. From Tom Cruise's mysterious next project Digger!, to Clayface, Crystal Lake, Godzilla Minus Zero, Blade Runner 2099, Dune: Part Three, Harry Potter, The Beekeeper 2 and much more, the lads ask what should be on your watchlist, what's destined to disappoint, and what could become the next big surprise hit. The Short Short Film Film Review returns with Laura Living Backwards, the award-winning Midlands-made sci-fi short from Kate Horlor. With an ingenious time-travel concept, a fantastic lead performance from Sarah Feltham, and enough ideas to embarrass most modern Doctor Who episodes, the team discuss why this tiny production has left such a big impression. Finally, the Cruise Cruise reaches Mission: Impossible III (2006). Tom Cruise recruits TV wunderkind J.J. Abrams, Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers one of the most chilling villains of the 2000s, and Ethan Hunt attempts the most impossible mission of all: settling down and living a normal life. Of course, no discussion of 2006 Tom Cruise would be complete without another trip into Scientology Watch. This week it's South Park vs Scientology. Xenu goes mainstream, Tom Cruise becomes a cartoon punchline, Suri is born, Paramount loses patience, and the Church discovers something more dangerous than government investigators, journalists, or rival religions: A joke. With the usual blend of blockbusters, nonsense, cults, time travel, impossible missions, and animated character assassinations, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Cruise with another Impossible Mission, South Park vs Scientology, and Winter is Coming

  7. Sep 21

    Spider-Man on an Odyssey into Summer 2026, Double Spielberg, and a Little Tom Cruise

    The Return of the Summer Smash. Part two of our Summer Review sees Andy, Ash, Stu, and Ed wrap up their look back at the record-breaking Summer of 2026. With July and Augustdelivering the season's heaviest of heavy-hitters; The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, surprise successes, disappointments, horror hits, and the films that helped turn a strong summer into one of the biggest box-office stories in modern cinema. The question remains: did Summer 2026 prove audiences still want the big-screen experience?   The Short Short Film Film Review heads back to where it all began with Amblin', the low-budget short film that launched the career of a young filmmaker named Steven Spielberg. Long before the sharks, dinosaurs, aliens and archaeologists, there was a desert road trip, a guitar case, and a glimpse of one of cinema's future giants finding his voice.   Finally, the Cruise Cruise rolls straight into our Spielberg double-bill, as Tom reunites with Steve in an alien invasion epic, as we talk all things War of the Worlds (2005). Giant tripods. Panicked crowds. Dakota Fanning screaming at frequencies normally reserved for military sonar. Between Spielberg's relentless direction, one of Cruise's most intense performances, and a post-9/11 blockbuster packed with anxiety, fear, and spectacle, the lads ask whether this is one of the most underrated science-fiction films of the 2000s.   Of course, no discussion of 2005 Tom Cruise would be complete without a trip through Scientology Watch, and this is a PRIME CRUISE MADNESS tale! With the usual blend of silliness, seriousness, alien invasions, and existential panic, it's time once again to take Cruise Control.   📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    Spider-Man on an Odyssey into Summer 2026, Double Spielberg, and a Little Tom Cruise

  8. Sep 14

    The Summer Cinema Strikes Back, The Nail, and Tom Cruise's Greatest Villain

    Summer 2026: The Cinema Strikes Back (Part 1) This week Andy, Ash, Stu, and Ed begin their look back at the record-breaking Summer of 2026, breaking down the biggest hits, surprise successes, spectacular failures, and the films that kept audiences piling into cinemas all season long. In Part 1, the lads tackle May and June, from billion-dollar blockbusters and breakout horror hits to forgotten curios and expensive disappointments, asking whether this was the summer Hollywood finally remembered how to make people leave the house. The Short Short Film Film Review takes aim at the viral relationship comedy It's Not About The Nail, a deceptively simple short that asks one of life's most important questions: are people looking for solutions, or do they just want somebody to listen? Finally, the Cruise Cruise rolls into the gorgeously neon-soaked streets of Los Angeles as Tom Cruise swaps heroics for homicide in Collateral. Grey hair. Sharp suits. Deadly precision. Cruise delivers one of the most surprising performances of his career as Vincent, a contract killer who turns an ordinary taxi ride into a nightmare. Between Jamie Foxx's breakout dramatic performance, Michael Mann's hypnotic vision of LA, and one of the coolest movie villains of the 21st century, the lads ask whether this might actually be Cruise at his very best. With the usual blend of silliness, seriousness, and another alarming instalment of Scientology Watch, it's time once again to take Cruise Control. 📲 Socials: @CageFightingPod Use the special link (cagefighting) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

    The Summer Cinema Strikes Back, The Nail, and Tom Cruise's Greatest Villain
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Here at the Cage Fighting podcast we're here to answer all the questions you may have wondered about the World of Film. Who is the best Hemsworth? Why is Director Zach Braff the voice of our generation? Nic Cage; Good or Bad? Is Tom Cruise the Saviour of Cinema? If you've ever pondered anything about film, then this is the podcast for you. Send your questions to cagefightingpod@gmail.com Join us on twitter @cagefightingpod

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