Episode 5

full
Published on:

3rd Sep 2025

American Made

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes take off with "American Made" (2017), starring Tom Cruise as Barry Seal, a pilot who gets tangled up in smuggling, the CIA, and more money than he can carry.

Both Butler and Field agree the movie is a fun ride, but it’s one that relies almost entirely on Cruise’s charm to keep it in the air. The film never really establishes a sense of risk or conflict, even as Barry’s world spins out of control. Instead of leaning into the tension of its story—especially in the third act—it plays things too lightly, making dangerous situations feel more like a joyride.

What's your favorite non-action Tom Cruise film? Let us know in the comments below!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema

🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop

Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com

0:00 - Introduction

2:28 - Film Facts

11:21 - Film Discussion

38:19 - Reviews

42:08 - Who Would You Recommend This To?

44.02 - Why Is This Forgotten?

47:02 - Plugs

#ForgottenCinema #AmericanMade #TomCruise #2017 #Action #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

Show artwork for Forgotten Cinema

About the Podcast

Forgotten Cinema
A podcast about forgotten films that deserve a second chance
Welcome to Forgotten Cinema! Each episode, Mike Field and Mike Butler highlight a film that for a variety of reasons was forgotten by audiences. Whether it be because a more popular movie was released at the same time or the movie simply didn’t catch on with an audience in the its initial run. We’ll discuss what we love about the movie or perhaps don’t love about it and decide whether the movie is worth a revisit.