This may come as a surprise to some, but I am a devout fan of Tom Cruise films. Like, as much as Cruise believes that he’ll eventually be able to levitate and that his thetan level might make him a god, I believe that he consistently delivers great performances. He may have some kooky beliefs, and also a lot of just weird personality issues, but they don’t really cross over into his work. Or maybe they do and the Church of Scientology is better at covering it up than I think they are.

Brother Derek isn’t pushing any kind of judgement on Hollywood’s biggest star (and somehow, 41 years in to his career STILL rising), instead taking a look back to where it started and how ambition can lead people to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal, for better or worse.

And speaking of ambition, this tune really goes for it. There’s some Revolver/Pet Sounds-type psychedelia going on, but more prominent is the swirling influence of Air’s Moon Safari (specifically “Le Voyage de Penelope”). Brother Derek has managed to marry these sounds together and create something truly wonderful that is new, but a bit familiar.

Now, since I know you all are wondering, I will list my TOP TEN FAVORITE TOM CRUISE MOVIES:

10. Rain Man

9. Edge Of Tomorrow

8. Born On The Fourth Of July

7. A Few Good Men

6. Top Gun: Maverick

5. The Color Of Money

4. Magnolia

3. Vanilla Sky

2. Mission: Impossible-Fallout

1. Jerry Maguire