An odd companion piece to last week's episode (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) featuring another aspect of human existence (this week: ASD, last week: trans awareness) that in 2024 we have a vastly more informed cultural relationship to than we did at the time of these movies' respective releases. AND YET, I think it's fair to say that our deepened understanding of these communities owes something (good or bad, or likely, a combo platter therein) to these films made on the cusp of the 90s. 

Dustin Hoffman got all the flowers for his performance, but this is the movie that cemented Tom Cruise as more than a good looking matinee idol. Like him or hate him, he's kinda perfect as a guy you hate but also kinda can't help liking, too. And, hey, if there's one thing all Dads can agree on is that the only thing we love more than a danged road trip movie is a danged road trip. So gas up the Roadmaster and buckle in for Barry Levinson's 1988 drama RAIN MAN.