Cinema: A to B

Hollywood veteran Richard Bazley recounts his path from growing up in rural England to Disney animator, CGI artist, storyboard artist and ultimately a transition to Emmy-nominated director. Richard's animation credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Hercules and The Iron Giant. Richard gives insight into the demise of 2D animation and his journey of persistence and adaptati...

SPOILER WARNING. Alec and Ben break down the war film directed by Alex Garland and former US Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza based on Mendoza's combat experience in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. Image by Aline (Алевтина) Mueller from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/  

A look back at the 1997 David Fincher thriller starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger and Sean Penn. The guys explore The Game's aesthetic, character development, and thematic elements. They discuss Michael Douglas's performance, the film's cinematography, and the impact of its minimal score. The conversation also touches on the film's pacing, viewer engagement, and its legacy within Fincher...

A spoiler-light discussion on the Jesse Eisenberg written and directed dramedy starring Kieran Culkin (Best Supporting Actor Winner) and Jesse Eisenberg. Image by Enrique from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/  

Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood with a humor filled look back at Quentin Tarantino's 9th film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Alec discusses the performances and chemistry of DiCaprio and Pitt. Ben converses on the film's historical context and how that conflict affects the viewer. The guys address that controversial Bruce Lee scene as...

A return to the 2004 Wes Anderson comedy starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, and Willem Dafoe. Ben compares and contrasts Anderson's early vs. recent filmography. Alec praises the performances of Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe. The guys converse on the film's incredible set pieces and frequent nods to the process of filmmaking. The discussion rounds out on Anderson's...

Alec and Ben revisit the 1993 Western film Tombstone, discussing its all-star cast, particularly the late Val Kilmer's iconic performance as Doc Holliday. The guys explore the film's controversial direction, character dynamics, and the historical context surrounding the events depicted. The conversation also touches on the cinematography and visual style of the film, as well as reflections on Kilm...

A closer look at Christopher Nolan's 2014 space epic Interstellar starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon. Join Alec and Ben as they rank the film in their own hierarchy of Nolan pictures as well as performance breakdowns, cinematography, editing, and a discussion on the film's iconic score by Hans Zimmer. The conversation shifts to the film's scientific accura...

25 years removed Alec and Ben revisit the Stephen Frears directed rom-com exploring its themes, character dynamics, and cultural impact. They discuss the evolution of John Cusack's character, Rob, and the comedic brilliance of Jack Black. The conversation touches on masculinity, relationships, and the role of music in shaping the narrative. The hosts reflect on their personal growth and changing p...

The guys revisit the 1986 basketball drama directed by David Anspaugh and starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, and Dennis Hopper. Ben shares his own personal connection with Indiana basketball while Alec marvels at the acting prowess of Hackman. The guys discuss the film's character development, casting, and sometimes contentious production. The conversation shifts to a reflection on the legacy...

A conversation on the seventh entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise starring Tom Cruise quickly turns into a larger discussion on the past, present, and potential future of the spy series. Alec compares and contrasts MI with James Bond while Ben reflects on his favorite entries in the franchise as well as its problematic departure from the original source material. Join the guys for a deep di...

A listener request comes in the form of the 1952 dramedy The Quiet Man directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and set in 1920s Ireland. The guys get out of their comfort zone to discuss this piece of early 1950s cinema. Join Alec and Ben as they converse on what has aged well, what hasn't, and their thoughts on a titan of the golden age of Hollywood. Official Site - https:/...

A laughter and quote filled look back at the 1996 Michael Bay action film starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris. Ben discusses how two of the main cast completely elevate the film as well as what made 90s action film cinematography so great. Alec celebrates the complexity of the film's antagonist General Hummel. The guys reflect on the eccentric performance of Nicolas Cage and his on...

A listener request centered around Gary Oldman comes in the form of a discussion on the 1994 Luc Besson film also starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. Join Alec and Ben for a conversation on the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable aspects of the iconic action thriller. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob  

A spoiler filled conversation on season one of FX's The Bear. Ben shares misguided concerns he had during the show's first episode while Alec lauds the acting talents of Jeremy Allen White. The guys converse on the show's writing, cinematography, and complex characters. Ben explains how the season one finale accomplished something few films are even pulling off. Alec discovers a shared project wit...

Alec and Ben revisit the 2010 Facebook drama directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin and Ben Mezrich. Ben discusses the film's distinct look and gives some background on cinematographer and frequent Fincher collaborator Jeff Cronenweth. Alec praises the film's soundtrack from artists Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The guys discuss the performances and careers of Jesse Eisenberg (Mark...

A nostalgia filled conversation on the 1991 Disney adventure film directed by Joe Johnston. The guys discuss the film's balanced blend of action, comedy, and sense of wonder. The guys also praise the depth of a cast that includes Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, and Paul Sorvino. Alec discusses the movie's ability to convey the novelty of aviation in the 1930s. In dis...

It's a listener request as Alec and Ben take a look back at the 1997 crime-comedy Suicide Kings directed by Peter O'Fallon. Ben credits a famous director for paving the way for these types of films in the late 90s and early 2000s. Alec praises the performances of Denis Leary and Christopher Walken while Ben lauds an early comedic performance from Johnny Galecki. The guys discuss the film's plot tw...

Over two decades removed Michael Mann's 2004 crime thriller demands a re-watch. Join Alec and Ben as they explore the film's themes, character dynamics, and Mann's early adoption of digital filmmaking. The guys discuss the performances of Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, and a breakout role for Javier Bardem. Ben discusses the film's portrayal of Los Angeles while Alec breaks down Mann's knack for construc...

Some spoilers ahead as Alec and Ben discuss the 2024 animated feature 'The Wild Robot' directed by Chris Sanders and adapted from the Peter Brown book. Alec explains why the film's visual aesthetic is so impressive and what went into creating it. Ben discusses the film's primary themes and the 1999 animated feature film that feels like an inspiration. The guys delve into the voice acting performan...

Spoilers ahead as the guys unpack the 2024 Alex Garland thriller Civil War. Alec and Ben share their initial thoughts on the film's themes, cinematography, character development, and overall execution. The conversation delves into the film's visual style and narrative structure before conversing on the film's performances notably Kirsten Dunst and the buzz worthy performance of Jesse Plemons. The...

A look back at the historical epic The Right Stuff adapted from the Tom Wolfe book and directed by Philip Kaufman. Join Alec and Ben as they revisit the film that documents the dawn of the space race and the men and women who lived it. Alec explains why the film is more akin to a 1970s motion picture while Ben discusses the central themes of the movie. The guys marvel at the depth of the cast and...

For the 100th episode Alec and Ben livestream the podcast and delve into the intricacies of the acclaimed series 'Band of Brothers,' discussing its unique presentation, production techniques, and the emotional weight of its storytelling. They explore the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to its success, the character development that resonates with viewers, and the lasting impact of the s...

It's a special Christmas episode of Cinema: A to B as Alec and Ben look back at the The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). The guys contrast their differing ages first seeing the film and the power of nostalgia. Michael Caine's portrayal of Scrooge is analyzed along with Brian Henson's directorial debut. Ben explains why this adaptation is so important and what separates it from several others in cine...

It's finally time to evaluate the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Has the creative team addressed the issues from Season 1 and what is the show's current trajectory? Join Cinema: A to B for another discussion and critique of Amazon Prime's Tolkien adaptation. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - h...