Cinema: A to B

Cinema: A to B takes a look back at a film that had been on Ben's to-see list for quite some time: the late William Friedkin's 1977 thriller Sorcerer starring Roy Scheider. Alec questions whether some creative decisions work in 2024. Ben lauds the tension built in the film's most memorable scene. The guys discuss some of the nuance Friedkin was attempting to build into the film as well as its endi...

A look back at the 1985 adventure film written by Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner. Alec and Ben discuss their very different initial viewing experiences of the film. Ben evaluates how the film has aged and how it serves as a window into mid-80s America. Alec explains why the movie works. The guys discuss the extensive cast including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff...

Spoilers ahead as Alec and Ben discuss Ridley Scott's 2023 historical epic, Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. Alec questions key casting decisions for the film as well as whether Ridley Scott's best days as a director are behind him. Ben discusses modern political undertones present in the movie. The guys contrast where the film worked, where it struggled, and whether or not th...

An assessment of the shortened second and final season of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty streaming on HBO Max. Alec compares and contrasts the first and second seasons. Ben explains the major narratives that the show never got the chance to cover. The guys discuss the impressive Season 2 performances of Adrien Brody (Pat Riley) and Jason Segel (Paul Westhead). Ben theorizes why the t...

A look back at the 2010 sequel Tron: Legacy starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde. Alec contrasts his experience with the original film vs. the follow-up. Ben describes what he believes is the definitive theatrical version of the film. Alec discusses the visuals and the importance of having Daft Punk score the film. Ben explains why the box office wasn't larger and the pit falls...

A SPOILER FREE conversation on the second installment of Denis Villeneuve's Dune Saga slowly evolves into a larger discussion on the current state of big budget filmmaking. Ben dispels some recent hyperbole surrounding the film. Alec contrasts Part Two with the first entry. Ben likens the visual effects to that of another massive film franchise and also compares Part Two with other memorable IMAX...

At long last Alec gets Ben to finish Season 1 of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ for a lively conversation. Alec explains what draws him back to the show. Ben discusses whether the series still works 4 years removed from the pandemic. The guys discuss the stellar ensemble cast: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso), Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton), Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), Brendan Hu...

A spoiler light episode on the Willy Wonka prequel film starring Timothée Chalamet. The guys discuss the musical nature of the movie. Alec evaluates Chalamet's performance in the role of Wonka. Ben praises the production design. The conversation moves into risk taking in filmmaking or the lack thereof. Ben shares a missed marketing opportunity while the film was in theatres. The comparisons with t...

Light on the spoilers and heavy on... analysis? Maybe. The guys discuss Barbie written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie. Alec explains differences between his first and second viewing. Ben critiques the script. The guys praise the production design and performances of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and weigh in on the Oscars controversy. Join Cinema: A to B for a fun convers...

A spoiler light conversation on The Holdovers written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne. The guys discuss their overall impressions of the film as well as draw comparisons to two earlier movies. Alec shares a personal anecdote on actor Paul Giamatti (Paul Hunham). Ben discusses the distinct look and camera movements in the film. The guys converse on newcomer Dominic Sessa (Angus T...

A look back at the 2011 sports drama, Moneyball, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Bennett Miller. The guys discuss the performances of stars Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Alec reveals his general opinion on sports movies and how the film fits within that view. Ben reminisces on his relationship with the sport of baseball. The guys discuss the quality of the screenplay and how it elevates the su...

A fun-filled conversation on the 1987 action sci-fi film, Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (Dutch) and directed by John McTiernan. The guys reminisce on how they first discovered the film. Ben explains an important aspect of the movie that makes it like none other. Alec shares funny behind the scenes anecdotes on actors Jesse Ventura (Blain), Carl Weathers (Dillon) and Sonny Landham (Billy...

An in-depth discussion on the 2016 crime-drama film, Hell or High Water, written by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River, Yellowstone) and directed by David Mackenzie. Alec explains why he keeps coming back to the film. The guys discuss stand out performances from Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham. Alec discusses the script and character arcs in the film. Ben lauds the film's...

"Inconceivable!" A trip down memory lane as Alec and Ben discuss the beloved adventure-comedy The Princess Bride written by William Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner. Alec reminisces on where he first watched the film. The guys reflect on what is now considered an all-star cast featuring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, F...

Cinema: A to B revisits the fourth entry in George Miller’s Mad Max saga, Fury Road. Alec discusses the visuals and cinematography. Ben discusses the use of practical effects work and action sequence editing. The guys discuss the performances and on-set drama between Tom Hardy (Max) and Charlize Theron (Furiosa). Alec and Ben discuss the film’s award winning achievements at the 2016 Oscars and spe...

Cinema: A to B's 50th Episode: a livestream revisiting Guy Ritchie's crime comedy Snatch (2000) starring Brad Pitt and Jason Statham. The guys compare the film with Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, discuss their personal connection to the film and analyze its influence on filmmaking in the 2000s. Ben discusses the film's visual style and editing techniques. Alec explains Guy Ritchie's prowess i...

A look back at the John McTiernan directed action film Die Hard. Alec and Ben debate whether or not Die Hard really is a Christmas movie. Alec praises Alan Rickman's performance as Hans Gruber and gives some background on the scene involving Ellis. Ben shares his funniest moments from the film as well as why the movie has aged so well. The guys reminisce on their time in Los Angeles in and around...

A spoiler free conversation on the second entry in the Miles Morales animated Spider-Man saga. Alec mentions his one regret watching the movie. Ben compares the film to some other recent entries and discussing toxic conditions for VFX professionals. Alec discusses the stereotypes facing animated movies. Ben contrasts the movie with the golden age of Disney. The guys discuss the voicework and how t...

Cinema: A to B takes a look back at the third entry in the Daniel Craig James Bond franchise, Skyfall. Alec discusses where he ranks the film and the guys discuss the cinematography of Roger Deakins and his partnership with director Sam Mendes. Ben explains how the narrative breaks with convention. Alec shares a rumored casting decision that was not to be. The guys discuss the physical nature of C...

A Spoiler Light discussion on David Fincher's The Killer (2023) now streaming on Netflix. Alec compares the film with another assassin franchise. Ben explains Fincher's visual style. The guys explain what makes Michael Fassbender great in the role. Alec discusses some of the film's flaws while Ben explains where the movie offers something unique. The guys round out the discussion on managing expec...

A return to 2002's The Bourne Identity starring Matt Damon and directed by Doug Liman. Alec discusses why he's still drawn to the first Bourne film. Ben explains how the movie set the bar for another spy franchise. Alec discusses why Doug Liman never directed another Bourne movie and why the US Embassy sequence is so good. Ben discusses the stark departure in cinematography and editing styles for...

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!" Join Cinema: A to B for a laughter filled conversation on Stanley Kubrick's dark comedy Dr. Strangelove (1964) starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens and James Earl Jones. The guys discuss where the film ranks for them among Kubrick's works. Alec shares a story of Kubrick and Sellers conflicting methods. Be...

A look back at John Frankenheimer's spy-action film Ronin (1998). Alec discusses discovering the film later on and how it holds up under repeat viewings. Ben talks about how the movie is structured and styled after films made decades earlier. Alec explains a Bourne Identity connection to the film. The guys re-evaluate the stacked cast including Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Sean Bean, Natascha McElho...

Some spoilers ahead as Cinema: A to B discusses the Paramount+ limited series The Offer (based on producer Albert S. Ruddy's account of making The Godfather).  The guys discuss standout performances by Miles Teller (Albert S. Ruddy), Matthew Goode (Robert Evans), and Burn Gorman (Charles Bluhdorn). Alec explains how writing quality dictates a good or bad series. Ben shares his professional connect...

A look back at the 2003 Captain Jack Aubrey adaptation, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Alec explains how his opinion on the film has changed over the past twenty years. Ben discusses where writer-director Peter Weir ranks among directing greats. The guys discuss how and why the film went largely unnoticed both at the box office and at the 2004 Academy Awards. The guys discuss the...