Cinema: A to B

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...

The Matrix has you... Journey back to 1999 as Cinema: A to B revisits the landmark sci-fi film from the Wachowskis starring Keanu Reeves. Ben discusses how public perception of the film is affected by the sequels. Alec recounts his first theatrical viewing experience. The guys discuss Keanu Reeves (Neo) along with co-star Carrie-Anne Moss's (Trinity) career. Alec explains why the film's cinematogr...

A SPOILER FREE discussion around the Gareth Edwards sci-fi epic The Creator (2023). Alec discusses why this was one of his most anticipated films of the year. The guys evaluate the film's script. Ben explains why the movie should change audience impressions of John David Washington. Alec has some character and story critiques. Ben explains the pros and cons of shooting the movie on a $4000 USD pro...

A look back at the landmark Steven Spielberg WW2 film, Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks. The guys discuss the camera and framing techniques that further add to the realism of the combat. Ben explains how the film paved the way for an entire line of war films and mini-series in the early 2000s. Alec relays a funny story surrounding the casting of Matt Damon. Ben discusses what the film has i...

Some spoilers ahead as the guys unpack the fantasy-comedy Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Alec explains his initial reservations on the casting of Christ Pine. Ben discusses why this movie works and why it unfortunately didn't perform well at the box office. Alec talks over how the film honors D&D lore while still being accessible to a broader audience. Ben discusses what the film...

"It's all in the reflexes." Cinema: A to B revisits the beloved John Carpenter action-comedy, Big Trouble in Little China. Alec reveals how he felt about the film after his first and then second viewing. Ben discusses where the main character of Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) ranks among his favorite movie characters. The guys discuss the cast including stars Kim Cattrall and James Hong. Alec reveals...

A look at the fourth and possibly final installment in the Keanu Reeves action-film franchise: John Wick. Spoilers are ahead as Alec and Ben unpack the movie and compare and contrast it with elements of the previous three Wick films. Alec expresses concerns with character development. Ben discusses the film's run-time and cinematography. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion about the cur...

In a first for Cinema: A to B Alec selects a surprise film for Ben to discuss: 1995's The Usual Suspects. The guys dive into a conversation on one of the great neo-noir films of the 90s written by Christopher McQuarrie (Mission Impossible franchise, Top Gun: Maverick) and directed by Bryan Singer. Alec discusses how the film kicked off the career of Kevin Spacey. Ben explains why most movies don't...

A look back at acclaimed director Martin Scorsese's 1990 mafia classic, Goodfellas. Alec discusses the late Ray Liotta's sudden rise to prominence with the role of Henry Hill. Ben explains why this is his favorite mafia film. The guys contrast Goodfellas with The Godfather movies and discuss the performances of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. Ben explains why the film's editing set...

A conversation on the 2022 surprise comedy hit The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Alec and Ben discuss the performances and acting careers of stars Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal. Alec mentions a favorite scene related to auditioning as an actor. Ben gives credit to writer/director Tom Gormican for pursuing Cage with the role. The guys further discuss the rising star of Pedro Pascal. Official...

A look back at director Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven (2001). Alec explains why this remains one of his all time favorite films. The guys discuss the career trajectories of actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. Ben references the film Soderbergh homages during the Bellagio fountain sequence. Cinema: A to B converse on the film's shooting and editing style and how it has impacted c...

A Spoiler Free discussion of the final installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Ben discusses where the young Indiana Jones deepfake VFX worked and where it fell short. Alec gives his thoughts on the state of the franchise with this last installment. The guys give performance breakdowns including Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Boy...

A look back at the 2008 HBO TV Mini Series, Generation Kill. Alec shares his thoughts following another recent viewing. Does the series based on Evan Wright's account of the 1st Recon Marines march to Baghdad in 2003 still hold up today? The guys discuss notable performances including Alexander Skarsgard, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen, and Jon Huertas. Alec explains why Rudy Reyes was the only Marin...

Cinema: A to B's most anticipated movie of 2023 has finally arrived. Join Alec and Ben for a SPOILER FREE discussion of Christopher Nolan's latest film, Oppenheimer. The guys discuss which theater set-ups they saw the film in, including IMAX. Alec and Ben have high praise for the film's cast: Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Josh Hartnett and many others. Ben explains wh...

A look back at the 1982 sci-fi cult classic, Blade Runner. Alec explains why it took him more than one viewing to truly appreciate the film. Ben discusses how the film has influenced pop culture following its release. The guys discuss the many versions of the film culminating in Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Performances are discussed including Harrison Ford (Deckard) and the late Rutger Hauer (Roy...

In anticipation of the release of Oppenheimer (2023), Cinema: A to B ventures away from the traditional film discussion to take a look back at the career of Writer-Director Christopher Nolan. The guys work through Nolan's impressive filmography as they discuss his unique approach to filmmaking. Alec discusses his initial introduction to Nolan via Memento (2000). Ben explains why The Prestige (2005...

A largely spoiler free discussion of the first season of the Los Angeles Lakers historical drama, Winning Time, now streaming on Max. The guys discuss the performances of the show's actors including: John C. Reilly (Jerry Buss), Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), Jason Clarke (Jerry West), Gaby Hoffman (Claire Rothman), Hadley Robinson (Jeanie Buss) and Solomon Hughes (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Ben explai...

A look back at the 1995 comedy smash hit Tommy Boy. Alec and Ben discuss the film's late star Chris Farley as well as supporting cast members David Spade, Rob Lowe, and Julie Warner. Cinema: A to B unpacks why this film works as more than just a comedy including its script, structure, and film editing. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion of comedic film's evolution over the last 30 year...

In anticipation of the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Cinema: A to B takes a look back at the first four films in the Indiana Jones Saga from creators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Join Alec and Ben as they discuss Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade and the much maligned Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The guys detail why the fourth entry fell flat. Ale...