Cinema: A to B

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...

Alec and Ben have a spoiler free discussion on the final entry in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Alec explains what he felt worked and didn't with this installment. Ben appreciates the emotional moments and continued commitment to high end visual effects. Alec implores folks to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special before seeing Volume 3. The guys specifically discuss ca...

Cinema: A to B takes a look back at Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Dune (part one). Alec discusses how the film successfully navigates the political intrigue of the book while still delivering stunning action sequences. Ben speaks to the film's aesthetic and use of practical visual effects. The guys single out and discuss the acting performances of Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson...

A spoiler light conversation on the feature film based on the incredible true story of Nike's pursuit of Michael Jordan, Air (2023). The guys discuss and give high praise to the cast, notably Matt Damon (Sonny Vaccaro), Viola Davis (Deloris Jordan) and Jason Bateman (Rob Strasser). The discussion shifts to the shooting style employed by director Ben Affleck and Alec appreciates a key creative choi...

A return to Ridley Scott's masterpiece, Gladiator (2000). Alec explains why this era of cinema is so beloved. The guys converse on the performances of leads Russell Crowe (Maximus) and Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus). Ben gives an insane anecdote on the writing process while making the film and Alec discusses the challenges surrounding the late actor Oliver Reed (Proximo). The conversation shifts to th...

A spoiler free conversation on the first season of the WW2 show Rogue Heroes on MGM+. Cinema: A to B discusses the performances of the lead actors: Connor Swindells (David Stirling), Jack O'Connell (Paddy Mayne) and Alfie Allen (Jock Lewes). Ben explains why the unique soundtrack choice for the show works. The guys bemoan the lack of prior North African WW2 campaign shows and movies. The conversat...

A spoiler free conversation on the Nintendo & Illumination Entertainment animated feature film phenomenon, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Ben discusses how the movie successfully operates on two levels for both kids and adults. Alec shares how Jack Black (Bowser) connects with audiences. The guys discuss the controversy surrounding Chris Pratt as Mario. Ben explains why the visuals are Illumination'...

These are fun, off the cuff discussions on movies (new and old) & streaming series. Our goal? Bridge the gap that exists between Hollywood industry insiders and the casual viewer. We're Alec & Ben and this is Cinema: A to B. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaatob/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cinemaatob TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemaatob