Episodes
5 days ago
Sorcerer (1977) revisited
5 days ago
5 days ago
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 ending. The conversation shifts to a discussion on the latter portion of Friedkin's career as well as his volatile personality. The guys discuss the importance of risk taking in cinema.
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Monday Apr 15, 2024
The Goonies (1985) revisited
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
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 Cohen, and Ke Huy Quan. The conversation concludes with a desire to see Hollywood get back to the basics of sound filmmaking.
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Monday Apr 08, 2024
Napoleon (2023)
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
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 the story of Napoleon Bonaparte might better be served as a miniseries.
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Monday Apr 01, 2024
Winning Time - Season 2 (2023)
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
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 the show never took off. Tangents galore as the episode covers the NBA, MJ vs. Lebron, a critique of Warner Bros. Discovery and the challenges facing streaming platforms.
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Monday Mar 25, 2024
Tron: Legacy (2010) revisited
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
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 of making sequels to cult status movies. The guys discuss the performances of Garrett Hedlund and Michael Sheen as well as the directing background and path of Joseph Kosinski. The conversations moves to potential narrative avenues for the upcoming 2025 sequel Tron: Ares. Join Cinema: A to B as they shine a light back on a underappreciated piece of cinema from the 2010s.
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Monday Mar 18, 2024
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
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 screenings. The guys converse over the performances of Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, and Christopher Walken. The conversation shifts to what's working and what isn't in today's Hollywood film scene -- particularly big budget movies and streaming series. Apologies in advance for several bad Walken impressions.
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Monday Mar 11, 2024
Ted Lasso - Season 1 (2020)
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
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 Hunt (Coach Beard), and Juno Temple (Keeley Jones). Ben discusses Sudeikis's personal connection with the character. Alec delves into the backstory on the casting of Roy Kent and explains why this is one of the greatest first seasons of all time.
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Monday Mar 04, 2024
Wonka (2023)
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
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 the 1971 Gene Wilder film are... numerous.
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Monday Feb 26, 2024
Barbie (2023)
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
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 conversation on the biggest film of 2023!
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Monday Feb 19, 2024
The Holdovers (2023)
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
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 Tully) and the acting talents of Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Mary Lamb). The conversation closes with a discussion of the upcoming Academy Awards season.
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Monday Feb 12, 2024
Moneyball (2011) revisited
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
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 subject matter. Ben discusses the importance of high level execution in filmmaking. The guys reflect on the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.
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Monday Feb 05, 2024
Predator (1987) revisited
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
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). The guys evaluate how the film has aged and discuss this specific period of mid to late 80s action cinema. The films challenging location shooting conditions are discussed. The conversation shifts to a discussion on Arnold's film career and why a true passing of the torch to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson never really materialized. Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of arguably the most testosterone fueled action film of all time. This episode was recorded prior to the recent passing of Carl Weathers. May he rest in peace.
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Monday Jan 29, 2024
Hell or High Water (2016) revisited
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
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 cinematography and edit in this modern Western. The conversation closes with a discussion on the writing prowess of Taylor Sheridan and how modern Hollywood has largely abandoned good storytelling.
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Monday Jan 22, 2024
The Princess Bride (1987) revisited
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
"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, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, Billy Crystal and Carol Kane. Ben explains what the film Shrek has in common with Princess Bride. Alec discusses how the movie balances its comedic approach. Join Cinema: A to B for a celebratory episode full of laughs, quotes, and an appreciation for how versatile the art form of cinema can truly be.
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Monday Jan 15, 2024
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) revisited
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
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 speculate on the future of the franchise. Ben laments the number of uncredited post-production crew involved on the film. The conversation closes with an additional discussion on the stunts in the film and where the movie ranks among their favorites.
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