Cinema: A to B

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 unique approach to comedy, screenwriting prowess, and his ability to seamlessly transition from the comedic to the tragic in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
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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 Kilmer's career and the legacy of Tombstone in the Western genre.
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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 accuracy and the brutal nature of Einstein's theory of relativity before rounding out on Nolan's future projects and current status as one of the premier filmmakers working today.
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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 perspectives on the film over the years, highlighting its timelessness and relatability.
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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 of Gene Hackman as well as lesser known details surrounding Dennis Hopper's academy award nominated performance. The discussion closes on the film's major themes and why Hoosiers remains near the top of the sports film genre.
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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 dive on all things IMF as they look towards the May 2025 release of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning.
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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.
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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 screen chemistry with Sean Connery. The conversation rounds out with where The Rock sits in the pantheon of 1990s action movies.
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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.
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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 with a major actor on the show while Ben delves into the evolving state of streaming television. The conversation rounds out with Alec hinting at how many seasons the show may conclude with as well as a conversation on the acting future of Jeremy Allen White.
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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 Zuckerberg), Andrew Garfield (Eduardo Saverin) and Armie Hammer (Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss). Alec explains why he appreciates an Aaron Sorkin script so much before the conversation tangents for a bit to another Sorkin character piece in the form of Steve Jobs (2015).
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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 discussing the film's visual effects Ben explains how a key feature of the Rocketeer is actually animated. The conversation shifts to the background of director Joe Johnston, the hand-crafted nature of the movie, and why Disney makes far fewer films like The Rocketeer if at all.
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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 twists, character dynamics and cinematography before conversing on the bygone era of profitable DVD movies.
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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 constructing a superb score.  The conversation highlights the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative and the significance of subtext in dialogue before reflecting on Mann's legacy as a filmmaker.
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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 performances highlighting Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal. A discussion on Pascal and his own long journey to stardom starts a tangent on the long grind many actors face when venturing out to Los Angeles to chase the dream as well as Alec and Ben's own reasons for leaving the industry. The conversation rounds out on the welcome shift in animation to a more organic look and feel.
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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 guys discuss the marketing strategies employed for the film and the impact of trailers on audience expectations. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the importance of originality in cinema, highlighting A24's unique status in today's landscape.
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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 Ben lauds Sam Shepard's portrayal of test pilot Chuck Yeager. Alec examines the documentary-like approach to the material in contrast to some of the film's more comedic moments. The guys round out the discussion emphasizing the importance of the film in perfectly capturing a specific period of time in American history.
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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 series on the portrayal of World War II narratives. The discussion also touches on the role of executive producers, the journey of replacement soldiers, and the complexities of war trauma, as well as a look ahead to what's in store for the podcast in 2025.
Replays of the December 30th Livestream are available on YouTube
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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 cinema. Alec discusses the first act song initially deleted by Disney. The conversation rounds out as the guys celebrate the films balance of humor and drama while also delving into the technical aspects of the film and finally discussing how puppetry makes this Charles Dickens adaptation of A Christmas Carol so memorable and accessible.
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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.
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SPOILER WARNING. The guys unpack what worked and what didn't in the Ridley Scott directed sequel Gladiator II (2024) starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger. Ben questions the why behind greenlighting a sequel to the widely beloved Gladiator. Alec lauds the performance of Denzel Washington. The guys discuss the film's action sequences, set pieces, and visual aesthetic. The conversation moves into a discussion on ancient Rome, comparison with the original film, character analysis, and why the sequel didn't take more risks.
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The fifth and final episode in a Season of Schwarzenegger sees Alec and Ben dive deep into the first two films in the Terminator franchise, focusing on the original film and its iconic sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. They explore the evolution of genres, character arcs, and the impact of practical effects versus CGI. The discussion highlights the brilliance of James Cameron's direction and the memorable performances of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the supporting cast. The hosts reflect on the legacy of these films and significance in the sci-fi action genre.
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Entry number four in the mini Season of Schwarzenegger comes in the form of Conan the Barbarian written and directed by John Milius and starring Arnold along with James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, and Sandahl Bergman. Ben makes his case why this might be the most important role in Arnold's filmography. Alec discusses the power of minimal dialogue in character building. The guys marvel at the acting prowess of the late James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom and evaluate the film's use of real locations, practical effects, and the power of the iconic score by Basil Poledouris. Join Cinema: A to B for a deep dive into "what is best?"
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In this third episode of A Season of Schwarzenegger Alec and Ben dive into the 1990 sci-fi action film Total Recall, directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, and Rachel Ticotin. The guys discuss the film's engaging plot, memorable characters, and the impact of Jerry Goldsmith's score. The conversation explores themes of violence, comedy, and the dream-like quality of the narrative, while also comparing it to other films in Schwarzenegger's career.
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The second entry in a 5 episode mini "Season of Schwarzenegger" is a discussion on James Cameron's True Lies exploring its themes, character dynamics, and the unique blend of action and comedy. The conversation highlights the performances of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold and the late Bill Paxton. The guys also discuss the film's direction and its lasting impact on the action-comedy genre. Alec and Ben reflect on the film's exploration of fidelity and marriage, the humor interwoven with action, and the cinematic techniques that have allowed 'True Lies' to age gracefully over the years. The guys conclude with thoughts on the film's legacy and its place in 90s cinema.
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