Cinema: A to B

A look back at the 2008 genre defining second entry in Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy. Alec describes an awe inspiring 70mm IMAX theatrical viewing of the film. The guys compare and contrast The Dark Knight with 2022's The Batman. Alec shares anecdotes revealing the acting genius of the late Heath Ledger. Ben explains how the film's subtext makes it a definitive post-9/11 commentary on anarchy and terror. The guys round out the discussion on how the film is tonally similar to an earlier Michael Mann masterpiece and why the film's ending remains one of the best in all of cinema.
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A long overdue and Spoiler Filled discussion of the Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone. Ben opines on what he feels held the film back from achieving greatness. Alec evaluates the film's acting performances particularly DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart and Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart. The guys discuss the character of Ernest and whether another actor in the film would've made more sense in the role. Ben praises the cinematography but questions the film's score. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Jesse Plemons (Tom White) and what makes the film so frustrating.
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A laughter filled look back at the 2004 comedy drama Sideways from director Alexander Payne based on the novel by Rex Pickett. Alec shares his love of wine and familiarity with the film's shooting locations. Ben marvels at the comedic interplay of Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church. The guys discuss why the film doesn't feel like something from the early 2000s. Alec explains just how bad the main characters are in contrast to the roles played by Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh. The conversation rounds out celebrating the smart script and the importance of subtext in cinema.
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Spoilers ahead as Alec and Ben discuss the 2023 film Freud's Last Session directed by Matt Brown and starring Anthony Hopkins as Sigmund Freud and Matthew Goode as C. S. Lewis. Alec explains why the film may be worth watching for the acting performances alone. Ben laments the lack of acting award nominations and also discusses the film's editing strengths and weaknesses. The guys converse on the film's even handling of thematic elements and the lost art of civil discourse.
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On this listener request the guys take a look back at the 1987 sci-fi action film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Peter Weller. Alec describes a funny and traumatizing first viewing of the film. Ben compares the film with its two sequels and the 2014 remake. The guys delve into how layered the film is with its satire, social commentary and existentialism. Alec recounts funny and tense moments among the film's VFX crew. Ben explains the difficulties in getting RoboCop into the Ford Taurus police car. Join Cinema: A to B for a fun look back at the first entry in this iconic 80s franchise.
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A spoiler light discussion of Guy Ritchie's WW2 film starring Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson. Ben contrasts the film with an earlier ensemble piece from 2009. Alec explains why he had initial reservations about the movie. The guys discuss performances and comedic dialogue. Ben praises the film's cinematography particularly how it handles action sequences. Alec calls back an earlier Ritchie film he'd like to see Cavill and Ritchson team up in a sequel for. Ben mentions an all-time acting great that was really in The Ministry. The conversation rounds out on the importance of subtext in cinema.
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A look back at the 2004 British crime film Layer Cake starring Daniel Craig and directed by Matthew Vaughn. Alec explains why he has such fond memories of watching the film and revisits a discussion had during the introduction episode of the podcast. Ben discusses how the film's opening scene drew him in quickly. The guys discuss the deep cast and how the film served as a dry run for Daniel Craig as James Bond. Alec discusses the film's original ending. Ben praises the cinematography and the guys round out the discussion on where the film ranks within the slick British crime genre.
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A Spoiler Warning as Cinema: A to B breaks down the Netflix exclusive title Hit Man starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona and directed by Richard Linklater. Alec questions the film's ending and some story beats. Ben notes some potentially missed opportunities in the script. The guys evaluate character choices and discuss the performances of both Powell and Arjona. Alec references another film that the guys really hate. The conversation rounds out on the career trajectory of Glen Powell. 
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Join Cinema: A to B for a closer look back at the 2012 MCU event film written and directed by Joss Whedon. Alec ranks the movie in his Marvel hierarchy and explains the importance of the film's execution. Ben discusses everything the movie had working against it prior to its release. The guys praise the films writing and balancing act of handling a large number of primary characters. Alec discusses the film's score as well as his own personal connection with a portion of the film's crew. Ben discusses the film's editing and innovative use of DSLR crash cameras -- something he'd see later that summer on a TV show he worked on. The conversation closes with a discussion on super-hero film fatigue and the future of the genre.
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In a first for Cinema: A to B a listener request brings forth a film Ben had never previously seen in the form of the 2007 fantasy film Stardust directed by Matthew Vaughn. Ben gives his initial impressions of the film and kicks off a discussion of the career of actor Charlie Cox as well as the challenges of pursuing acting in Hollywood. Alec explains key differences between the Neil Gaiman novel and the film. The guys praise the all-star cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Claire Danes. The conversation shifts to a discussion of the film's cinematography and visual effects and closes with a call to revisit this fairy-tale throwback.
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In this spoiler light episode Alec and Ben discuss the first season of Fallout now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Alec explains how the show properly adapted its video game source material and comedic tone. Ben reveals character arcs he appreciated as well as the show's excellent use of real world locations. The guys discuss how the show avoids typical post-apocalyptic tropes and evaluate the performances of cast members Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. The conversation rounds out with a discussion on the changing landscape of streaming TV and whether star power is even driving viewership anymore.
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The 2008 Best Picture Winner warrants another look as Cinema: A to B discusses No Country for Old Men written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen and based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy. Alec details how the movie shaped his view of the Coen Brothers as filmmakers. Ben revisits a memorable theatrical viewing of the film. The guys discuss the landmark Academy Award winning performance by Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh and how it often overshadows the expert work of the rest of the cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, and Kelly MacDonald. Alec and Ben converse on what the Coens do as filmmakers that place them among the all-time greats. The guys also discuss the work of cinematographer Roger Deakins before rounding out the conversation on a philosophical discussion of the film and its unconventional ending.
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A spoiler light discussion on the 2023 professional wrestling biopic, The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron and written and directed by Sean Durkin. Ben explains why this true story of the Von Erich brothers may have been a better fit in a different format. Alec delves into the acting growth of Zac Efron as well as performances of the cast including Jeremy Allen White, Maura Tierney and Holt McCallany. Ben credits Durkin for risk taking within the film and also discusses the dark side of professional wrestling. The guys question the casting of Ric Flair. The conversation closes with a discussion on why we might start to see more films of this budget range coming out of Hollywood and why that's a good thing.
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Cinema: A to B is breaking the first and second rules... A look back at the 1999 David Fincher cult film, Fight Club, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. Ben discusses how Fox had difficulty properly marketing the movie. Alec explains how Brad Pitt was cast in the film as well as how the novel's author Chuck Palahniuk views the movie. The guys discuss the iconic performances of the films leads as well as why the movie is so rewatchable. The conversation rounds out with a discussion of the philosophical questions posed by the film.
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A look back at the 2016 Star Wars prequel to A New Hope directed by Gareth Edwards. Alec ranks the film within his SW hierarchy. Ben describes his initial theatrical viewing experience as well as how Disney changed the film from its original cut. The guys discuss how the first season of Andor has impacted the film. Alec and Ben discuss the performances of Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk and Ben Mendelsohn. Alec nerds out and gives his fan theory on robot K-2SO. Ben explains why the VFX in Rogue One looks more convincing than much of the Star Wars prequels and Disney sequels. The conversation rounds out with anticipation for how the second and final season of Andor will connect with the film.
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