Cinema: A to B

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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The first entry in a 5 episode mini "Season of Schwarzenegger" is a laughter filled look back at the sci-fi action film The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Dawson and loosely adapted from the Stephen King novel. Alec and Ben discuss what still works, what doesn't, and why they still enjoy this big loud 80s Arnold flick.
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After over 40 years is John Carpenter's The Thing still a standard bearer in the genre? Plus, something extremely unexpected happens as Alec and Ben start to unpack this sci-fi horror classic.
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25 years removed, the guys take a look back at the crime-comedy The Boondock Saints from writer-director Troy Duffy and starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and David Della Rocco. They reflect on their nostalgia for the film, discussing its comedic elements, character dynamics, and the directorial choices made by Troy Duffy. The conversation highlights the film's flaws, the standout performances, particularly by Willem Dafoe, and the legacy it has left in pop culture. Plus, a Cinema: A to B tangent on physical media and late 90s movie viewing technology.
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Cinema: A to B brings attention back to an overlooked film from 2018 in the form of First Man directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Alec explains how his opinion has changed after giving the film a second chance. Ben discusses why this was his favorite film from 2018 and why IMAX was the preferred format. Alec delves into Gosling's performance as well as additional cast performance breakdowns. The guys praise Chazelle's direction. Ben discusses the movie's varying film stocks and overall look. Alec explains the importance of a specific instrument used in the film's musical score. The conversation rounds out conversing over why the film was so misunderstood but is still worth a look.
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A look back at the 2001 Ridley Scott film Black Hawk Down adapted from the novel by Mark Bowden and starring Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, and Eric Bana. Alec praises Scott's direction and ability to quickly establish the large cast of characters. Ben explains the elite nature of US Army Rangers and Delta Force. Alec explains how the film kicked off the careers of several now famous actors. The guys discuss the film's striking cinematography, unique Hans Zimmer score, and the few areas the movie and book differ. Join Cinema: A to B for a thoughtful discussion on this historical war film based on the true events involving U.S. soldiers in Mogadishu in October of 1993.
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Venture back 200 million... er... 31 years to revisit the Steven Spielberg blockbuster Jurassic Park adapted from the Michael Crichton novel. Alec and Ben discuss the minimal use of computer generated visual effects and why the film has largely aged well. Ben explains the differences between the novel and the film particularly tone and some key character changes. Alec mentions another famous director who tried to get the rights to the movie as well as who was originally offered the role of Grant prior to Sam Neill coming aboard. The guys briefly go off on a personal paleontology tangent before the conversation shifts to examples of Spielberg's mastery of building tension and suspense as well as some background info on the film's incredible sound design. Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of the dinosaur film that started it all.
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Spoilers ahead as the guys unpack the 4th film entry in the original Ghostbusters timeline - Frozen Empire. Alec compares and contrasts the movie with 2021's Afterlife. Ben explains how the film suffered a similar final act issue as Ghostbusters 2. Alec discusses the film's reliance on nostalgia. The guys evaluate the film's story and massive cast of characters which shifts into a closing discussion on why the franchise remains at a crossroads and its future uncertain.
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A Spoiler filled conversation on what worked and what didn't in George Miller's 2024 follow-up to Mad Max: Fury Road. Ben discusses where he feels Furiosa fell short of its predecessor. Alec explains the inherent weakness in a prequel movie. The guys converse on the performances of Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth as Dementus. Alec critique's the films story and character development while Ben discusses the movie's uneven visual effects work. The comparisons to 2015's Fury Road are unavoidable.
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A spoiler filled conversation on the third entry in the Deadpool franchise. Alec recounts a technical issue filled first theatrical viewing. Ben explains why the timing is perfect for this film given the current state of the MCU. The guys appreciate the attention to detail and sheer volume of easter eggs and comedic nuggets. Alec poses a question to Ben regarding the film's impact on and handling of the earlier Wolverine film Logan (2017). The guys discuss the performances and careers of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The conversation shifts to a discussion on director/producer Shawn Levy and why enjoyable working relationships are so important in this challenging era of Hollywood filmmaking.
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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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