Cinema: A to B

The guys converse on why the espionage thriller from the late great director Tony Scott is worth a rewatch. It's Spy Game (2001) starring the late Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack and Stephen Dillane.

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Spoiler Warning. Alec and Ben break down writer-director Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi satire Mickey 17 adapted from the Edward Ashton novel (Mickey 7) and starring Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette.

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A look back at the 1986 Michael Mann adaptation of the Thomas Harris Red Dragon novel starring William Petersen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina and Tom Noonan. Alec details a very recent first time viewing and the guys compare and contrast the film with its later version (2002's Red Dragon) as well as the Hannibal TV series starring Mads Mikkelsen. From casting, performances and Mann's direction Alec and Ben make their case why this version is the better outing.

Cover Image: High Museum of Art by Aleksandr Zykov is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

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Spoiler Warning. The guys unpack the James Gunn Superman reboot starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult. Join Alec and Ben for performance breakdowns, super-hero fatigue, the relaunch of the DCEU, Man of Steel comparisons and more!

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Spoilers ahead as Alec and Ben discuss the 2025 folk horror film from writer/director Ryan Coogler. The guys break down the performances of Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell and Delroy Lindo. Alec and Ben discuss the film's cinematography while second guessing their decision to not see the film in IMAX. The guys wrap up by delving into the film's thematic elements and its unique depictions of temptation and evil.

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Alec and Ben take on another listener request this time in the form of the 2003 coming-of-age film Secondhand Lions written and directed by Tim McCanlies and starring Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall.

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It's a listener request for the 1991 Ron Howard firefighter action-drama starring Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro and Donald Sutherland. Ben explains why the film is both a standard bearer for the genre as well as wildly uneven. Alec discusses notable differences in the film's early transfers vs the more recent 4K remaster. The guys marvel at the depth of the cast including the late J.T. Walsh. Alec discusses how the film makes fire an actual character as well as what the movie gets right in the life of a firefighter. Ben reflects on the strength of practical effects and the now defunct Universal Studios Backdraft attraction.

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A spoiler filled discussion on the FX/Hulu original series starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada. Alec compares and contrasts the series with the novel from James Clavell. Ben praises the series technical prowess while expressing his concerns over pacing. The guys discuss the standout performances and Ben notes a favorite previous film/role featuring Tadanobu Asano. Alec explains why the series could've extended the book adaptation into two seasons and expresses concerns over future seasons of the show.

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The stunning set piece, the performances, the suspense... join Alec and Ben for an in depth discussion on the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr. Ben ranks the film among the rest of Hitchcock's catalogue while Alec explains why the New York set piece was so ground breaking. The guys celebrate the iconic acting performances in Rear Window. Alec discusses other note worthy James Stewart roles while Ben explains what most of the all time great directors (including Hitchcock) have in common. The conversation rounds out with Ben's connection to a more recent quasi-remake of the film at Dreamworks.

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Back from their summer hiatus the guys take another look at the 2016 video game film adaptation Warcraft starring Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster and Dominic Cooper. Alec explains what worked and what didn't with the film's casting. Ben pinpoints big issues with the film's narrative while praising its visuals. The guys share their own experiences with the Blizzard Entertainment MMORPG World of Warcraft while citing missed opportunities with the movie adaptation.

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Alec and Ben celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's iconic film Jaws. They discuss its impact on cinema, the challenges faced during production, and the film's masterful storytelling and character dynamics. The conversation delves into the thematic elements and symbolism present in the film, as well as its lasting cultural relevance and influence on the horror genre. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences with the film and its significance in film history, emphasizing its status as a cinematic masterpiece.

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A spoiler filled discussion on the 2025 racing blockbuster from director Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon. The guys explain why the film demands to be seen in the IMAX format. Alec critiques the performances of Pitt and Bardem while Ben explains what worked and what didn't with the character conflict between Sonny Hayes (Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (Idris). The guys compare the film with two other recent racing features and discuss the recently teased potential Days of Thunder crossover sequel.

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The guys take another look at the 2011 sci-fi comedy Attack the Block from writer-director Joe Cornish and starring John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker. Alec and Ben reflect on the film's merits. Alec explains why he disagreed with friends back in 2011 who raved about the movie. Ben gives two key reasons the film never found an audience. The guys lament the demise of the superb Los Angeles area ArcLight Cinemas.

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Alec and Ben take another look at Damien Chazelle's acclaimed film Whiplash starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. They discuss the film's technical brilliance, the powerful performances, particularly by J.K. Simmons, and the moral questions raised by the film. The conversation also touches on the importance of editing, the challenges of filmmaking, and the sacrifices made in the quest for greatness. The guys reflect on their personal experiences and the impact of the film, encouraging listeners to engage with it deeply.

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A spoiler filled conversation on the 8th entry in the Mission Impossible franchise starring Tom Cruise. The guys discuss the benefits of seeing the film in IMAX, pacing and exposition issues, as well as the film's two massive action sequences. Ben discusses the impact Covid had on production while Alec delves into the film's villain as well as franchise callback moments. The guys wrap things up talking the future of the franchise and potential reboot ideas.

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The guys revisit the M. Night Shyamalan thriller starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright and Spencer Treat Clark. Ben explains how the film's main theme is more timely than ever. Alec compares the film's twist with other Shyamalan films. Alec and Ben converse on the complex nature of the film's villain. The conversation wraps up on the career trajectory of M. Night.

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An expanded and spoiler filled episode as Alec and Ben unpack their most anticipated show of 2025 with the second and final season of Andor. Alec discusses how a Star Wars outsider in Tony Gilroy breathed new life into the franchise. Ben compares and contrasts the shows first and second seasons. The guys converse on the challenge of viewer expectations, how the final season impacts Rogue One/A New Hope, and it's legacy within the SW universe.

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Hollywood veteran Richard Bazley recounts his path from growing up in rural England to Disney animator, CGI artist, storyboard artist and ultimately a transition to Emmy-nominated director. Richard's animation credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Hercules and The Iron Giant. Richard gives insight into the demise of 2D animation and his journey of persistence and adaptation in an industry where the only constant is change. Richard discusses his recent short films Confines (2023) and Censure (2022) which have garnered nearly 70 international film festival awards as well as his future projects.

Richard Bazley's Official Site: https://bazleyfilms.wordpress.com/

Stream Confines (2023) https://fawesome.tv/movies/10676623/confines

Stream Censure (2022) https://fawesome.tv/movies/10676624/censure

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SPOILER WARNING. Alec and Ben break down the war film directed by Alex Garland and former US Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza based on Mendoza's combat experience in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006.

Image by Aline (Алевтина) Mueller from Pixabay

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A look back at the 1997 David Fincher thriller starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger and Sean Penn. The guys explore The Game's aesthetic, character development, and thematic elements. They discuss Michael Douglas's performance, the film's cinematography, and the impact of its minimal score. The conversation also touches on the film's pacing, viewer engagement, and its legacy within Fincher's body of work, highlighting the director's unique style and the film's psychological depth.

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A spoiler-light discussion on the Jesse Eisenberg written and directed dramedy starring Kieran Culkin (Best Supporting Actor Winner) and Jesse Eisenberg.

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Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood with a humor filled look back at Quentin Tarantino's 9th film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Alec discusses the performances and chemistry of DiCaprio and Pitt. Ben converses on the film's historical context and how that conflict affects the viewer. The guys address that controversial Bruce Lee scene as well as the film's notable cast full of Hollywood up and comers. The conversation rounds out with a discussion of what would have been Tarantino's 10th and final film.

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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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