Cinema: A to B

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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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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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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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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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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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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"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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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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Cinema: A to B's 50th Episode: a livestream revisiting Guy Ritchie's crime comedy Snatch (2000) starring Brad Pitt and Jason Statham. The guys compare the film with Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, discuss their personal connection to the film and analyze its influence on filmmaking in the 2000s. Ben discusses the film's visual style and editing techniques. Alec explains Guy Ritchie's prowess in building the movie's soundtrack. The guys discuss how Ritchie's background in music videos impacts the film. The episode rounds out with a discussion on the film's legacy and future projects by Guy Ritchie. Alec and Ben also recap the year and express their appreciation for the listeners and support they've received. Join us in 2024!
Replays of the Livestream are available on Facebook or our YouTube Channel
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A look back at the John McTiernan directed action film Die Hard. Alec and Ben debate whether or not Die Hard really is a Christmas movie. Alec praises Alan Rickman's performance as Hans Gruber and gives some background on the scene involving Ellis. Ben shares his funniest moments from the film as well as why the movie has aged so well. The guys reminisce on their time in Los Angeles in and around Fox Plaza and its location as Nakatomi Plaza in the movie. Ben shares his own film theory surrounding actor Reginald VelJohnson (Sgt. Powell). Alec discusses the career and downfall of John McTiernan. The guys wrap up the discussion on the film as a launching point for Bruce Willis and a film that redefined both the action film and action star.
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A spoiler free conversation on the second entry in the Miles Morales animated Spider-Man saga. Alec mentions his one regret watching the movie. Ben compares the film to some other recent entries and discussing toxic conditions for VFX professionals. Alec discusses the stereotypes facing animated movies. Ben contrasts the movie with the golden age of Disney. The guys discuss the voicework and how the characters stand out amidst incredible visuals. The guys wrap up the discussion with some Spider-Man tangents, a celebration of J.K. Simmons, and where the third Spider-Verse film might go.
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Cinema: A to B takes a look back at the third entry in the Daniel Craig James Bond franchise, Skyfall. Alec discusses where he ranks the film and the guys discuss the cinematography of Roger Deakins and his partnership with director Sam Mendes. Ben explains how the narrative breaks with convention. Alec shares a rumored casting decision that was not to be. The guys discuss the physical nature of Craig's Bond as well as speculation on what a Bond reboot might look like. The conversation shifts to how Javier Bardem elevates the film. Ben also explains how the filmmakers manipulated viewers with Judi Dench's character M. The discussion quickly shifts into an unofficial Daniel Craig 5 Film retrospective... shaken, not stirred.
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A Spoiler Light discussion on David Fincher's The Killer (2023) now streaming on Netflix. Alec compares the film with another assassin franchise. Ben explains Fincher's visual style. The guys explain what makes Michael Fassbender great in the role. Alec discusses some of the film's flaws while Ben explains where the movie offers something unique. The guys round out the discussion on managing expectations as fans of Fincher and why The Killer is definitely worth a watch.
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A return to 2002's The Bourne Identity starring Matt Damon and directed by Doug Liman. Alec discusses why he's still drawn to the first Bourne film. Ben explains how the movie set the bar for another spy franchise. Alec discusses why Doug Liman never directed another Bourne movie and why the US Embassy sequence is so good. Ben discusses the stark departure in cinematography and editing styles for the sequels. The guys discuss the performances of Clive Owen, Franka Potente and Chris Cooper. Ben explains why the movie succeeds without exposition. The guys close discussing the importance of Paris, the film's score, and how the movie continues to be thought provoking and more than just an action film.
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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!" Join Cinema: A to B for a laughter filled conversation on Stanley Kubrick's dark comedy Dr. Strangelove (1964) starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens and James Earl Jones. The guys discuss where the film ranks for them among Kubrick's works. Alec shares a story of Kubrick and Sellers conflicting methods. Ben explains how many characters Sellers was supposed to play and how the film's tone breaks with convention. Alec discusses the timeless nature of the movie. Ben discusses concerns the Air Force had after the movie's release. The guys close with a discussion of the film's cinematography, favorite moments, and why Dr. Strangelove is as relevant as ever.
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