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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