Episodes

Monday Feb 26, 2024
Barbie (2023)
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
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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Monday Feb 19, 2024
The Holdovers (2023)
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
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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Monday Feb 12, 2024
Moneyball (2011) revisited
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
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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Monday Feb 05, 2024
Predator (1987) revisited
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
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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Monday Jan 29, 2024
Hell or High Water (2016) revisited
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
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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Monday Jan 22, 2024
The Princess Bride (1987) revisited
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
"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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Monday Jan 15, 2024
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) revisited
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
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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Monday Jan 08, 2024
Snatch (2000) revisited
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
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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Monday Dec 25, 2023
Die Hard (1988) revisited
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
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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Monday Dec 18, 2023
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
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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Monday Dec 11, 2023
Skyfall (2012) revisited
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
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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Monday Dec 04, 2023
The Killer (2023)
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
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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Monday Nov 27, 2023
The Bourne Identity (2002) revisited
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
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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Monday Nov 20, 2023
Dr. Strangelove (1964) revisited
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
"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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Monday Nov 13, 2023
Ronin (1998) revisited
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
A look back at John Frankenheimer's spy-action film Ronin (1998). Alec discusses discovering the film later on and how it holds up under repeat viewings. Ben talks about how the movie is structured and styled after films made decades earlier. Alec explains a Bourne Identity connection to the film. The guys re-evaluate the stacked cast including Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Sean Bean, Natascha McElhone, and Stellan Skarsgard. Alec explains how good De Niro's dialogue in the film is. Ben mentions the film's alternate ending and how the film handles collateral damage. Join Cinema: A to B for a discussion on an often overlooked and underappreciated piece of 90s cinema.
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Monday Nov 06, 2023
The Offer (2022) limited series
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Some spoilers ahead as Cinema: A to B discusses the Paramount+ limited series The Offer (based on producer Albert S. Ruddy's account of making The Godfather). The guys discuss standout performances by Miles Teller (Albert S. Ruddy), Matthew Goode (Robert Evans), and Burn Gorman (Charles Bluhdorn). Alec explains how writing quality dictates a good or bad series. Ben shares his professional connection to actor Burn Gorman. Alec explains the George Lucas connection to The Godfather. Ben discusses old school choices the series cinematographers made. The guys wrap up on the meta nature of the series.
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Monday Oct 30, 2023
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) revisited
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
A look back at the 2003 Captain Jack Aubrey adaptation, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Alec explains how his opinion on the film has changed over the past twenty years. Ben discusses where writer-director Peter Weir ranks among directing greats. The guys discuss how and why the film went largely unnoticed both at the box office and at the 2004 Academy Awards. The guys discuss the performances of leads Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. Ben explains the film's connection with James Cameron's Titanic. Join Cinema: A to B as Alec and Ben chat on why this is one of the best unseen and underrated films of the 2000s.
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Monday Oct 23, 2023
The Matrix (1999) revisited
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Monday Oct 23, 2023
The Matrix has you... Journey back to 1999 as Cinema: A to B revisits the landmark sci-fi film from the Wachowskis starring Keanu Reeves. Ben discusses how public perception of the film is affected by the sequels. Alec recounts his first theatrical viewing experience. The guys discuss Keanu Reeves (Neo) along with co-star Carrie-Anne Moss's (Trinity) career. Alec explains why the film's cinematography is so great. The guys revisit the film's stunning visual effects work. Ben discusses how the film's aesthetic was lost in the follow-up entries. The guys further discuss key moments from the film along with the characters and performances of Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith) and Joe Pantoliano (Cypher).
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Monday Oct 16, 2023
The Creator (2023)
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Monday Oct 16, 2023
A SPOILER FREE discussion around the Gareth Edwards sci-fi epic The Creator (2023). Alec discusses why this was one of his most anticipated films of the year. The guys evaluate the film's script. Ben explains why the movie should change audience impressions of John David Washington. Alec has some character and story critiques. Ben explains the pros and cons of shooting the movie on a $4000 USD prosumer Sony cinema camera. The guys draw comparisons with contemporary sci-fi films and round out the discussion on the challenges of balancing visual spectacle with impactful character and story moments.
The article Ben references - https://ymcinema.com/2023/10/06/shooting-a-blockbuster-with-the-sony-fx3-a-rare-inside-look-by-the-creators-dits
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Monday Oct 09, 2023
Saving Private Ryan (1998) revisited
Monday Oct 09, 2023
Monday Oct 09, 2023
A look back at the landmark Steven Spielberg WW2 film, Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks. The guys discuss the camera and framing techniques that further add to the realism of the combat. Ben explains how the film paved the way for an entire line of war films and mini-series in the early 2000s. Alec relays a funny story surrounding the casting of Matt Damon. Ben discusses what the film has in common with Oppenheimer. The guys discuss the film's cast and how it launched the careers of an entire generation of actors including Vin Diesel. Join Cinema: A to B as they revisit one of the best war films of all time and one that honors the Greatest Generation.
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Monday Oct 02, 2023
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Some spoilers ahead as the guys unpack the fantasy-comedy Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Alec explains his initial reservations on the casting of Christ Pine. Ben discusses why this movie works and why it unfortunately didn't perform well at the box office. Alec talks over how the film honors D&D lore while still being accessible to a broader audience. Ben discusses what the film has in common with Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The guys discuss more of the cast and their characters including Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Justice Smith and Rege-Jean Page. Join in as Cinema: A to B talks shop on one of the surprising films from 2023.
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Monday Sep 25, 2023
Big Trouble in Little China (1986) revisited
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
"It's all in the reflexes." Cinema: A to B revisits the beloved John Carpenter action-comedy, Big Trouble in Little China. Alec reveals how he felt about the film after his first and then second viewing. Ben discusses where the main character of Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) ranks among his favorite movie characters. The guys discuss the cast including stars Kim Cattrall and James Hong. Alec reveals a famous filming location the movie shares with an even bigger 80s film. The guys discuss the lost aesthetic of mid 80s visual effects and why this movie in particular failed at the box office. Quotes galore while reminiscing on this cult classic from 1986.
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Monday Sep 18, 2023
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Monday Sep 18, 2023
Monday Sep 18, 2023
A look at the fourth and possibly final installment in the Keanu Reeves action-film franchise: John Wick. Spoilers are ahead as Alec and Ben unpack the movie and compare and contrast it with elements of the previous three Wick films. Alec expresses concerns with character development. Ben discusses the film's run-time and cinematography. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion about the current era of actor led action franchises.
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Monday Sep 11, 2023
The Usual Suspects (1995) revisited
Monday Sep 11, 2023
Monday Sep 11, 2023
In a first for Cinema: A to B Alec selects a surprise film for Ben to discuss: 1995's The Usual Suspects. The guys dive into a conversation on one of the great neo-noir films of the 90s written by Christopher McQuarrie (Mission Impossible franchise, Top Gun: Maverick) and directed by Bryan Singer. Alec discusses how the film kicked off the career of Kevin Spacey. Ben explains why most movies don't look like this anymore. Alec details behind the scenes of the infamous police lineup and why Benicio Del Toro frustrated Singer. Cinema: A to B explains why this just might be the king of the twist ending.
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Monday Sep 04, 2023
Goodfellas (1990) revisited
Monday Sep 04, 2023
Monday Sep 04, 2023
A look back at acclaimed director Martin Scorsese's 1990 mafia classic, Goodfellas. Alec discusses the late Ray Liotta's sudden rise to prominence with the role of Henry Hill. Ben explains why this is his favorite mafia film. The guys contrast Goodfellas with The Godfather movies and discuss the performances of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. Ben explains why the film's editing sets it apart and why Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito still terrifies him. Alec mentions another famous actor who passed on the role of James Conway. Cinema: A to B discuss the technique of voiceover narration in film and round out the conversation with the challenges of shooting the famous single shot Copacabana nightclub entrance.
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