Cinema: A to B

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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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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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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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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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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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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"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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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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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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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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A conversation on the 2022 surprise comedy hit The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Alec and Ben discuss the performances and acting careers of stars Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal. Alec mentions a favorite scene related to auditioning as an actor. Ben gives credit to writer/director Tom Gormican for pursuing Cage with the role. The guys further discuss the rising star of Pedro Pascal.
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A look back at director Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven (2001). Alec explains why this remains one of his all time favorite films. The guys discuss the career trajectories of actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. Ben references the film Soderbergh homages during the Bellagio fountain sequence. Cinema: A to B converse on the film's shooting and editing style and how it has impacted cinema since. Ben relays a funny film school story told by a professor regarding Brad Pitt. Alec recalls a chance encounter with Andy Garcia in a grocery store. Film quotes abound.
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A Spoiler Free discussion of the final installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Ben discusses where the young Indiana Jones deepfake VFX worked and where it fell short. Alec gives his thoughts on the state of the franchise with this last installment. The guys give performance breakdowns including Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Boyd Holbrook. Cinema: A to B explains why the film has underperformed the box office and how that may not be a fair way to judge the movie. The guys discuss James Mangold's direction of the film and the ways in which the film adheres to the Indiana Jones story formula. The episode concludes with a discussion of whether this should be the last we've all seen of the Indiana Jones character.
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A look back at the 2008 HBO TV Mini Series, Generation Kill. Alec shares his thoughts following another recent viewing. Does the series based on Evan Wright's account of the 1st Recon Marines march to Baghdad in 2003 still hold up today? The guys discuss notable performances including Alexander Skarsgard, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen, and Jon Huertas. Alec explains why Rudy Reyes was the only Marine to play himself in the show. Ben discusses a film camera connection between the show and his days in film-school. The guys implore listeners to give this funny, unfiltered, and sometimes poignant look at the modern military a watch... again or for the first time.
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Cinema: A to B's most anticipated movie of 2023 has finally arrived. Join Alec and Ben for a SPOILER FREE discussion of Christopher Nolan's latest film, Oppenheimer. The guys discuss which theater set-ups they saw the film in, including IMAX. Alec and Ben have high praise for the film's cast: Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Josh Hartnett and many others. Ben explains which past Nolan films come closest to the tone and subject of Oppenheimer. Alec discusses the importance of the sound editing and mixing to create an overwhelming experience. Ben makes his Academy Award predictions for the film and explains how the film breaks from conventional Hollywood biopics. Alec implores listeners to see the film in theaters any way they can this summer.
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A look back at the 1982 sci-fi cult classic, Blade Runner. Alec explains why it took him more than one viewing to truly appreciate the film. Ben discusses how the film has influenced pop culture following its release. The guys discuss the many versions of the film culminating in Blade Runner: The Final Cut. Performances are discussed including Harrison Ford (Deckard) and the late Rutger Hauer (Roy Batty). The conversation shifts to a discussion of the film's director, the legendary Ridley Scott.
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In anticipation of the release of Oppenheimer (2023), Cinema: A to B ventures away from the traditional film discussion to take a look back at the career of Writer-Director Christopher Nolan. The guys work through Nolan's impressive filmography as they discuss his unique approach to filmmaking. Alec discusses his initial introduction to Nolan via Memento (2000). Ben explains why The Prestige (2005) might be Nolan's most important film. Alec explains Nolan's obsession with time and organic approach to directing actors in Interstellar (2014). Ben gives insight into why Nolan movie sets are so calm and orderly. The conversation rounds out discussing Nolan's commitment to filming in IMAX and whether he can win that elusive Academy Award.
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A largely spoiler free discussion of the first season of the Los Angeles Lakers historical drama, Winning Time, now streaming on Max. The guys discuss the performances of the show's actors including: John C. Reilly (Jerry Buss), Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), Jason Clarke (Jerry West), Gaby Hoffman (Claire Rothman), Hadley Robinson (Jeanie Buss) and Solomon Hughes (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Ben explains why the variety of cameras and film stocks used throughout the series is effective at conveying the show's era. Alec lauds the show's pacing and direction. The guys discuss why one doesn't have to be a basketball or NBA fan to appreciate the character conflict within the series.
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A look back at the 1995 comedy smash hit Tommy Boy. Alec and Ben discuss the film's late star Chris Farley as well as supporting cast members David Spade, Rob Lowe, and Julie Warner. Cinema: A to B unpacks why this film works as more than just a comedy including its script, structure, and film editing. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion of comedic film's evolution over the last 30 years.
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In anticipation of the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Cinema: A to B takes a look back at the first four films in the Indiana Jones Saga from creators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Join Alec and Ben as they discuss Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade and the much maligned Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The guys detail why the fourth entry fell flat. Alec and Ben each explain the what and why of their respective favorite entries in the franchise. Listeners are encouraged to try a different method of viewing Raiders of the Lost Ark. The guys converse on what did and didn't work in Temple of Doom. Ben discusses what makes Last Crusade such a unique entry in the series. Come along as the guys have a fun laughter filled conversation on this beloved saga starring the legendary Harrison Ford.
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Alec and Ben have a spoiler free discussion on the final entry in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Alec explains what he felt worked and didn't with this installment. Ben appreciates the emotional moments and continued commitment to high end visual effects. Alec implores folks to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special before seeing Volume 3. The guys specifically discuss cast members Bradley Cooper (Rocket), Karen Gillan (Nebula), and Dave Bautista (Drax). The conversation shifts to a discussion of James Gunn's co-leadership of the DC expanded universe as well as a comparison of the current state of Marvel & DC.
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Cinema: A to B takes a look back at Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Dune (part one). Alec discusses how the film successfully navigates the political intrigue of the book while still delivering stunning action sequences. Ben speaks to the film's aesthetic and use of practical visual effects. The guys single out and discuss the acting performances of Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Timothée Chalamet, and Stellan Skarsgård. Ben gives a special nod to Babs Olusanmokun and explains why his scenes as Jamis are among his favorite in the entire movie. Ben names his most anticipated films of 2023 including Dune: Part 2 and makes an early Academy Awards prediction. Alec explains the inspiration for the different fighting styles shown in the film. The discussion rounds out with an appreciation for Villeneuve's incredible directorial vision.
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A spoiler light conversation on the feature film based on the incredible true story of Nike's pursuit of Michael Jordan, Air (2023). The guys discuss and give high praise to the cast, notably Matt Damon (Sonny Vaccaro), Viola Davis (Deloris Jordan) and Jason Bateman (Rob Strasser). The discussion shifts to the shooting style employed by director Ben Affleck and Alec appreciates a key creative choice made in the film. Ben singles out where the production spent most of their money and how well the key emotional moment in the movie resonates with viewers.
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A return to Ridley Scott's masterpiece, Gladiator (2000). Alec explains why this era of cinema is so beloved. The guys converse on the performances of leads Russell Crowe (Maximus) and Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus). Ben gives an insane anecdote on the writing process while making the film and Alec discusses the challenges surrounding the late actor Oliver Reed (Proximo). The conversation shifts to the overall look of the film including production and costume design as well as a fun conversation surrounding the film's composer, Hans Zimmer. Join us as we revisit this 12 time nominated and 5 time Oscar winning epic.
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A spoiler free conversation on the first season of the WW2 show Rogue Heroes on MGM+. Cinema: A to B discusses the performances of the lead actors: Connor Swindells (David Stirling), Jack O'Connell (Paddy Mayne) and Alfie Allen (Jock Lewes). Ben explains why the unique soundtrack choice for the show works. The guys bemoan the lack of prior North African WW2 campaign shows and movies. The conversation rounds out on a discussion of British Television's ability to conclude shows well before they decline.
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