Cinema: A to B

A spoiler free conversation on the Nintendo & Illumination Entertainment animated feature film phenomenon, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Ben discusses how the movie successfully operates on two levels for both kids and adults. Alec shares how Jack Black (Bowser) connects with audiences. The guys discuss the controversy surrounding Chris Pratt as Mario. Ben explains why the visuals are Illumination's best in animation to date. The conversation shifts to a discussion on voiceover work in animated films and why stuffing in as many celebrities into roles might not be the best approach. Cinema: A to B rounds out the discussion hopeful that this opens the door to more Nintendo properties getting the feature film treatment.
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These are fun, off the cuff discussions on movies (new and old) & streaming series. Our goal? Bridge the gap that exists between Hollywood industry insiders and the casual viewer. We're Alec & Ben and this is Cinema: A to B.
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Spoilers ahead on a lengthy conversation on the third season of The Mandalorian on Disney+. Ben gives his honest assessment of the current state of the show. Alec has a well-reasoned suggestion for fixing a major plot issue. Ben reveals his theory surrounding Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy & showrunner/head writer Jon Favreau. The guys further discuss the current state and future of Star Wars streaming series and feature films.
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A spoiler-light conversation on Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. The guys question some of the awards hype surrounding the 2022 movie. Alec discusses how he views Steven Spielberg. Ben singles out notable acting performances and explains Spielberg's defining technique. The Cinema: A to B duo round out the discussion with an appreciation for what Spielberg offers the world of cinema and an encouragement for those who haven't seen the film.
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A spoiler-light discussion of the first season of the 2022 HBO Game of Thrones follow-up, House of the Dragon. Ben explains his initial frustrations with some casting decisions on the show. Alec gives his top 3 acting performances of Season 1. The guys address the Rings of Power comparisons regarding visuals, pacing, and performances. The conversation shifts to author George R.R. Martin and the future of the Game of Thrones world on HBO.
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Cinema: A to B Season 1 Finale: a spoiler light conversation on the 2022 Matt Reeves film The Batman. Alec discusses the movie's new take on the caped crusader. Ben appreciates the shift in tone and new portrayal of Gotham City. The guys give brief performance breakdowns on all the major cast members including Robert Pattinson (Bruce Wayne, Batman), Zoe Kravitz (Selina Kyle), Jeffrey Wright (James Gordon), Colin Farrell (Penguin), and Paul Dano (Riddler). The discussion shifts to the current struggles of Warner Bros. and hopes for The Batman 2.
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Cinema: A to B takes a look back at the Tom Clancy spy thriller from 1990, The Hunt for Red October. Is this the best in the submarine film genre? Alec and Ben make their case. Alec explains why the visual effects largely hold up even after over 30 years. Ben discusses the directing prowess of John McTiernan. Cinema: A to B dives deep into the performances of the cast including the late Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, and Sam Neill. The guys also explain why this movie's writing and dialogue is a lot funnier than you might remember.
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Travel back to 1986 as Cinema: A to B revisits the John Hughes comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Alec drops a fun Ben Stein anecdote and discusses the challenges of comedic acting. Ben explains why the film's title is a bit misleading. The guys converse on the careers of stars Matthew Broderick (Ferris) and Alan Ruck (Cameron). Alec and Ben reminisce on the snapshot in time portrayed by this 1980s classic.
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A spoiler filled episode on the 2022 Brad Pitt action-comedy Bullet Train. Or is it a comedy-action film? Alec draws comparisons to Guy Ritchie films. Ben has mostly high praise for the cast but a lone casting gripe. Alec discusses some side-story missteps. Cinema: A to B rounds out the episode on a brief discussion on the future of actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Tangerine).
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Alec and Ben revisit Frank Darabont's 1994 masterpiece The Shawshank Redemption. But was it always so heralded? Alec explains its unconventional route from largely unnoticed Stephen King adaptation to becoming a cinematic classic. Ben reveals the special place the film has for him as well as its cinematographer Roger Deakins. The guys discuss the career of Tim Robbins and the casting decision of Morgan Freeman to play Red. Cinema: A to B reflects on the film's powerful message.
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On a spoiler heavy episode Alec and Ben delve into what worked and what didn't in the 2022 sequel to Black Panther. Alec comes away impressed with many of the acting performances, namely Angela Bassett & Winston Duke. Ben discusses challenges the creators had in filming without the late Chadwick Boseman. The Cinema: A to B duo have issues with the narrative and discuss what a third film might offer the MCU.
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2023 Oscars Bonus Episode. A spoiler heavy discussion of the 2022 WWI film All Quiet on the Western Front. Alec and Ben have a conversation on this 9 time Oscar nominated Netflix war film based on the 1929 novel by Erich Maria Remarque. Alec discusses the film's length and emotional impact. Ben talks about the overall look of the film. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion of the war film genre including war films over the last 25 years (1917, Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line). This bonus podcast episode closes with more conversation surrounding the Academy Awards both past and present.
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On this spoiler heavy episode, Alec & Ben take a look back at the 2022 box office smash hit Top Gun: Maverick. The guys discuss their different impressions of the Tom Cruise sequel based on how they watched it. Alec compares Maverick with the original film. Ben feels sorry for the Air Force and proposes a title for Top Gun 3.
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An extended episode dedicated to the film Alec and Ben have had more conversations over than any other, Heat (1995). Cinema: A to B dives into all the elements that make Michael Mann's crime drama so extraordinary while also discussing key plot points and memorable scenes. Alec wonders if Heat could even be made today. Ben discusses how the movie depicts Los Angeles. Several bad Al Pacino impressions are in store and much more.
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Alec and Ben have a spoiler light discussion of the first season of the Disney+ phenomenon Andor. Alec gives examples of how the show does fan service the right way. Ben explains how the story transcends Star Wars. The guys discuss why the series should be a template for other big budget streaming shows.
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Is the awards hype real? A thoughtful conversation on the 11-time Academy Award nominated film: Everything Everywhere All at Once. Alec discusses casting actors against type. Ben implores fledgling filmmakers to take note of some key decisions made by directors Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert. The Cinema: A to B duo explain why the viewing environment you see this movie in matters.
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Is the much maligned The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power as bad as everyone thinks? Join Alec & Ben as they discuss the first season of Amazon Prime's most expensive show to date and unpack where the show fell short, where it succeeded, and their hopes for a second season. The comparisons with Game of Thrones are.. well.. inevitable.
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In this Spoiler Heavy discussion of Avatar 2 the conversation quickly evolves into a larger one about James Cameron and his back catalogue of films, particularly the Abyss. Ben explains why not all IMAX theaters are created equal. Alec delves into the rigors of acting in very little clothing and Ben poses a question for Alec that could likely set up what we'll see in subsequent Avatar sequels.
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Alec & Ben introduce themselves and explain that after nearly 20 years of fun and engaging discussions on movies and television that it's finally time to let everyone else in on the conversation. Together they're aiming to bridge the gap between Hollywood film industry insider and the casual moviegoer. This is not a film review, it's Cinema: A to B.
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