In a first for Cinema: A to B a listener request brings forth a film Ben had never previously seen in the form of the 2007 fantasy film Stardust directed by Matthew Vaughn. Ben gives his initial impressions of the film and kicks off a discussion of the career of actor Charlie Cox as well as the challenges of pursuing acting in Hollywood. Alec explains key differences between the Neil Gaiman novel and the film. The guys praise the all-star cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Claire Danes. The conversation shifts to a discussion of the film's cinematography and visual effects and closes with a call to revisit this fairy-tale throwback.
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In this spoiler light episode Alec and Ben discuss the first season of Fallout now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Alec explains how the show properly adapted its video game source material and comedic tone. Ben reveals character arcs he appreciated as well as the show's excellent use of real world locations. The guys discuss how the show avoids typical post-apocalyptic tropes and evaluate the performances of cast members Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. The conversation rounds out with a discussion on the changing landscape of streaming TV and whether star power is even driving viewership anymore.
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The 2008 Best Picture Winner warrants another look as Cinema: A to B discusses No Country for Old Men written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen and based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy. Alec details how the movie shaped his view of the Coen Brothers as filmmakers. Ben revisits a memorable theatrical viewing of the film. The guys discuss the landmark Academy Award winning performance by Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh and how it often overshadows the expert work of the rest of the cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, and Kelly MacDonald. Alec and Ben converse on what the Coens do as filmmakers that place them among the all-time greats. The guys also discuss the work of cinematographer Roger Deakins before rounding out the conversation on a philosophical discussion of the film and its unconventional ending.
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A spoiler light discussion on the 2023 professional wrestling biopic, The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron and written and directed by Sean Durkin. Ben explains why this true story of the Von Erich brothers may have been a better fit in a different format. Alec delves into the acting growth of Zac Efron as well as performances of the cast including Jeremy Allen White, Maura Tierney and Holt McCallany. Ben credits Durkin for risk taking within the film and also discusses the dark side of professional wrestling. The guys question the casting of Ric Flair. The conversation closes with a discussion on why we might start to see more films of this budget range coming out of Hollywood and why that's a good thing.
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Cinema: A to B is breaking the first and second rules... A look back at the 1999 David Fincher cult film, Fight Club, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. Ben discusses how Fox had difficulty properly marketing the movie. Alec explains how Brad Pitt was cast in the film as well as how the novel's author Chuck Palahniuk views the movie. The guys discuss the iconic performances of the films leads as well as why the movie is so rewatchable. The conversation rounds out with a discussion of the philosophical questions posed by the film.
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A look back at the 2016 Star Wars prequel to A New Hope directed by Gareth Edwards. Alec ranks the film within his SW hierarchy. Ben describes his initial theatrical viewing experience as well as how Disney changed the film from its original cut. The guys discuss how the first season of Andor has impacted the film. Alec and Ben discuss the performances of Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk and Ben Mendelsohn. Alec nerds out and gives his fan theory on robot K-2SO. Ben explains why the VFX in Rogue One looks more convincing than much of the Star Wars prequels and Disney sequels. The conversation rounds out with anticipation for how the second and final season of Andor will connect with the film.
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Spoiler warning.  A conversation on the latest film from director Michael Mann starring Adam Driver, Shailene Woodley and Penelope Cruz. Alec poses the question whether Mann is still a top flight director. Ben questions some casting decisions in the film. The guys discuss specifically what drew them to the movie and on Mann's decision to not shoot film. Alec explains his full sensory viewing of the movie. Tangents ahead as Cinema: A to B looks at this snapshot of the Italian motorsport giant Enzo Ferrari.
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Some spoilers ahead during a discussion of the WW2 aerial combat series from the makers of Band of Brothers and The Pacific, now streaming on Apple TV+. Alec draws comparisons to the previous miniseries and where he ranks this latest entry. Ben explains how the source material posed unique narrative challenges. The guys discuss the performances of Callum Turner and Austin Butler. Alec praises the use of a particular piece of cutting edge filmmaking technology that really brought the show to life. The conversation closes with a discussion on the future of the WW2 genre in cinema and why we've yet to see a naval Pacific theater series.
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"The Dude Abides." Join Cinema: A to B for a laughter filled conversation revisiting the Coen Brothers cult comedy from 1998. Alec surprises Ben with his initial impression of the film. Ben praises the movie's absurdist humor and discusses the Hollywood writer-director legend that inspired Walter. Alec explains what sets a Coen Brothers script apart. The guys discuss the film's impressive cast including Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro. Ben contrasts the film with Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The conversation rounds out discussing why great films demand your full attention.
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Cinema: A to B takes a look back at a film that had been on Ben's to-see list for quite some time: the late William Friedkin's 1977 thriller Sorcerer starring Roy Scheider. Alec questions whether some creative decisions work in 2024. Ben lauds the tension built in the film's most memorable scene. The guys discuss some of the nuance Friedkin was attempting to build into the film as well as its ending. The conversation shifts to a discussion on the latter portion of Friedkin's career as well as his volatile personality. The guys discuss the importance of risk taking in cinema.
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