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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