Cinema: A to B

Hollywood veteran Richard Bazley recounts his path from growing up in rural England to Disney animator, CGI artist, storyboard artist and ultimately a transition to Emmy-nominated director. Richard's animation credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Hercules and The Iron Giant. Richard gives insight into the demise of 2D animation and his journey of persistence and adaptation in an industry where the only co...

A look back at the 1997 David Fincher thriller starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger and Sean Penn. The guys explore The Game's aesthetic, character development, and thematic elements. They discuss Michael Douglas's performance, the film's cinematography, and the impact of its minimal score. The conversation also touches on the film's pacing, viewer engagement, and its legacy within Fincher's body of work, highlighting the d...

Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood with a humor filled look back at Quentin Tarantino's 9th film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Alec discusses the performances and chemistry of DiCaprio and Pitt. Ben converses on the film's historical context and how that conflict affects the viewer. The guys address that controversial Bruce Lee scene as well as the film's notable cast fu...

A return to the 2004 Wes Anderson comedy starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, and Willem Dafoe. Ben compares and contrasts Anderson's early vs. recent filmography. Alec praises the performances of Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe. The guys converse on the film's incredible set pieces and frequent nods to the process of filmmaking. The discussion rounds out on Anderson's unique approach to comedy, screenwr...

Alec and Ben revisit the 1993 Western film Tombstone, discussing its all-star cast, particularly the late Val Kilmer's iconic performance as Doc Holliday. The guys explore the film's controversial direction, character dynamics, and the historical context surrounding the events depicted. The conversation also touches on the cinematography and visual style of the film, as well as reflections on Kilmer's career and the legacy of Tombs...

A closer look at Christopher Nolan's 2014 space epic Interstellar starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon. Join Alec and Ben as they rank the film in their own hierarchy of Nolan pictures as well as performance breakdowns, cinematography, editing, and a discussion on the film's iconic score by Hans Zimmer. The conversation shifts to the film's scientific accuracy and the brutal nature of Einstei...

25 years removed Alec and Ben revisit the Stephen Frears directed rom-com exploring its themes, character dynamics, and cultural impact. They discuss the evolution of John Cusack's character, Rob, and the comedic brilliance of Jack Black. The conversation touches on masculinity, relationships, and the role of music in shaping the narrative. The hosts reflect on their personal growth and changing perspectives on the film over the ye...

The guys revisit the 1986 basketball drama directed by David Anspaugh and starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, and Dennis Hopper. Ben shares his own personal connection with Indiana basketball while Alec marvels at the acting prowess of Hackman. The guys discuss the film's character development, casting, and sometimes contentious production. The conversation shifts to a reflection on the legacy of Gene Hackman as well as lesser ...

A conversation on the seventh entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise starring Tom Cruise quickly turns into a larger discussion on the past, present, and potential future of the spy series. Alec compares and contrasts MI with James Bond while Ben reflects on his favorite entries in the franchise as well as its problematic departure from the original source material. Join the guys for a deep dive on all things IMF as they look t...

A listener request comes in the form of the 1952 dramedy The Quiet Man directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and set in 1920s Ireland. The guys get out of their comfort zone to discuss this piece of early 1950s cinema. Join Alec and Ben as they converse on what has aged well, what hasn't, and their thoughts on a titan of the golden age of Hollywood.

Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com

YouTube Channel...

A laughter and quote filled look back at the 1996 Michael Bay action film starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris. Ben discusses how two of the main cast completely elevate the film as well as what made 90s action film cinematography so great. Alec celebrates the complexity of the film's antagonist General Hummel. The guys reflect on the eccentric performance of Nicolas Cage and his on screen chemistry with Sean Connery....

A spoiler filled conversation on season one of FX's The Bear. Ben shares misguided concerns he had during the show's first episode while Alec lauds the acting talents of Jeremy Allen White. The guys converse on the show's writing, cinematography, and complex characters. Ben explains how the season one finale accomplished something few films are even pulling off. Alec discovers a shared project with a major actor on the show while B...

Alec and Ben revisit the 2010 Facebook drama directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin and Ben Mezrich. Ben discusses the film's distinct look and gives some background on cinematographer and frequent Fincher collaborator Jeff Cronenweth. Alec praises the film's soundtrack from artists Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The guys discuss the performances and careers of Jesse Eisenberg (Mark Zuckerberg), Andrew Garfield (Edua...

A nostalgia filled conversation on the 1991 Disney adventure film directed by Joe Johnston. The guys discuss the film's balanced blend of action, comedy, and sense of wonder. The guys also praise the depth of a cast that includes Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, and Paul Sorvino. Alec discusses the movie's ability to convey the novelty of aviation in the 1930s. In discussing the film's visual effects B...

It's a listener request as Alec and Ben take a look back at the 1997 crime-comedy Suicide Kings directed by Peter O'Fallon. Ben credits a famous director for paving the way for these types of films in the late 90s and early 2000s. Alec praises the performances of Denis Leary and Christopher Walken while Ben lauds an early comedic performance from Johnny Galecki. The guys discuss the film's plot twists, character dynamics and cinema...

Over two decades removed Michael Mann's 2004 crime thriller demands a re-watch. Join Alec and Ben as they explore the film's themes, character dynamics, and Mann's early adoption of digital filmmaking. The guys discuss the performances of Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, and a breakout role for Javier Bardem. Ben discusses the film's portrayal of Los Angeles while Alec breaks down Mann's knack for constructing a superb score.  The conversat...