Cinema: A to B

Cinema: A to B

Meet Alec and Ben, long-time friends who once worked in Hollywood but don’t anymore. Together they’re discussing movies and streaming series while sharing their experiences in the industry. This is not a traditional movie review it’s Cinema: A to B.

Episodes

October 13, 2025 30 mins

Spoiler Warning. Alec and Ben break down writer-director Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi satire Mickey 17 adapted from the Edward Ashton novel (Mickey 7) and starring Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette.

Image by Parker_West from Pixabay

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

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob

Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

 

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A look back at the 1986 Michael Mann adaptation of the Thomas Harris Red Dragon novel starring William Petersen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina and Tom Noonan. Alec details a very recent first time viewing and the guys compare and contrast the film with its later version (2002's Red Dragon) as well as the Hannibal TV series starring Mads Mikkelsen. From casting, performances and Mann's direction Alec and Ben make their case why this vers...

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September 29, 2025 37 mins

Spoiler Warning. The guys unpack the James Gunn Superman reboot starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult. Join Alec and Ben for performance breakdowns, super-hero fatigue, the relaunch of the DCEU, Man of Steel comparisons and more!

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

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob

Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

 

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September 22, 2025 34 mins

Spoilers ahead as Alec and Ben discuss the 2025 folk horror film from writer/director Ryan Coogler. The guys break down the performances of Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell and Delroy Lindo. Alec and Ben discuss the film's cinematography while second guessing their decision to not see the film in IMAX. The guys wrap up by delving into the film's thematic elements and its unique depictions of temptation and evil.

Image...

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September 15, 2025 21 mins

Alec and Ben take on another listener request this time in the form of the 2003 coming-of-age film Secondhand Lions written and directed by Tim McCanlies and starring Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall.

Image by Thorsten Dahl from Pixabay

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

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob

Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

 

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September 8, 2025 36 mins

It's a listener request for the 1991 Ron Howard firefighter action-drama starring Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro and Donald Sutherland. Ben explains why the film is both a standard bearer for the genre as well as wildly uneven. Alec discusses notable differences in the film's early transfers vs the more recent 4K remaster. The guys marvel at the depth of the cast including the late J.T. Walsh. Alec discusses how the ...

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September 1, 2025 35 mins

A spoiler filled discussion on the FX/Hulu original series starring Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada. Alec compares and contrasts the series with the novel from James Clavell. Ben praises the series technical prowess while expressing his concerns over pacing. The guys discuss the standout performances and Ben notes a favorite previous film/role featuring Tadanobu Asano. Alec explains why the series could...

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August 25, 2025 31 mins

The stunning set piece, the performances, the suspense... join Alec and Ben for an in depth discussion on the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr. Ben ranks the film among the rest of Hitchcock's catalogue while Alec explains why the New York set piece was so ground breaking. The guys celebrate the iconic acting performances in Rear Window. Alec discusses other note worthy James St...

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August 18, 2025 35 mins

Back from their summer hiatus the guys take another look at the 2016 video game film adaptation Warcraft starring Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster and Dominic Cooper. Alec explains what worked and what didn't with the film's casting. Ben pinpoints big issues with the film's narrative while praising its visuals. The guys share their own experiences with the Blizzard Entertainment MMORPG World of Warcraft while citing missed o...

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July 21, 2025 37 mins

Alec and Ben celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's iconic film Jaws. They discuss its impact on cinema, the challenges faced during production, and the film's masterful storytelling and character dynamics. The conversation delves into the thematic elements and symbolism present in the film, as well as its lasting cultural relevance and influence on the horror genre. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences wit...

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July 14, 2025 38 mins

A spoiler filled discussion on the 2025 racing blockbuster from director Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon. The guys explain why the film demands to be seen in the IMAX format. Alec critiques the performances of Pitt and Bardem while Ben explains what worked and what didn't with the character conflict between Sonny Hayes (Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (Idris). The guys compare the film w...

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July 7, 2025 21 mins

The guys take another look at the 2011 sci-fi comedy Attack the Block from writer-director Joe Cornish and starring John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker. Alec and Ben reflect on the film's merits. Alec explains why he disagreed with friends back in 2011 who raved about the movie. Ben gives two key reasons the film never found an audience. The guys lament the demise of the superb Los Angeles area ArcLight Cinemas.

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June 30, 2025 31 mins

Alec and Ben take another look at Damien Chazelle's acclaimed film Whiplash starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. They discuss the film's technical brilliance, the powerful performances, particularly by J.K. Simmons, and the moral questions raised by the film. The conversation also touches on the importance of editing, the challenges of filmmaking, and the sacrifices made in the quest for greatness. The guys reflect on their pers...

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A spoiler filled conversation on the 8th entry in the Mission Impossible franchise starring Tom Cruise. The guys discuss the benefits of seeing the film in IMAX, pacing and exposition issues, as well as the film's two massive action sequences. Ben discusses the impact Covid had on production while Alec delves into the film's villain as well as franchise callback moments. The guys wrap things up talking the future of the franchise a...

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June 16, 2025 31 mins

The guys revisit the M. Night Shyamalan thriller starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright and Spencer Treat Clark. Ben explains how the film's main theme is more timely than ever. Alec compares the film's twist with other Shyamalan films. Alec and Ben converse on the complex nature of the film's villain. The conversation wraps up on the career trajectory of M. Night.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Official Site - htt...

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June 9, 2025 94 mins

An expanded and spoiler filled episode as Alec and Ben unpack their most anticipated show of 2025 with the second and final season of Andor. Alec discusses how a Star Wars outsider in Tony Gilroy breathed new life into the franchise. Ben compares and contrasts the shows first and second seasons. The guys converse on the challenge of viewer expectations, how the final season impacts Rogue One/A New Hope, and it's legacy within the S...

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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...

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May 26, 2025 31 mins

SPOILER WARNING. Alec and Ben break down the war film directed by Alex Garland and former US Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza based on Mendoza's combat experience in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006.

Image by Aline (Алевтина) Mueller from Pixabay

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

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob

Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

 

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May 19, 2025 27 mins

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...

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May 12, 2025 33 mins

A spoiler-light discussion on the Jesse Eisenberg written and directed dramedy starring Kieran Culkin (Best Supporting Actor Winner) and Jesse Eisenberg.

Image by Enrique from Pixabay

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

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob

Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

 

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