Cinema: A to B
Most film podcasts tell you what to watch. Cinema: A to B is more interested in why a film works or why it doesn't. Alec Mallmann and Ben Starkey have spent years making, studying, and obsessing over movies from the edges of the film industry. They bring that perspective to conversations about what happens on screen and behind it: the writing, cinematography, editing, performance, production, and all the choices that can make a movie soar or crash and burn. No film degree required. Minimal jargon. No scores out of ten. Just two people who love movies trying to figure out what makes them work. New releases and revisited classics, covered biweekly. Expect spoilers. Listener requests encouraged.
Episodes
Alec and Ben finally sit down and unpack the lone season (so far) of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew streaming on Disney+ and starring Jude Law. The guys converse on its storytelling, characters, and place within the Star Wars universe. They highlight its refreshing approach, character development, and potential directions for future seasons.
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob
Alec and Ben analyze the 2025 remake of The Running Man starring Glen Powell, Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo. The guys explore its themes, execution, and how it compares to the original 1986 Schwarzenegger film. They discuss the film's visual style, casting, tonal choices, and box office performance, offering insights into what worked and what didn't.
Image by carloyuen from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
Alec and Ben analyze the recent He-Man movie, Masters of the Universe, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and the broader context of IP-driven filmmaking. They discuss nostalgia, storytelling tropes, and the challenges of rebooting classic franchises.
Image by Felix Mittermeier from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob
Is Terrence Malick's 2011 film The Tree of Life an absolute masterpiece or pretentious and confusing? The guys rewatched it and still don't agree. Alec and Ben explore the film's spiritual themes, cinematography, and personal significance along with a deep dive into the symbolism, narrative structure, and the director's unique approach to filmmaking.
Image by whitfieldink from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
It's a listener request episode as Alec and Ben discuss John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starring James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin. The conversation tackles the film's themes, black and white cinematography, performances and its surprising connection to one of the biggest films of 2008.
Image by Marcia Benson from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtub...
SPOILER ALERT. Alec and Ben dig into Christopher Nolan's long-awaited adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway. The guys break down the film's practical-effects-driven approach to its monster sequences, the constraints Nolan placed on the score, and how the film's aspect ratio choices shape the theatrical experience. Ben mak...
Alec and Ben talk shop on the 2004 film 'Friday Night Lights' starring Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Lucas Black and Tim McGraw. The guys delve into its themes, performances, and the cultural significance of high school football in Texas. They also discuss the filmmaking style of writer-director Peter Berg and the real-life stories behind the characters. Alec praises the film's soundtrack by Explosions in the Sky while Ben reveal...
A spoiler filled analysis of Amazon Prime's second season of Fallout, exploring its narrative, character development, production quality, and connections to the original game. The guys discuss the show's evolving storylines, visual style, and potential future seasons but mostly wax eloquent on the incredible talent of Walton Goggins.
Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - htt...
It's back to a loaded year in cinema (2015) with another look at Sicario directed by Denis Villeneuve, written by Taylor Sheridan and lensed by the great Roger Deakins. Join Alec and Ben as they explore the film's direction, moral ambiguity, complex characters and memorable performances from Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro.
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
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SPOILER ALERT. A deep dive into the Andy Weir novel adaptation Project Hail Mary directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller and James Ortiz. Alec explains where the book and the film differ. Ben discusses why he feels the film is doing well at the box office. The guys evaluate the film's performances, the value of practical visual effects, and why Hollywood continues to learn the wrong les...
A spoiler filled critique and conversation on the third entry in the Tron franchise directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith and Gillian Anderson. Alec and Ben discuss their own expectations for the film and compare it unfairly or not against the widely celebrated sequel Tron: Legacy.
Photo by Łukasz Martenka
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
Is City of God the best film of 2002 (2003 US release)? Alec and Ben make their case following a rewatch of the brutal and brilliant Brazilian film written by Bráulio Mantovani and Paulo Lins, directed by Kátia Lund and Fernando Meirelles and starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Seu Jorge and Alice Braga. The guys break down the cinematography, performances and why the film was ahead of its time.
A spoiler filled analysis and conversation on the Oscar nominated Train Dreams written and directed by Clint Bentley from the Denis Johnson novella and starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones and William H. Macy. Join Alec and Ben as they explore the film's themes, cinematography, standout performances and emotional impact.
Image by Igor Makarevich from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www...
Spoiler Warning. A candid critique of the third entry in James Cameron's Avatar series, focusing on the narrative shortcomings, visual spectacle, and character development across Avatar: Fire and Ash starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Oona Chaplin.
Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob
A look back at the iconic Robin Williams performance as the titular character Mrs. Doubtfire. Directed by Chris Columbus and also starring Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan. Alec and Ben explore Williams' comedic brilliance, emotional depth, and the film's cultural impact. They share personal stories, analyze the film's themes, and reflect on Williams' legacy as a performer.
Cover art by Testet95 Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlik...
A SPOILER filled discussion on Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and Teyana Taylor. The guys discuss and critique the film's premise, messaging, performances and cinematography. The episode wraps up with a conversation on the slate best picture nominees for the 98th Academy Awards.
Image by Donna B. McNicol from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
A Season of Sci-Fi concludes with an analysis and discussion of Denis Villeneuve's 2016 film Arrival starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. Alec discusses where he ranks the film among Villeneuve's filmography. Ben critiques the film's unique cinematography. The guys talk through how the script tricks viewers expecting a linear narrative.
Image by Zaimhel Syakir from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.co...
A Season of Sci-Fi entry 12 is a look back at Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049 starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas. Join Alec and Ben as they discuss why the film is a worthy follow-up to the iconic Ridley Scott directed Blade Runner.
Image by Roger Jeffreys from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob
Cinema: A to B Merch - https://www.bonfire.c...
A Season of Sci-Fi episode 11 features a lesser known James Cameron picture with the 1989 deep sea action film The Abyss starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Biehn. The guys discuss the dangerous and difficult filming conditions, stunning VFX, narrative critiques and finally touch on a film that they don't really agree on.
Image by Tabby Cat from Pixabay
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
A rewatch and discussion on the first two landmark films in the Alien franchise from legendary directors Sir Ridley Scott and James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver.
Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob
Cinema: A to B Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/
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