Cinema: A to B Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey

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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A look back at the 1985 adventure film written by Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner. Alec and Ben discuss their very different initial viewing experiences of the film. Ben evaluates how the film has aged and how it serves as a window into mid-80s America. Alec explains why the movie works. The guys discuss the extensive cast including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, and Ke Huy Quan. The conversation concludes with a desire to see Hollywood get back to the basics of sound filmmaking.
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