Cinema: A to B Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey

A spoiler light discussion of Guy Ritchie's WW2 film starring Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson. Ben contrasts the film with an earlier ensemble piece from 2009. Alec explains why he had initial reservations about the movie. The guys discuss performances and comedic dialogue. Ben praises the film's cinematography particularly how it handles action sequences. Alec calls back an earlier Ritchie film he'd like to see Cavill and Ritchson team up in a sequel for. Ben mentions an all-time acting great that was really in The Ministry. The conversation rounds out on the importance of subtext in cinema.
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A look back at the 2004 British crime film Layer Cake starring Daniel Craig and directed by Matthew Vaughn. Alec explains why he has such fond memories of watching the film and revisits a discussion had during the introduction episode of the podcast. Ben discusses how the film's opening scene drew him in quickly. The guys discuss the deep cast and how the film served as a dry run for Daniel Craig as James Bond. Alec discusses the film's original ending. Ben praises the cinematography and the guys round out the discussion on where the film ranks within the slick British crime genre.
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A Spoiler Warning as Cinema: A to B breaks down the Netflix exclusive title Hit Man starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona and directed by Richard Linklater. Alec questions the film's ending and some story beats. Ben notes some potentially missed opportunities in the script. The guys evaluate character choices and discuss the performances of both Powell and Arjona. Alec references another film that the guys really hate. The conversation rounds out on the career trajectory of Glen Powell. 
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Join Cinema: A to B for a closer look back at the 2012 MCU event film written and directed by Joss Whedon. Alec ranks the movie in his Marvel hierarchy and explains the importance of the film's execution. Ben discusses everything the movie had working against it prior to its release. The guys praise the films writing and balancing act of handling a large number of primary characters. Alec discusses the film's score as well as his own personal connection with a portion of the film's crew. Ben discusses the film's editing and innovative use of DSLR crash cameras -- something he'd see later that summer on a TV show he worked on. The conversation closes with a discussion on super-hero film fatigue and the future of the genre.
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In a first for Cinema: A to B a listener request brings forth a film Ben had never previously seen in the form of the 2007 fantasy film Stardust directed by Matthew Vaughn. Ben gives his initial impressions of the film and kicks off a discussion of the career of actor Charlie Cox as well as the challenges of pursuing acting in Hollywood. Alec explains key differences between the Neil Gaiman novel and the film. The guys praise the all-star cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and Claire Danes. The conversation shifts to a discussion of the film's cinematography and visual effects and closes with a call to revisit this fairy-tale throwback.
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In this spoiler light episode Alec and Ben discuss the first season of Fallout now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Alec explains how the show properly adapted its video game source material and comedic tone. Ben reveals character arcs he appreciated as well as the show's excellent use of real world locations. The guys discuss how the show avoids typical post-apocalyptic tropes and evaluate the performances of cast members Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. The conversation rounds out with a discussion on the changing landscape of streaming TV and whether star power is even driving viewership anymore.
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