Cinema: A to B

Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey
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Cinema: A to B

Longtime friends and former industry vets Alec & Ben discuss films and streaming series.

  1. Attack the Block (2011) revisited

    5D AGO

    Attack the Block (2011) revisited

    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. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    21 min
  2. Whiplash (2014) revisited

    JUN 30

    Whiplash (2014) revisited

    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 personal experiences and the impact of the film, encouraging listeners to engage with it deeply. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    32 min
  3. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025)

    JUN 23

    Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025)

    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 and potential reboot ideas. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    30 min
  4. Unbreakable (2000) revisited

    JUN 16

    Unbreakable (2000) revisited

    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. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    32 min
  5. Andor - Season 2 (2025)

    JUN 9

    Andor - Season 2 (2025)

    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 SW universe. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    1h 34m
  6. Guest Richard Bazley: From Disney Animator to Film Director

    JUN 2

    Guest Richard Bazley: From Disney Animator to Film Director

    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 constant is change. Richard discusses his recent short films Confines (2023) and Censure (2022) which have garnered nearly 70 international film festival awards as well as his future projects. Richard Bazley's Official Site: https://bazleyfilms.wordpress.com/ Stream Confines (2023) https://fawesome.tv/movies/10676623/confines Stream Censure (2022) https://fawesome.tv/movies/10676624/censure Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    56 min
  7. Warfare (2025)

    MAY 26

    Warfare (2025)

    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. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    32 min
  8. The Game (1997) revisited

    MAY 19

    The Game (1997) revisited

    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 director's unique style and the film's psychological depth. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merchandise - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

    28 min
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About

Longtime friends and former industry vets Alec & Ben discuss films and streaming series.

Information

  • Creator
    Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Cinema: A to B

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