Cinema: A to B

Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey•www.cinemaatob.com

TV & Film

Film Reviews

Film History

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

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Episodes

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

2023 Oscars Bonus Episode. A spoiler heavy discussion of the 2022 WWI film All Quiet on the Western Front. Alec and Ben have a conversation on this 9 time Oscar nominated Netflix war film based on the 1929 novel by Erich Maria Remarque. Alec discusses the film's length and emotional impact. Ben talks about the overall look of the film. The conversation shifts to a larger discussion of the war film genre including war films over the last 25 years (1917, Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line). Th...

Mar 12, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

On this spoiler heavy episode, Alec & Ben take a look back at the 2022 box office smash hit Top Gun: Maverick. The guys discuss their different impressions of the Tom Cruise sequel based on how they watched it. Alec compares Maverick with the original film. Ben feels sorry for the Air Force and proposes a title for Top Gun 3. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaatob/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cinemaatob TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemaatob...

Mar 06, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Heat (1995) revisited

An extended episode dedicated to the film Alec and Ben have had more conversations over than any other, Heat (1995). Cinema: A to B dives into all the elements that make Michael Mann's crime drama so extraordinary while also discussing key plot points and memorable scenes. Alec wonders if Heat could even be made today. Ben discusses how the movie depicts Los Angeles. Several bad Al Pacino impressions are in store and much more. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaatob/ Facebook - https:/...

Feb 27, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Andor - Season 1 (2022)

Alec and Ben have a spoiler light discussion of the first season of the Disney+ phenomenon Andor. Alec gives examples of how the show does fan service the right way. Ben explains how the story transcends Star Wars. The guys discuss why the series should be a template for other big budget streaming shows. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaatob/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cinemaatob TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cinemaatob...

Feb 20, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Is the awards hype real? A thoughtful conversation on the 11-time Academy Award nominated film: Everything Everywhere All at Once. Alec discusses casting actors against type. Ben implores fledgling filmmakers to take note of some key decisions made by directors Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert. The Cinema: A to B duo explain why the viewing environment you see this movie in matters. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaatob/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cinemaatob TikTok - https://w...

Feb 13, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 3

LOTR: The Rings of Power - Season 1 (2022)

Is the much maligned The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power as bad as everyone thinks? Join Alec & Ben as they discuss the first season of Amazon Prime's most expensive show to date and unpack where the show fell short, where it succeeded, and their hopes for a second season. The comparisons with Game of Thrones are.. well.. inevitable. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/...

Feb 06, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

In this Spoiler Heavy discussion of Avatar 2 the conversation quickly evolves into a larger one about James Cameron and his back catalogue of films, particularly the Abyss. Ben explains why not all IMAX theaters are created equal. Alec delves into the rigors of acting in very little clothing and Ben poses a question for Alec that could likely set up what we'll see in subsequent Avatar sequels. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Online...

Jan 31, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 1

An Introduction

Alec & Ben introduce themselves and explain that after nearly 20 years of fun and engaging discussions on movies and television that it's finally time to let everyone else in on the conversation. Together they're aiming to bridge the gap between Hollywood film industry insider and the casual moviegoer. This is not a film review, it's Cinema: A to B. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cinemaato...

Jan 31, 2023•8 min

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