After over 40 years is John Carpenter's The Thing still a standard bearer in the genre? Plus, something extremely unexpected happens as Alec and Ben start to unpack this sci-fi horror classic.

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25 years removed, the guys take a look back at the crime-comedy The Boondock Saints from writer-director Troy Duffy and starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and David Della Rocco. They reflect on their nostalgia for the film, discussing its comedic elements, character dynamics, and the directorial choices made by Troy Duffy. The conversation highlights the film's flaws, the standout performances, particularly by Willem Dafoe, and the legacy it has left in pop culture. Plus, a Cinema: A to B tangent on physical media and late 90s movie viewing technology.

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Cinema: A to B brings attention back to an overlooked film from 2018 in the form of First Man directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Alec explains how his opinion has changed after giving the film a second chance. Ben discusses why this was his favorite film from 2018 and why IMAX was the preferred format. Alec delves into Gosling's performance as well as additional cast performance breakdowns. The guys praise Chazelle's direction. Ben discusses the movie's varying film stocks and overall look. Alec explains the importance of a specific instrument used in the film's musical score. The conversation rounds out conversing over why the film was so misunderstood but is still worth a look.

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A look back at the 2001 Ridley Scott film Black Hawk Down adapted from the novel by Mark Bowden and starring Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, and Eric Bana. Alec praises Scott's direction and ability to quickly establish the large cast of characters. Ben explains the elite nature of US Army Rangers and Delta Force. Alec explains how the film kicked off the careers of several now famous actors. The guys discuss the film's striking cinematography, unique Hans Zimmer score, and the few areas the movie and book differ. Join Cinema: A to B for a thoughtful discussion on this historical war film based on the true events involving U.S. soldiers in Mogadishu in October of 1993.

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Venture back 200 million... er... 31 years to revisit the Steven Spielberg blockbuster Jurassic Park adapted from the Michael Crichton novel. Alec and Ben discuss the minimal use of computer generated visual effects and why the film has largely aged well. Ben explains the differences between the novel and the film particularly tone and some key character changes. Alec mentions another famous director who tried to get the rights to the movie as well as who was originally offered the role of Grant prior to Sam Neill coming aboard. The guys briefly go off on a personal paleontology tangent before the conversation shifts to examples of Spielberg's mastery of building tension and suspense as well as some background info on the film's incredible sound design. Join Cinema: A to B for a celebration of the dinosaur film that started it all.

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Spoilers ahead as the guys unpack the 4th film entry in the original Ghostbusters timeline - Frozen Empire. Alec compares and contrasts the movie with 2021's Afterlife. Ben explains how the film suffered a similar final act issue as Ghostbusters 2. Alec discusses the film's reliance on nostalgia. The guys evaluate the film's story and massive cast of characters which shifts into a closing discussion on why the franchise remains at a crossroads and its future uncertain.

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A Spoiler filled conversation on what worked and what didn't in George Miller's 2024 follow-up to Mad Max: Fury Road. Ben discusses where he feels Furiosa fell short of its predecessor. Alec explains the inherent weakness in a prequel movie. The guys converse on the performances of Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth as Dementus. Alec critique's the films story and character development while Ben discusses the movie's uneven visual effects work. The comparisons to 2015's Fury Road are unavoidable.

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A spoiler filled conversation on the third entry in the Deadpool franchise. Alec recounts a technical issue filled first theatrical viewing. Ben explains why the timing is perfect for this film given the current state of the MCU. The guys appreciate the attention to detail and sheer volume of easter eggs and comedic nuggets. Alec poses a question to Ben regarding the film's impact on and handling of the earlier Wolverine film Logan (2017). The guys discuss the performances and careers of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The conversation shifts to a discussion on director/producer Shawn Levy and why enjoyable working relationships are so important in this challenging era of Hollywood filmmaking.

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A look back at the 2008 genre defining second entry in Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy. Alec describes an awe inspiring 70mm IMAX theatrical viewing of the film. The guys compare and contrast The Dark Knight with 2022's The Batman. Alec shares anecdotes revealing the acting genius of the late Heath Ledger. Ben explains how the film's subtext makes it a definitive post-9/11 commentary on anarchy and terror. The guys round out the discussion on how the film is tonally similar to an earlier Michael Mann masterpiece and why the film's ending remains one of the best in all of cinema.

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A long overdue and Spoiler Filled discussion of the Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone. Ben opines on what he feels held the film back from achieving greatness. Alec evaluates the film's acting performances particularly DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart and Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart. The guys discuss the character of Ernest and whether another actor in the film would've made more sense in the role. Ben praises the cinematography but questions the film's score. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Jesse Plemons (Tom White) and what makes the film so frustrating.

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