Cinema: A to B

Most film podcasts tell you what to watch. Cinema: A to B is more interested in why a film works or why it doesn't. Alec Mallmann and Ben Starkey spent years working inside Hollywood before deciding the most useful thing they could do with that experience was talk honestly about cinema. Each episode breaks down the craft — cinematography, editing, performance — with the kind of insight you only get from people who've worked behind the curtain. No film degree required, minimal jargon, no scores out of ten. New releases and revisited classics, covered biweekly. Expect spoilers. Listener requests encouraged.

Cinema: A to B is a tv podcast hosted by Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey, with 171 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey hosts Cinema: A to B, a tv show with 171 episodes published.

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  Episode #1

  Masters of the Universe (2026)

  Sep 21, 202625 minS14

  Alec and Ben analyze the recent He-Man movie, Masters of the Universe, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and the broader context of IP-driven filmmaking. They discuss nostalgia, storytelling tropes, and the challenges of rebooting classic franchises. Image by Felix Mittermeier from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

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  Episode #13

  The Tree of Life (2011) revisited

  Sep 7, 202635 minS13

  Is Terrence Malick's 2011 film The Tree of Life an absolute masterpiece or pretentious and confusing? The guys rewatched it and still don't agree. Alec and Ben explore the film's spiritual themes, cinematography, and personal significance along with a deep dive into the symbolism, narrative structure, and the director's unique approach to filmmaking. Image by whitfieldink from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

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  Episode #12

  The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) revisited

  Aug 17, 202628 minS13

  It's a listener request episode as Alec and Ben discuss John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starring James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin. The conversation tackles the film's themes, black and white cinematography, performances and its surprising connection to one of the biggest films of 2008. Image by Marcia Benson from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

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  Episode #11

  The Odyssey (2026)

  Aug 3, 20261h 13mS13

  SPOILER ALERT. Alec and Ben dig into Christopher Nolan's long-awaited adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway. The guys break down the film's practical-effects-driven approach to its monster sequences, the constraints Nolan placed on the score, and how the film's aspect ratio choices shape the theatrical experience. Ben makes his case for where the film lands in Nolan's filmography. Alec digs into the film's reinterpretation of the source material and what got lost — and gained — in the adaptation. The conversation rounds out with a look at the film's box office expectations and what genres Nolan may tackle next. Image by Rheinraft from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

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  Episode #10

  Friday Night Lights (2004) revisited

  Jul 20, 202641 minS13

  Alec and Ben talk shop on the 2004 film 'Friday Night Lights' starring Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Lucas Black and Tim McGraw. The guys delve into its themes, performances, and the cultural significance of high school football in Texas. They also discuss the filmmaking style of writer-director Peter Berg and the real-life stories behind the characters. Alec praises the film's soundtrack by Explosions in the Sky while Ben reveals the film's position within his own ranking in the sports genre. Image by Bryan Craddock from Pixabay Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

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