Cinema: A to B

About 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 have spent years making, studying, and obsessing over movies from the edges of the film industry. They bring that perspective to conversations about what happens on screen and behind it: the writing, cinematography, editing, performance, production, and all the choices that can make a movie soar or crash and burn. No film degree required. Minimal jargon. No scores out of ten. Just two people who love movies trying to figure out what makes them work. New releases and revisited classics, covered biweekly. Expect spoilers. Listener requests encouraged.

Publisher

Alec Mallmann & Ben Starkey

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2023

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

174 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Star Wars: Skeleton Crew - Season 1 (2024)

   Alec and Ben finally sit down and unpack the lone season (so far) of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew streaming on Disney+ and starring Jude Law. The guys converse on its storytelling, characters, and place within the Star Wars universe. They highlight its refreshing approach, character development, and potential directions for future seasons. Official Site - https://www.cinemaatob.com YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@cinemaatob Merch - https://www.bonfire.com/store/cinema-a-to-b/

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   The Running Man (2025)

   Alec and Ben analyze the 2025 remake of The Running Man starring Glen Powell, Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo. The guys explore its themes, execution, and how it compares to the original 1986 Schwarzenegger film. They discuss the film's visual style, casting, tonal choices, and box office performance, offering insights into what worked and what didn't. Image by carloyuen 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/

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Masters of the Universe (2026)

   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/

Who has been a guest on Cinema: A to B

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Richard Bazley
• Kirsten Dunst
• Jesse Plemons

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

314,310

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

79

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

Contact Cinema: A to B

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Cinema: A to B