Why the Flick?

Claire and Elizabeth may be going on an extended break, but they’re giving you a finale as epic as Christopher Nolan's Interstellar (2014). In this nearly three-hour long episode, the co-hosts explore the real-life science and history behind the movie, debate the character’s ethical choices and highlight some questionable plot holes. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mo...

The Power of the Dog (2021) is this year's critically acclaimed Oscars frontrunner—and Claire and Elizabeth just. don't. get. it. The co-hosts discuss the film's molasses-like pace, its portrayal of a closeted gay cowboy, what it says (and doesn't say) about toxic masculinity, and the ending's big twist.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3...

In episode 15, Claire and Elizabeth unpack Spencer (2021), a cinematic fable starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana like we've never seen before. The co-hosts dig into the film's many metaphors, question whether the retelling exploits a true tragedy and share why the movie ultimately won them over.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YR...

In episode 14, Claire and Elizabeth meet The Descendants (2011)—and they're "haole as shit." The co-hosts discuss the George Clooney flick's problematic portrayal of Hawaii, what it teaches us about grief and forgiveness, and which actor really stole the show.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode sources: https://www....

In this episode, Claire and Elizabeth review the pod's first foreign film with Haifaa Al-Mansour's endearing and historic Wadjda ( 2012). The co-hosts talk about the movie's universal themes, the challenges of filming the first ever feature-length movie in Saudi Arabia and the country's evolving film industry.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License c...

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Claire and Elizabeth dive into the 2014 anti-romance, female revenge flick The Other Woman . For one host, it’s a go-to guilty pleasure loaded with laughs. For the other, it earned the lowest Why the Flick? rating yet.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode sources:   https://www....

In this episode, Claire and Elizabeth hit the dark, gritty streets of Gotham and meet Arthur Fleck, the man who morphs into the Joker (2019). The co-hosts discuss Joaquin Phoenix's chilling performance, method acting extremes, the film's portrayal of violence and mental health, and what its cryptic ending could mean. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License...

It's Claire's birthday week, so the Why the Flick? hosts are throwing it back of one of her favorite '90s gems: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). They share the moments that still make them LOL, pay tribute to the late Robin Williams and look at how the movie's portrayal of family was way ahead of its time.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A...

This week, Claire and Elizabeth take a break but still give you *the content*. Enjoy this episode from another time and another podcast in which the two friends and former journalists review Chloé Zhao's Nomadland (2020). They discuss the realities and misconceptions of nomads, the tyranny of the dollar and Fern's path to healing. Can't get enough of Zhao? Check out Episode 5 of Why the Flick? .&n...

In this episode, Claire and Elizabeth pay tribute to the late Sidney Poitier, a treasure of American cinema who broke through racial divides to become the leading man audiences needed (and still need today). The hosts talk about why Poitier's life and work were so significant, look at his role during the Civil Rights Movement and dive into his historic Oscar-winning performance in Lilies of the Fi...

The only thing brighter than the Hollywood stars in Adam McKay's Don't Look Up (2021) is the giant comet hurtling toward Earth. In this episode, Claire and Elizabeth discuss the parallels between the apocalyptic satire and real life, talk about the scenes that gave them chills, debate the movie's split reviews and share their end-of-world dinner plans.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!)...

Claire and Elizabeth visit Damien Chazelle's La La Land (2016), where dreams come true, but at a cost. The co-hosts talk about how the musical falls short in portraying Jazz and Black culture, share some behind-the-scenes trivia and dissect their favorite (and not-so-favorite) scenes.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Epis...

Do you like scary movies? In honor of its 25th anniversary, Claire and Elizabeth take on Wes Craven's Scream , the iconic slasher movie of 1996 that turned the genre on its head. Whether you love it, hate it, or love to hate it, this episode has something for everyone to gush over.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode...

In Episode 5, Claire and Elizabeth take the reins for a journey through Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao's 2017 film, The Rider . Can the movie's cast of first-time actors pull off such an emotional story? Is Zhao successful in introducing us to the world of Native American cowboys and unforgiving rodeos? Your hosts answer those questions and so much more.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): htt...

This episode, Claire and Elizabeth board the Hogwarts Express for the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001). They cast a light on everything from the making of the wizarding world and its characters to navigating the movie's flaws and controversies. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode sources: ht...

In this episode of Why the Flick? , Claire and Elizabeth debate whether Paul Feig's Last Christmas is actually a Christmas movie, gush over Mother of Dragons Emilia Clarke, evaluate the movie's big twist and address those brutal reviews. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvP...

In this episode, Claire and Elizabeth dig into the ethics and science behind Steven Spielberg's 1993 dino flick, Jurassic Park . They talk about the real villain of the movie, ponder genetic engineering, discuss chaos theory and share their favorite nail-biting scenes.   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Episode source...

In the first episode of Why the Flick? , friends Elizabeth and Claire look deep into Pixar's Soul . From the purpose of life to the Great Resignation, they take on the biggest questions raised by this 2020 animated comedy.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel License code: 3YRZVIJ0A2DO0X49 Sources: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/soul-movie-review-2020...