Movies & Us

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Tragedy of Macbeth. They delve into the complex characters, gorgeous set design, and powerful performances. They also discuss some of the creative liberties the film takes and how they affect the story as a whole. What did you think of The Tragedy of Macbeth? How do you think this compares with other adaptations? Follow u...

Jen and Sarah review CODA in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss its interesting characters, simple plot structure, and heart-warming moments. They also dive into why representation matters and share their hopes for more films that tell the stories of underrepresented groups. What did you think of CODA? Did the ending work for you? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsye...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Spencer. They share their reactions to this film and how it differentiates itself from traditional biopics. They also discuss Kristen Stewart’s performance, along with the writing, score, and cinematography. What did you think of Spencer? What do you think about the creative liberties the film takes? Follow us on Instagram @s...

Jen and Sarah review Licorice Pizza in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the characters, plot, and cinematography, in addition to the unusual title. They also break down the ending and share what they wanted to see instead. What did you think of Licorice Pizza? Did the ending work for you? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Eyes of Tammy Faye. They break down some of the strengths and weaknesses of the film, including its pacing and writing. They also discuss the colorful characters and the performances that brought them to life. What did you think of The Eyes of Tammy Faye? How does this compare to other biopics? Follow us on Instagram @str...

Jen and Sarah review Nightmare Alley in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They examine their interpretations of the various characters and how that affects their view of the film as a whole. They also unpack some of the major themes and highlight the artistic aspects of the film that really stood out. What did you think of Nightmare Alley? What stood out to you about the film’s comp...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The French Dispatch. They discuss the pacing, writing, set design, and some major themes. They also examine the bold creative choices in the film and how these enhanced the story as a whole. What did you think of The French Dispatch? How does this compare to Wes Anderson’s other films? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsye...

Jen and Sarah review Encanto in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They unpack the engaging music, stunning animation, and themes that are relevant for both children and adults. They also discuss the film's popularity and how social media influences our response to everything, including film. What did you think of Encanto? What themes resonated with you the most? Follow us on Instagr...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Sy, to review Eternals. They discuss the film's intentional diversity and disability inclusion. They also unravel a few of the many themes present in this incredibly ambitious story. What did you think of Eternals? What do you think about how the film handled diversity and disability? Connect with Sy on...

Jen and Sarah review The Last Duel in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into some of the film's bold creative choices, including the writing, pacing, cinematography, and casting. They also discuss the film's themes, their implication for us today, and why this was a box office flop. What did you think of The Last Duel? Why do you think it did so poorly at the box office? F...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Lost Daughter. They discuss the great performances, enigmatic characters, and how the film builds tension through seemingly mundane events. They also comment on how Maggie Gyllenhaal skillfully brought this ambitious project to life. What did you think of The Lost Daughter? How did this subvert your expectations? Follow u...

Jen and Sarah review tick, tick…Boom! in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s major themes, endearing characters, and surprisingly good performances. They also share how it was able to capture the heart and magic of musical theater and translate it to the small screen. What did you think of tick, tick…Boom!? How does this compare to other film adaptations of mus...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Don’t Look Up. They examine the various characters and the important topics the film attempts to address. They also discuss the various reactions to this film and why critics and the masses view it so differently. What did you think of Don’t Look Up? How does this compare to other satirical works? Follow us on Instagram @stra...

Jen and Sarah are joined by a special guest, Patrick, to discuss The Matrix Resurrections. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they share their reactions to this film and how it compares to the others in the franchise. They also discuss the film’s pacing, world-building, and reinvention of some iconic characters. What did you think of The Matrix Resurrections? Did you have a great...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Matrix Revolutions. They discuss the continued world-building, the characters, and the larger themes present in the final installment of the original trilogy. They also share what they hope to see in the next film in the series. What did you think of The Matrix Revolutions? What do you hope to see in the next film? Follow...

Jen and Sarah review The Matrix Reloaded in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss some of the ways this film fails to live up to its predecessor, including its disjointed plot and unrelatable characters. They also discuss the continued world-building and what they expect to see in the third film. What did you think of The Matrix Reloaded? How does it compare with the first...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Matrix. They discuss the quality of the film's special effects and why it still holds up over 20 years later. They also share about the plot’s brilliant simplicity and how the hard work behind the scenes really pays off for the viewers. What did you think of The Matrix? Why do you think this movie is still so good all the...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah share the top ten films they watched in 2021. They welcome in the new year by reflecting on yet another memorable year of movies. Jen’s list: C’mon C’mon Sound of Metal The Harder They Fall Taxi Driver Dune Minari Raging Bull One Night in Miami Nomadland The Power of the Dog Sarah’s list: Herself The Last Black Man in San Francisco...

Jen and Sarah review Being the Ricardos in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the great writing and problematic directing. They also unpack the performances that stood out to them and wonder what it was like to portray such iconic figures. What did you think of Being the Ricardos? How does this compare to other biopics? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment a...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review C’mon C’mon. They discuss how the cinematography, sound editing, and writing come together to enhance the film’s message. They also highlight the incredible performances in this subtle and nuanced family drama. What did you think of C’mon C’mon? How do you think the black & white enhanced the film? Follow us on Instagram...

Jen and Sarah review Encounter in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the difficult and complex subject matter the film attempts to handle. They also consider how an incorrect genre, in this case, works in the film’s favor. What did you think of Encounter? How did marketing this as a sci-fi film affect your experience? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Netflix's The Power of the Dog. They discuss their reactions to the slow burn plot and their interpretations of the film's complex characters. They also share how the score, cinematography, and plot structure work together to create an engaging story. What did you think of The Power of the Dog? What did you think of the vario...

Jen and Sarah review Wrath of Man in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the brooding score, interesting plot structure, and surprising performances from the actors. They also unpack some of the deeper themes and meaning found within this heist thriller. What did you think of Wrath of Man? Was it what you expected? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Netflix’s Red Notice. They discuss how a film that cost so much money and received so many views could fall so flat. They also comment on Netflix’s business model, the data they choose to share, and how the streaming service has changed the movie industry. What did you think of Red Notice? How do you think Netflix has changed...

Jen and Sarah review No Time to Die in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007 and how it compares to his other films, along with others in the franchise. They also wonder what could be next for the Bond series: will they choose to innovate or stick to the tried and true formula that’s worked for decades? What did you think of No Time to...