Movies & Us

In preparation for the latest Bond film, No Time to Die, Jen and Sarah review Spectre in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the growth of James Bond over the course of the film and how that character has changed greatly over the years. They articulate the problems they had with the story lines and issues with the basic premise of the film. Finally, they speculate about w...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. They dissect the plot and characters, analyze nods to Asian culture, and share some of their burning questions. They also discuss what this film means more broadly and speculate what could be next for the MCU. What did you think of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings? What do y...

Jen and Sarah review The Harder They Fall in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They rave about the unique soundtrack, rhythmic dialogue, great acting, and excellent pacing. They also comment on how this reimagined Western balances both style and substance. What did you think of The Harder They Fall? Do you think this film is the future of the Western genre? Follow us on Instagram @s...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Lamb. They discuss the characters, symbols, and cinematography, along with the film's overarching message. They also share about their viewing experience and wonder what the reception of this film could mean for Icelandic cinema. What did you think of Lamb? What did the ending mean to you? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhi...

Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Ty, to review Dune in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how this film compares with the novel and other Dune adaptations. They also highlight the stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and intriguing characters. Finally, they share what they’re looking forward to as more Dune movies and series are created. What did you think o...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 1984 cult classic, Dune. They discuss what worked well and what didn’t, and why director David Lynch refuses to revisit this film. They also look ahead and share what they hope to see in the upcoming release of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. What did you think of Dune? What do you hope to see in the new film? Follow us on Insta...

Jen and Sarah review The Truman Show in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the power of its script and how no moments in this film are wasted. Though released over twenty years ago, they point out its commentary on social media, streaming, fake news, and other things we are grappling with today. They also discuss what this movie has to say about our relationship with art...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Guilty. They compare it with the original Danish film and comment on the innovative story-telling. They also discuss their conflicted responses to the film’s protagonist and the performances, both on-screen and off. What did you think of The Guilty? How does it compare to the original Danish film? Follow us on Instagram @...

Jen and Sarah review My Son in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They unpack how their expectations influenced their experience and how genres are imperfect categories. They also dive into the unusual nature of the film's creation and wonder what innovations could lie ahead in the movie industry. What did you think of My Son? Does knowing how the film was made change what you think...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Pig. They discuss the nuanced performances, brilliant writing, and engrossing screenplay. They also unpack a few of the film’s themes, including the power of empathy, the importance of connection, and the unifying nature of loss. What did you think of Pig? What themes stood out to you? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsye...

Jen and Sarah review Annette in this week’s episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the various characters, casting choices, and the meaning behind the film’s many symbols. They also dive into how the musical aspects impacted the film’s themes. What did you think of Annette? Do you think the music enhanced the film or detracted from it? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexper...

In this week’s episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Reminiscence. They discuss the film’s problematic protagonist and the intriguing world-building. They also compare this to other noir and sci-fi films and share ways to improve the lackluster story. What did you think of Reminiscence? How does this compare to other noir and sci-fi films? Follow us on Instagram @strateg...

Jen and Sarah are joined by special guests Alyssa and Daisah in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment to review In Our Mothers' Gardens. They share their own stories and the ways this Netflix documentary rings true. They also comment on some of the film's deeper topics, including the importance of self-care, rest, and leaving a legacy. What did you think of In Our Mothers' Gardens? What...

Jen and Sarah review The Green Knight in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the stunning visuals, engrossing soundtrack, and compelling characters. They compare this to the original poem and unpack some of the ways the film subverts expectations. What did you think of The Green Knight? How does this compare with other Arthurian films? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhi...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah reflect on the last three years. They also look back and share their favorite clips and episodes of the last year. Finally, they share what they’re looking forward to in the coming year of movies. Do you have a favorite clip or episode? What are you looking forward to in the coming year? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperi...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Beckett. They dive into the film’s thin characters, poor performances, and 70s action thriller tropes. They also share some wild speculation in an attempt to add some much-needed meaning to the film. What did you think of Beckett? How does this compare with other films in the genre? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexpe...

Jen and Sarah review The Suicide Squad in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They comment on the film’s strong writing, bold creative choices, and engaging cinematography. They also unpack some deeper messages found under the over-the-top fun and share their own theory about the film’s title. What did you think of The Suicide Squad? How does it measure up against 2016’s Suicide Squad...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review A Rainy Day in New York. They discuss what makes this film difficult to watch, including the problematic casting, infuriating characters, and insufferable dialogue. They also compare this to other Woody Allen films and wonder if the moment has passed for this director. What did you think of A Rainy Day in New York? How does i...

Jen and Sarah review Space Jam: A New Legacy in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the plot, characters, themes, and the animation styles used. They also examine the original Space Jam in the hopes of understanding what factors came together to make that film work so well. What did you think of Space Jam: A New Legacy? How does it compare to the original film? Follow us...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Brandon, to review A Quiet Place Part II. They discuss the plot and characters, comparing it to the first film. They also detail what they would like to see in a third film in the franchise. What did you think of A Quiet Place Part II? Did it live up to your expectations, or were you hoping for something...

Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Kaitlin, to review Black Widow in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how this film fits into the MCU and sets itself apart from other prequels. They examine the emotional weight of the film and how it sets up future stars in the Marvel franchise. What did you think of Black Widow? Do you think it worth the wait? Follow us on Ins...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review No Sudden Move. They discuss the creative cinematic choices, the star-studded cast, and the complexities of the plot. They also share what they expected and how that influenced their experience with the film. What did you think of No Sudden Move? How did your expectations impact your opinion of the film? Follow us on Instagra...

Jen and Sarah review Pixar’s Luca in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the characters and wonder how the film could have gone deeper with each of them. They also share some of their most pressing questions about the film and provide some wild speculation in their answers. What did you think of Luca? Did you want more depth from this film? Follow us on Instagram @strateg...

Jen and Sarah review In The Heights in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the various characters and the film’s themes of dreams, legacy, and social justice. They also examine the controversy surrounding the film, the creators’ responses, and what the criticism says about the future of the industry. What did you think of In The Heights? What do you hope to see next from...

Jen and Sarah review Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They unload their hottest takes about this film, commenting on the name, Max’s character, Aunty’s unique form of governance, and the odd Peter Pan-inspired sequence in the middle. They also question who the film’s real hero is. What did you think of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome? Share your hottest tak...