Movies & Us

Martinis, women, spies… oh my! In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review GoldenEye. They discuss the various women in the film and how the inclusion of female voices has changed the industry. They also wonder what exactly makes a Bond film a Bond film and comment on the importance of viewing a film through the lens of when it was made. What did you think of GoldenEye...

Jen and Sarah are joined by a special guest, Omar, to revisit their conversation about the 2018 film, Capernaum. In the aftermath of the explosion in Beirut in early August, Nadine Labaki’s film is even more hauntingly relevant. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss the current state of events on the streets in Lebanon and what can be done to help in the aftermath of thi...

Jen and Sarah review Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. This senior thesis turned feature-length film shows Damien Chazelle’s creativity as he experimented with various techniques and themes. They discuss how this is a pretty terrible film when viewed on its own, but takes on much more meaning when viewed in the context of his later work. What did...

Joined by Jen’s mom, Lisa, Jen and Sarah review the 2018 film, Searching, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s use of screens to create empathy and set the stage for a compelling mystery. They wonder how our reliance upon technology and social media will grow in the coming years and how many more films will be created using this screen life model. What did yo...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Carrie, to review the 2020 documentary Becoming. Going beyond the film itself, they discuss the former First Lady’s message of story, honor, and legacy. They share how this intimate look into Michelle Obama’s life is recommended viewing during this difficult season. What did you think of Becoming? How do...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Nadine Labaki’s Capernaum. Joined by special guest, Omar, they discuss the heart-breaking stories the film follows and how these experiences are not unique to the streets of Lebanon. They also comment on how the events of today shape what we take away from a film. And, like the filmmaker, they find hope in the fact that we ca...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Old Guard. They discuss how this film differentiates itself from others with a similar premise. They also examine the characters, their motivations, and what makes them unique in the action movie genre. What did you think about The Old Guard? How does this measure up against other action films? Follow us on Instagram @str...

Jen and Sarah review Hamilton in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into what streaming this world-wide sensation could mean for the future of the theater. They praise the film production and performances and dissect the larger themes of the story, some of which are incredibly relevant today. What did you think of Hamilton? Was this the summer movie treat you’ve been waitin...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, LT to review Just Mercy. They examine how this film differs from many in the “based on a true story” genre and how relevant its message is to our current moment. Going beyond the film itself, they discuss the importance of seeing those who are different than us and the empathy that can be born when we da...

Jen and Sarah review Disney’s latest adaptation, Artemis Fowl. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss some of the problems with the film’s character development and plot structure. They also question if this should get a pass because it’s a “kid’s movie,” wondering how Disney’s recent releases are received by the children they are marketed to. What did you think of Artemi...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Da 5 Bloods, now streaming on Netflix. They discuss the larger themes, unique storytelling, and rich history woven throughout the latest Spike Lee joint. Though the film centers on the events and after-effects of the Vietnam war, Jen and Sarah marvel at the film’s relevance today and how looking at our present through the len...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Bong Joon Ho’s 2017 film, Okja. They discuss its near perfect timing and the seamless blending of genres that keeps the action exciting and the plot moving forward. While a whimsical film about super pigs, Okja manages to stay grounded enough in realism to enhance the message of the story. What did you think of Okja? How do y...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Social Network. They discuss the responsibility that filmmakers have in retelling history, especially recent events. They marvel at the film’s success and effective storytelling, making a potentially boring subject riveting for the viewers. What did you think of The Social Network? Do the facts of what really happen chang...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the Netflix film, Tigertail. They discuss how varied the immigrant experience is and marvel at the industrious nature of people who leave their country to make a better life for themselves. They also share how our personal experiences shape how we view movies and connect to characters on screen. What did you think of Tigertai...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2019 film The Lighthouse. They marvel at how a film like this can exist today and applaud the impressive acting performances. They also discuss what this creepy, claustrophobic, and creative film means, sharing their very different takeaways. What did you think of The Lighthouse? What do you think this film means? Follow...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Guy Ritchie’s Snatch. They comment on the director’s clear style, the combination of violence and humor, and the unusual, non-stop pace of this film. They discuss how expectations can influence our experience watching a particular film and share other films where the expectations and realities just didn’t match up. What did y...

In this episode of The Strategic Experiment, Jen and Sarah delve into A Serious Man. They dissect the protagonist, Larry Gopnik, and comment on how he is a bold choice for a leading man in film. In typical Coen brothers fashion, this is a film that takes a hard look at the fragility of life and, in this case, is just a little too real. Jen and Sarah wonder how this film might be received by audien...

Jen and Sarah dive into the glamor of The Great Gatsby in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They revel in the opulence of Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of the roaring 20’s and the immersive nature of this particular film. They discuss how its style and substance was able to bring Fitzgerald’s classic novel to life and make it more accessible for a modern audience. What did you think...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2019 Netflix film, The Platform. They discuss what it has to say about human nature and how we interact with others and how the film was able to weave these themes throughout. While not about a pandemic, they comment on its relevance during this season of self-preservation and quarantine. What did you think of The Platfor...

Jen and Sarah review the 1982 sci-fi classic, Blade Runner, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into what has aged well and what hasn’t, including the technology, the violence, and the role of women in the film. They also discuss what the film has to say about being human and the value of life. What did you think of Blade Runner? How do you think this film has aged? Follo...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Blade Runner 2049. They discuss how this film artfully strays from the traditions of the sci-fi genre and beautifully weaves in character development and growth. They share their differing opinions of the film and who the real protagonist is, a great reminder of the unique experience film can provide. What did you think of Bl...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Portrait of a Lady on Fire. They discuss how the cinematography gingerly guides the audience through the story, rave about the stunning performances, and comment on the immersive silence of the film. What did you think of Portrait of a Lady on Fire? Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment. Contact us with any questi...

Hoping to infuse a little whimsy into their days, Jen and Sarah review Cafe Society in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the strange narrative structure and unusual casting choices in the film. Comparing this to some of his other work, they wonder what Woody Allen was trying to communicate through this plot. What did you think of Cafe Society? Did all of the pieces come...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the South Korean film, The Flu. They compare and contrast this with Hollywood films that center on surviving a pandemic and discuss how culture shapes these films. They also wonder how rapidly these stories will continue to be consumed as the CoronaVirus dominates our minds and newsfeeds. Have you seen The Flu? How do you thi...

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2011 film, Contagion. They discuss the movie itself—its choices in color, casting, and writing. Moving past the technical components of the film, they dive into its similarities to the current Coronavirus outbreak. They wonder how movies both shape and reflect our reality. What did you think of Contagion? What role do you...