Movies & Us
Movies & Us is a weekly gathering place filled with conversations about movies, stories, and connection. Our name sums it up: we’re all about movies and the powerful ways we can connect with each other and the world around us. This podcast is about all of us and our shared stories. Join us in conversations about movies and the stories that connect us!
Episodes

Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Creed III. They discuss this film’s major themes, how it compares to other films in the franchise, and how it sets itself apart from other blockbusters. They also share how the screenplay, cinematography, and performances work together to create a meaningful and entertaining action film.
What did you think of Creed III? What do you hope to see next in the Creed franchise?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Dillon, to review John Wick: Chapter 4 in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the fight choreography, explosive set pieces, storytelling, and character development. They also share how this compares with the other films and wonder what could be next for the franchise.
What did you think of John Wick: Chapter 4? What did you think of the ending?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Terminator. They discuss some of the ways the world has changed since its release and how that has changed the stories we tell. They also examine the elements of this film that still hold up and the parts that haven’t aged as well.
What did you think of The Terminator? Why do you think this film still works decades later?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Jen and Sarah react to the 2023 Oscars in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They talk about the wins, losses, and sweeps this year and share their thoughts on the event as a whole. They also reveal the winner of this year’s Oscar wager and what movie they will be reviewing next week.
What did you think of this year’s Oscars ceremony? Were there any big snubs or surprises?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah discuss the upcoming Academy Awards. They reflect on this year’s nominees, snubs, and surprises. They share their Oscars predictions and who they would give the Academy Award to.
What do you think of this year’s nominees? Who do you want to win big this year?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Jen and Sarah review We Have a Ghost in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss some of the problematic elements and underdeveloped themes in this Netflix film. They also wonder who this movie is for and what it’s trying to say.
What did you think of We Have a Ghost? Who do you think this movie is for?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Women Talking. They discuss the creative choices that help transport viewers into another world and the universality of the story. They also discuss the dynamic screenplay, three-dimensional characters, and the many themes woven throughout the film.
What did you think of Women Talking? What themes stood out to you?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Jen and Sarah review Empire of Light in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the beautiful cinematography, stirring score, and engaging performances. They dive into some of the problematic parts of the story and consider how difficult it is to write a “love letter to the movies.”
What did you think of Empire of Light? What parts of this film worked for you? What didn’t?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Friday Feb 17, 2023
Friday Feb 17, 2023
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review To Leslie. They dive deep into this film’s pacing, plot structure, and performances. They also reflect on the portrayal of addiction and its effect on individuals, families, and communities.
What did you think of To Leslie? What did you think of the ending?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Jen and Sarah review Aftersun in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the poetic nature of this intimate film and share their surprise that it wasn’t nominated for more Oscars. They also reflect on what they brought to this movie and how that affected their viewing experience.
What did you think of Aftersun? Were you able to go with the flow, or did you have trouble settling in?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.