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 Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
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 these years later?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Saturday Jan 01, 2022
Saturday Jan 01, 2022
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
Sound of Metal
One Night in Miami
The Harder They Fall
Pig
Promising Young Woman
C’mon C’mon
Pieces of a Woman
Malcolm and Marie
What were your favorite films of the year? What are you looking forward to watching in 2022?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
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 and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Saturday Dec 18, 2021
Saturday Dec 18, 2021
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 on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
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 various characters?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
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 Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
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 the film industry?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
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 Die? Was this the satisfying conclusion to the Daniel Craig films you hoped for?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Friday Nov 19, 2021
Friday Nov 19, 2021
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 what might happen in the next film and Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond.
What did you think of Spectre? What do you hope to see in No Time to Die?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.








