Movies & Us

Ep. 172 - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

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 you think is next for these characters?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 171 - The Harder They Fall (2021)

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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 170 - Lamb (2021)

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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 169 - Dune (2021) with featured guest: Ty Tush

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 of Dune? Are you looking forward to the Dune cinematic universe?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 168 - Dune (1984)

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 Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 167 - The Truman Show (1998)

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 and what we consume on a daily basis.
What did you think of The Truman Show? How does this film relate to the moment we’re currently living through?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 166 - The Guilty (2021)

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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 165 - My Son (2021)

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 of it?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 164 - Pig (2021)

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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 163 - Annette (2021)

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 @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.