Movies & Us

Ep. 126 - Promising Young Woman (2020)

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Promising Young Woman. They discuss the film’s incredible style, strong message, and powerful performances. They also wonder how this film, which is about way more than revenge, could expand upon the revenge genre and pave the way for future films to come.
What did you think about Promising Young Woman? Did the ending work for you?
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Ep. 125 - Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) with featured guest: Carisha Davis

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Carisha, to review Judas and the Black Messiah. They discuss Fred Hampton’s story, including what the movie got right and got wrong, and how film can be used to educate people about historical figures they may have never heard of. They also examine the nuanced characters and how they remind us of the complexity of humanity.
What did you think of Judas and the Black Messiah? Had you heard of Fred Hampton before this film?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 124 - Malcolm & Marie (2021) with featured guest: Daisah Riley

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined Daisah to review Malcom & Marie. They discuss how the emotional trauma displayed on the screen affected each of them. They also dissect the unusual nature of the film, both structurally and culturally, and share what they hope to see more from filmmakers in 2021 and beyond.
What did you think of Malcolm & Marie? How did you feel after watching it?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 123 - The Little Things (2021)

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Little Things. They dissect some of the odd writing decisions and imagine ways the film could’ve been improved. They also discuss the casting choices and how, sometimes, even great actors can’t save a poorly written movie.
What did you think of The Little Things? Did it live up to your expectations?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 122 - Parasite (2019) with featured guest: Kevin Nye

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by Kevin to review Bong Joon-Ho’s film, Parasite. They compare their experiences watching this Oscar-winning film again and the many incredible themes woven through the story. They discuss the precision with which this film was made and how Parasite will stand the test of time.
What did you think about Parasite?
What themes stood out to you?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Connect more with Kevin on Twitter at @theophanyfilms and @kevinmnye1.

Ep. 121 - One Night in Miami (2020) with featured guest: Carisha Davis

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by Carisha to review One Night in Miami. They discuss the excellence of Kemp Powers’ writing and Regina King’s expert direction of a stellar cast. They also discuss the power of this intimate character study of some of the most iconic men of the 1960s.
What did you think of One Night in Miami? What do you hope to see next from Kemp Powers and Regina King?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 120 - Soul (2020)

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Pixar’s Soul. Though an animated film, it is filled with themes tailor-made for adults such as finding your purpose, recovering from shame, and the finality of death. They discuss each of these topics, while also commenting on the artistic talent depicted in this film.
What did you think of Soul? What do you think about the choice of using an animated film to communicate these themes?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 119 - Top 10 Films Watched in 2020

To celebrate the new year, Jen and Sarah reflect on the films they watched in 2020. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they share their Top 10 films that shaped the year and notice some interesting themes that emerge.
Jen’s List
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Hamilton (2020)
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Fences (2016)
Honey Boy (2019)
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
For Sama (2019)
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Mank (2020)
The Platform (2019)
Sarah’s List
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Frances Ha (2012)
First Reformed (2017)
40 Year Old Version (2020)
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Mank (2020)
The Platform (2019)
Hamilton (2020)
Midsommar (2019)
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
What were your favorite films of the year? What are you looking forward to in 2021?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 118 - Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) with featured guest: Sydney Daigre

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by Sydney to review Wonder Woman 1984. They dive into the odd casting choices and the unnecessarily confusing plot. They also speculate about the morals of the film and what it’s trying to teach us. Finally, they talk about the business decision to premiere the film in both theaters and HBO Max and the future of the DC Extended Universe.
What did you think of Wonder Woman 1984? What do you hope to see in a third Wonder Woman movie?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 117 - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) with featured guest: Carisha Davis

Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Carisha, to review Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss the powerful performances, truthful characters, and the film’s dedication to the original play. They also share the ways this film encapsulates both American history and our current moment.
What did you think of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom? How do you think it’s message applies to our current moment?
Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.