Movies & Us

Ep. 97 - Searching (2018) with featured guest: Lisa Chen

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 you think of Searching? Do you hope to see more films like this one?
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Ep. 96 - Becoming (2020) with featured guest: Carrie Alford

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 you think we can share hope with others in this hopeless season?
To learn more about Carrie’s work with the Young Influencers Foundation, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @young.influencers.foundation
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Ep. 95 - Capernaum (2018) with featured guest: Omar Haj Ibrahim

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 can do more than raise awareness with our actions.
What did you think of Capernaum? How has your view of the film changed in light of current events?
As mentioned in the outro, if you would like to support Omar’s work bringing much-needed food and clothing to his communities in Syria, his Venmo is @Omar-Alhajibrahim.
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Ep. 94 - The Old Guard (2020)

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?
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Ep. 93 - Hamilton (2020)

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 waiting for?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 92 - Just Mercy (2019) with featured guest: LeTesha Wheeler

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 dare to listen to someone else’s story.
What did you think of Just Mercy? Has this film encouraged you to have conversations about racial justice with those in your life?
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Connect with LT at leteshawheeler.com and follow her on Instagram @leteshawheeler.

Ep. 91 - Artemis Fowl (2020)

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 Artemis Fowl? What do you think about the state of children’s movies today?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 90 - Da 5 Bloods (2020)

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 lens of history can be a valuable exercise.
What did you think of Da 5 Bloods? Do you find its message relevant for this moment in time?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 89 - Okja (2017)

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 you think this compares with director Bong’s other work?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 88 - The Social Network (2010)

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 change how you view this film?
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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.