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!
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Episodes
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Jen and Sarah review Ford v Ferrari in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s use of sound to keep the adrenaline pumping in a film that otherwise would’ve felt slow and plodding. They also dive into the characters on the screen and their development (or lack thereof) over the course of the film. Finally, they comment on how conflicted they felt during the film and how different elements of the story seemed to work against each other.
What did you think of Ford v Ferrari? Was this the racing movie that you were hoping for?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the critically-acclaimed Netflix film, The Two Popes. They discuss how the style of filming affected how they experienced the story and the powerful performances of the two legendary actors on screen. Diving deeply into the story and overarching theme, they wonder if some adjustments could’ve been made to enhance the message, making this movie more powerful.
What did you think of The Two Popes? Did you feel manipulated by the film or did you gladly go along for the ride?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Saturday Jan 18, 2020
Saturday Jan 18, 2020
Jen and Sarah review Jojo Rabbit in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They comment on the whimsy and beauty infused throughout a film centering on one of the worst moments in the history of humankind. They discuss Taika Waititi’s bold choice to make this film and his ability to weave humor and drama together seamlessly to convey the important message of overcoming intolerance.
What did you think of Jojo Rabbit? Where does this rank among other satires you’ve seen?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Jen and Sarah review Marriage Story in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how the humanness of each of the characters, the powerful performances, and the inmate way the film was shot come together for a riveting film about the messiness of relationships. In an age and movie landscape that’s more focused on falling in love, the story of a couple’s divorce was an exciting departure.
What did you think of Marriage Story? Did you see it as a hopeful tragedy?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Friday Jan 10, 2020
Friday Jan 10, 2020
In their favorite yearly tradition, Jen and Sarah review the top 10 films they watched in 2019. They discuss how the movies they selected reveal much about themselves and the events of the year in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment.
Jen’s list:
1. No Country for Old Men
2. BlackKKlansman
3. Ballad of Buster Scruggs
4. Capernaum
5. Columbus
6. Mad Max Fury Road
7. Parasite
8. Roma
9. Snowpiercer
10. Eighth Grade
Sarah’s list:
1. Parasite
2. BlackKKlansman
3. The Farewell
4. The Irishman
5. Gravity
6. Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
7. Marriage Story
8. Sorry to Bother You
9. mother!
10. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guests Abby and Dom to review the latest film in the Star Wars saga, The Rise of Skywalker. With diverse opinions on the film and the franchise as a whole, the group examines many of the creative choices that were made. They question the evolution of The Force, Rey’s family history, and future projects in the Star Wars universe.
What did you think of The Rise of Skywalker? What do you hope to see next in the Star Wars universe?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Wednesday Dec 25, 2019
Wednesday Dec 25, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the long-awaited Martin Scorsese film, The Irishman. Though it is three-and-a-half hours long, the duo agrees that it is not too long. They discuss how the story unfolded before the audience and Scorsese’s ability to know what questions the audience was forming in our minds and how to answer each of those.
What did you think of The Irishman? How does this movie both enforce and depart from the mob movie genre?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
Light sabers, droids, the force—oh my! In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by featured guest, Dom, to review The Last Jedi. They dive deep into some of the characters and their growth over the course of the film. They discuss how Rian Johnson chose to break from tradition and what that means for the next installment by JJ Abrams. Each speculates on what they hope and don’t hope to see in the final episode in this trilogy.
What did you think of The Last Jedi? What do you hope to see in The Rise of Skywalker?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Friday Dec 13, 2019
Friday Dec 13, 2019
Jen and Sarah ask “Whodunnit?” in this review of Rian Johnson’s newest film, Knives Out. They discuss how this film celebrates the genre while being part of it. The duo also comment on the skillful writing that combines comedy with a deep message, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment.
What did you think of Knives Out? What do you think makes a good Whodunnit?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Thursday Dec 05, 2019
Jen and Sarah tackle Disney’s latest offering, Frozen 2, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They break down the film’s convoluted plot line, confusing stakes, inconsistent character development, and the morals contained therein. They share the reaction of the other theater-goers and wonder what this film could’ve done better in order to become a world-wide sensation like its predecessor.
What did you think of Frozen 2? And how did it compare to the first film?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.