Movies & Us

Ep. 57 - Parasite (2019)

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2019 film, Parasite, which has captivated audiences around the world. They discuss Bong Joon Ho’s ability to create a gripping story with relatable characters and beautiful visuals that can be enjoyed by many diverse audiences. They also discuss the larger themes of the film and what they took away from their experience watching it.
What did you think of Parasite? Why do you think this film was able to rise to such popularity?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 56 - 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Jen and Sarah go back in time and review 2001: A Space Odyssey in this episode in The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They speculate why this film has gained such wide-spread renown over the years and how it became so influential in the scifi genre. They discuss the the themes of the film and marvel at how so many of them are relevant over fifty years later.
What did you think of 2001: A Space Odyssey? What do you think the film is trying to say about life, humanity, and technology?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 55 - Motherless Brooklyn (2019) with featured guest: Sydney Daigre

Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest, Sydney, for their review of Motherless Brooklyn on this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. Together, they delve into this unique film’s ability to remain culturally relevant while harkening back to a previous era. Each with a different opinion, they discuss the length, the story, and the indulgent feel and how these factors impacted what they thought of the film as they walked away from the theater.
What did you think of Motherless Brooklyn? How do you think the noir genre fits into today’s film landscape?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 54 - Rushmore (1998)

Leaning into whimsy, Jen and Sarah review the 1998 teen dramedy, Rushmore in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s infusion of fun while dealing with the weighty subjects of identity and discovering who you are. Like every other Wes Anderson film, Rushmore’s highly stylized world overwhelms the senses and gives the audience plenty to take in.
What did you think of Rushmore? How does this rank among other Wes Anderson films?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 53 - mother! (2017)

Jen and Sarah review Darren Aronofsky’s mother! in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. Though marketed as a horror film, the two wonder if this is the correct genre for this particular film. Going act by act, they discuss what the film means and how each piece fits together to lead up to the explosive and surprising ending. Whether you love it or hate it, the two conclude that this is a film best experienced with a hearty discussion after.
What did you think of mother!? Did Aronofsky enhance or damage the horror genre?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 52 - Paterson (2016)

Jen and Sarah review Paterson in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. Heralded by critics and loved by audiences, the duo wonder what the point of this film is and what it is supposed to mean. Getting lost in the various poems and mundanity of it all, they wonder if they were watching a different film than everyone else.
What did you think of Paterson? Did you find it quiet and contemplative or utterly confusing?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 51 - Gemini Man (2019)

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Ang Lee’s newest film, Gemini Man. They discuss the plot of the film and how they would rewrite it if given the opportunity. Taking note of the prominent Chinese studios that backed this film, they wonder if this will be the beginning of a growing trend in Hollywood.
What did you think of Gemini Man? Do you think this will be more well-received internationally than domestically?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 50 - SWE’s 50th Episode and Guilty Pleasure Film Confessions

On the 50th episode of the The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review their guilty pleasure films, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Expendables. In addition to roasting each other’s choices, they answer the question “Why strategic whimsy?” and share a little about themselves. Finally, they introduce a new series of bonus episodes called Films We Carry With Us, where they will discuss a memorable or important film with a featured guest.
What’s your guilty pleasure film? What’s a film that you carry with you?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 49 - Ad Astra (2019)

Jen and Sarah take to the stars in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment with their review of Ad Astra. They discuss the strength of Brad Pitt’s performance and compare this with other recent films set in space. They also focus on the greater themes contained in this film including reframing masculinity and embracing emotions.
What did you think of Ad Astra? How does this compare to other films in the genre?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Ep. 48 - Hustlers (2019) with featured guest: Sydney Daigre

Jen and Sarah, joined by special guest Sydney, review Hustlers in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the great and not-so-great performances of this star-studded cast, the wide reception the film has received, and the greater themes contained therein.
What did you think of Hustlers? Why do you think this film blew the competition out of the water?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.