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!
Episodes

Monday Mar 11, 2019
Monday Mar 11, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah tackle the controversy-laden, Best Picture winner, Green Book. Together, with a special guest, they discuss the reaction from Dr. Shirley’s family, the implications of the film’s best picture win, and the multifaceted nature of race.
What did you think of Green Book? How do you feel about the depiction of racial reconciliation in film today?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Monday Mar 04, 2019
Monday Mar 04, 2019
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, some great films were made. In the recent past, in this very galaxy, a less profound movie was made. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy experiment, Jen and Sarah turn their sights on the 2018 film, Solo. The two discuss whether or not this film should exist, the confusion surrounding its place in the Star Wars canon, and their thoughts about the possibility of more of these origin stories.
What did you think of Solo? What are your thoughts on origin stories?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2017 film, Columbus. After discussing it on the Top 10 Films Seen in 2018 episode, the pair watched it and had to review it. Together, they discuss the film’s use of silence, its introspective nature, and how this peaceful film stands apart from most other films today.
Have you watched Columbus? Do you ever find yourself longing for something different from the current selection of film?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah dive into the 2016 film, La La Land. Loved by critics and viewers alike, this movie took the nation by storm, but why is that? The pair discuss the musical genre as a whole and the bittersweet reality of pursuing your dreams.
What did you think of La La Land? Did it live up to the hype or leave something to be desired?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Though their friendship is Unbreakable, Jen and Sarah are Split on their opinions about M. Night Shymalan’s newest thriller, Glass. On this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss their interpretations of the film and find much common ground. They dive into the problematic nature of sequels, the importance of hope, and how this stacks up against other films today.
What did you think of Glass? How do you feel about today’s selection of superhero cinema?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Tuesday Feb 05, 2019
Tuesday Feb 05, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2018 film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This innovative animated feature celebrates the artistry of comic books, the importance of family, and the hero in all of us.
What did you think of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? Where does this rank for you among superhero films?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Monday Jan 28, 2019
Monday Jan 28, 2019
Drum roll, please… In this episode, Jen and Sarah dive into the 2014 film, Whiplash. This daring, rule-breaking film won many awards and left audiences with myriad questions and contrary opinions. These film lovers discuss the film’s commentary on the music scene, the underlying message that greatness requires sacrifice, and, of course, JK Simmons’ amazing performance as Terrance Fletcher, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment.
What did you think of Whiplash? Did you see Fletcher as the guide or the villain?
Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Monday Jan 21, 2019
Monday Jan 21, 2019
In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by Sophie Zhang, a fellow film lover, to discuss Crazy Rich Asians. Their diverse backgrounds lead to a rich conversation about how culture and film intersect and the universal themes that unite us regardless of our differences.

Sunday Jan 13, 2019
Sunday Jan 13, 2019
At the beginning of a new year, it’s always fun to reminisce about the year before. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah reveal the top 10 movies they saw in 2018. Tune in for a trip down memory lane, full of quirky comedies, introspective dramas, critically-acclaimed gems, and more.
Jen’s List:
1. Phantom Thread
2. Brooklyn
3. Her
4. Minding the Gap
5. Searching
6. American Animals
7. Tully
8. Dial M for Murder
9. Crazy Rich Asians
10. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Sarah’s List:
1. Phantom Thread
2. Birdman
3. Columbus
4. The Big Sick
5. Her
6. Ex Machina
7. Inglorious
8. Ides of March
9. Isle of Dogs
10. Black Panther

Sunday Jan 06, 2019
Sunday Jan 06, 2019
In their first episode of 2019, Jen and Sarah roast the 2008 film, Twilight. They discuss this film’s widespread popularity, the ramifications of on-screen relationships, and how responsibility and creativity go hand in hand, in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment.








