Movies & Us

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.

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.

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

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.

Blackmail, infidelity, murder, oh my! In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Dial M For Murder. They discuss Hitchcock’s unique style of filming, the challenge of adapting this story from the stage to film, and the masterful building of tension. Though not one of Hitchcock’s own favorites, the 1954 film is a joy to watch and a directorial delight.

On this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Scoop. In this 2006 film, Woody Allen combines his quirky humor, endless neuroses, and an absurd premise to create a piece of strategic whimsy. They compare Scoop with Allen’s other work and discuss how it would be received if released today.

Breaking away from films, Jen and Sarah dive into the first season of AMC’s hit TV show Mad Men on this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. With such stunning visuals and three-dimensional characters, it’s no wonder this show continues to gain new fans even now, more than ten years after its premiere.

Leaning into the whimsy part of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2018 film, Tully. Going beyond the film itself, they discuss the power of empathy, the importance of pursuing our dreams, and how vital it is to infuse wonder into our daily lives.

The Strategic Whimsy Experiment is back with a review the star-studded 2016 film, Hail Caesar! In this episode, Jen and Sarah unpack the Coen brothers’ bold choice to blend noir and comedy on the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden age. This colorful movie sparks a deeper conversation about the film industry, the information it shares, and the ideals it holds.

Jen and Sarah roast The Notebook in the fifth episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. Though it is hailed by many as a great love story, they discuss an alternative view and the realities of how film influences how we interact with the world around us.