Movies & Us

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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Contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected].

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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Contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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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Contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected].

Connect with LT at leteshawheeler.com and follow her on Instagram @leteshawheeler.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the Netflix film, Tigertail. They discuss how varied the immigrant experience is and marvel at the industrious nature of people who leave their country to make a better life for themselves. They also share how our personal experiences shape how we view movies and connect to characters on screen.

What did you think of Tigertail? How do you think your own history influences how you connected with this film?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected].

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review the 2019 film The Lighthouse. They marvel at how a film like this can exist today and applaud the impressive acting performances. They also discuss what this creepy, claustrophobic, and creative film means, sharing their very different takeaways.

What did you think of The Lighthouse? What do you think this film means?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected].