Sometimes when you’re the reincarnation of a mythical princess and fighting facism, you gotta disobey a few rules. That’s the lesson we’re gleaning, anyway, from the dark fairy tale that is Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)—a movie all three of your hosts had never seen before, but one that’s instantly recognizable for its iconic visuals and nightmarish creatures. Guillermo del Toro is no stranger to fantasy and this one certainly cemented him as a genius in the genre. It’s a rich parable packed with enough symbolism to keep the internet ruminating with fan theories and interpretations for years. On our newest episode, we’re doing our part to unpack its many meanings while diving into our love of Doug Jones, the real vs imagined debate, and what the hell is up with the Pale Man.

Resources

https://www.cmucollege.com/blog/oscars-lookback-inside-the-world-of-pans-labyrinth/

https://www.slashfilm.com/1131730/why-doug-jones-thought-he-was-going-to-ruin-pans-labyrinth/

https://www.cbr.com/pans-labyrinth-underworld-real-or-imagined/

https://www.theotherfolk.blog/dissections/pans-labyrinth

https://medium.com/@culturalcurfew/the-hidden-meaning-behind-pans-labyrinth-1c06086919d

https://www.vivianasimos.com/incidental-mythology/the-meaning-of-the-pale-man

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/25-best-horror-movies-of-the-21st-century-ranked/

The time has come, Twihards. We've reached the end of Twilight Summer so obviously we had to go big for our series finale. This episode, we’re closing out the epic conclusion of the saga with a double feature of Breaking Dawn Part 1 and 2. Like many book adaptations of the 2000s era, this franchise split the last installment into a two-part cinematic event and for good reason. Because it turns out there’s a lot to unpack—from the wedding that turned A Thousand Years into the official aisle walk song, to the Renesmee/Chuckesmee debacle, and that famous bold choice ending. We also knew we couldn’t tackle these dual flicks alone which is why we invited actor and friend of the pod Abby Walburn to help make sense of all the chaos. So grab your blood cups, assemble your vampire Avengers, and join us for one last trip to Forks.

Follow Abby Walburn on ⁠Instagram⁠ and watch her TikTok video ⁠Pride and Prejudice: Unscripted⁠

Resources

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/05/chuckesmee-twilight-toddler-puppet-movie

Stephanie Meyer New Book Rumors

New Book Theory

How many ways can you call a worm a worm? Turns out quite a few if Tremors (1990) has anything to say about it. This horror comedy wiggled its way from box office bust to beloved cult classic thanks to the golden age of home video. And it’s no surprise considering it’s packed with a star-studded ensemble that includes Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and THE Reba in her film debut. Now 30 years later, this OG creature feature has spawned a franchise so unhinged we low-key want to binge the whole thing. On the latest episode of Why the Flick?, we’re digging into what makes the movie so endearing, comparing cinematic worms, and pitching the next sequel (spoiler: it involves graboids in space).

Resources

Kevin Bacon Talks Tremors

⁠Designing the Graboids

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremors_(franchise)

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30457996/tremors-30-anniversary-reba-mcentire-interview/

https://www.quora.com/What-was-Reba-doing-when-she-put-her-bullets-with-dirt-and-decided-to-mix-them-in-the-film-Tremors-Is-that-a-form-of-maintaining-their-bullets

OK listeners. It’s that time in the Twilight Summer series we’ve all kind of been dreading. Every franchise has its low point and in this case Eclipse (2010) is no exception. Despite the third installment in the saga delivering peak Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle, its commitment to nonsense leaves us begging the question, “are you sure, Stephanie?” Whether it’s the lack of a decent wig budget or a completely unnecessary Confederate vampire subplot, it’s filled with more frustrating moments than Jacob at his most insufferable. In our newest episode, we’re doing our best to laugh through the cringe of it all while debating bald bloodsuckers, bizarre backstories, and *~battlescars~*.

Resources

https://www.vogue.com/article/the-twilight-saga-eclipse-45-thoughts-i-had

https://www.slashfilm.com/1700668/why-bryce-dallas-howard-replaced-rachelle-lefevre-twilight-victoria/

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/on-twilight-and-fictions-history-of-confederate-vampires-fan-service

Eclipse Wigs

Do the Cullens Wear Wigs?

The Obscene Lore Of Bella Swan’s Heinous Engagement Ring

There’s nothing like that summer camp feeling. The friendships. The outdoor activities. The accidental discovery of a secret twin sister. OK maybe not that last one, unless you’re in The Parent Trap (1998). In our latest episode, we’re getting nostalgic over the iconic remake that introduced Lindsay Lohan to the world so convincingly, we all believed there really were two of her. Rom-com queen Nancy Meyers was absolutely cookin’ with this one, serving up peak Napa Valley chic and a generation’s worth of unforgettable trends—from Oreos and peanut butter (yum) to DIY ear piercings (ouch). Join us as we point out homages to the 1961 original flick, debate American vs English accents, and try not to think too hard about that questionable custody arrangement.

Resources

https://www.buzzfeed.com/noradominick/parent-trap-behind-the-scenes-facts

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/07/204967/lindsay-lohan-parent-trap-twins-first-movie

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/elaine-hendrix-meredith-blake-tiktok-b2131000.html

Twilight Summer is back, baby! All season long, we’re diving into the wacky, wild world of Stephanie Meyer and next up is New Moon, the second installment and emo middle child of the franchise. Sure it might not be as fun as the original (it’s certainly the most depressing of the bunch) but despite bad breakups and dramatic paper cuts there’s still a lot to keep us entertained. Like the iconic chair spinning window montage. Italian vampires doing the absolute most. And best of all—where the hell you *been* loca? This episode, we’re finding the bright spots in all the melodrama, from a perfectly moody soundtrack to a battle of the abs and even a well-deserved MTV award.

Resources

https://people.com/taylor-lautner-says-he-was-almost-recast-twilight-saga-8415680

https://www.autostraddle.com/twilight-new-moon-soundtrack-review-20184/

https://screenrant.com/twilight-quileute-controversy-native-mythology-scandal-explained/

https://filmdaze.net/twilight-sagas-issue-with-indigenous-culture/

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a349249/twlights-robert-pattinson-taylor-lautner-abs-comparison-un

https://thetuscanmom.com/where-was-twilight-filmed-in-italy/

https://ew.com/article/2009/11/25/twilight-new-moon-dakota-fanning/

Happy Pride Month! This episode, we’re celebrating the moment with one of the most iconic films in queer cinema: But I’m a Cheerleader (1999). This cult classic redefined LGBTQ+ representation with its authentic portrayal of the femme lesbian experience and satirical commentary on the absurdity of conversion camps. Despite critics (and the rating system) not getting it at the time, Jamie Babbit’s campy gem has become a beloved favorite, packed with a killer cast, colorful visuals, and unforgettable needle drops. On our newest episode, we’re breaking out our pom-poms to discuss Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall’s rom-com chemistry, RuPaul pre-Drag Race, and more of our favorite Pride Month picks.

Resources

https://variety.com/2020/film/features/but-im-a-cheerleader-director-jamie-babbit-20th-anniversary-1234842163/

https://people.com/but-im-a-cheerleader-lgbtq-legacy-clea-duvall-exclusive-11745026

https://www.slashfilm.com/1045074/but-im-a-cheerleader-ending-explained-conversion-camps-are-absurd/

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/06/28/style/but-im-a-cheerleader-movie-visuals

https://www.afterglowatx.com/blog/2022/5/17/media-and-music-how-but-im-a-cheerleader-uses-music-to-make-the-conversion-therapy-camp

All good things must come to an end. Or do they? As we finally close out Monster Mania May with the movie that inspired the whole theme, we’re also kicking off a brand new event. Welcome to…Twilight Summer! For four months, we’ll be diving into the moody, sparkly, and supernatural saga so naturally we have to begin with the one that started it all—Twilight (2008). Before it became a worldwide phenomenon (and a box office juggernaut), this first flick was more akin to a small-budget indie, complete with a blue-tint look and soundtrack that still slaps. Catherine Hardwicke brought emo to the forefront along with a generous amount of unintentionally hilarious moments. On our latest episode, we’re breaking it all down with special guest and artist behind our logo Kate Bashaw. So hold on tight spider monkeys while we share our franchise histories, talk gaslighting vampires, and experience our own on-air Bella moment.

Follow Kate on Instagram and visit her website at kbashawart.com

Resources

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/11/twilight-was-always-a-beautifully-weird-indie-in-blockbuster-clothing

https://collider.com/twilight-movie-book-comparison/

https://slate.com/culture/2021/07/twilight-music-list-best-movie-soundtrack-netflix.html

https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/twilight-soundtrack-oral-history-8481427/

https://screenrant.com/twilight-movie-blue-color-tone-edward-bella-reason/

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/robert-pattinson-performed-two-songs-on-twilight-soundtrack?amp

https://screenrant.com/twilight-quileute-controversy-native-mythology-scandal-explained/

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/twilight-director-interview-2023

https://www.stylist.co.uk/entertainment/film/twilight-catherine-hardwicke-interview/841605

https://www.reddit.com/r/twilight/comments/1ks7t9k/catherine_hardwicke_chose_not_to_return_to_the/

Have you been absolutely loving Monster Mania May? We know you are, which is why we’re continuing our themed lineup with one of the most iconic creature features of all time: Alien (1979). That’s right, it’s the Ridley Scott genre-defining original that sparked a whole film franchise and launched Ellen Ripley into final girl fame. And with a new TV series on the horizon, one thing is certain—this classic is still very much in the cultural zeitgeist. On a new episode of Why the Flick?, we’re tackling our fears of deep space while exploring every moment that has us saying ooh and eww. From the legendary xenomorph design to the unforgettable chestburster scene, it’s a film that’s sick in more ways than one. So come along for the ride as we make Star Wars connections, debate Mother vs ChatGPT, and unpack the KY jelly of it all.

Resources

The Beast Within Documentary

Spaceballs Dancing Alien

https://tvline.com/lists/alien-earth-tv-series-premiere-date-cast-trailer/prequel-storyline-spoilers/

https://marygabriellestrause.medium.com/final-girl-and-ridley-scott-s-alien-74f5738d7dab

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alien-ridley-scott-reveals-how-iconic-scene-went-wrong-1213109/

https://screenrant.com/alien-geiger-practical-effects-xenomorphs-scary/

https://alltherightmovies.com/feature/the-creation-of-the-alien/

https://www.cbr.com/alien-xenomorph-weyland-yutani/

https://www.slashfilm.com/1441564/alien-alternate-ending-disturbing-explained/

It’s been a hot minute since Why the Flick? had a monthly theme. Thankfully your three favorite accidental geniuses have come up with something special to keep you entertained over the next four weeks: introducing Monster Mania May! To kick things off, we knew we had to take it back to the classic universal monsters. Our first pick may not be one of the cinematic OGs, but it certainly was inspired by them which brings us to Young Frankenstein (1974). Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder’s parody of the reanimated neck-bolted monster (or zipper in this case) not only pays tribute to both Mary Shelley’s novel and the 1930s Hollywood films, but adds in a fresh mix of comedic elements—everything from witty puns to even a perfectly choreographed dance number. On our latest episode, we’re breaking down this cult classic while sharing our funniest moments, exploring the choice to film in black and white, and talking love cubes.

Resources

https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/young-frankenstein-mel-brooks-gene-wilder-b2581827.html

https://theasc.com/articles/the-story-behind-the-filming-of-young-frankenstein

https://www.moviemaker.com/young-frankenstein-article/

https://screenrant.com/young-frankenstein-behind-scenes-facts/