Why the Flick?

It’s the finale of our Scream King Month and since we started this special event with one of Stephen King’s best adaptations, we’re switching gears for part two to spotlight one of his worst—which brings us to Children of the Corn (1984). Despite its stinker reception, this short-story-turned-feature film has earned a reputation for sparking fear in anyone who finds themselves near a cornfield and rightfully so. But while this crop is arguably the most terrifying, between the rows of murderous kids and devil cults, this flick is filled with less chills, more camp, and a surprise appearance from pre-Terminator Linda Hamilton. On our newest episode, we’re digging into all the nuances of corn and making 1,000 puns along the way while doing our best to recap this unhinged plot.

Spooky season is upon us and your hosts have conjured up one of our best themes yet. Introducing Scream King Month—a two-episode special event celebrating adaptations from the king of scares himself, Stephen King. For the first flick in our lineup, we knew we had to go with one of the most iconic horror movies of all time. And with a new TV series putting this story back in the spotlight, it was the perfect time to revisit the original Carrie (1976). Best known for its prom-gone-wrong finale and standout performances from Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, this classic is also packed with ‘70s vibes and plenty of other horrors, both on screen and behind the scenes. Join us as we explore it all, including period portrayals, excessive slapping, and cinematic references galore.

Resources

https://screenrant.com/stephen-king-carrie-biggest-differences-book-movie/

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/04/stephen-king-how-i-wrote-carrie-horror

https://www.slashfilm.com/1201929/1976s-carrie-ending-explained-feminine-rage-unleashed/

https://collider.com/carrie-mike-flanagan-female-directors-kate-siegel/

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/meet-summer-h-howell-carrie-exclusive-interview

https://mashable.com/entertainment/stephen-king-carrie-tv-show-review

https://collider.com/carrie-stephen-king-highest-ranked-rotten-tomatoes-movie/

Fall is officially here and we’re embracing the cozy vibes with a flick that embodies the autumnal season to its fullest—Knives Out (2019). An instant classic when it hit theaters, Rian Johnson revived the murder mystery genre, bringing the whodunnit into the 21st century with its unexpected structure, sharp social commentary, and plenty of fun twists along the way. Starring Daniel Craig as the newest detective on the scene and fan favorite Benoit Blanc, this first installment set the tone for what’s now become a beloved franchise that leaves us itching for whatever case Johnson has planned next. But until then, this episode we’re figuring out the donut hole of clues while discussing the huge cast, the moody mansion, and, of course, the cable knit sweater.

Resources

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/knives-director-rian-johnson-tackling-a-whodunnit-1236039/

https://www.gq.com/story/rian-johnson-knives-out-interview-2019

https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/26/rian-johnson-knives-out-script-interview/

https://knives-out.fandom.com/wiki/Joseph_Gordon-Levitt

https://www.vogue.com/article/knives-out-interview-rian-johnson-casting

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/making-knives-how-rian-johnson-assembled-a-star-studded-jigsaw-puzzle-1253787/

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-11-16/daniel-craig-glass-onion-knives-out-netflix-james-bond

https://www.setdecorators.org/?art=film_decor_features&SHOW=SetDecor_Film_KNIVES_OUT

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/how-knives-costume-designer-chose-chris-evans-perfect-sweater-1257525/

Welcome back to Roulette Bonanza! In part two of this special event, the wheel gave us the perfect flick to kick off spooky season—The Babadook (2014). This Australian film from director Jennifer Kent introduced one of the genre’s most haunting new baddies while earning him gay icon status. But beyond the scares and the memes, this flick set the standard for “elevated horror,” exploring complex themes of grief, motherhood, and trauma. In our latest episode of Why the Flick?, we’re unpacking all the unsettling moments, striking visuals, and the Babadook’s incredible pop-up book skills.

Resources

https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jennifer-kent-interview-directing-the-babadook/

https://www.hammertonail.com/interviews/jennifer-kent/

https://horrorpress.com/interviews/7985/interview-you-cant-get-rid-of-the-babadook-jennifer-kent-discusses-her-feature-debut-at-10/

http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2014/11/30/interview-jennifer-kent-on-her-babadook-breakthrough-and-wha.html

https://zoebrenzel.substack.com/p/how-the-babadook-became-a-queer-icon

https://www.slashfilm.com/807216/the-age-of-the-babadooks-star-presented-a-unique-problem/

We love the power to pick our own flicks, but sometimes it’s more fun to leave it up to fate which brings us to Roulette Bonanza. For part one of this special event, the almighty wheel decided we should cover the oldest film yet on the pod—12 Angry Men (1957). One of the earliest courtroom dramas, this adapted teleplay starring Henry Fonda gave audiences an inside look at the twists, turns, and tea of jury duty, where the facts of the case aren’t nearly as black and white as the color of the screen. On a new Why the Flick?, we’re considering all the evidence as we examine how this surprise choice became an unexpected favorite.

Resources

https://cinephiliabeyond.org/12-angry-men-everlasting-testament-sidney-lumet-reginald-roses-filmmaking-prowess/

https://fords.org/twelve-angry-men-and-the-creation-of-a-genre/

In the summer of 2016, the search for Nicolas Cage was underway when he visited our neck of the woods to film a horror comedy about murderous parents. And now, 10 years later, we’re coming full circle by finally watching Mom and Dad (2017). The second flick as part of our prisoner exchange, this supposed B-movie delivers an absolutely wild premise that asks what would happen if a parent’s natural instinct to protect their child was suddenly reversed. It’s right up the kooky Cage alley (if that’s your jam) and makes space for countless theories, even if it didn’t quite nail the execution. On our latest episode, we’re sawzall-ing our way through Louisville cameos, aging themes, and hokey pokey beef.

Resources

https://www.newsandtribune.com/nicolas-cage-sightings/html_ba8659ea-58c6-11e6-926b-631ceaad254e.html

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/stars-movie-crews-invade-louisville-for-mom-and-dad/417-286868659

https://www.wdrb.com/news/mom-and-dad-movie-starring-nicolas-cage-and-selma-blair-and-shot-in-louisville-showing/article_998e36f4-8731-5d6b-8d53-c236e1fdb76e.html

https://collider.com/nicolas-cage-interview-mom-and-dad/

https://rue-morgue.com/exclusive-interview-mom-dad-writer-director-brian-taylor-on-killing-kids-nicolas-cages-madness-and-more/

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mom-dad-star-selma-blair-tells-messed-scene-ever-shot-life-201147607.html

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610017/nicolas-cage-claims-christopher-nolan-cut-ties-after-actor-turned-down-insomnia

If we were going to watch any new release from this year, it was going to be The Odyssey (2026). Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited adaptation of Homer’s epic adventure is the movie everyone is talking about, so naturally, we had to join the conversation. Thankfully, it lived up to the hype both on screen and behind the scenes. Whether it was shooting entirely on IMAX cameras, recreating ancient Greek instruments, or building a 60-foot Cyclops puppet, there’s no doubt Nolan went all out for the cinematic experience. And while his interpretation has sparked debate among literary classicists, beneath the spectacle is an emotional story with plenty to say about society and civilization. On our newest episode, we’re taking our own personal odyssey through the shocking practical effects, colossal cast, and unforgettable ending.

Resources

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/movies/the-odyssey-christopher-nolan.html

The Odyssey - Official Completely in IMAX Behind the Scenes Clip

https://nofilmschool.com/the-odyssey-practical-effects

https://www.slashfilm.com/2218098/christopher-nolan-the-odyssey-cyclops-showdown-changes-explained/

https://www.comicbasics.com/matt-damon-reveals-the-wild-practical-effects-trick-behind-the-odysseys-scylla-monster-attack/

https://www.allure.com/story/the-odyssey-film-hair-makeup-interview

The Odyssey Special Effects Explained

Laestrygonian Practical Effects

Circe Practical Effects

Hades Practical Effects

https://variety.com/2026/artisans/news/the-odyssey-ludwig-goransson-film-score-1236813153/

Making of the Soundtrack

https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a73170278/the-odyssey-movie-zeus-law-explained/

Are we the only people who haven’t seen Mission: Impossible (1996) until now? Probably not, but we’re accepting our mission to finally meet Ethan Hunt in the story that started it all—and we’re joined by guest and fellow first-time watcher Meghan Dhawan. Before Tom Cruise was known for risking life and limb, Brian De Palma brought the hit TV series to the big screen with a tamer take on the franchise we know and love today, though not without its share of drama. Even so, this OG flick gave fans a hint of what was to come with its action-packed stunts, elaborate disguises, and surprising twists. This episode, we’re breaking down our different entry points to the franchise, favorite spy tech, and the question on everyone’s mind: where did all the magic tricks go? This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

Follow Meghan Dhawan on Instagram @meghan_dhawan and @meghan.on.the.mic

Resources

https://www.rogerebert.com/features/a-lit-fuse-the-history-of-the-mission-impossible-franchise

https://deadline.com/2025/05/mission-impossible-directors-interview-de-palma-woo-abrams-1236385521/

https://boldentrance.com/mission-impossible-train-sequence/amp/

https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-behind-the-scenes-battles-of-the-mission-impossible-franchise/

Sometimes we have fun watching a film. And sometimes we have more fun thinking about a film after the fact which ended up being the case with our latest pick There Will Be Blood (2007). Semi-based on Upton Sinclair’s novel Oil, this flick is the ultimate boy movie that pits two men in an age-old battle of capitalism vs religion, all in the pursuit of power. Despite its bleak themes and slow burn runtime, Paul Thomas Anderson’s period drama is serving low-key horror along with peak moments of milkshake entertainment and more open-hand slaps than we can count. On this episode of Why the Flick?, we’re drilling into all those biblical references, twin trickery, and the enigma that is Daniel Day-Lewis.

Resources

https://noellembrooks.com/2009/10/08/there-will-be-holy-ironic-blood/amp/

https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/there-will-be-blood-kel-oneill-eli-sunday-fired-paul-thomas-anderson-1201905353/

https://www.chicagomoviemagazine.com/post/daniel-day-lewis

https://gabrielleulubay.medium.com/in-defense-of-a-sociopath-my-thoughts-on-daniel-plainview-in-there-will-be-blood-933395b2b9e4

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/books/review/Essay-t.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/timestopics/topics_uptonsinclair_oil.html

Pride Month may be ending, but our joyful subtheme continues for one more episode—only this time we’re swapping a gay fight club for a gay nightclub with The Birdcage (1996). Starring comedic geniuses Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, this beloved farce remains as hilarious as ever thanks to its sharp wit and surprisingly pointed social commentary. On top of its unforgettable performances, the film was also ahead of its time in the way it challenged misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community and paved the way for more playful queer representation. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, we’re diving into it all while putting a spotlight on the funniest one-liners, Val’s villainy, and the power of drag.

Resources

https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/08/movies/film-review-la-cage-aux-folles-but-in-south-beach.html

https://www.today.com/popculture/nathan-lane-says-robin-williams-protected-interview-oprah-winfrey-rcna76537

https://deadline.com/2024/06/nathan-lane-robin-williams-advice-coming-out-birdcage-1235975010/

https://people.com/nathan-lane-robin-williams-the-birdcage-incredibly-generous-exclusive-8661593

https://people.com/nathan-lane-wasnt-brave-enough-to-come-out-when-the-birdcage-was-released-11945651

https://www.slashfilm.com/1801031/why-gene-hackman-starred-the-birdcage/

https://flaszonfilm.com/2026/02/02/the-birdcage-at-30-cultural-de-escalation-through-exposure-therapy-and-points-of-no-return/

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210310-the-birdcage-at-25-a-pioneering-moment-in-mainstream-cinema