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

It’s time for Pride Month and this year we’re putting the spotlight on joyful LGBTQ+ stories, starting with Bottoms (2023). From Shiva Baby creator Emma Seligman with acting duo Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, this female-led flick is both an ode to and fresh take on the raunchy teen comedy. Thanks to its absurdist tone and neverending visual gags, the story flips the genre on its head by centering queer characters who start a fight club to win over their cheerleader crushes—all while tackling conversations on coming of age and female solidarity. This episode, we’re along for the ride as we discuss our favorite jokes, the standout soundtrack, and all the gloriously chaotic fighting.

Resources

https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/bottoms-review-rachel-sennott-1235550522/

https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/bottoms-emma-seligman-editing-improv-1234902688/

https://people.com/marshawn-lynch-took-role-in-bottoms-for-his-queer-sister-exclusive-7964651

https://mashable.com/article/bottoms-makeup-natalie-christine-johnson

https://clutchpoints.com/entertainment/bottoms-stunt-coordinator-deven-macnair-exclusive-interview

https://filmmakermagazine.com/121937-interview-emma-seligman-bottoms/

https://www.vulture.com/article/bottoms-emma-seligman-rachel-sennott-ayo-edebiri.html

The time has come for us to sadly close out Ani-MAY-tion Month so we’re ending on the perfect note with our final pick: The Last Unicorn (1982). Based on the acclaimed story by Peter S. Beagle, it’s a cult classic that mixes '80s dark fantasy with '70s medieval revival in a way that gives peak weirdness. But despite its strange visuals, this Rankin-Bass and Top Craft (pre-Studio Ghibli) collaboration is a celebration of animation brought to life with a soundtrack by America and legendary voice acting from Mia Farrow, Christopher Lee, Jeff Bridges, and more. For the final episode of our themed month, we’re embarking on a quest through book vs movie comparisons, mortality themes, and our dangerous boobs era.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Unicorn_(film)

https://www.slashfilm.com/751443/turns-out-the-last-unicorn-is-a-secret-studio-ghibli-film/

https://gamerant.com/last-unicorn-studio-ghibli-connection/

https://collider.com/what-did-peter-s-beagle-think-of-the-last-unicorn-movie/

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/06/christopher-lee-obituary-peter-s-beagle

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8prJxxf

There’s something about stop-motion animation that’s equal parts beautiful and creepy so naturally we made sure to fit this art style into our Ani-MAY-tion Month lineup. And no movie captures those cozy-yet-nightmarish vibes better than Coraline (2009). A debut feature from the newly formed Laika and directed by animating legend Henry Selick, it was a labor of love that expanded the medium to a vibrant 3D world for the first time ever. Featuring a spooky backdrop, this flick also earns its reputation as the perfect gateway into horror for any little goth at heart. In our second theme pick, we’re doing our best to unravel the mysteries behind Other Mother’s origin, jumping mice, and those terrifying button eyes. Plus, one of our cohosts might finally be over their lifelong claymation phobia.

Resources

Hand-Making Coraline: Behind LAIKA’s First Feature

Animating Coraline - Behind the Scenes

Hand Made in 3D: Behind the Scenes of Coraline

Biggest Smallest World: Behind the Scenes of Coraline

https://collider.com/coraline-3d-animation/

https://oregonconfluence.com/2020/10/12/how-the-classic-oregonmade-film-coraline-came-to-be-set-in-ashland-or/

https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/52484-dakota-fanning-is-the-voice-of-coraline

https://coraline.fandom.com/wiki/April_Spink

We’ve been cooking on our next theme for a while now, listeners, so when the time finally came around we knew we had to unveil Ani-MAY-tion Month. For the next four weeks, we’ll be immersing ourselves in the world of animated cinema and there’s no better place to start than with The Prince of Egypt (1998). One of Dreamwork’s first projects, this flick brings the Passover story to life in the grandest, most epic way possible, complete with a banger soundtrack and top-tier voice cast that includes the likes of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Tune into our newest episode of Why the Flick? as we dive into the film’s stunning visuals, its Exodus adaptation, and the high-stakes of sibling rivalries.

Resources

Jews on Film: The Prince of Egypt w/ Stephanie Butnick

The Prince of Egypt VFX Featurette

https://www.filmsound.org/studiosound/postpro.html

https://www.cinemantics.org/p/why-the-prince-of-egypt-is-the-best

https://www.cloudypicture.com/p/the-prince-of-egypt-and-the-power

https://www.filminquiry.com/animation-sensation-the-prince/

Did Jane Austen invent the enemies to lovers trope? We can’t say for sure, but she certainly perfected it if Pride & Prejudice (2005) has anything to say about it. For Danielle’s birthday episode, we’re stepping into Regency-era England to gush over one of the most beloved adaptations from the famous romance author herself. Featuring a phenomenal cast led by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this film delivers peak yearning and more pop culture memes than we can count. This episode, we’re swooning over it all as we talk on-set romances, beet root makeup, the Learned Pig of Norwich, and that iconic hand flex.

Resources

https://collider.com/pride-prejudice-best-jane-austen-adaptation/

https://screenrant.com/pride-prejudice-movie-2005-book-differences-comparison/

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a64526182/pride-and-prejudice-joe-wright-20th-anniversary-interview/

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/pride-and-prejudice-20th-anniversary-director-joe-wright-interview

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