It’s a certain someone’s birthday on the pod! We’re celebrating our Taurus queen Danielle and gifting her the pick of this episode. So naturally, we chose a flick that’s quite literally the opposite of birth—The Death of Stalin (2017). Following the posthumous events of the Soviet dictator, it leans less historical drama and more political satire in a way that proves fact is often stranger than fiction. From a re-staged concert to funeral faux pas, it’s chock full of one ridiculous moment after another, all brought to life by a gaggle of comedic actors who really committed to the bit. But beyond the funny (not funny) of it all is also a terrifying reminder of just how easy it is for power to fall to egotistical maniacs. Join us as we laugh through the cringe while tracking down Stalin’s missing brain and thwarting possible Russian interference.

Resources

https://slate.com/culture/2018/03/whats-fact-and-whats-fiction-in-the-death-of-stalin.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/amp/ncna860366

We never planned on picking the perfect April Fools’ Day movie. But when it features one of the biggest twist endings in cinema what can we say? Sometimes these things *~magically~* happen. We’re doing our best to unpack all the trickery and deception in The Prestige (2006). This Christopher Nolan masterpiece didn’t get as much love as some of his other blockbuster hits (although the hundreds of Reddit threads would tell you otherwise). If you’re anything like us, you only heard about it in passing or completely forgot the plot all together. Either way, there’s a ton to discuss on a new episode of Why the Flick? that explores real-life magician rivalries, fan theories about what’s real vs what’s illusion, and the sacrifices artists are willing to make for their obsessions.

Resources

https://screenrant.com/prestige-movie-ending-twists-explained-2

https://theconversation.com/the-prestige-the-real-life-warring-victorian-magicians-who-inspired-the-film-165707

RootCaldlow Reddit Post

Sometimes you just need a good cry. Like a REALLY good cry. Well listeners get those tissues ready because we’re sobbing our way through the beloved classic Homeward Bound (1993). That’s right, it’s the heartwarming story we all know of Shadow, Chance, and Sassy trekking across wilderness to find the way back to their owners. Whether it brought you pure joy as a kid or leaves you emotionally wrecked as an adult, this movie is truly an incredible journey through all the feels. It’s also packed with an all-star cast of award-winning voices and animal performances that should have earned their own Oscars tbh. In this latest episode, we’re diving into the book that inspired it all, exploring pet telepathy, and breaking down the moments that had us in tears (hint: basically every single one).

Resources

Jamie Homs Homeward Bound TikTok

What's Your Favorite Horror Story TikTok

https://d23.com/did-you-know-8-incredible-facts-about-homeward-bound-the-incredible-journey/

https://www.rover.com/blog/lost-dogs-found-their-way-home/

OK so here’s the thing. When we recorded this episode weeks ago, we may have been a ~little~ presumptuous in predicting Demi Moore would win the Oscar for Best Actress. We even had a whole other episode description written just in case. But even though she didn’t take home the golden statue, her performance is nothing short of remarkable which brings us to the first flick of our season 5 lineup: The Substance (2024). This critically-acclaimed body horror film may have shocked theater-goers when it first came out (the poster doesn’t say “absolutely f***ing insane” for nothing). But beyond the gorgeously grotesque visuals, the themes are absolutely theming. From societal pressures on aging to unattainable beauty standards to the violence of self-deprecation, it's a film with a ton of....well substance. So tune in as we crack open Ozempic tie-ins, the art of gastronomy, and that bloody finale.

Resources

https://www.vogue.com/article/coralie-fargeat-the-substance-interview

https://www.asoundeffect.com/the-substance-film-sound/

https://thecurvemagazine.com/2024/12/06/the-substance-a-gruesome-dive-into-beauty-ageism-and-self-perception/

https://www.vulture.com/article/the-substance-demi-moore-margaret-qualley-ending.html

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/22/nx-s1-4981274/director-coralie-fargeat-on-her-new-horror-movie-the-substance

https://www.gq.com/story/the-substance-effects

https://screenrant.com/the-substance-movie-easter-eggs-references/

Did you miss us? We’re back with a brand new season of Why the Flick? and some exciting news to share. They say good things come in threes so our podcast is officially growing to a trio as our friends Danielle and Alex join Claire to take on the hosting mantle together! To kick off this new year new us vibe, we’re serving up the perfect appetizer: a get to know us minisode. Whether you’re a long-time listener or a WTF newbie, there’s lots to discover about the three of us as we dive into movie-talk, how we met, and of course our Hogwarts houses. And make sure to join us on March 4 for our first full episode of season 5.

When Christmas Eve and our finale happened to fall on the same day, it felt only right to close out on theme. We're wrapping up season 4 and our festive lineup with an OG favorite that gifted us one of the best portrayals of Saint Nick in cinema—The Santa Clause (1994). John and Georgia from Comfort Films Podcast join us to bring the holiday spirit and explore the legal ramifications of replacing Santa after he falls off your roof. Because as it turns out the real Christmas lesson is remembering to read the fine print. This episode, come along for the sleigh ride as we unravel Tim Allen’s iconic performance, reminisce about our Santa stories, and get into clausE wordplay.

Listen to Comfort Films Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Follow @comfortfilmspodcast on Instagram.

Resources

https://screenrant.com/the-santa-clause-scott-calvin-shot-killed-santa-cut/

https://collider.com/the-santa-clause-production-drama/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NHJAYa/

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The holiday season is upon us and there’s something about this time of year that makes us feel holly, jolly…and just a little bit chaotic. So it only made sense we bring that energy to Why the Flick? with the unconventional favorite Gremlins (1984). For the first flick in our festive lineup, we’re joined by Kyle from I Know Movies and You Don’t to unwrap all the madness of this beloved cult classic. It’s a wild ride that blends horror, comedy, and Christmas spirit in a way that only the ‘80s could pull off. This episode, we dive headfirst into the mayhem that features an unforgettable mix of iconic puppetry, despicable characters, and a not-so-subtle commentary on American consumerism. Oh and whatever happens, don’t forget the rules—no bright lights, no water, and absolutely no feeding after midnight.

Listen to I Know Movies and You Don't on Spotify and Apple. Follow @ikmayd on Instagram.

Resources

https://screenrant.com/gremlin-movies-details-facts-behind-scenes-making/

https://magazine.interstellarflightpress.com/gremlins-secretly-a-cinematic-masterpiece-bab2846ea872

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There’s been a lot of talk about extraterrestrials lately. Like A LOT of talk. If there is definitive proof that aliens are living in the ocean, it might just be found in the Robert Zemeckis sci-fi classic Contact (1997). Joining us are Spro and Lee Take on the Academy to take a cosmic leap (and maybe a leap of faith) into whether or not we’re alone in the universe. Despite the lack of spaceships, Earth invasion, or even aliens for that matter, it’s a movie that will leave you feeling both existential dread and existential hope. This episode, we’re doing our best to absorb it all as we explore the intersection of science and religion, interdimensional travel, and our unbridled rage at basically anyone other than Jodie Foster. In the words of Ellie Arroway, we are OK to go.

Listen to Spro and Lee Take on the Academy on Apple and Spotify. Follow @takeontheacademy on Instagram.

Resources

https://www.vulture.com/2022/06/an-oral-history-of-contact-the-movie.html

https://collider.com/contact-sci-fi-movie-about-finding-faith/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/68241/why-film-contact-annoyed-bill-clinton

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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There’s only one way we can get out of our post-Halloween seasonal depression slump. It may have been season one when we last covered a Robin Williams flick, but we’re righting that wrong this episode by revisiting the comfort classic Jumanji (1995). Claire, Danielle and Alex play their way through this children’s book-turned-children's movie about a sentient board game that takes fun to a whole new level. But under the surface of monkeys, mosquitos, and Van Pelt/Dad lookalikes, this story is actually filled with a ton of hidden lessons. Like breaking generational trauma. Learning to face your fears. Even diversifying your small town’s economy. So join us in leaving the world behind (just not for 26 years) as we get into the meaning of it all and more.

Resources

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/movies/jumanji-robin-williams-oral-history.html#

https://www.deviantart.com/roycemillerwrites/art/The-Themes-of-Jumanji-1995-914633819

https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieDetails/comments/78pxit/in_jumanji_alans_dad_and_the_hunter_van_pelt_are/?rdt=49989

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jumanji-1995

Behind the Scenes Video

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Our Spooky Month series is coming to an end so for our finale it only made sense we cover THE scariest movie of all time (or so science says). It’s been over a decade since Sinister (2012) first terrified audiences and elevated heart rates, but does it still hold up to the No. 1 spot? We debate that question and more with guests Antonio, Dalia, and Quetzal from Sit Down Loser, We’re Watching a Movie. The four of us are putting on our grandpa cardigans to dive into what makes this film so feared. It could be the eerie soundtrack. Or the realistic snuff films. Maybe it’s just the overall sense of dread. Either way, there’s a lot to discuss on this episode as we uncover murder house disclosures, Ellison’s many red flags, and Bughuul’s fierce lewk.

Listen to Sit Down Loser, We're Watching a Movie on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow @sitdownloserpodcast on Instagram and @sitdownlosermoviepodcast on TikTok.

Resources

https://www.ign.com/articles/scientific-study-determines-sinister-is-the-scariest-movie-ever

https://www.slashfilm.com/1051613/sinisters-bughuul-originally-looked-just-like-the-babadook-until-the-internet-provided-a-different-solution/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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