Why the Flick?

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/

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/