Why the Flick?

If there’s one thing to be said about ‘80s media, it’s that it was RIFE with childhood trauma. Of any movie genre from our youth, none may be more fear-inducing than dark fantasy. This episode, we’re taking it back to one of the OGs in the cult classic space—The NeverEnding Story (1984). Miriam and Tawny from Two Chicks and a Horror Flick join us to talk about this beautifully weird film that birthed repressed anxieties and existential dread (we’re looking at you Artax). But once you get past the tonal shifts of his bizarre plot, we find out there’s a lot this neverending story is saying about life, death, and the power of *~imagination~*. Cozy up in a spooky school attic as we try to unpack the deeper meaning of sad horses, nihilistic turtles, and loveable luck dragons.

Listen to Two Chicks and a Horror Flick on Apple and Spotify. Follow @twochicksandahorrorflick on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and @twochickshf on Twitter. Join them on Discord and Patreon.

Resources

https://www.cbr.com/the-1980s-were-a-golden-era-for-fantasy-cinema/

https://www.cbr.com/neverending-story-michael-ende-hated-movie/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/neverending-story_n_5589126/amp

https://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/the-neverending-story-special-effects-director-on-creating-falkor-the-nothing-and-more/

https://variety.com/2024/film/global/the-neverending-story-new-film-adaptation-see-saw-michael-ende-productions-1235944716/amp/

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There’s just something about a Nicolas Cage movie that really elevates the vibe. So when the choice came up to cover National Treasure (2004) this episode, the answer was as clear as a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. While it might not be his most eccentric role, Cage still delivers in bringing the kookiness. Joining us are Bailey and Jess from Subtitles On or Off Podcast to talk about this iconic classic that feels like Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible meets the History Channel. We’re putting on our treasure-hunting spectacles to uncover coded clues, matching each other’s freak, and a game of fact or fake.

Listen to Subtitles On or Off Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Follow @subtitlesonoroffpodcast on Instagram and TikTok, and @sooopodcast on Twitter.

Resources

https://www.the80sgirls.com/80s-movies/was-national-treasure-inspired-by-indiana-jones-and-the-last-crusade

https://declaration.fas.harvard.edu/blog/facts-nationaltreasure

https://collider.com/national-treasure-3-update-script/

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LFG baby! After 15 years, we’re getting the reunion we’ve all been waiting for. The much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) is finally here so we’re breaking out our katanas and claws to cover it on the pod with Liz from Liz and a Movie. Ever since news broke that Ryan and Hugh would be teaming up in the MCU, audiences have been anxiously waiting to see if they could pull it off—and boy did they. This movie goes all out not just in the comedy and the cameos, but also the heart, proving these two are true besties both on and off screen. This episode, we’re sharing in the excitement of one of the biggest films of the year as we gush over the soundtrack, the action, and the bromance.

Follow @lizandamovie on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Follow @lizbythebay on Letterboxd. Listen to The B-Critics Podcast on Apple.

Resources

Phase Zero Deadpool & Wolverine Review

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/deadpool-and-wolverine-slammed-cameos-1235960333/amp/

https://www.ign.com/articles/deadpool-wolverine-every-marvel-easter-egg-cameo-reference-mcu

https://www.vulture.com/article/the-big-ol-timeline-retcon-of-deadpool-and-wolverine.html

https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/deadpool-wolverine-box-office-sixth-biggest-debut-history-1236088804/amp/

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Why the Flick? always has a finger on the pulse. So when our Shark Month theme just so happened to coincide with the Summer Olympics, the choice was clear. For our grand fin-ale, we’re cautiously dipping our toes in the Seine with friend of the pod Elizabeth to cover the surprise French hit Under Paris (2024). This new contender in the genre doesn’t hold back any punches (or bite) though you may need a second watch to truly appreciate the hype. Because for better or worse, it really has everything you want in a silly shark movie—plus one of the most unhinged endings ever. This episode, we’re pointing out Jaws homages, catacomb nightmares, and the very real threat of river UTIs.

Resources

https://screenrant.com/netflix-under-paris-shark-movie-release-olympics-2024/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/under-paris-ending-netflix-movie-1235933114/amp/

https://variety.com/2024/film/global/under-paris-french-shark-movie-director-olympics-1236036359/

https://www.kqed.org/arts/13959899/under-paris-shark-horror-movie-netflix-french

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/under-paris-netflix-plot-shark-jaws-b2557913.html

https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/under-paris-review-sous-la-seine-1236024113/amp/

https://www.screengeek.net/2024/06/28/netflix-horror-movie-stephen-king-praise/

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Move over Shark Week, there’s a new fish in town. Here at Why the Flick? we love a theme, so we’re upping the ante and dedicating all of July to Shark Month! And kicking us off is a movie that just might be THE definitive ‘90s shark movie: Deep Blue Sea (1999). Claire, Alex, and Danielle are teaming back up to talk about this high-camp flick that actually has a lot to say about religion, sex, and (of course) smart sharks. With a cast of superstars that range from Samuel L. Jackson to LL Cool J, we’re accidental genius-ing our way through the film’s rock-solid science, over-the-top kills, and Deepest Bluest canon.

Resources

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/58020/17-fun-facts-about-deep-blue-sea

https://collider.com/deep-blue-sea-revived-the-shark-movie/

https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3399781/remembering-deep-blue-sea/

LL Cool J - Deepest Bluest

https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/ll-cool-j-deepest-bluest

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When you think of Say Anything (1989), there’s really only one visual that comes to mind — John Cusack holding a boombox above his head. The movie is synonymous with this iconic moment, but what about the other hour and 39 minutes? This episode, we realize just how little we actually know about Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut. Surprisingly, this is so much more than an ‘80s rom-com. Like how it features a dad full of red flags. Or a jump scare cameo from the IRS. Here to talk about it all with us are Abby and Caitlin from The Ride Home Podcast. We’re unpacking societal pressures, the relatability of Mike Cameron, and whether or not that romantic scene lives up to its legendary status.

Listen to The Ride Home Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Follow @theridehome_podcast on Instagram.

Resources

https://ew.com/article/2009/11/03/say-anything-cameron-crowe-in-your-eyes-interview/

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/say-anything-1989

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Happy Pride Month all you lime green Jell-Os and snowflake queens! We’re celebrating this joyful time of year with a movie that totally slays in every way. That’s right — it’s Jennifer’s Body (2009). Joining us to talk about the renaissance of this cult classic are our BFFs Chelsea and Monica from Spooky Tuesday. While it didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time, we’re doing our part this episode to help keep it in the zeitgeist. Because with icons like Diablo Cody, Karyn Kusama, Amanda Seyfried, and Megan Fox, this film really is by the girlies for the girlies. So come along as we talk about the unrated version, complex female friendships, sexist marketing, and queer representation.

Listen to Spooky Tuesday on Apple and Spotify. Follow @spooky_tuesday on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Letterboxd, and @spookytuesdaypod on Facebook and Tumblr.

Resources

https://thedailyfandom.org/the-redemption-of-jennifers-body-2009/

https://www.them.us/story/lisa-frankenstein-jennifers-body-review-diablo-cody

https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=2050657 

https://the-line-up.com/elyse-pahler-jennifers-body

https://swampflix.com/2017/12/30/the-horrors-of-adolescent-female-bodies-bonding-in-jennifers-body-2009/

https://anatomyofascream.com/2017/07/04/in-defence-of-that-kiss-jennifers-body-is-the-queer-love-story-ive-always-wanted/

https://www.fieldandstream.com/do-deer-eat-meat/?amp

https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3797540/diablo-cody-says-shes-not-done-with-jennifers-body-and-wants-to-make-a-sequel-exclusive/

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Have you heard about this reality TV show everyone is talking about? It follows a guy his entire life doing all these mundane things and get this — he doesn’t even know he’s being watched! Crazy, right? You should check it out. It’s called The Truman Show (1998). OK, jokes aside this doesn’t feel too far off from something that could happen in the year 2024. Joining us this episode is Martin from Film vs Film Podcast to talk about the movie that proved Jim Carrey has the chops for both comedy and drama. So sit down, grab your popcorn, and turn on your televisions because we’re breaking down the world of Truman, godlike metaphors, and philosophical caves.

Listen to Film vs Film Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Follow @filmvsfilmpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and @fvf_podcast on Twitter.

Resources

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/06/truman-show-anniversary-jim-carrey-peter-weir-laura-linney

https://screenrant.com/the-truman-show-real-meaning-explained/

https://medium.com/@aleezawasi/the-truman-show-platos-allegory-of-the-cave-a-journey-beyond-illusions-c557b5277be3

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It’s possible Why the Flick? might be cursed after covering Hereditary (2018), but it’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make. Just don’t expect us to come to your open séance any time soon. This episode, heads are rolling as Claire, Alex, and Danielle reunite to discuss one of the most disturbing horror movies in cinema. Ari Aster swung for the fences in his feature film debut that explores a family struggling with mental illness, grief, and supernatural forces at play. From the hidden clues to the miniatures to the many faces of Toni Collette, we take a deeper look at all the moments that had us saying what the actual fuck?!

Resources

https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3535054/hereditary-hidden-clues/

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a21526807/hereditary-movie-mental-illness/

https://mashable.com/article/hereditary-familial-grief

⁠https://screenrant.com/hereditary-movie-real-inspiration-heracles-explained/⁠

https://www.thrillist.com/amphtml/entertainment/nation/hereditary-movie-king-paimon

https://www.slashfilm.com/1195540/ari-aster-thinks-hereditarys-dollhouse-perfectly-set-up-the-film/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hereditary/comments/9yb9kf/cult_members/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hereditary/comments/l8fca4/what_does_steve_even_do/

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April is almost over which means we’re coming to the end of Mother Nature is a Motherfucker Month. So for our final episode in this series, we knew we had to go big — superstorm big. That’s right, it’s The Day After Tomorrow (2004) bitch. Joining us is sister-of-the-host Kelleigh to dive into the natural disaster film that really has it all. Tornadoes? Yup. Giant waves? Check. Hurricanes that can freeze you in seconds? You know it. We’re putting on our weather scientist hats to talk about global warming, killer wolves, and baby Jake Gyllenhaal.

Resources

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/day-after-tomorrow-roland-emmerich-making-of-crew-interview

https://www.salon.com/2023/05/23/this-controversial-sci-fi-blockbuster-about-climate-change-still-polarizes-scientists-today/

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-the-day-after-tomorrow-changed-opinion-on-climate-change/

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