Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest Andrew Corns of Revisionist Almanac to review ‘The Princess Bride.’ They discuss the legacy of the film, how it’s maintained cultural relevance, and what makes it so special even decades after its release. They also share some of their favorite scenes and moments.

Spoilers (~4:33)

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Today is Movies & Us’ birthday!

In this bonus episode, Jen and Sarah reflect on the past six years, share their favorite episodes and moments of the past year, and then share some exciting news: the launch of Moves & Us merch!

Visit andusmedia.etsy.com to get your Movies & Us merch. And, for this birthday weekend (8/23/24 - 8/25/24), get free shipping on all U.S. orders. 

Reflections (~6:22)

Favorite Episodes (~30:41)

Favorite Moments (~36:22)

Favorite episodes

Jen: Saltburn

Sarah: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey

Favorite moments

Jen: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey

Sarah: The Favourite

Remember to leave a rating and review of this episode. Connect with Movies & Us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @moviesanduspod or by email at moviesanduspod@gmail.com. 

Jen and Sarah review ‘Origin’ and discuss the impressive screenplay, important topics, and engaging performances in this powerful and relevant film.

Spoilers (~15:48)

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review White Noise. They share their reactions to the film and dive deep into its structure and pacing. They also discuss the difficulty of adapting a book to the screen.

What did you think of White Noise? What themes stood out to you?

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Jen and Sarah review Babylon in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into the larger-than-life characters and various themes found in the film. They also discuss the ending, its meaning, and how that influences the film as a whole.

What did you think of Babylon? What did you think of the ending?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah share their top ten films they watched in 2022. They also share some honorable mentions and discuss the worst film they watched in 2022.

Jen’s List:

1. Tár
2. Nightmare Alley
3. The Last Duel
4. Prey
5. CODA
6. Se7en
7. The Hurt Locker
8. The Florida Project
9. Top Gun: Maverick
10. The Northman

Sarah’s List:

1. Flee
2. Drive My Car
3. Tár
4. The Worst Person in the World
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once
6. Parallel Mothers
7. Nightmare Alley
8. After Yang
9. Nope
10. Reservoir Dogs

What are some of your favorite movies watched in 2022? What was the worst film you watched in 2022?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s structure, colorful characters, and themes. They also share how Glass Onion builds upon Knives Out and wonder what could be next for the franchise.

What did you think of Glass Onion? How does this compare to Knives Out?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Avatar: The Way of Water. They discuss the story, themes, characters, and what they would have liked to see in this film. They also dive into how it builds upon Avatar and wonder how it lays the foundation for the sequels.

What did you think of Avatar: The Way of Water? How does this compare to the first film?

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Jen and Sarah are joined again by Patrick and Nate to discuss House of Darkness. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they share their thoughts about how this film compares thematically to other recently-reviewed films. They also share ways this horror film could’ve been more engaging and select another film to review together.

What did you think of House of Darkness? How do you think this compares to Alex Garland’s Men?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. They discuss the gorgeous visuals and the empathy-inducing characters. They also marvel at the technical components that came together to make this film.

What did you think of Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio? How is this unique among other Pinocchio adaptations?

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Jen and Sarah review The Fabelmans in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how this coming-of-age story is widely accessible without falling into cheesy tropes. They also talk about the film’s themes, including the magic of movie-making and how movies shape how we see the world around us.

What did you think of The Fabelmans? What themes stood out to you?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Menu. They discuss this film's interesting premise, colorful characters, and compelling performances. They also share the nuanced themes that stood out to them in this genre-blending thriller.

What did you think of The Menu? What themes stood out to you?

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Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest Daisah to review Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss a few of the film’s many themes. They unpack the ways the film honors Chadwick Boseman and also wonder about the future of the franchise.

What did you think of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever? What do you hope to see in the next film?

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Jen and Sarah are joined by Zach Perilstein of Boardwalk Times to review ‘Inside Out 2.’ They discuss the creative animation, powerful score, and nuanced story in this powerful sequel to a beloved film.

Spoilers (~8:16)

Remember to leave a rating and review of this episode. Connect with Movies & Us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @moviesanduspod or by email at moviesanduspod@gmail.com.

Connect with Zach at boardwalktimes.net and on social media @boardwalktimes.

Want more ‘Inside Out’ content? Listen to Episode 327 in your podcast feed!

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Don’t Worry Darling. They unpack the story and plot structure, and then suggest changes that could have made this film great. They also discuss the themes, casting, and creative choices that were made.

What did you think of Don’t Worry Darling? What would you change to make this film even more impactful?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review The Banshees of Inisherin in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They take a deep dive into the complex and colorful characters in this dark comedy. They also discuss this film's various themes, including legacy, niceness, and more.

What did you think of The Banshees of Inisherin? What themes stood out most to you?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Tár. They discuss the complex protagonist, provocative subject matter, and the thesis of the movie. They also share what stood out to them in this nuanced character study that provides more questions than answers.

What did you think of Tár? What do you think this film’s central thesis is?

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Jen and Sarah review Entergalactic in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the ways this film fits into and breaks out of the romance genre. They also unpack how the animation style, original music, and compelling characters combine to create this engaging story.

What did you think of Entergalactic? How is this different from other rom-coms?

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Jen and Sarah review Hocus Pocus 2 in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss how the film capitalizes on nostalgia and how it compares to other recent sequels. They also dive deep into the plot structure and characters in this Halloween adventure.

What did you think of Hocus Pocus 2? What makes this different than other sequels?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Amsterdam in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into what didn’t work and how changes to its structure, pacing, and characters could’ve improved the film. They also discuss this film’s unique portrayal of historical events and how it differs from traditional biopics.

What did you think of Amsterdam? What writer/director would you like to see take on this story?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Blonde. They dive deep into the story, plot structure, and characters. They also discuss the difficulties of fictionalizing an iconic historical figure.

What did you think of Blonde? Were you able to connect with the characters and this story?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Elvis in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They take a deep dive into the choice of narrator, the story’s framing, and the plot as a whole. They also discuss the performances, visuals, and musical choices in this biopic.

What did you think of Elvis? Did the framing of this story work for you?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this bonus episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by Patrick and Nate for the A24 Gauntlet. They discuss four A24 films in the horror or thriller genres, A24 as a whole, and what makes a good movie.

What do you think of A24? What are your favorite A24 horror or thriller films?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review The Woman King in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into the story and themes, the characters and actors who portray them. They also unpack the responsibility that comes with making a movie inspired by historical events.

What did you think of The Woman King? What parts of the story resonated with you?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review ‘Hit Man’ and discuss its pacing, plot, writing, and stars’ powerful chemistry. They also reflect on the state of the movie industry, a new generation of stars, and the need for more fun, mid-budget movies.

Spoilers (~16:54)

Remember to leave a rating and review of this episode. Connect with Movies & Us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @moviesanduspod or by email at moviesanduspod@gmail.com. 

In this bonus episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah are joined by special guests Patrick and Nate to review Men. They unpack the film’s many themes, motifs, and symbols. They also discuss the one-word title and this film’s place in the horror genre.

What did you think of Men? Did the film’s themes and symbols resonate with you?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Three Thousand Years of Longing in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the plot, characters, and major themes of the film. They also dive into the importance of stories and how they shape our lives.

What did you think of Three Thousand Years of Longing? What did you think of the characters?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. They share their experience with the original short video and how that shaped their thoughts about the feature-length film. They also unpack some of the major themes and comment on the filmmaking components that help make these shells feel so human.

What did you think of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On? How does it compare to the original short video?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Emily the Criminal in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss a few of the many themes and topics that are packed into this efficient screenplay. They also share the ways they related to these complex and empathetic characters.

What did you think of Emily the Criminal? What did you think of the ending?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this bonus episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah face off and bring their nominations for who they think are the most empathy-inducing lizards in cinema.

After listening to the episode, vote for who you think is more empathy-inducing on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment or on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.

Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review The Black Phone in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the coming-of-age plot that intentionally builds empathy for the characters. They also dive into the way the film creates and resolves tension throughout, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.

What did you think of The Black Phone? What parts of this coming-of-age story resonated with you?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah reflect on the last four years of the podcast. They celebrate SWE’s birthday by sharing their favorite episodes and clips of the last year.

Follow us on Instagram @strategicwhimsyexperiment and on Twitter @strategicwhimsy.

Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Prey. They discuss how this film builds on the Predator franchise and intentionally honors Comanche culture and history. They also share how its quality filmmaking sets this apart from other summer blockbusters.

What did you think of Prey? How does this compares to other Predator films?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Bullet Train in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They take a deep dive into the plot and share what they think could’ve been changed to set this apart from other recent action films. They also share what creative choices worked well and what didn’t.

What did you think of Bullet Train? How does this compare to other action films?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Gray Man. They dive into the characters, pacing, and plot structure. They also discuss how this is the foundation for future films and compare and contrast it with other popular action franchises.

What did you think of The Gray Man? What do you hope to see in a sequel?

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Jen and Sarah review ‘Deadpool 2’ and discuss its humor, story structure, and exploration of this beloved character. They also share what they are looking for in the upcoming film, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Spoilers (~16:52)

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Jen and Sarah review Jordan Peele’s Nope in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the themes that stood out to them, and the symbolism found throughout. They also talk about the characters, cinematography, and sound design that made this film so immersive and impactful.

What did you think of Nope? What themes stood out to you?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Where the Crawdads Sing. They compare the film with the book and the creative choices that were made to bring this story to the big screen. They also wonder how the target demographic for this film influenced elements of the story that were included or removed.

What did you think about Where the Crawdads Sing? How does this compare to the book?

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Jen and Sarah are joined by special guest Kaitlin to review Thor: Love and Thunder. In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, they discuss the emotional and humorous moments throughout the film. They also share what character arcs worked for them and what didn’t.

What did you think of Thor: Love and Thunder? Did the humor work for you, or did it leave you wanting something else?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review After Yang. They discuss the characters, pacing, and major themes of the film. They also dive into the ways it separates itself from others in the sci-fi genre.

What did you think of After Yang? How does this compare to other futuristic films?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review Jurassic World Dominion in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They take a deep dive into the screenplay, pacing, and many characters. They also compare this film with other recent blockbusters that also capitalized on the audience’s nostalgia.

What did you think of Jurassic World Dominion? Do you think it’s asking too much for a blockbuster to have a strong emotional core?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Netflix’s Spiderhead. They analyze the characters, the emotional stakes, and the plot as a whole. They also compare and contrast the film to the original short story.

What did you think of Spiderhead? How do you think this compares with the original?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review The Card Counter in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the writing, characters, casting, and cinematography. They also dive into its major themes and how this compares to other Paul Schrader films.

What did you think of The Card Counter? How has Schrader’s exploration of complex characters evolved over time?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Top Gun: Maverick. They discuss how this film’s writing, editing, and pacing, make this sequel work 30 years after the original. They also discuss how audiences have responded to this film and what makes it different than other recent blockbusters.

What did you think of Top Gun: Maverick? Why do you think audiences are flocking to the theaters to see this?

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Jen and Sarah review Top Gun in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They dive into the elements of the film that are still engaging and relevant today and which ones didn’t age well. They also share what they hope to see in the sequel, released more than thirty years later.

What did you think of Top Gun? What do you hope the sequel includes (or excludes)?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review Alex Garland’s Men. They discuss some of the many symbols throughout the film and speculate about some of their meaning. They also dive into story, character, and casting choices they wish had been a little different.

What did you think of Men? Were there any elements you wish the film had handled differently?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.

Jen and Sarah review ‘Deadpool’ and discuss this film’s creative story structure, fast-paced dialogue, witty humor, and what separates it from other films in the superhero genre.

Spoilers (~8:13)

Remember to leave a rating and review of this episode. Connect with Movies & Us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @moviesanduspod or by email at moviesanduspod@gmail.com. 

Jen and Sarah review Spider-Man: No Way Home in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They discuss the film’s themes and how these build upon the previous Spider-Man films. They also wonder what’s next for Peter Parker in the ever-growing MCU.

What did you think of Spider-Man: No Way Home? What do you hope to see next from Marvel?

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In this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment, Jen and Sarah review The Northman. They discuss the beautiful cinematography, immersive score, and outstanding performances. They also dive into the ways that this differs from other movies in the revenge genre.

What did you think of The Northman? What do you think separates this from other films in the genre?

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Jen and Sarah are joined by Ty to review The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in this episode of The Strategic Whimsy Experiment. They share their reactions to the film, familiarity with the Nic Cage cannon, and thoughts on Paddington 2. They also share what they would’ve liked to see in this action-adventure comedy.

What did you think of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent? What else did you want to see in this movie?

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Contact us with any questions or comments at strategicwhimsyexperiment@gmail.com.