Why the Flick?

by Why the Flick?

Season 6

106: The Last Unicorn (1982) "Beware the Triple Nipple"

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

105: Coraline (2009) "Dangerous Boobs"

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

104: The Prince of Egypt (1998) "Brother Issues and Daddy Issues"

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/

103: Pride & Prejudice (2005) "Fingering of the Frock"

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 Darcy Says Please

102: Suspiria (2018) "Raising the Roof on Tilda”

It might be sacrilegious to suggest watching Suspiria (2018) before Suspiria (1977), but if this episode is any indication, that might be the best approach. Whichever order you choose, we’ve got you covered with a surprise double feature. Check out our discussion of the remake here and our take on the original over on Reel Millennials (Don’t Remember). Don’t be fooled though—these films might have the same title, but the vibes couldn’t be more different. Luca Guadagnino’s homage to Dario Argento’s beloved classic stands firmly on its own two feet, even if it was divisive among critics (and your two hosts). On a new Why the Flick?, we’re invoking the spirit of dance and jumping all over the place as we unravel German history, femininity, and Tilda Swinton’s prank side. Resources Reel Millennials—Suspiria (1977) Episode https://www.wired.com/story/suspiria-movie-review/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/suspiria-explained-what-is-movie-trying-say-1157724/ https://www.autostraddle.com/luca-guadagnino-suspiria-2018-good-horror-remakes/ https://layeredbutter.com/editorial/suspiria https://www.vulture.com/2018/10/suspiria-a-german-history-primer.html https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/10/tilda-swinton-old-man-suspiria-who-plays-helena-markos

101: Hamnet (2025) "Jaunty Little Earring"

The Oscars might be over, but when we recorded this episode we had high hopes that Hamnet (2025) would see some award love. Thankfully, this time our instincts were right with Jessie Buckley clinching her much-deserved Best Actress win. Because even though this film is based around one of the most famous plays of William Shakespeare, it’s really Agnes’ story. This week on the podcast, we’re experiencing all the emotions in the critically acclaimed drama from Chloé Zhao that may or may not have been inspired by real historical events. One thing we know for sure is it’s richly layered in its portrayal of nature, mysticism, and a family’s enduring love. Join us as we dive into all the scrumptious symbolism, learn about 16th century earrings, and reckon with the fact that the Bard had a wife and kids?! Resources https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a69593641/hamnet-william-agnes-shakespeare-true-story/ https://www.vulture.com/article/hamnet-review-the-most-devastating-movie-ive-seen-in-years.html https://filmalysis.substack.com/p/the-hidden-genius-of-hamnet https://time.com/7333783/jacobi-jupe-noah-jupe-hamnet-interview/

100: Weapons (2025) "Seven Hot Dogs"

Did you miss us? We’re back for season 6 and celebrating our 100th episode with one of our favorite releases of last year—Weapons (2025). Directed by Zach Cregger of Barbarian and Whitest Kids U'Know fame, his sophomore flick delivers a fresh, unexpectedly funny take on the horror genre, where every scene leaves you asking “what is even happening?”. But beneath the unhinged chaos, it's also rife with themes of isolation, grief, trauma, and more depending on your personal interpretation. So get a little witchy with us as we unpack the unconventional narrative structure, explore parasite symbolism, and debate how many hot dogs are actually feasible for one person to eat. Resources https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/weapons-audiences-disagree-movie-1236342296/ https://people.com/why-pedro-pascal-replaced-by-josh-brolin-weapons-11786603 https://www.screendaily.com/features/weapons-star-amy-madigan-on-why-she-didnt-see-aunt-gladys-as-the-villain-this-woman-is-fantastic/5211809.article https://collider.com/weapons-narrative-structure-character-perspectives-rashomon/ https://www.buzzfeed.com/crystalro/weapons-details-easter-eggs-secrets https://screenrant.com/weapons-movie-aunt-gladys-twist-parasite-detail-theory/

Season 5

99: The Mummy (1999) "Everyone is Super Hot"

Welcome to the end of season 5! For our 99th bonus episode, we left it up to our listeners to decide and the people have spoken—our winning flick is The Mummy (1999). Made in a carefree era of blockbuster cinema, this instant crowd pleaser blends action, adventure, horror, romance, and comedy into a wild ride that somehow just works. Stephen Sommers’ passion project pays loving homage to the 1932 classic while giving it a modern twist, complete with juicy CGI effects and one of the most attractive casts to ever grace our screens. On a special finale of Why the Flick?, we’re remembering what it’s like to have fun at the movies as we decipher the film’s lasting popularity, questionable Egyptology, and peak eyebrow game. Resources https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-mummy-1999 https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/the-mummy-1999-review-perfect-movie https://ew.com/movies/2019/08/13/the-mummy-making-of-brendan-fraser-stephen-sommers/ https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/director-stephen-sommers-recalls-origin-of-his-hit-mummy-films https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-mummy-director-stephen-sommers-brendan-fraser-interview-1235893764/ https://screenrant.com/mummy-movies-details-behind-scenes-trivia/ https://vfxblog.com/2017/06/05/the-mummy-1999-vfx/ https://nilescribes.org/2022/01/08/egyptological-review-of-1999-mummy/ https://egyptmanchester.wordpress.com/2017/07/22/representation-and-reality-in-the-mummy-1999/ https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/brendan-fraser-officially-confirms-the-mummy-4-with-rachel-weisz Brendan Fraser & Dwayne Johnson Actors on Actors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaIgDbFz-sY

98: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) "Proud to Be a Meece"

Christmas is only two sleeps away which means we needed a holiday flick that perfectly fit the jolly and joyous season. Of course, we’re talking about The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). Charles Dickens may not have envisioned puppets when he wrote this literary classic, but it’s definitively the best adaptation and for good reason. Quite frankly there’s no better cast to bring this beloved story to life than Kermit, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Rizzo, and the legendary Michael Caine in undoubtedly his most famous role. And that’s before we get to the musical of it all, even if only one of your cohosts really vibed with all the songs. This week, we’re leaving it to the Muppets to teach us some culture, decode 19th-century slang, and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Resources https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/dec/21/how-we-made-the-muppet-christmas-carol https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20221209-the-muppet-christmas-carol-festive-classics-dark-backdrop https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/making-of-muppet-christmas-carol/ https://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/2019/12/20/a-grand-yuletide-theory-the-muppet-christmas-carol-is-the-best-adaptation-of-a-christmas-carol/ Your Muppet Christmas Carol Character: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRubNitkRee/ Brett Goldstein Muppets Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3gzf9ej18I

97: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) "Oui Oui Genius"

There’s an icy chill in the air and with it comes seasonal depression—so when we decided our next flick needed to capture those sad winter vibes we knew we had to go with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Recognized by critics and film nerds as one of the best movies of the 21st century, this breakup story starring acting favorites Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet was revolutionary at the time for its existential meaning and emotional impact. But does it still hold up with a 2025 lens? We’re getting to the bottom of this question and more in our newest episode that unpacks the unique narrative structure, Michel Gondry’s questionable directing style, and how it fits within the sci-fi genre. Resources https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-anniversary-jim-carrey-michel-gondry https://cintiar.medium.com/forget-me-not-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-and-the-trouble-with-wanting-to-forget-d5b65bfc3530 https://screenrant.com/eternal-sunshine-spotless-mind-ending-explained-joel-clementine/ https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind_20th-anniversary https://reactormag.com/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-navigating-the-landscape-of-human-emotion/ https://theasc.com/articles/forget-me-not-eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3664683.stm

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