Why the Flick?

Fall is officially here and we’re embracing the cozy vibes with a flick that embodies the autumnal season to its fullest—Knives Out (2019). An instant classic when it hit theaters, Rian Johnson revived the murder mystery genre, bringing the whodunnit into the 21st century with its unexpected structure, sharp social commentary, and plenty of fun twists along the way. Starring Daniel Craig as the newest detective on the scene and fan favorite Benoit Blanc, this first installment set the tone for what’s now become a beloved franchise that leaves us itching for whatever case Johnson has planned next. But until then, this episode we’re figuring out the donut hole of clues while discussing the huge cast, the moody mansion, and, of course, the cable knit sweater.
Resources
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/knives-director-rian-johnson-tackling-a-whodunnit-1236039/
https://www.gq.com/story/rian-johnson-knives-out-interview-2019
https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/26/rian-johnson-knives-out-script-interview/
https://knives-out.fandom.com/wiki/Joseph_Gordon-Levitt
https://www.vogue.com/article/knives-out-interview-rian-johnson-casting
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/making-knives-how-rian-johnson-assembled-a-star-studded-jigsaw-puzzle-1253787/
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-11-16/daniel-craig-glass-onion-knives-out-netflix-james-bond
https://www.setdecorators.org/?art=film_decor_features&SHOW=SetDecor_Film_KNIVES_OUT
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/how-knives-costume-designer-chose-chris-evans-perfect-sweater-1257525/

Welcome back to Roulette Bonanza! In part two of this special event, the wheel gave us the perfect flick to kick off spooky season—The Babadook (2014). This Australian film from director Jennifer Kent introduced one of the genre’s most haunting new baddies while earning him gay icon status. But beyond the scares and the memes, this flick set the standard for “elevated horror,” exploring complex themes of grief, motherhood, and trauma. In our latest episode of Why the Flick?, we’re unpacking all the unsettling moments, striking visuals, and the Babadook’s incredible pop-up book skills.

Resources
https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jennifer-kent-interview-directing-the-babadook/
https://www.hammertonail.com/interviews/jennifer-kent/
https://horrorpress.com/interviews/7985/interview-you-cant-get-rid-of-the-babadook-jennifer-kent-discusses-her-feature-debut-at-10/
http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2014/11/30/interview-jennifer-kent-on-her-babadook-breakthrough-and-wha.html
https://zoebrenzel.substack.com/p/how-the-babadook-became-a-queer-icon
https://www.slashfilm.com/807216/the-age-of-the-babadooks-star-presented-a-unique-problem/

We love the power to pick our own flicks, but sometimes it’s more fun to leave it up to fate which brings us to Roulette Bonanza. For part one of this special event, the almighty wheel decided we should cover the oldest film yet on the pod—12 Angry Men (1957). One of the earliest courtroom dramas, this adapted teleplay starring Henry Fonda gave audiences an inside look at the twists, turns, and tea of jury duty, where the facts of the case aren’t nearly as black and white as the color of the screen. On a new Why the Flick?, we’re considering all the evidence as we examine how this surprise choice became an unexpected favorite.

Resources
https://cinephiliabeyond.org/12-angry-men-everlasting-testament-sidney-lumet-reginald-roses-filmmaking-prowess/
https://fords.org/twelve-angry-men-and-the-creation-of-a-genre/

In the summer of 2016, the search for Nicolas Cage was underway when he visited our neck of the woods to film a horror comedy about murderous parents. And now, 10 years later, we’re coming full circle by finally watching Mom and Dad (2017). The second flick as part of our prisoner exchange, this supposed B-movie delivers an absolutely wild premise that asks what would happen if a parent’s natural instinct to protect their child was suddenly reversed. It’s right up the kooky Cage alley (if that’s your jam) and makes space for countless theories, even if it didn’t quite nail the execution. On our latest episode, we’re sawzall-ing our way through Louisville cameos, aging themes, and hokey pokey beef.

Resources
https://www.newsandtribune.com/nicolas-cage-sightings/html_ba8659ea-58c6-11e6-926b-631ceaad254e.html
https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/stars-movie-crews-invade-louisville-for-mom-and-dad/417-286868659
https://www.wdrb.com/news/mom-and-dad-movie-starring-nicolas-cage-and-selma-blair-and-shot-in-louisville-showing/article_998e36f4-8731-5d6b-8d53-c236e1fdb76e.html
https://collider.com/nicolas-cage-interview-mom-and-dad/
https://rue-morgue.com/exclusive-interview-mom-dad-writer-director-brian-taylor-on-killing-kids-nicolas-cages-madness-and-more/
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mom-dad-star-selma-blair-tells-messed-scene-ever-shot-life-201147607.html
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2610017/nicolas-cage-claims-christopher-nolan-cut-ties-after-actor-turned-down-insomnia

If we were going to watch any new release from this year, it was going to be The Odyssey (2026). Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited adaptation of Homer’s epic adventure is the movie everyone is talking about, so naturally, we had to join the conversation. Thankfully, it lived up to the hype both on screen and behind the scenes. Whether it was shooting entirely on IMAX cameras, recreating ancient Greek instruments, or building a 60-foot Cyclops puppet, there’s no doubt Nolan went all out for the cinematic experience. And while his interpretation has sparked debate among literary classicists, beneath the spectacle is an emotional story with plenty to say about society and civilization. On our newest episode, we’re taking our own personal odyssey through the shocking practical effects, colossal cast, and unforgettable ending.

Resources
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/movies/the-odyssey-christopher-nolan.html
The Odyssey - Official Completely in IMAX Behind the Scenes Clip
https://nofilmschool.com/the-odyssey-practical-effects
https://www.slashfilm.com/2218098/christopher-nolan-the-odyssey-cyclops-showdown-changes-explained/
https://www.comicbasics.com/matt-damon-reveals-the-wild-practical-effects-trick-behind-the-odysseys-scylla-monster-attack/
https://www.allure.com/story/the-odyssey-film-hair-makeup-interview
The Odyssey Special Effects Explained
Laestrygonian Practical Effects
Circe Practical Effects
Hades Practical Effects
https://variety.com/2026/artisans/news/the-odyssey-ludwig-goransson-film-score-1236813153/
Making of the Soundtrack
https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a73170278/the-odyssey-movie-zeus-law-explained/